Greenland, Labrador and Newfoundland – Encounters at the Edge

Day 1 - Reykjavík

Reykjavík, Iceland: Sprawling Reykjavík, the nation's nerve centre and government seat, is home to half of the island's population. It is situated on a bay overlooked by the majestic Mt. Esja, with its ever-changing hues. The city presents a colourful sight, with its concrete houses painted in light colours and vibrant roofs of red, blue, and green. In contrast to the almost treeless countryside, Reykjavík has many tall, native birches, rowans, and willows, as well as imported aspen, pines, and spruces. The name Reykjavík comes from the Icelandic words for smoke, 'reykur', and bay, 'vík'. In AD 874, the Norseman Ingólfur Arnarson saw Iceland through a lifelike mist and came ashore at a bay eerily shrouded with steam plumes from nearby hot springs. Presently, most houses in Reykjavík are heated by near-boiling water from these hot springs, avoiding air pollution and smoke. However, the hot water may bring a slight sulphur smell to bathrooms. Prices in Reykjavík are comparable to other major European cities; a practical option for visitors is to purchase a Reykjavík City Card, which permits unlimited bus usage and free entry to any of the city's seven pools, the Family Park and Zoo, and city museums.

Day 2 - Nuuk (Godthaab)

Nuuk, Greenland: The name "Nuuk" means "the cape" and it was Greenland's first town, established in 1728. It began as a fort and later became a mission and trading post, located about 240 kilometres south of the Arctic Circle. Nuuk is now the capital, with nearly 30% of Greenland’s population residing there. The town is renowned for its great natural beauty and hosts various historical sites such as Inuit ruins, Hans Egede’s home, the parliament, and the Church of our Saviour. The Greenlandic National Museum offers an outstanding collection of Greenlandic traditional dresses and the famous Qilakitsoq mummies. The architectural inspiration for the Katuaq Cultural Center derives from the undulating Northern Lights and can accommodate a tenth of Nuuk’s inhabitants.

Day 3 - Kvanefjord

Kvanefjord, Greenland: Kvanefjord is an enchanting destination known for its stunning fjord landscapes, inviting explorers to uncover its unique natural wonders. Visitors can embark on adventures through its magnificent fjords, taking in awe-inspiring views and gaining a deeper appreciation for its serene and untouched beauty.

Day 4 - Qassiarsuk

Qassiarsuk, Greenland: Qassiarsuk is the modern Greenlandic name for this small village, with Brattahlid as its former Norse name. This site allows visitors to tour the foundational remains of Erik the Red's manor house, who discovered Greenland after his exile from Iceland and Norway for murder. The village also boasts the site of the first Christian church built in North America (physiographically speaking) and a recently unearthed Norse graveyard containing the remains of 144 Norse colonists. Visitors can admire Hans Lynge’s remarkable bronze sculpture of Erik the Red.

Day 5 - Hvalsø

Hvalsø, Denmark: Hvalsø represents a historical destination with significant Viking connections. It is primarily known for the ruins of the Hvalsø Church, a medieval Viking church that bears witness to Greenland's Norse heritage. Visiting Hvalsø offers insights into the rich cultural and historical tapestry of Viking settlements in Greenland.

Day 5 - Qaqortoq (Julianehaab)

Qaqortoq, Greenland: The largest town in southern Greenland, Qaqortoq has been inhabited since prehistoric times. The town offers breath-taking panoramic vistas of the surrounding mountains, deep blue sea, Lake Tasersuag, icebergs in the bay, and pastoral backcountry. Although Norse and Inuit settlers inhabited Qaqortoq in the 10th and 12th centuries, the present-day town was founded in 1774. Now, Qaqortoq serves as a seaport and trading hub for fish and shrimp processing, tanning, fur production, and ship maintenance and repair.

Day 8 - Saglek Fjord

Saglek Fjord, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada: Saglek Fjord provides a pristine gateway to diverse wildlife and rugged landscapes. With stunning views and abundant opportunities for wildlife encounters, it is a haven for nature enthusiasts eager to explore the beauty of the Newfoundland and Labrador region.

Day 9 - Narvik

Narvik, Norway: Situated at 68 degrees North, Narvik is 140 miles inside the Arctic Circle. It has a storied history beginning in the Stone Age, with Vikings known to have once inhabited the area. The modern town emerged in the 1870s to cater to the iron industry. Presently, Narvik stands as a major export location for iron ore mined in neighbouring Sweden. The town's railway, created by a British-Swedish company in 1902, and the legacy of World War II are notable, providing intriguing historical insights, especially within the local war museum.

Day 10 - Ramah Bay

Ramah Bay, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada: Ramah Bay is steeped in historical significance and known for its distinctive Ramah chert, a stone highly valued by the region's indigenous peoples. Visitors can explore the cultural richness this unique stone imparts and enjoy the pristine wilderness surrounding this remarkable landscape.

Day 11 - Hebron

Hebron, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada: Once the location of an Inuit village and a Moravian mission settlement, Hebron offers a fascinating glimpse into the historical confluence of indigenous and European cultures. Exploring Hebron allows visitors to delve into its compelling past amidst a backdrop of striking natural beauty.

Day 12 - Hopedale

Hopedale, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada: Hopedale is a community with deep historical roots, renowned for its Moravian mission complex which played a vital role in social and religious life in the area. Visitors can explore these historic structures and gain insights into the intersecting narratives of indigenous and colonial history.

Day 14 - Battle Harbor

Battle Harbor, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada: With its designation as a National Historic District, Battle Harbor is a living testament to its role as a significant fishery outpost. Visitors can step back in time and explore the preserved buildings and learn about the harbour's pivotal role in the economic and social history of Labrador.

Day 15 - Red Bay

Red Bay, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada: Red Bay stands as a UNESCO World Heritage site, celebrated for its rich Basque whaling history. The town offers visitors insights into its historical significance and the opportunity to explore local museums and archaeological sites that highlight its vital impact on maritime history.

Day 16 - Saint-Anthony

Saint-Anthony, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada: Saint-Anthony is known for its hospital founded by Sir Wilfred Grenfell and its proximity to the Viking site at L'Anse aux Meadows. As a destination, it offers rich historical narratives along with opportunities for iceberg and whale watching, making it an intriguing port of call for explorers.

Day 17 - Berlevåg

Berlevåg, Norway: Berlevåg is a coastal town renowned for its rugged beauty and lovely Arctic settings. The town is known for its sea stacks, bird cliffs, and the Berlevåg Harbour Museum, which tells the tale of the town's battles against the harsh Arctic environment. This picturesque locale offers a serene escape into the unique natural environment of Norway.

Day 18 - Saint-John's

St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada: The province’s capital, St. John's, harmonises new and old with its modern office buildings juxtaposed with heritage shops and colourful row houses. A lively arts scene flourishes amid this relaxed city, which combines English and Irish influences, Victorian architecture, and both traditional and contemporary music styles. Historically, St. John’s Harbour was instrumental in the salt cod trade, having a thriving business buying fish, selling goods, and supplying alcohol to soldiers and sailors as early as 1627.