The Forbidden Coast of East Greenland

Over the next 8 days, we’ll sail and hike the rugged wilderness of the Sermilik & Ammassalik fjords. We’ll have no fixed route or set hiking itinerary as this journey is entirely dependent on weather, swell, and sea ice conditions. Each night, we’ll gather in the saloon and plan our course for the next day. Everyday we’ll try to maximize our time spent hiking onshore. We’ll also be traveling with kayaks and SUPs onboard, so you can explore our secluded anchorages. Depending on the day, paddling might be the main activity.

We’ll plan to hike around 12km-25km each day. As we cover miles upon miles of hidden trails, you’ll be humbled by the vastness of the landscape. Simply put—East Greenland is massive. Mountains made from some of the oldest rocks on earth rise vertically from the sea and continue inland on a chain as far as the eye can see. With only a few thousand people scattered in small towns and settlements along the entire eastern coastline, you’ll discover the true meaning of solitude in this endless wilderness. No one beyond local hunters and the most daring mountaineers desperate to claim some of the world’s last first ascents are exploring these places. It’s completely wild and remote.

HIKING: Throughout our days traveling the Sermilik & Ammassalik fjords, we’ll hike the exposed terrain along the coastline. You’ll see glaciers weave their way through valleys like magic carpets, their hides fractured with fearsome crevasses. We’ll hike along glacial fed rivers run with crystal clear waters—you’ll see every detail in the matrix of pebbles in the riverbed. The contrast of brilliant pink and purple flowers against the backdrop of rock and ice is perplexing. If conditions allow, we’ll aim to reach Tasiilaq valley, where you’ll have epic views of Fox Jaw Cirque and Shark's Tooth Mountain—a striking scenery of craggy granite cathedrals.

After a long day's hike, we’ll return to the comfort of our floating base camp with a warm, locally inspired meal to greet you.

BOATING: As we sail between hiking destinations, we’ll always try to spend as little time as possible in the exposed ocean. The fjords are nicely protected—sometimes we’ll have clear blue skies and be sailing mirror-calm seas while gale force winds blow just outside the entrance. We’ll cruise past stadium sized icebergs as we paint our way through a cosmic ocean of sea ice. You’ll witness outlet glaciers spew ice into the sea that often clogs the entrance to inlets and bays. Every so often, you’ll spot an berg of vivid, electric blue—quite stunning against the grey-black sky.

Each night, we’ll seek a safe anchorage either close to a remote Greenlandic village or in an isolated bay. When the long Arctic dusk fades at the end of each eternal day, look up to the stars. Hiking and sailing at 65°N—on the southern edge of the Arctic Circle—you’ll have a good chance of seeing the Northern Lights. Although never guaranteed, this natural light phenomena is most common throughout the months of September to March.