Dublin to Kangerlussuaq

Dublin, die Hauptstadt der Republik Irland, kann sich mit einer der reizendsten Landschaften ganz Europas rühmen. Die Stadt liegt an der weitläufigen Dublin Bay und wird im Norden von der Felserhebung Howth Head geschützt. Der Fluss Liffey fließt direkt durch das Zentrum der Stadt und kann aufgrund der vielen Brücken, die einen einzigartigen Stil vorweisen können, an unzähligen Stellen überquert werden.

Portrush is adjacent to the stunning North Antrim coastline. Here lies the medieval Dunluce Castle ruins. Perched picturesquely at the edge of a rocky outcropping high above the sea, the castle is dramatically surrounded by terrifyingly steep drops, which the early Christians and Vikings would have considered a very important security feature. The castle and surrounding areas have been frequently used for the filming of “Game of Thrones”.

Adrift between the Scottish and Norwegian coasts, the craggy Shetland Islands form the most northerly point of the British Isles. Sprawling across 100 islands, connected by sandy bridges and crisscrossing ferries, explore the highlights of this scenic archipelago outpost. With incredible Neolithic history, spanning 5,000 years of human heritage, these islands, which sit just shy of the Arctic Circle, are an isolated and immense treasure trove of history and thrilling scenery. Look out over dramatic coastline from atmospheric Iron Age towers.

Kirkwall, das auf dem Festland liegt, ist der wichtigste Hafen und die Hauptstadt der Orkney Islands. Steinhäuser mit steilen Dächern reihen sich an den Straßen, die sich um die mittelalterliche St. Magnus Kathedrale herum schlängeln, aneinander. Ein Museum, das historische Artefakte der Orkneys ausstellt, lässt sich im Tankerness House aus dem 16. Jahrhundert finden. Weitere Sehenswürdigkeiten um die Insel herum sind zum Beispiel Maes How, die Stätte des am besten erhaltenen Megalithen ganz Großbritanniens, und das steinzeitliche Dorf Skara Brae. Scapa Flow dient als eine Erinnerung an noch nicht so lange vergangene Zeiten, als hier während der beiden Weltkriege ein Marinestützpunkt gefunden werden konnte.

Großbritannien

Slow the pace, and discover the refreshing approach to life that Djupivogur has made its trademark. You can leave your phone behind as you step out into this Icelandic town, which has won awards celebrating its leisurely outlook and stubborn rebellion against the frenetic pace of modern life. After all, who needs emails and notifications when you have some of the most humbling monochrome scenery and gashed fjords, waiting on your doorstep? Sitting on a peninsula to the south-east of Iceland, the glacial approach to life here wins many hearts. A place where hammers knock on metal in workshops, artists ladle paint onto canvases, and wild ponies roam across mountains, Djupivogur is an uninhibited artistic hub – full of makers and creatives. The most expansive project is the 34 egg sculptures that dot the coastline, created by the Icelandic artist, Sigurður Guðmundsson. Each egg represents a different native bird species. Fishing remains the primary industry, and you can savour the soft fruits of the labour in restaurants serving up smoked trout and fish soup within their cosy confines. Wander the surrounding landscapes, where snow-freckled mountains rise, and lazy seals lie on dark rock beaches, to feel Djupivogur’s natural inspiration seeping under your skin. Alive with greens and golds in summer, further ventures reveal bright blue glaciers and the sprawling waterfalls of Vatnajökull National Park. The cliff-hugging puffins of Papey Island are a short boat ride away, while Bulandstindur Mountain’s pyramid shape is a stand out even among these fairy-tale landscapes.

The name Vestmannaeyjar refers to both a town and an archipelago off the south coast of Iceland. The largest Vestmannaeyjar island is called Heimaey. It is the only inhabited island in the group and is home to over 4000 people. The eruption of the Eldfell Volcano put Vestmannaeyjar into the international lime light in 1973. The volcano’s eruption destroyed many buildings and forced an evacuation of the residents to mainland Iceland. The lava flow was stopped in its tracks by the application of billions of liters of cold sea water. View less Since the eruption, life on the small island outpost has returned to the natural ebb and flow of a small coastal fishing community on the edge of the chilly and wild North Atlantic.

On 14 November 1963, a trawler passing the southernmost point of Iceland spotted a column of smoke rising from the sea. Expecting to find a burning boat they were surprised to find instead, explosive volcanic eruptions. They were witnessing the birth of a new island. Columns of ash reached heights of almost 30,000 feet in the sky and could be seen on clear days as far away as Reykjavík. The eruptions continued for three and a half years, ending in June 1967. Once formed, Surtsey was 492 feet above sea level and covered an area of almost 2 square miles. The island was named after the Norse fire god Surtur. It is a perfect scientific study area used to understand the colonization process of new land by plant and animal life.

