Greenland

Greenland, the world's largest island, is formed from some of the oldest rock in the world, much of it covered by an icecap several kilometres thick. The east coast is steep and rugged, with mountains divided by deep fjords and glaciers calving straight into the sea. East Greenland's coast is only accessible during the brief months of the summer, due to pack ice drifting south in the Polar Stream which hugs the coastline. There is a sense of excitement and anticipation as the first supply boat of the season arrives, usually in late June or early July, bringing fresh fruit, vegetables and a whole bounty of goods from Denmark.

Colourful villages provide an insight into a way of life far removed from cities, with the Inuit maintaining the old traditions of hunting and fishing. There are few paths in Greenland, indeed there are very few roads. Villages are linked by boat in summer, by dogsled in winter, or by helicopter.

Much of our trips cover ground very close to the Inland Ice, and therefore benefit from the high pressure which tends to exist over the icecap, bringing good clear and stable weather. The occasional storm is, however, possible, so although we expect clear sunny days we must be prepared for all seasons, even in summer.

Arctic fox. Photo Lisa Germany

Travelling by boat. Photo Lisa Germany

On Unplugged Wilderness. Photo Bjorgvin Hilmarsson

Boat drop off. Photo Lisa Germany

Walking on Kulusuk Island. Photo Lisa Germany

Camping on 'Unplugged Wilderness'. Photo Lisa Germany

Sledge dog

Iceberg in the Polar Stream

Cottongrass near Tasiilaq. Photo Elaine Nimmo

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