East Greenland and the mighty fjords
around Sermilik with M/S Balto

10 day expedition
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    Class of Ship

    Micro Expedition Ship
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    Sustainability

    Micro Ship
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    Berths

    12
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    Zodiacs

    2
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    Ice Class

    1A Rating
/media/s4zhaf0m/ship-icon.png
Class of Ship
Micro Expedition Ship
/media/2flfscuh/leaf-icon.png
Sustainability
Micro Ship
/media/dx3mvpdd/bed-icon.png
Berths
12
/media/n3mjsfr5/zodiac-icon_3867.png
Zodiacs
2
/media/jzdbslpr/iceclass_2.png
Ice Class
1A Rating

East Greenland and the mighty fjords around Sermilik with M/S Balto

In the heart of the Greenlandic wilderness lies a hidden gem waiting to be explored – the grand Sermilik fjord and its surrounding areas, full of beautiful hiking opportunities. In many terms, these parts of the world are still undiscovered. We are greeted by towering mountain chains, calving glaciers, icebergs of all shapes and crystal-clear waters. The nutritious waters provide a feeding ground for both humpbacks and fin whales, and if lucky, we will encounter these giants of the sea.

From the end of August, we also have the chance to see the magical Northern Lights dancing across the sky. We also get unique insight into the Inuit culture, their way of life, traditional practices, and cultural heritage. This natural wonder of East Greenland is so much more than a destination, it’s a true experience of a lifetime! Photo credit: Sebastian Lehrkea. 

East Greenland and the mighty fjords around Sermilik with M/S Balto

We arrive individually to Reykjavik and check in to our hotel.

Explore the lovely city of Reykjavik on your own. In the afternoon we transfer to Keflavik and our flight to Kulusuk, and the airport built by the US Air Force in 1956. Kulusuk means “the village with the mountain that looks like the breast of a bird” in the Greenlandic, referring to the Isikajia Mountain located directly behind the airport. In the evening we board our expedition ship and begin our great exploration.

We are now on an expedition cruise and our exact route will be decided by weather and ice. Some areas can be filled with ice and therefore not always reachable. Please note that the places mentioned below are just examples of places we can visit on this true expedition cruise.

We visit the town of Tasiilaq. With just under 2000 inhabitants, it is the largest settlement in East Greenland. It is home to an older and different Inuit culture, where shamanism and native culture is much more vibrant than in other parts of Greenland. During our expedition here, we will learn more of local myths and legends, as the one about tupilaqs. In Greenlandic Inuit religion, a tupilaq was an avenging monster fabricated by a practitioner of witchcraft or shamanism by using various objects such as animal bone, skin, hair, or sinew. Tasiilaq is also known for a its art scene, where local artists create prints, sculptures and textiles mostly portraying the animals, landscapes and traditional stories of the area.

We venture into the serenity of the Ammassalik fjord system and the small settlement of Kuummiut. This is a relatively unknown pearl of east Greenland, nestled within the Ammassalik Island group. The surrounding fjords – lined by tall mountain tops offer perfect hiking opportunities, with hidden waterfalls and spectacular views. Kuummiut has a rich Inuit heritage, and we hope to get the opportunity to learn about the traditional practices.

Further up north is the Ikateq fjord, where we might make a landing at the abandoned military base from World War II, Bluie East Two. It played an important role in serving as a refuelling and maintenance stop for aircrafts travelling between north America and Europe. Today it is no longer in operation, but some remnants still exist, such as abandoned fuel drums, buildings and vehicles.

Further east are two impressive glaciers: Karale and Knud Rasmussen. Sailing in this area, we are likely to hear and see the thunderous calving of these two very active glaciers.

We continue into the mighty Sermilik fjord. It stretches over 90 kilometres and cuts through a rugged landscape of towering glaciers and jagged peaks, and we find ourselves amongst a myriad of icebergs of all shapes and sizes. Most of them originating from the impressive Helheim glacier at the deep end of the fjord, which produces some of the largest icebergs in all of Greenland. The beauty around us is stunning!

On the southern shores of Sermilik fjord is the tiny village of Tiilerilaaq. The wooden houses are beautifully situated on a hill, with the grand Sermilik fjord in the background. The local Inuit culture and the traditional hunting and fishing activities play a significant role in the way of life here. Before we wave goodbye, we head out on a nice hike to overview the surrounding landscapes and the many icebergs!

If the ice allows, we enter Johan Peterson fjord. On the northern side of the entrance of the fjord is Qeertartivatsiaq Island, where we find Inuit ruins on the southern shore of the island. At the head of the fjord are some outlet glaciers from the inland ice coming straight down to the sea. This is one of few places you can catch sight of the actual inland ice, although please know that it is often blocked by beautyful icebergs.

We are continuously looking for Arctic foxes, seals and different species of whale.

 

After a good breakfast we disembark at Kulusuk. We have one last tour before it is time for the airport and the flight to Keflavik. Once in Iceland, we check into our hotel for a good night's sleep.

Today we bid our farewells and return home or onwards for new adventures.

Please note: All itineraries are for guidance only. Our exact route will depend on the ice, weather conditions, wildlife, and government regulations. The places mentioned are just examples of some of the many sites Svalbard has to offer. We always strive to maximize your experience. Please remember that flexibility is the key to a successful expedition!