Feuer, Frost und Wasser, die durch die Farben rot, weiß und blau auf der isländischen Flagge symbolisiert werden, werden in Form von Eis und Schnee der Gletscher, den heißen Schlammbecken, den Geysiren und den glühenden Lavaströmen in der vulkanischen Region des Landes manifestiert. Die Besiedlung Islands lässt sich bis ins Jahr 874 zurückverfolgen, als ein Norweger namens Ingolf Arnarson dort, wo heute Reykjavik ist, ankam. Im Jahre 930 formten die Siedler eine Legislative, die Alting, die der Anfang des Staatenbundes von Island war. Vom 10. bis zum 14. Jahrhundert konnte Island eine eigene literarische Form entwickeln, die isländische Saga, die sich durch die nordische Kultur zieht und bis in die englische und deutsche Sprache vordringen konnte. Diese wurde benutzt, um Geschichten von Göttern zu spinnen, historische Ereignisse festzuhalten und Helden zu glorifizieren. Als die Hauptstadt Islands und als das wichtigste Zentrum der Bevölkerung des Landes, ist die Stadt Reykjavik eine faszinierende Mischung von Traditionen und Moderne. Genauso wie Island ein einzigartiges Land ist – zerklüftet und abgelegen und doch technologisch fortschrittlich und nordischen Überfluss genießend – ist Reykjavik eine höchst ungewöhnliche Hauptstadt. Sie dominiert das Leben Islands in fast jedem Aspekt. Fast die Hälfte der Bevölkerung des Landes (in etwa 270,000) lebt in und um der Hauptstadt und die Wirtschaft der gesamten Nation hängt von Reykjavik ab. Fast 60 Prozent der Importe Islands werden hier aufgenommen und verschickt und 40 Prozent der Exporte des Landes werden hier zur Verschiffung durch den Hafen von Reykjavik beladen. Außerdem ist sie das Hauptquartier der vielleicht fortschrittlichsten Fischindustrie, die auch die wichtigsten Exportartikel Islands hervorbringt.

LAND DER POLARBÄREN – GRÖNLAND & LABRADOR Mächtige Eisberge die von den gewaltigen Gletschern Grönlands kalben und Richtung Süden driften. Einsame Inuit-Siedlungen, mit Orten deren Namen kaum auszusprechen sind und Bewohner die der rauhen Natur trotzen und Ihnen ihre Lebenskultur nahebringen erwarten Sie. Ein reiches maritimes Tierleben mit imposanten Walen, agilen Robben und behäbigen Seelöwen und nicht zuletzt imposante Eisbären begleiten Ihre Grönland- Reisen und die Passage nach Labrador. Dieses rauhe Land ist von Menschen nahezu unbewohnt, während einzelne Inseln Millionen von Seevögeln im Sommer als Brutstätte dienen. Die erste Siedlung der Wikinger auf dem amerikanischen Kontinent in „L’Anse Aux Meadows” wartet mit historischen Funden auf der Weiterreise auf dem St. Lorenz Strom bis nach Halifax in Kanada.

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.

If you’re looking for remote and remarkable then you have found it. Cruise through Prince Christian Sound to the western end and you’ll find Aapilattoq, a (very) small Greenlandic village of just 100 inhabitants. The name of the village means “sea anemone” in the local Greenlandic language, and the fact that the village has retained its Inuit name is a good indication of what you can expect; traditional village life much as it has been for the past 100 years. Hunting and fishing are the main occupations here, and it is not unusual when taking a stroll through Aappilattoq, past the small school (where 22 pupils from ages 3-16 are enrolled) and church, to come across a polar bear skin drying in the wind behind a local dwelling. The village is hidden behind a prominent red rock and towering mountains, which make the village virtually inaccessible by land. Naturally, the Aapilattoq and its surrounding area are phenomenally rich in Arctic wildlife: Arctic fox and Arctic hare live in the countryside around the village while marine mammals include ringed seal, harbour seal, hooded seal, bearded seal, harp seal, humpback whale (typically in summer), minke whale, fin whale, narwhal, and beluga.

