Chasing Light in East Greenland: Landscapes, Icebergs & Northern Lights
For landscape photographers and aurora chasers, East Greenland in autumn offers the ultimate expedition of Earth and sky. Under the guidance of world-class polar photographers Virgil Reglioni and Randy Hanna, this journey is your chance to capture otherworldly beauty – from towering icebergs and wildlife-strewn tundra to the shimmering dance of the northern lights.
At the heart of this voyage is Scoresbysund, the world’s largest fjord system – a place of labyrinthine waterways, cathedral-sized icebergs, and stark, majestic mountains. As you explore this mythical region, you’ll also have the chance to photograph Arctic wildlife such as musk oxen, Arctic foxes, hares, and perhaps even the elusive narwhal or polar bear.
By night, look to the skies. With zero light pollution and peak-season conditions in late September, East Greenland becomes one of the best places on Earth to witness and photograph the aurora borealis. Whether you’re an experienced photographer or just starting out, Virgil and Randy will help you master the techniques needed to capture the aurora – images that truly stay with you forever.
This is a rare opportunity to shoot in a place where nature speaks in silence and light – a place where every landscape and night sky tells a story.
- The best time of year for photographing the northern lights
- Numerous opportunities to capture East Greenland’s wild, perspective-altering landscapes from the ship and shore
- Visit the remote settlement of Ittoqqortoormiit and learn about the unique Greenlandic way of life
- We only work with award-winning legends of polar photography who are in-field tuition experts – you’re learning from the very best
Prices quoted here are often dependent on currency fluctuations. Please check with (01432 507450 or info@small-cruise-ships.com) for the very latest price, which may well be cheaper than the one advertised here.
Prices quoted here are often dependent on currency fluctuations. Please check with (01432 507450 or info@small-cruise-ships.com) for the very latest price, which may well be cheaper than the one advertised here.
Prices quoted here are often dependent on currency fluctuations. Please check with (01432 507450 or info@small-cruise-ships.com) for the very latest price, which may well be cheaper than the one advertised here.
Prices quoted here are often dependent on currency fluctuations. Please check with (01432 507450 or info@small-cruise-ships.com) for the very latest price, which may well be cheaper than the one advertised here.
Meet other guests and Secret Atlas rep at the pre-arranged meeting point in Keflavik Airport, Iceland, before going through security together and boarding our charter plane to Nerlerit Inaat Airport (Constable Point), Greenland.
From the airport, we will take a short hike to the shore and board Zodiac boats to take us to our expedition ship.
Explore Viking Bay by Zodiac cruise, marvelling at the bird cliffs and stunning basalt columns.
Hike on Danmark Island, a striking island in the fjord, spotting divers and maybe even musk oxen, alongside ancient Thule remains.
Sail into Hare Fjord, which likely gained its name from the Arctic hares that preside here.
Tour steep-sided Ofjord and land on the Bear Islands for panoramic views of this scenic stretch of Scoresbysund.
Land on Sydkap to discover Thule remains and a hunters’ cabin, gaining a dramatic view of the surrounding icebergs on the border of the Northeast Greenland National Park.
Sail to Ittoqqortoormiit, one of the remotest towns on the planet, with an idiosyncratic culture and way of life.
Fly back to Keflavik on a charter plane, enjoying dinner and a night in a hotel before returning home.
Itineraries are subject to change.
Freya
Vessel Type: Ice Class Small Ship
Length: 45 meters
Passenger Capacity: 12
Explore the Arctic in style aboard our small expedition ship, the MV Freya. With a recently upgraded interior and a solid ice strengthened hull, this vessel is perfect for traversing Arctic waters, whilst retaining first class comforts. Originally used as a lighthouse-building vessel, MV Freya boasts spacious cabins and multiple viewing decks to immerse yourself in the wonders of the Arctic.
What we love about Freya
- The highest strength ice class hull ensures it is a go anywhere expedition ship.
- Classic style expedition ship with lots of space.
- All cabins have en-suite with comfortable beds.
- Large bridge area where guests are welcome to observe.
- On deck hot tub and sauna to warm up in after a day exploring.
- Multiple deck heights and viewing areas.
Key Features
- Accommodates 12 guests in 1 x double, 5 twin & 2 single cabins with windows and en-suite
- All cabins are spacious and cosy
- Large dining saloon with bar
- Passenger lounge with sofas.
- Equipped with 2 Zodiac landing crafts for shore landings
- Ample deck space to enjoy the view
- Fully staffed with experienced captain, crew and expedition leaders
Exterior
- On deck hot tub
- Multiple decks for wildlife viewing and photography with great vantage points
- Semi enclosed decks at the stern
- Accessible bow area
- Open bridge policy with seating area to observe operations
Interior
- Guest lounge with comfortable sofas and library
- Large saloon with bar and dining area for 18 seated persons
- Classic style interior with a cosy charm
- Spacious cabins all above deck with ensuite
Vikingfjord
| Length | 41.8 metres |
|---|---|
| Cabins | 9 |
| Rebuilt | 2023 |
MV Vikingfjord is an ice-strengthened expedition vessel for 12 guests with great environmental credentials. MV Vikingfjord entered service in Svalbard for low impact expeditions in May 2023. She offers cruise ship comfort on a small ship with 9 ensuite cabins, an open plan saloon with rear facing windows, and on on deck hot tub and sauna.
What we love about Vikingfjord
• One of the most environmentally friendly small ships in the polar regions with a 95% reduction in NOX emissions.
• Large, open plan saloon and comfortable lounge located at the stern with sofas and large rear facing windows to enjoy the view.
• 9 Spacious cabins with modern decor, comfortable beds and ensuite bathrooms with a choice between doubles, twins or singles.
• Enjoy a sauna or outdoor hot tub on the upper deck.
• Lounge area on the bridge with a great view.
• Ice strengthened hull with 1B rating for exploring the polar regions.
MV Vikingfjord Key Features:
• New energy efficient engine and NOX cleaning fitted in 2022 offering the best environmental credentials.
• Rebuilt from the ground up in 2022 as a modern expedition vessel offering cruise ship comfort.
• Accommodates 12 guests in 9 ensuite cabins with windows that are all situated above the waterline.
• Modern interior finished to a high standard in 2023.
• Equipped with 2 x Zodiac landing crafts for shore landings
• Fully staffed with experienced captain, crew and expedition leaders.
Interior
• Large open plan guest area with lounge, dining and seating area located at the stern. Equipped with TV for presentations, mini bar and hot drink service.
• Observation lounge area with seating area on the bridge.
• Spacious cabins with ensuite toilet and shower.
• Large mudroom and storage spaces for skis, and equipment.
Exterior
• Outdoor hot tub and sauna with a view on Deck 2.
• Large viewing area on the bow.
• 4 open decks for lots of viewing options.
• Accessible bow deck.
