Iceland & Greenland Tours from Reykjavik

What our customers ask about Iceland & Greenland Tours from Reykjavik

• What is the typical length of tours starting in Reykjavik to explore Iceland and Greenland?

  Arctic expeditions departing from Reykjavik run between 10 and 21 days offering distinct experiences based on the chosen duration. The 10-day journeys concentrate on Greenland's Scoresby Sound and east coast while extended 17-21 day tours cover more ground including Disko Bay the Thule region and multiple fjord networks. Travelers spend time at UNESCO sites such as Ilulissat Icefjord and visit isolated settlements like Ittoqqortoormiit. Most tours begin with a night at central Reykjavik accommodations such as the Fosshotel Reykjavik or Grand Hotel before boarding the expedition vessel. As one TourRadar traveler noted "The combination of spectacular landscapes and wildlife viewing opportunities made this journey absolutely unforgettable."

• What are the main starting points and meeting locations in Reykjavik for these tours?

  Tours depart from three principal locations in Reykjavik: the domestic airport for Greenland flights the Old Harbor where expedition ships dock and city center hotels. Tour operators frequently use well-located properties like the Fosshotel Reykjavik near the shopping district the Icelandair Hotel Marina by the harbor or the Grand Hotel Reykjavik in the financial zone. Groups often gather at landmarks like Hallgrímskirkja Church or the Reykjavik Art Museum for pre-departure meetings. According to a TourRadar traveler "The central location of our hotel made it easy to explore the city before embarking on our Arctic adventure with the harbor and main attractions all within walking distance."

• What activities are typically included in the first day in Reykjavik before departing for Greenland?

  The initial day in Reykjavik provides a solid introduction to Iceland's heritage. Standard activities include visits to Hallgrímskirkja Church walks through the shopping district of Laugavegur and time at the Reykjavik Art Museum. Many programs include exploration of the Old Harbor area featuring stops at Harpa Concert Hall and local restaurants. Hotels like the Fosshotel Reykjavik and Grand Hotel serve as convenient starting points with optional excursions available to nearby geothermal sites. One TourRadar traveler reflected "Starting the tour with a guided walk through Reykjavik's cultural highlights and a visit to Hallgrímskirkja gave us a perfect taste of Iceland before our Greenland adventure."

• What is the best time of year to start a tour from Reykjavik to Greenland?

  Summer months from July through September provide the most reliable conditions for Reykjavik-Greenland tours when ice conditions allow easier navigation. August sees peak activity particularly for exploring Scoresby Sound and Disko Bay regions. This period offers maximum daylight and more stable weather for activities near the Ilulissat Icefjord and communities like Ittoqqortoormiit. A TourRadar participant noted "Traveling in August provided perfect conditions with constant daylight and relatively mild temperatures making it ideal for wildlife viewing and shore excursions."

• What type of vessels are used for these Reykjavik to Greenland expeditions?

  Modern expedition ships built for Arctic conditions serve these routes. Popular vessels include the MS Fridtjof Nansen and MS Roald Amundsen featuring hybrid technology for environmental efficiency. Accommodations range from Polar Outside cabins to premium suites each offering exterior views. Ships come equipped with landing boats science facilities and observation areas. Journeys typically start from Reykjavik's Old Harbor or require flights to Nuuk. According to a TourRadar traveler "The MS Fridtjof Nansen exceeded our expectations with its comfortable cabins excellent viewing areas and environmental consciousness."

• What wildlife can typically be seen on these tours after leaving Reykjavik?

  The Arctic waters between Iceland and Greenland host diverse wildlife viewings. Around Scoresby Sound and Disko Bay travelers often spot humpback orcas and occasionally bowhead whales. The Thule region and Lancaster Sound are frequent sites for polar bear walrus and seal observations. Bird watchers can find thick-billed murres and northern fulmars particularly near Coburg Island. As shared by a TourRadar participant "The diversity of wildlife we encountered was incredible - from multiple whale sightings in Disko Bay to polar bears near the ice edge each day brought new and exciting observations."