There is a wonderful legend that the Vikings named Greenland Green and Iceland Ice in order to confuse potential attackers. Because it is quite the opposite; if Iceland is full of emerald forest, then expect ice in Greenland. Lots and lots of ice. Thus one shouldn’t be too surprised to learn that the name Nanortalik means “place of polar bears”. Although, as Nanortalik is Greenland’s most southerly town, don’t be too disappointed if you don’t see any. In truth, Greenland’s polar bears typically live much further north. View less What you will see however is Mother Nature at her finest. Vertical cliff walls, sheets of floating sea ice and a plethora of Arctic wildlife that amount to an adventurer’s wonderland. As Nanortalik itself is located on a small island in the southern tip of Greenland, nature is never far away, wherever you find yourself. The optimistically named city centre is surrounded by the pristine waters of Tasermiut Fjord and dotted with the colourful houses you would expect this far north. Traditionally, artisans’ houses were painted different colours to showcase what they did, i.e. commercial houses were red; hospitals were yellow; police stations were black; the telephone company was green and fish factories were blue. Today it is more a case of anything goes! Nanortalik locals are warm and welcoming, and are known to extent the art of Kaffe-Mik to its visitors. This old tradition is where a family invites guests into their home to drink coffee and taste their famous Greenlandic cake.

In the local Kalaallisut language, Uunartoq means ‚hot‘, and there is no mystery why. Several warm springs exist in Greenland, but Uunartoq Island is the only site where the waters form a pool warm enough to bathe in. Although not as well known as the famous springs of Iceland, nowhere can challenge Uunartoq for scenery. The picturesque series of steaming pools are backed by some of the best scenery Greenland has to offer. View less

Icebergs larger than city blocks drift through the labyrinth of fjords which make up Southern Greenland, passing as they drift towards the ocean. Mountains pierce the clouds, and the tundra blooms in the long summer days; and there is no better way to appreciate the spectacular wilderness of South Greenland than from the perfectly warmed natural comfort of the Uunartoq hot spring. The ancient crystalline rock of Southern Greenland is nearly two billion years old. A fault in the rock allows water to sink down into the ground, where Earth’s internal heat warms it, causing it to rise again. Uunartoq Island is the site where this water escapes, forming a sandy pool heated constantly from below. Basic changing facilities and a grass walkway to the stone-lined pool allow visitors comfort, while reconnecting with nature. It is believed that the Norse settlers in Greenland knew of and made use of the pool, but the island has never been inhabited, excluding a few summerhouses belonging to local residents.

LAND DER POLARBÄREN – GRÖNLAND & LABRADOR Mächtige Eisberge die von den gewaltigen Gletschern Grönlands kalben und Richtung Süden driften. Einsame Inuit-Siedlungen, mit Orten deren Namen kaum auszusprechen sind und Bewohner die der rauhen Natur trotzen und Ihnen ihre Lebenskultur nahebringen erwarten Sie. Ein reiches maritimes Tierleben mit imposanten Walen, agilen Robben und behäbigen Seelöwen und nicht zuletzt imposante Eisbären begleiten Ihre Grönland- Reisen und die Passage nach Labrador. Dieses rauhe Land ist von Menschen nahezu unbewohnt, während einzelne Inseln Millionen von Seevögeln im Sommer als Brutstätte dienen. Die erste Siedlung der Wikinger auf dem amerikanischen Kontinent in „L’Anse Aux Meadows” wartet mit historischen Funden auf der Weiterreise auf dem St. Lorenz Strom bis nach Halifax in Kanada.

18 kilometers northeast of Qaqortoq, Hvalsey is part of Qaqortukulooq, one of the five sites of the UNESCO World Heritage Arctic farming complex Kujataa. Between Eriksfjord to the north and Einarsfjord to the south, the Hvalseyfjord branches off from Einarsfjord. Although Hvalsey is better known for the well-preserved ruins of one of the sixteen churches in the Norse’s Eastern Settlement, the church was in a farmstead known as Thjodhild’s Stead. View less This farmstead at the northeastern end of the fjord included a large building with living quarters, a hall and livestock pens, as well as other livestock pens, a storage building and a warehouse –the ruins of which can still be seen. The Norse farming laid the foundation for the Inuit farming in later centuries, leading to the UNESCO World Heritage status in 2017. In the 14th century account “Descriptions of Greenland” the abundant fish, a reindeer farm on Reindeer Island and Hvalsey’s name “Whale Island” clearly indicate that the Norse had ample food sources at that time. The church was built in the Anglo-Norwegian style of the 13th century, but is known to have been built over an older graveyard. The farmstead is mentioned in the Icelandic “Book of Settlements” as property of the Kings of Norway, and the last documented event of the Norse in Greenland is a wedding which took place in the church in September 1408. After almost 600 years of abandonment, conservation work had to be done to prevent the seaward wall from collapsing.

LAND DER POLARBÄREN – GRÖNLAND & LABRADOR Mächtige Eisberge die von den gewaltigen Gletschern Grönlands kalben und Richtung Süden driften. Einsame Inuit-Siedlungen, mit Orten deren Namen kaum auszusprechen sind und Bewohner die der rauhen Natur trotzen und Ihnen ihre Lebenskultur nahebringen erwarten Sie. Ein reiches maritimes Tierleben mit imposanten Walen, agilen Robben und behäbigen Seelöwen und nicht zuletzt imposante Eisbären begleiten Ihre Grönland- Reisen und die Passage nach Labrador. Dieses rauhe Land ist von Menschen nahezu unbewohnt, während einzelne Inseln Millionen von Seevögeln im Sommer als Brutstätte dienen. Die erste Siedlung der Wikinger auf dem amerikanischen Kontinent in „L’Anse Aux Meadows” wartet mit historischen Funden auf der Weiterreise auf dem St. Lorenz Strom bis nach Halifax in Kanada.