Fares & Departure Dates

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 Double Cabin 

Double Cabin M S Balto
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Located on the lower deck, three cabins featuring twin beds or double beds, portholes, and private facilities.

Capacity Up to 2
Beds Twin beds or double bed
Rooms 0 room
Footage 129 sq ft.
Windows Porthole
Balcony No
View Ocean
Location Lower Deck
Suitable for Couples
Accessibility None
Amenities Private en-suite bathroom with shower and toilet in every cabin. Towels, soap, shampoo, and a hairdryer are provided. Wardrobe or closet for storage, plus wall hooks. Desk and chair in every cabin.
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 Single Cabin 

Single Cabin Balto
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Located on the lower deck, two cabins available for single occupancy.

Capacity Up to 1
Beds Single bed
Rooms 0 room
Footage 107 sq ft.
Windows Porthole
Balcony No
View Ocean
Location Lower Deck
Suitable for Solo Travellers
Accessibility None
Amenities Private en-suite bathroom with shower and toilet in every cabin. Towels, soap, shampoo, and a hairdryer are provided. Wardrobe or closet for storage, plus wall hooks. Desk and chair in every cabin.
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 Superior Cabin 

Superior Cabin Balto
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Located on the main deck, one larger cabin featuring twin beds, windows, and private facilities.

Capacity Up to 2
Beds Two single beds
Rooms 0 room
Footage 0 sq ft.
Windows Yes
Balcony No
View Ocean
Location Main Deck
Suitable for Couples
Accessibility None
Amenities Private en-suite bathroom with shower and toilet in every cabin. Towels, soap, shampoo, and a hairdryer are provided. Wardrobe or closet for storage, plus wall hooks. Desk and chair in every cabin.
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 Owner's Cabin 

Owner's Cabin aboard M/S Balto
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Located on the main deck, one large superior cabin with a double bed, windows, and private facilities.

Capacity Up to 2
Beds Double bed
Rooms 0 room
Footage 322 sq ft.
Windows Yes
Balcony No
View Ocean
Location Main Deck
Suitable for Couples
Accessibility None
Amenities Private en-suite bathroom with shower and toilet in every cabin. Towels, soap, shampoo, and a hairdryer are provided. Wardrobe or closet for storage, plus wall hooks. Desk and chair in every cabin.
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About the M/S Balto

Passengers on the deck of an expedition ship admiring Arctic landscapes, ice-covered waters, and distant mountains.

M/S Balto is named after the lead sled dog of the 1925 Nome serum run. Built to the highest ice class standards in Rauma, Finland, she originally served as a government service ship in the Baltic Sea. Between 2019 and 2022, she underwent a complete refurbishment and is now one of the most spacious and elegant small polar expedition yachts in service.

Sauna on board the M/S Balto

M/S Balto offers relaxed luxury accommodation for 12 guests in 7 outside cabins, all with private facilities and lower beds. The spacious cabins include 1 Owner’s Cabin, 1 Superior Cabin, 3 Double Cabins, and 2 Single Cabins. The Owner’s Cabin is 30m², features 6 windows and a queen bed, while the Superior Cabin has two twin beds. The three Double Cabins each feature a queen bed. Both the Owner’s Cabin and the Superior Cabin also offer a separate seating area. All cabins are equipped with a desk, a chair, and a wardrobe for storage.

On the guest deck, there is a small sauna with a cold shower. The richly appointed saloon and beautiful dining messroom feature crotch-mahogany panelling, a bar, a library, and coffee and tea stations.

Ulrich Kühn

Ulrich Kühn

Passengers on a Zodiac expedition in the Arctic, navigating through icy waters surrounded by towering blue icebergs.

There are several open and semi-enclosed deck spaces where you can enjoy the stunning Arctic scenery. You are welcomed by an international crew, and the bridge is open to visitors.

With our two Zodiacs, we will explore the wilderness and go ashore in settlements and breathtaking natural landscapes.

M/S Balto is truly one of a kind among small polar expedition ships. Travelling aboard this unique 12-passenger ship offers a completely different and much more intimate experience of Greenland compared to a larger ship.

Sebastian Lehrke

Sebastian Lehrke

Passenger on an expedition ship admiring stunning blue icebergs through a viewing window in the Arctic.

A small group of just 12 passengers allows for greater flexibility, unique itineraries, and more time ashore. Moreover, the environmental footprint we leave behind is significantly smaller.

M/S Balto is designed to explore the most remote fjord systems, visit Inuit settlements, reach secluded anchorages, and maximise each guest’s experience in the pristine wilderness.

Elegant dining area on M/S Balto with a beautifully set table, warm wooden interiors and a cosy atmosphere for dining on board.

On board, you'll enjoy delicious meals in the company of like-minded travellers who share a fascination for Greenland's captivating nature, wildlife, and history. The dining room seats all 12 passengers at once and has a cosy cast-iron stove.

Beautifully set dining table on M/S Balto featuring fresh bread, cheese, fruits, and elegantly arranged tableware for a meal.

The chef on board prepares three meals a day. Breakfast and lunch are buffet style and dinner will be served at the table. 

Top Deck Balto

Top Deck

Balto Main Deck

Main Deck

Balto Lower Deck

Lower Deck

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