Arctic

The Arctic region is not too far to get to from the UK, so an expedition to the Arctic does not need you to have two-three free weeks, you can see parts of it in a week. There are multiple expedition options to join trips to various parts of it.

What wildlife could I spot during my Arctic cruise?

Polar Bear - The word Arctic means ‘near the bear,’ coming from the Greek work arktikos. This makes sense as it is the home of the world’s largest land predator, the polar bear. Weighing in at up to 1,500lb and nose-to-tail length of up to 8ft 6’, it’s easy to see why seeing the magnificent – and endangered –polar bear in the wild is one of the main draws to the Arctic.

Arctic Fox - Despite the seemingly desolate landscape, the Arctic is home to many exciting animals, including caribou, reindeer, and Arctic foxes on land.

Snowy Owl - In the sky, the ptarmigan, three types of goose, snowy owls, divers, gulls, and clown-like Atlantic puffins fly high. The most impressive of birds of both Polar regions, is the Arctic tern. It is named the Arctic tern, as it starts life in the Arctic, but migrates to Antarctica to experience both summers, travelling up to 1.5 million miles over its lifetime.

Walrus - In the sea, walrus, beluga whales and narwhal live under the icy cold water, popping up appearing to greet visitors every now and then

Landscape
The Arctic is a sea of ice, surrounded by land, most of which is made up of tundra, frozen, barren land too cold for trees to grow on.

The Arctic area spans from Norway’s northern regions, the Svalbard archipelago, Greenland, Finland, Sweden, Russia, Canada, Iceland, and the USA (Alaska), and accounts for six percent of the earth’s surface.

Excursions

The Arctic boast fantastic shore excursions on all cruises. As well as official guided excursions, some vessels have their own Zodiac boats, which will have guided tours taken by experts onboard. See details for the cruise line you are travelling with for specific information for your ship.

Here are a few of our top picks of organised excursions in the Arctic:

Royal Caribbean Cruises

Celebrity has excellent shore excursions. Some of our favourites include the Qaqortoq Town Walk to get a feel of what it is like to live in this remote region, and the Boat tour to Uunartoq Hot Springs to see the natural beauty of the landscape up close in Qaqortoq, Greenland.

Princess Cruises has a plethora of exciting shore excursions for all levels of fitness and tastes, including in Akureyri in Iceland, the fantastic trip to Godafoss Waterfall, Lava Labyrinth and Hot Springs to see the spectacular falls, springs and learn about the mythology of the area. Iceland is known for its horses, and a great way to really connect with the land and make some four-legged friends is to go on the Icelandic Horseback Riding tour here.

Norwegian Cruise Lines has some great excursions for thrill seekers, including the Rib Ride Rigid Inflatable Boat, where you speed along the waters around the town, then look for wildlife. Culture vultures enjoy the City Walk and Art Nouveau Centre to learn about the city Alesund’s place as one of the last three Art Nouveau cities in Europe in this interesting museum.

Holland America Line have in-depth cultural shore excursions as part of their EXC Program (Exploration Central), with tours that get you in touch with local wildlife, landscapes, people, culture, and food of the ports. In Honningsvåg in the north of Norway, you can take a tour to the North Cape Hall and Cliffs Transfer, where you go to the top of the world, at the most northern point of Europe’s land mass, at a latitude of 71 degree, 10’ north. Learn about the area and gaze out at the 1,000ft drop from the cliffs onto the cold Arctic Sea below.

Where will you sail to?

Since the Arctic covers such a large area, there are multiple areas to visit within it, with the season and weather dictating where can be visited when. Classic Norway and Spitsbergen voyages often depart from British or Scandinavian ports, sailing along the Norwegian coastline, up to the Lofoten Islands or past the North Cape, up to the Svalbard Archipelago, up to Ny Ålesund research station and Magdalena Bay. Greenland and Canada sailing go to Arctic Greenland, sailing along Greenland’s coast or to Canada’s high Arctic territories. Sailing the Northwest Passage often starts joining a ship in Nunavut or Alaska, or from Iceland or Greenland.

