Greenland expedition route: Scoresby Sound to Disco Bay
This expedition route traces the National Geographic Resolution's voyage along Greenland's remote coastline, navigating from the east coast through Scoresby Sound and Prince Christian Sound in the south, extending toward Disco Bay in the north. The 13,965 km journey showcases the Arctic's dramatic fjord systems, tidewater glaciers, and coastal settlements across Greenland.
- Distance
- 4380.3 km
- Mode
- Places
- Start
- Scoresby Sound
- End
- Aappilattoq
- Stops
- 10
- Video author
- Kyle Kotajarvi
- Updated
Stops on this route
- Scoresby Sound — Remote fjord system on Greenland's east coast, surrounded by glaciers and jagged peaks rising directly from the Arctic waters.
- Thrym Glacier — Massive river of ice flowing into the sea within Scoresby Sound, connected to the Greenland ice sheet and accessible by zodiac.
- Prince Christian Sound — Dramatic rugged fjord system in South Greenland featuring towering rock and ice walls forming a narrow corridor through the Arctic landscape.
- Tasermiut Fjord — Granite-walled fjord in South Greenland known as the Patagonia of the Arctic, featuring towering cliffs rising directly from the sea.
- Disco Island — Volcanic island millions of years old in northern Greenland, featuring dramatic basalt cliffs and hexagonal columns surrounded by drifting icebergs.
- Disco Bay — Arctic bay in northern Greenland renowned as an iceberg lover's paradise, filled with colossal ice formations drifting through glacial waters.
- Ilulissat Icefjord — UNESCO World Heritage fjord in northern Greenland showcasing the world's largest iceberg graveyard produced by Jakobshavn Glacier.
- Jakobshavn Glacier — One of the planet's largest and fastest-moving glaciers, producing 10% of Greenland's icebergs and dropping billions of tons of ice annually.
- Qaqortoq
- Aappilattoq — Remote settlement in South Greenland notable for its narrow fjord entrance flanked by sheer mountains reminiscent of Milford Sound in New Zealand.
Useful for your trip
- Transport
- Book expedition cruises through National Geographic and Lindblad Expeditions to access remote Greenland fjords and glaciers along the west coast.
- Timing
- Plan expeditions for summer months; the creator visited during summer with temperatures reaching around 65°F in sunshine and nearly continuous daylight.
- Tip
- Weather and sea ice determine actual itinerary despite advance planning; be flexible with expectations as fog and Arctic conditions can change your route.
- Tip
- Arrive at Scoresby Sound early morning (around 5 a.m.) to experience entry into the fjord system at its most impressive.
- Tip
- Prince Christian Sound requires early morning wake-ups (around 5 a.m.) to experience the best conditions through this rugged fjord system.
- Where to stay
- Qaqortoq is South Greenland's largest town with around 3,000 people and serves as a base with colorful architecture and local cafes.
- Tip
- Visit Dog Town near Sisimiut to see Greenlandic sled dogs; these working dogs have centuries of heritage in Arctic survival and hunting.
- Tip
- Disco Bay is an iceberg lover's paradise with massive ice formations drifting through circular currents; early morning provides best arctic light.
- Tip
- Ilulissat Icefjord and Jakobshavn Glacier area produces 10% of Greenland's icebergs; the glacier is one of the largest and fastest-moving on the planet.
- Tip
- National Geographic expeditions include onboard research programs with scientists; opportunities to observe glacial research and oceanographic studies in real time.