Evighedsfjord (Eternity Fjord) is a large fjord northeast of Kangaamiut in southwest Greenland. The fjord has a length of 75 kilometers and several branches with numerous glaciers coming down from the Maniitsoq Ice Cap to the north can be seen. The Evighedsfjord has several bends and whenever the ship reaches the supposed end the fjord continues in another direction and seems to go on forever. Qingua Kujatdleq Glacier is at its southeastern end. At the northwestern end a U-shaped valley has seven glaciers coming down from the mountains but not reaching the water. The glaciers had their maximum extent around the year 1870 and have gone through several cycles of advance and retreat. The mountains on either side of the fjord can reach in excess of 2,000 meters and the fjord has a depth of up to 700 meters. Evighedsfjord’s snowline is at 1,100 meters and the Evighedsfjord region is famous as one of Greenland’s best heli-skiing areas.

Kangaamiut (the People of the Fjords) is a settlement which clings to the shoreline of Greenland’s Arctic Circle region, backed by some of the country’s most spectacular fjordlands. The nearby pinnacle-shaped mountains gave the Danish-Norwegian colonial settlement its original name of Sukkertoppen (Sugarloaf) and the town recently celebrated its 250th anniversary. Here, one can experience small-town Greenlandic culture at its most authentic. The town is scattered across a small hill, displaying all the colourful buildings of the town at once; it is impossible to take a bad photo here. View less A system of staircases and boardwalks leads to the top of the hill, an area used to helicopter transport which offers jaw-dropping vistas of the wilderness around the settlement. The locals are proud of their Inuit history and culture, and the people of Kangaamiut are friendly and welcoming to vistors. Depending on the day, one could see local men selling fresh fish or reindeer meat from the surrounding fjords or flensing their catch on the rocks of the harbour, local women selling intricate homemade beaded necklaces and carvings, or even be invited into a local home to share a pot of coffee with some of the friendly residents, who are always happy to have visitors. Although the scenery is world-class, as in many towns in Greenland, wonderful memories of the welcoming residents are the most treasured.

Sisimiut (‚The People of the Fox Holes‘) is Greenland’s second city, the largest Arctic City in North America, and a hub between the warmer South and the frozen North of the country. With a young, dynamic population, including students from all over the country, Sisimiut is one of the fastest growing cities in Greenland. View less Inhabited for more than four and a half thousand years, the Danish Colonial Era saw the rapid development of the city into a trade centre, and the old buildings and artefacts can be seen at Sisimiut Museum, a collection of beautifully restored buildings displaying everything from ancient turf houses to modern Inuit art. The local artisans are considered some of the best in Greenland, and often sell their wares direct from their communal workshop in the harbour, where they barter with hunters for raw materials. Today, modern industry focussed on processing sea food and shipping; KNI, the state-run chain of general stores operating in even the most remote settlements is based in Sisimiut. Most residents still live in the colourful wooden houses Greenland is so well known for. Sisimiut’s vast back country offers excellent opportunities for hiking and fishing, and the locals often use sled dogs or snowmobiles to get around their vast mountainous playground during the long winters. In the summer, one can walk as far as Kangerlussuaq International Airport, a trail also used for the gruelling Polar Circle Marathon, one of the toughest endurance events in the world.

LAND DER POLARBÄREN – GRÖNLAND & LABRADOR Mächtige Eisberge die von den gewaltigen Gletschern Grönlands kalben und Richtung Süden driften. Einsame Inuit-Siedlungen, mit Orten deren Namen kaum auszusprechen sind und Bewohner die der rauhen Natur trotzen und Ihnen ihre Lebenskultur nahebringen erwarten Sie. Ein reiches maritimes Tierleben mit imposanten Walen, agilen Robben und behäbigen Seelöwen und nicht zuletzt imposante Eisbären begleiten Ihre Grönland- Reisen und die Passage nach Labrador. Dieses rauhe Land ist von Menschen nahezu unbewohnt, während einzelne Inseln Millionen von Seevögeln im Sommer als Brutstätte dienen. Die erste Siedlung der Wikinger auf dem amerikanischen Kontinent in „L’Anse Aux Meadows” wartet mit historischen Funden auf der Weiterreise auf dem St. Lorenz Strom bis nach Halifax in Kanada.