What is the best month to visit the Arctic?

The main Arctic cruise season runs from May to September, to coincide with the summer season. Peak season is July and August as the snow has mostly melted on land, plants and flowers have grown, and animals are rearing their young. Smaller ships can push farther north in the height of summer as the ice retreats.

Winter trips are becoming more popular to see the Aurora Borealis and participate in winter adventure activities.

How long does it take to get there?

It takes less than a day each way to get to a cruise heading to the Arctic. Fly from the UK to the main Arctic cruise starting points of Spitsbergen, Reykjavik, or Nome. Flights to Reykjavik from London only take just over three hours, and many Arctic cruises even start sailing from the UK.

Related Countries

Faroe Islands

Finland

Greenland

Iceland

Tórshavn

Thorshavn

Summary
More than 600 miles (nearly 1,000 kilometres) from Denmark’s west coast lie the Faroes, a triangle of eighteen windswept islands, seventeen of which are inhabited. Only 48,500 people plus some 70,000 sheep roam these remote lands. Much of the islands’ heritage reflects a medieval past, beginning with the arrival of farmers from western Norway who settled here in the 9th century. Evidence of this Scandinavian heritage is preserved through centuries of isolation; ancient structures can still be seen in villages clustered around old churches. Sheer cliffs and waterfalls carve Streymoy, the largest of the islands, where Torshavn is one of the world’s smallest capitals with about 12,400 inhabitants, plus another 5,000 living in the suburbs of Argir and Hoyvik. Visitors find interesting museums, churches, monuments and all the amenities of a modern town and thriving harbour here. The world’s oldest, still active parliament was founded in the Viking age. Today, it houses the main offices of the local government. Many of the attractions are found outside of Torshavn in the rugged beauty of Streymoy. There are fields with grazing ponies and sheep, tiny hamlets where residents live in half-timbered houses topped by green grass roofs, and dramatic rock formations. Birds by the thousands populate the craggy seaside cliffs, which make an ideal stopover for migratory gannets, guillemots and puffins. The Faroes' climate is generally wet and windy. Because of the Gulf Stream, the temperature is a good deal more moderate than the latitude might imply; it also helps to keep Faroe harbours ice-free year-round.

Runavík

Summary

Runavík, located on the eastern coast of the Faroe Islands, is a vibrant town known for its stunning coastal scenery and rich cultural heritage. Surrounded by dramatic cliffs and the Atlantic Ocean, it offers picturesque views and a serene atmosphere. The town features a lively harbour, where visitors can watch traditional fishing boats and enjoy local seafood. Nature enthusiasts will appreciate the nearby hiking trails that lead to breathtaking landscapes and opportunities for birdwatching. Runavík is also home to charming cafés, local shops, and cultural events that showcase Faroese traditions. With its warm community spirit and stunning surroundings, Runavík provides a delightful experience for all who visit.

