come with us to greenland

If you're a seasoned traveler with a taste for destinations untrammeled by modern tourism, have we got a trip for you. We’re putting this out there super early, because we know this trip isn’t necessarily for everyone but we’re ridiculously excited to announce that we’re taking a group to Greenland (yes, that Greenland), in August, 2020.

Remember, Iceland is green, and Greenland has ice. Only about 15 percent of Greenland is not frozen year-round. And yet, even though most of Greenland is covered in a sheet of ice, there are coastal communities where Nordic and Inuit cultures meet. Although Greenland is the world's largest island, it remains relatively unknown to most people. So, if you want to be one of the few Huckleberry Travelers to explore this remote and fascinating destination, you should think about making this journey with us. And you don’t even have to get on a plane!

On August 17, 2020, we’ll be sailing from New York City, and we’ll head north to visit Nuuk, Qaqortoq and Nanortalik, Greenland. We’ll also make stops in Canada along the way, visiting Halifax and Sydney in Nova Scotia as we head to Greenland and calling at St. John's in Newfoundland as we return to New York.

As for those days at sea, since we’re sailing on Princess Cruises—one of our preferred premium cruise partners—you can luxuriate in the spa, watch movies under the stars on the top deck, enjoy the world-class cuisine and take advantage of the onboard enrichment programs. You’ll arrive in Greenland prepared to make the most of the experience.

So, where are we going?

Nuuk is the island's capital and largest city, at about 16,000 people. It lies on a peninsula along the central west coast and is the key to an extensive system of fjords. Like most places in Greenland, it displays a magnificent vista of mountains and valleys. Nuuk's formal history generally dates from 1728, when a Lutheran missionary, Hans Egede, came from Denmark to join 12 Greenlandic families in this place, which was then called Godthåb. He built a trading post, a Lutheran mission, and opened the doors to slow, but steady integration between Inuit and European people.

Qaqortoq is the ultimate port of call, for travelers looking for an “off-the-beaten-track” destination. Qaqortoq means "White Palace" in Greenlandic, and this small town of about 3,400 is the cultural and commercial center of Southern Greenland. First Inuit and then Europeans were drawn to the site over 200 years ago, lured by the wealth of marine mammals that thrive in the offshore waters during summer.

The climate is, at best, highly unpredictable. Summer temperatures normally compare to summer temperatures in Northern Europe, but weather is variable even in summer. In winter, Qaqortoq is frequently isolated by winter sea ice and accessible only by airplane or helicopter. The harsh landscape and harsher climate have helped preserve traditional Greenlandic culture - the centuries-old Inuit skills of hunting, kayaking, and fishing are still revered in this unique place.

The town is easy to explore on your own. The ship's launches drop you off at the pier, providing you with the opportunity to stroll the streets, visit the small local museum, talk to the local residents, buy a souvenir stamp at the Post Office and perhaps purchase an Inuit handicraft as a remembrance of your visit to one of the unique communities on the planet.

Nanortalik means "place of bears" in Greenlandic. Summer visitors to this extraordinary—and extraordinarily isolated—port may spot polar bears on the offshore flow ice. Those offshore waters also teem with seals and Minke, humpback and fin whales. Ashore, brightly painted wooden houses cluster to a rocky peninsula in the harbor. Dramatic boulders dot the landscape, and mountains surround the port. (Nanortalik is well known to the world's elite rock climbers.) Ruined Viking farmsteads and ancient Inuit sites dot the surrounding countryside.

The port was founded 1797 as a Danish whaling station. Today, Nanortalik is a fishing port, and many people are traditional seal hunters.

And, as we mentioned, we’ll be making stops in the maritime provinces of Canada, as well. So, if you’ve ever dreamt of a truly exotic journey to the arctic, give us a call. We have preferred pricing and added amenities on this sailing, and by making your deposit early, we can reserve a stellar stateroom for you. (Ours has an extended balcony…ahem.)

Want to go to Greenland? Give us a call!