Destination
Duration
Price
Trip Type
Difficulty
Iceland and Greenland Hiking and Kayak Expedition
Embark on an unforgettable Iceland to Greenland adventure tour combining world-class kayaking, hiking, and Arctic exploration. This multisport expedition begins in the remote hamlet of Ísafjörður, gateway to the stunning Hornstrandir Nature Reserve—Iceland’s most isolated and pristine wilderness. Over three days, we’ll hike dramatic coastal cliffs, paddle alongside rugged fjords, and spot wildlife such as Arctic foxes and nesting seabirds. The hiking and paddling in the Reserve is world class, and the area has a rich and interesting history.
We then set sail across the Denmark Strait for Greenland, a journey that normally takes about 30 hours, where towering, glacier-filled mountains rise straight from the sea. The crossing is typically smooth with the predominant winds coming at our stern.
The kayaking in Greenland is nothing short of epic, with endless options to paddle among icebergs, hike remote valleys, and visit traditional villages in the Ammassalik region. There are thousands of paddling and hiking options along our route and we’ll explore as many as possible during the expedition. We’ll finish the trip in the town of Kulusuk, which is part of the Ammassalik region. The area supports six traditional Greenlandic villages and we’ll visit up to three of them during our trip.
The Route
This is a true expedition-style journey—dynamic, immersive, and always forward-moving. We never retrace our steps, covering vast and varied terrain on this one-way Iceland to Greenland tour.
Our adventure begins at noon in the remote town of Ísafjörður, where we’ll gather on shore to get fitted with our kayaking gear, complete a thorough safety briefing, and familiarize ourselves with our expedition sailboat—our comfortable floating base for the next 11 days.
By early afternoon, we cast off into the wild beauty of the Hornstrandir Nature Reserve, Iceland’s most remote and unspoiled region. We’ll spend the next three days kayaking and hiking along its dramatic coastline, exploring secluded fjords and soaring bird cliffs before setting sail across the Denmark Strait.
Our first landfall in Greenland is at the spectacular Kangerdlugssuaq Fjord, where towering glacier-covered mountains rise from the sea. From there, we journey south, weaving through a stunning network of fjords, islands, and ancient landscapes, paddling and trekking as conditions allow.
After nearly two weeks of exploration, we conclude our voyage in the village of Kulusuk, the cultural heart of East Greenland. From here, we board a flight back to Reykjavík—taking with us memories of a once-in-a-lifetime Arctic experience.
Live life with no excuses, travel with no regret
Highlights
- A true Arctic expedition with exploration, adventure, and solitude
- 11 days onboard an expedition sailing yacht
- Whale watching opportunities, Arctic wildlife
- World class paddling and hiking opportunities
- Prolific bird life
- Paddling amongst icebergs
- Dramatic landscapes and scenery
- Unique culture and a rich history
- Sailing across the Denmark Strait
- Just 8 Guests
- Explore Iceland and Greenland during the same tour
Itinerary
We start our journey by meeting at Ísafjörður harbour at 10am. We will move your gear onboard and have a safety briefing. Departing Isafjordur harbour at around noon and sail to Seyðisfjörður Fjord, a journey of about one to two hours. Our evening anchorage will be either at Eyri or Folafótur.
We’ll enjoy an afternoon kayak or onshore walk with the opportunity to observe the many different species of birds found here such as puffin, black guillemot, whooper swan, eider, fulmar, oystercatcher, ringed plover, golden plover, common snipe, common redshank, glaucous gull, great black-backed gull, arctic tern, pied wagtail, redwing and many others. We return to our sailboat BYR and enjoy our first night on board.
At anchorage. Dinner included.
We’ll enter Hornstrandir Nature Reserve, where flora and fauna rule unchallenged and unspoiled. The last permanent residents moved away in 1952, with only summerhouses remaining. There are no roads in this area and the only access is by boat. The vegetation is surprisingly lush; over two metre high angelica grows down to the coast and the lowlands and slopes are decorated by spreading patches of wildflowers.
During the morning we paddle to the ruins of the old whaling station where Norwegians processed around 12,000 barrels of whale-oil between 1894 and 1915 before the Icelandic government passed a law on the protection of whales in Icelandic waters. Subsequently, Icelandic companies processed herring in the same plant until it was finally shut around 1940.
At anchorage. B • L • D
We will sail to the most northern tip of the reserve. This area feels incredibly wild with towering cliffs filled with thousands of nesting sea birds. We plan to go kayaking in the morning and hiking in the afternoon, we expect to see Arctic fox foraging for eggs and young chicks. Both outings provide a very different perspective of this spectacular area. In the evening we’ll prepare to depart for Greenland, looking out for a good weather window.
At sea (weather dependent). Breakfast, lunch and dinner.
During the afternoon, we should start glimpsing the mountains of Greenland. We will keep a watchful eye for icebergs that are always present in this area. Dolphins and whales are likely to be riding our bow wake.
At sea. B • L • D
We continue our journey to the great Kangerlugssuaq Fjord (‘big fjord’). Arktika will anchor in Suhaili Bugt. This is a very sheltered anchorage where Sir Robin Knox-Johnston (first man to perform a single-handed non-stop circumnavigation of the globe) and Sir Chris Bonnington (Britain’s best- known mountaineer and one of the most successful expedition leaders in history) anchored their vessel, the Suhaili, during their attempt to climb Cathedral Peak in 1991. This will be our base camp for the following few days.