Klaksvik

Vestmanna

Oyndarfjørður

Sørvágur

Helsinki

Summary
A city of the sea, Helsinki was built along a series of oddly shaped peninsulas and islands jutting into the Baltic coast along the Gulf of Finland. Streets and avenues curve around bays, bridges reach to nearby islands, and ferries ply among offshore islands.Having grown dramatically since World War II, Helsinki now absorbs more than one-tenth of the Finnish population. The metro area covers 764 square km (474 square miles) and 315 islands. Most sights, hotels, and restaurants cluster on one peninsula, forming a compact central hub. The greater Helsinki metropolitan area, which includes Espoo and Vantaa, has a total population of more than a million people.Helsinki is a relatively young city compared with other European capitals. In the 16th century, King Gustav Vasa of Sweden decided to woo trade from the Estonian city of Tallinn and thus challenge the Hanseatic League's monopoly on Baltic trade. Accordingly, he commanded the people of four Finnish towns to pack up their belongings and relocate to the rapids on the River Vantaa. The new town, founded on June 12, 1550, was named Helsinki.For three centuries, Helsinki (Helsingfors in Swedish) had its ups and downs as a trading town. Turku, to the west, remained Finland's capital and intellectual center. However, Helsinki's fortunes improved when Finland fell under Russian rule as an autonomous grand duchy. Czar Alexander I wanted Finland's political center closer to Russia and, in 1812, selected Helsinki as the new capital. Shortly afterward, Turku suffered a disastrous fire, forcing the university to move to Helsinki. The town's future was secure.Just before the czar's proclamation, a fire destroyed many of Helsinki's traditional wooden structures, precipitating the construction of new buildings suitable for a nation's capital. The German-born architect Carl Ludvig Engel was commissioned to rebuild the city, and as a result, Helsinki has some of the purest neoclassical architecture in the world. Add to this foundation the influence of Stockholm and St. Petersburg with the local inspiration of 20th-century Finnish design, and the result is a European capital city that is as architecturally eye-catching as it is distinct from other Scandinavian capitals. You are bound to discover endless engaging details—a grimacing gargoyle; a foursome of males supporting a balcony's weight on their shoulders; a building painted in striking colors with contrasting flowers in the windows. The city's 400 or so parks make it particularly inviting in summer.Today, Helsinki is still a meeting point of eastern and western Europe, which is reflected in its cosmopolitan image, the influx of Russians and Estonians, and generally multilingual population. Outdoor summer bars ("terrassit" as the locals call them) and cafés in the city center are perfect for people watching on a summer afternoon.

Kotka

Vaasa (Vasa)

Kemi

Turku

Maarianhamina (Mariehamn)

Qaqortoq (Julianehaab)

Summary
The largest town in southern Greenland, Qaqortoq has been inhabited since prehistoric times. Upon arrival in this charming southern Greenland enclave, it's easy to see why. Qaqortoq rises quite steeply over the fjord system around the city, offering breath-taking panoramic vistas of the surrounding mountains, deep, blue sea, Lake Tasersuag, icebergs in the bay, and pastoral backcountry. Although the earliest signs of ancient civilization in Qaqortoq date back 4,300 years, Qaqortoq is known to have been inhabited by Norse and Inuit settlers in the 10th and 12th centuries, and the present-day town was founded in 1774. In the years since, Qaqortoq has evolved into a seaport and trading hub for fish and shrimp processing, tanning, fur production, and ship maintenance and repair.

Nuuk (Godthaab)

Summary
Nuuk, meaning “the cape”, was Greenland’s first town (1728). Started as a fort and later mission and trading post some 240 kilometers south of the Arctic Circle, it is the current capital. Almost 30% of Greenland’s population lives in the town. Not only does Nuuk have great natural beauty in its vicinity, but there are Inuit ruins, Hans Egede’s home, the parliament, and the Church of our Saviour as well. The Greenlandic National Museum has an outstanding collection of Greenlandic traditional dresses, as well as the famous Qilakitsoq mummies. The Katuaq Cultural Center’s building was inspired by the undulating Northern Lights and can house 10% of Nuuk’s inhabitants.

Kangerlussuaq Havn

Nanortalik

Ilulissat (Jakobshavn)

Summary
Known as the birthplace of icebergs, the Ilulissat Icefjord produces nearly 20 million tons of ice each day. In fact, the word Ilulissat means “icebergs” in the Kalaallisut language. The town of Ilulissat is known for its long periods of calm and settled weather, but the climate tends to be cold due to its proximity to the fjord. Approximately 4,500 people live in Ilulissat, the third-largest town in Greenland after Nuuk and Sisimiut. Some people here estimate that there are nearly as many sled dogs as human beings living in the town that also boasts a local history museum located in the former home of Greenlandic folk hero and famed polar explorer Knud Rasmussen.

Sisimiut (Holsteinsborg)

Summary

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 centre 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.

Paamiut (Fredrikshaab)

Summary

Paamiut, also known as Frederikshaab, is a picturesque town located on the southwestern coast of Greenland. Nestled between stunning cliffs and the sea, Paamiut offers a unique blend of natural beauty and cultural heritage. The town is known for its colourful buildings and charming waterfront, providing a welcoming atmosphere for visitors. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy hiking trails that lead to scenic viewpoints and opportunities for whale watching in the surrounding waters. Paamiut is also rich in history, with local museums that highlight Greenlandic culture and traditions. With its captivating landscapes and vibrant community, Paamiut is a delightful destination that showcases the charm of Greenland.

