10-Night Reykjavik To Kangerlussuaq

Sprawling Reykjavík, the nation's nerve center and government seat, is home to half the island's population. On a bay overlooked by proud Mt. Esja (pronounced eh-shyuh), with its ever-changing hues, Reykjavík presents a colorful sight, its concrete houses painted in light colors and topped by vibrant red, blue, and green roofs. In contrast to the almost treeless countryside, Reykjavík has many tall, native birches, rowans, and willows, as well as imported aspen, pines, and spruces.Reykjavík's name comes from the Icelandic words for smoke, reykur, and bay, vík. In AD 874, Norseman Ingólfur Arnarson saw Iceland rising out of the misty sea and came ashore at a bay eerily shrouded with plumes of steam from nearby hot springs. Today most of the houses in Reykjavík are heated by near-boiling water from the hot springs. Natural heating avoids air pollution; there's no smoke around. You may notice, however, that the hot water brings a slight sulfur smell to the bathroom.Prices are easily on a par with other major European cities. A practical option is to purchase a Reykjavík City Card at the Tourist Information Center or at the Reykjavík Youth Hostel. This card permits unlimited bus usage and admission to any of the city's seven pools, the Family Park and Zoo, and city museums. The cards are valid for one (ISK 3,300), two (ISK 4,400), or three days (ISK 4,900), and they pay for themselves after three or four uses a day. Even lacking the City Card, paying admission (ISK 500, or ISK 250 for seniors and people with disabilities) to one of the city art museums (Hafnarhús, Kjarvalsstaðir, or Ásmundarsafn) gets you free same-day admission to the other two.

Prince Christian Sound, known as Prins Christians Sund in Danish, is a narrow fjord in southern Greenland that offers a breathtaking passage through steep mountains and impressive glaciers. Named after Christian VIII of Denmark, the sound has a rich history rooted in Inuit presence and Norse exploration. This natural waterway has served as a vital navigation route for centuries, connecting the Labrador Sea with the Irminger Sea. The sound’s isolated and rugged landscape, often dotted with icebergs and surrounded by towering cliffs, has been a critical part of Greenland's maritime history, challenging sailors and enchanting visitors with its stark, raw beauty.

Qaqortoq, one of Greenland's most charming towns, is renowned for its vibrant, colorful houses that brighten the rugged landscape. This southern town boasts a rich history, evident in its well-preserved 18th-century buildings, including the oldest fountain in Greenland. Qaqortoq stands out for its unique outdoor art project, "Stone and Man," where over 40 sculptures are carved directly into the town's rock faces and boulders, blending culture with nature. The town is surrounded by stunning natural beauty, from nearby hot springs to panoramic views ideal for hiking. Qaqortoq's blend of historical significance, cultural richness, and natural beauty makes it a must-visit destination in Greenland.

Near the Port of Nuuk, serving Greenland's vibrant capital, visitors can enjoy a variety of engaging activities. Explore the Nuuk Art Museum and the Greenland National Museum to delve into the rich cultural heritage and history of the island. For outdoor enthusiasts, hiking the nearby trails offers stunning views of the fjords and rugged landscapes. Boat tours from the port provide close encounters with icebergs and an opportunity to spot whales. Additionally, tasting local cuisine, especially fresh seafood, in Nuuk's restaurants gives a flavor of the Arctic. The colorful buildings and friendly locals add to the charm of exploring this unique Arctic city.

Located just north of the Arctic Circle, Sisimiut is the northernmost town in Greenland where the port remains free of ice in the winter. Yet it is also the southernmost town where there is enough snow and ice to drive a dogsled in winter and spring. In Sisimiut, travelling by sled has been the primary means of winter transportation for centuries. In fact, the area has been inhabited for approximately 4,500 years. Modern Sisimiut is the largest business center in the north of Greenland, and is one of the fastest growing Greenlandic cities. Commercial fishing is the lead economy in the town‘s thriving industrial base.

The name Kangerlussuaq means "Big Fjord" in the local Kalaallisut language. The settlement of about 500 people is located in western Greenland on flat land at the head of a fjord with the same name. Kangerlussuaq is the site of Greenland's largest commercial airport and most of the economy here is dependent on the air transportation hub and tourism. The rugged lands around the settlement support terrestrial Arctic fauna including muskoxen, caribou, and Gyrfalcons.