In Kangerlugssuaq Fjord we have plenty of options for hikes, climbs, and kayak tours. We can paddle over to the abandoned Skærgård Inuit settlement and explore the Uttendal Sound towards the ice filled Watkins Fjord. We can also hike in the hills of Kræmer Island where there are fantastic vistas of the surrounding fjords, mountains and glaciers.
The Kangerlugssuaq Fjord is bar-none the wildest coastal landscape in Greenland. The Lemon Mountain Range–one of Greenland’s highest—lies just north of the fjord. The compact alpine peaks of this vast mountain range offers endless opportunities for mountaineering, with many unclimbed peaks towering to 2,600 meters. In addition, the Lindbergh Range sits just 50 to 80km north and east which exhibits a myriad of unclimbed peaks that rise to 3,200 meters and offering magnificent views over the immense Greenland Ice Cap. Further west are the Kangerlugssuaq Mountains, an expansive realm of alpine granite and gneiss peaks that exceed 2,600 meters. This range comprises of the single largest region of unclimbed summits in Greenland. To the northeast are the Watkins Mountains and GunnbjornsFjeld (3,693m), the highest peak in the Arctic. In all, this range consists of the 10 tallest mountains in the High Arctic—a stunning collection of peaks virtually unknown to the outside world.
At anchorage. B • L • D
We will leave Kangerlugssuaq Fjord and make our passage south. This area is thus described in the British Admiralty Arctic Pilot: ‘The stretch of coast between Kap SM Jørgensen and Kap Deichmann, 90 miles NE, is considered one of the most difficult in Greenland; the mountains rise almost vertically from the sea to form a narrow bulwark, with rifts through which active glaciers discharge quantities of ice, while numerous off-lying islets and rocks make navigation hazardous’.
At anchorage or at sea (ice dependent). B • L • D
On our route south, we will explore new areas before entering Nigertuluk Fjord. Here are two spectacular calving glaciers, a sandy beach, and a tranquil mountain lake. All in all, this is a fantastic playground for hiking and kayaking.
At anchorage. B • L • D
Today we sail across to Kangertigtivatsiaq Fjord. There are hanging glaciers precariously balanced on the steep hillsides and other glaciers coming right down to the sea. At the head of the fjord, away in the distance, was a superb pinnacled mountain, reminiscent of St. Paul ́s Cathedral; this was Ingolfsfjeld.’
We will anchor overnight in Storø.
At anchorage. B • L • D
Our journey continues as we sail further south into the remote and little-explored territory of Depot Sound. We will pass the Idrac Glacier, Fladøerne Island and Smalsund, and will anchor overnight in Sermiligaq.
At anchorage. B • L • D
We will sail further into Sermiligaq Fjord and enter the stunning Ikasaq Sound. We will make a short stop at the abandoned World War 2 military base of Bluie East 2. From here we will continue our passage to Ammassalik Fjord and anchor adjacent to Kulusuk village in the afternoon.
At anchorage. B • L • D
We will go ashore and visit the village of Kulusuk. Here, our expedition concludes, with guests departing to catch their flights back to Iceland or continue onwards on their own further explorations of Greenland.
Breakfast at anchorage. (lunch will be Provided if flights leave in the afternoon)
B = Breakfast
L = Lunch
D = Dinner
Accommodations
The Yacht
BYR is the perfect expedition boat for explore the wilds of the Arctic.
She’s a Dutch built, steel hulled ketch that is fully equipped and certified to sail anywhere in the world.
BYR is also a very comfortable home, able to house up to 12 guests (we limit it to 8). She’s an excellent mothership and provides the perfect level of comfort in which to explore some of the world’s most remote areas.
Yacht Specs
Length – 18.2m or 60ft
Breadth – 6m or 20ft
Draught – 2.5m
Number of Guest Cabins – 4
Number of Guest Bathrooms – 2
The Cabins
There are four guest cabins all located on the lower deck. There are two 2-man cabins with single beds and two 4-man cabins with singles beds. All cabins have central heating and are well ventilated. There is plenty of space to store gear as well as a couple 220 volt charging stations to keep your electronics topped up.
The Living Spaces
BYR features a large saloon with plenty of space for meals or for quiet relaxing time. The saloon contains a detailed library with lots of information about Greenland, Iceland and Arctic exploration.
There is also a heated pilot house which contains a lounge and table. The pilothouse allows guests to comfortably sit inside and get a fabulous view of the spectacular scenery as BYR cruises by.
For those happy to challenge the cold there is also plenty of open deck space to sit outside.
The Facilities
BYR features two heated bathrooms with a toilet and sink in each. There is also a large separate shower room, with hot water servicing all.
Dates & Rates
July 28 to Aug 7
Prices from
What's Included
- 10 nights on the sailing yacht
- All meals from dinner on Day 1 to breakfast on Day 11
- Expedition kayaks, paddles, lifejackets, skirts, drysuits and safety equipment
- Professional kayak and hiking guides
- Sailing instruction
Not Included
- Flights
- Airport transfers
- Accommodation in Kulusuk or Ísafjörður
- Alcoholic beverages
- Travel insurance
Weather
Iceland is a land of very mixed weather. Usually the spring and summer brings higher pressure and settled weather but can be everything from calm and warm sunny days to cold and horizontal rain and fog! July is the warmest month and 10C is the average temperature in the west, but it can reach 20 to 25C. May, June and July are the driest months, each seeing on average about 50mm of rain and generally light to moderate winds.
In Eastern Greenland, June, July and August are the warmest months in the region although the temps are highly variable. It rarely dips below 5C and can get as warm as 15C. The average temperature in July is 10C. High pressure normally dominates, we can expect sunny weather with occasional fog and light winds.
Trip Map