Prince Christian Sound

Summary
The transit through the Sound is one of this voyage’s highlights. Connecting the Labrador Sea with the Irminger Seat, Prince Christian Sound or “Prins Christian Sund” in Danish is named after Prince (later King) Christian VII (1749-1808). 100 km (60 miles ), long and at times just 500 m (1500 ft) wide, this majestic and spectacular fiord throws you back into a Viking era – flanked by soaring snow-topped mountains, rock-strewn cliffs and rolling hills, it is as if time has stood still and one easily forgets that this is the 21st century. As you marvel at the sheer size of the mountains that surround you, with the Arctic waters lapping deceptively at the hull, revel in the silence enveloping you. Icebergs float serenely by, carrying with them the ages of time. Be sure to wear warm clothing as this is one spectacle that you do not want to miss.

Evighedsfjorden

Summary

Evighedsfjorden, or the "Eternity Fjord," is a stunning natural wonder located in Greenland, renowned for its dramatic landscapes and tranquil beauty. Surrounded by towering cliffs and pristine glaciers, this fjord offers visitors a serene escape into nature. The crystal-clear waters reflect the rugged scenery, creating perfect opportunities for photography and exploration. Adventurous visitors can enjoy activities such as kayaking, hiking, and wildlife watching, with chances to see seals and various bird species. The remote location adds to the fjord's charm, making it a perfect spot for those seeking solitude and connection with the spectacular Greenlandic wilderness. Evighedsfjorden is truly a hidden gem for nature lovers and adventurers alike.

Aappilattoq

Summary
Aappilattoq is a small settlement near the western end of Prins Christian Sund in southwestern Greenland. In the local Greenlandic language the name means, "sea anemone". This small village of 130 inhabitants, hidden behind a prominent rock, offers a good insight into the life of Greenlandic Inuit. A stroll through the village will reveal a small school and a church, along with the likely possibility of seeing a polar bear skin drying in the wind behind a local dwelling. People have lived off the land in the area around Aappilattoq since the 19th century. The tradition continues today as most people here hunt and fish to make a living.

Ittoqqortoormiit (ex Scoresbysund)

Summary
Scoresbysund is the ultimate fjord system; likely the longest, largest and deepest of any in the world. The massive fjord is tucked into the eastern coast of Greenland and on the icy western edges of the Greenland Sea. Scoresbysund’s scale deserves several days to explore, especially while plying the waters between castle-sized icebergs as they gently drift under the persuasion of the Arctic waters in the mighty fjord. Scattered in the remote bays and smaller fjords are places to discover old Inuit settlements, slowly growing over with Arctic willow and dwarf birch. The lower slopes of many mountains are draped in the herbs and grasses favoured by muskox, Arctic fox, lemmings, Ptarmigan, Barnacle Geese, and Snowy Owls. Tundra walks give impressive views of landscape, flora and fauna. Not to be neglected, the waters of Scoresbysund warrant a vigilant eye for sightings of whales, seals, narwhals, beluga whales and walrus.

Hvalsey

Reykjavík

Summary
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.

Akureyri

Isafjørdur

Heimaey Island

Summary
It’s hard to imagine, as you stroll Heimaey’s idyllic streets of white wooden houses, that this island was literally torn apart by a spectacular volcanic eruption, just over 40 years ago. The fact that you can visit incredible Heimaey at all is something of a miracle – because the oozing lava of the Eldfell volcano threatened to seal the harbour off completely. Fortunately, its advance was halted by gallons of seawater, pumped onto it by the plucky islanders, who saved their fishing industry in the process. Iceland's famous for its scenery, and the huge castles of volcanic rock that rise out of the sea's waves here are some of the country's most dramatic.

