Fjords & Icebergs of Remote Greenland

Slicing between the Greenlandic mainland and the pretty islands of Cape Farewell, Prins Christiansund is an example of Mother Nature's work at it's finest. A simply spectacular waterway, which only opens up in the summer when huge icy blockades melt away, this enticing route begs to be explored, with its astonishing landscapes punctuated by soaring snow-topped mountains, magnificent glaciers and granite cliffs

A diversion into the sound on a Fred. Olsen cruise to Greenland is always an unforgettable experience; smaller ships are able to bring you closer to the wonders of Prins Christiansund, to allow you to fully appreciate their natural splendour, and take advantage of unmissable photo opportunities. Look out for incredible wildlife too, as you revel in the unspoilt peace, tranquility and beauty; bearded seals, seabirds such as black guillemots, and even minke and blue whales, are often seen enjoying their spellbinding natural habitat here.

Flanked by astonishingly tall seawalls, it feels as though you are cruising through a tunnel as you make your way through the fjord. A favourite with brave climbers, Torssukatak is home to the famous Thumbnail cliff – said to be one of the highest sea cliffs on earth – and the ‘Baroness’ – an imposing, 600 metre high vertical cliff face.

Narsarsuaq is a small settlement in the Kujalleq municipality in southern Greenland, with a population of no more than 200 inhabitants. Around Narsarsuaq, the attractions include a great diversity of wildlife, gemstones, tours to blue-ice glaciers, and an airfield museum.

Just outside of Narsarsuaq is Signal Hill, offering panoramic views of the fjord and the icebergs which can occasionally be seen floating past. Inland is the stunning Narsarsuaq Glacier which grows out of the ice sheet of Greenland's interior. The stunning blue ice of the glacier is within walking distance and is reached via the picturesque Flower Valley.

Based around its international airport – a former US Military Airbase – Narsarsuaq is one of Greenland’s most popular tourist destinations.

Frequently isolated by winter sea ice, the ‘White Palace’, Qaqortoq, is southern Greenland’s largest town. Founded by Norwegian traders in 1775, Qaqortoq still retains some beautiful colonial buildings from that time. The challenging landscape and harsh climate have ensured the preservation of Greenland’s traditional culture, and the many ancient Inuit skills of fishing, hunting and kayaking.

Qaqortoq is very proud of its ancient fountain – for many years the only one in Greenland – which has carvings of whales spouting water out of their blowholes, and the names of all of the town burghers in brass letters around its base. The Stone and Man project is also fascinating, featuring natural rock that’s been carved by local artists into abstract shapes and figures.

The charming Church of Our Saviour, dating from 1832, is found in the town centre, and the two local museums are also worth seeing. The ancient but well preserved Hvalsey Norse ruins are just outside the town. Hvalsey is mentioned in the Icelandic annals, the Flateyjarbók, and has extensive and substantial remains of dwellings dating back over a thousand years.

Nanortalik – Greenland’s most southerly town – is unlike any other town in the country. Sat on a small island at the end of a wonderful fjord and surrounded by vast snow-topped mountains, the ‘Place of Polar Bears’ is unique.

The small woodlands and prairies against a spectacular backdrop make this is a nature lover’s paradise. Polar bears live and hunt on the sea ice close to the town and are often seen from the shores of Nanortalik, while seals and whales can also be spotted in the surrounding waters. In the winter months, visitors may be lucky enough to capture the Aurora Borealis – Mother Nature’s own spectacular display, with curtains of white, yellow and green flashes lighting up the sky.

Beyond its natural wonders, the town has a well preserved historic quarter where there are cafés and an unusual wooden church. Brightly coloured houses line the streets, while the Nanortalik Museum has some fascinating exhibits including the oldest women’s boat ever found, which dates back to 1440 and was found by polar explorer and artist, Eigil Knuth.

As you cruise along the rich azure waters of the Tasermiut Fjord - between huge mountains and daunting ‘Big Wall’ cliff faces - you quickly begin to understand why this stunning part of Greenland – considered one of the 10 wonders of the Arctic – is so popular with keen kayakers and hikers from all over the globe. Rich with beautiful flora and diverse fauna, Tasermiut is a haven for nature lovers too. Keep an eye on the sky to spot majestic eagles as they swoop down into the fjord and spot wild foxes and arctic hares on the shore as you glide through the ‘Arctic Patagonia’ alongside seals, whales and arctic salmon. 

Located on the Scottish north coast in Thurso Bay, Scrabster is one of Scotland's most northerly, and most important, fishing ports.

Located just a short drive from the Castle of Mey and within walking distance of Thurso, Scrabster is the second largest town in the Highlands. This tiny settlement is a popular gateway to the Highlands and its beautiful rolling landscapes that cry out to be explored. Alternatively, the traditional fishing harbour and the hustle and bustle of the busy fish market are both worth experiencing.