Seydisfjørdur

Summary
Seyðisfjörður, a beautiful 19th-century Norwegian village on the east coast of Iceland, is regarded by many as one of Iceland's most picturesque towns, not only due to its impressive environment, but also because nowhere in Iceland has a community of old wooden buildings been preserved so well as here. Poet Matthías Johannessen called Seyðisfjörður a 'pearl enclosed in a shell'. The community owes its origins to foreign merchants, mainly Danes, who started trading in the fjord in the mid-19th century. But the crucial factor in the evolution of the village was the establishment of the Icelandic herring fishery by Norwegians in 1870-1900. The Norwegians built up a number of herring-fishing facilities, and in a matter of years the little community grew into a boom town. Today, about 800 people live in Seyðisfjörður. The local economy has long been based on the fisheries, while light industry also flourishes. Tourism is playing a growing role, as the picturesque town in its spectacular surroundings attracts more and more visitors. The car/passenger ferry Norrøna, which plies between continental Europe and Iceland every summer, docks at Seyðisfjörður every Thursday. Seyðisfjörður has been a cosmopolitan community from its foundation, and the ferry service has contributed to ensuring that it remains so.

Patreksfjørdur

Summary

Patreksfjörður is a charming town located in the Westfjords region of Iceland, known for its picturesque setting and rich maritime history. Surrounded by steep mountains and stunning coastal views, the town is a gateway to exploring the natural beauty of the Westfjords, including dramatic cliffs and beautiful beaches. Patreksfjörður offers various outdoor activities such as hiking, birdwatching, and exploring nearby attractions like the Látrabjarg cliffs, home to numerous seabird colonies. With its welcoming atmosphere, local shops, and cafés, Patreksfjörður provides visitors with a delightful experience of Icelandic culture and breathtaking landscapes.

Grundarfjørdur

Djúpivogur

Husavik

Summary
The town of Húsavík sits below Húsavíkurfjall mountain on the eastern shore of Skjálfandi bay. Just above the town is lake Botnsvatn, a popular place for outings. The lake is just the right size for a nice hike around it. The lakes surroundings are rich in vegetation and bird life and trout is said to be abundant, though small. Húsavík harbour lies below the bank right in the heart of town. The harbour once boasted a large fishing fleet, bustling with the activity of fishermen. It still serves as a fishing harbour but today's activity revolves more around the successful whale watching businesses. The first organised whale watching excursions in Iceland started from here in 1995. Since then, whale watching has become a major attraction and Húsavík continues to be the leading destination for whale watching. In addition to the tours, a fascinating whale museum is located right by the harbour. Húsavík is considered to be the oldest settlement in Iceland. The Swedish explorer, Gardar Svavarsson, spent one winter there in 870 AD during which time he built himself a house from which the settlement derives its name.

Grímsey Island

Summary

Grímsey Island, located off the north coast of Iceland, is renowned for its stunning landscapes and unique wildlife. Straddling the Arctic Circle, the island offers a charming mix of rugged cliffs, lush greenery, and dramatic coastlines. Known for its diverse birdlife, including puffins and Arctic terns, Grímsey is a popular destination for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts. Visitors can explore the island’s walking trails, enjoy fishing, or simply take in the breathtaking views of the surrounding ocean. The small community on Grímsey reflects traditional Icelandic culture, with welcoming local shops and cafés. With its captivating scenery and rich wildlife, Grímsey Island provides an unforgettable experience in the Arctic.

Vigur Island

Summary
Vigur Island is a little more than a mile (1.6 km) in length and about 450 yards (412 m) wide. This green oasis punctuates the waters of the Ísafjarðardjúp fjord east of the town of Isafjordur. The island is home to a single farming family and has some meticulously preserved historical landmarks including Iceland’s only windmill, built in 1840 and used until 1917 for grinding imported wheat from Denmark; and a 200-year-old rowing boat, which is still in use to ferry sheep to the mainland. Summer is the best time to see large numbers of Atlantic Puffins, Arctic Terns and Black Guillemots. One of the export articles from this small island was eider down and one can see where the eider ducks nest and how the down is collected and cleaned.