Skjoldungen Island, Southeast Greenland, Greenland
One of the world's most remote expedition landings — an abandoned Arctic settlement ringed by 6,000-foot peaks, calving glaciers, and icebergs washing ashore like crystal sculptures.
One of the world's most remote expedition landings — an abandoned Arctic settlement ringed by 6,000-foot peaks, calving glaciers, and icebergs washing ashore like crystal sculptures.
Ships anchor in the fjord; all access is by Zodiac with a wet landing onto rocky shore.
💡 Pro move: There are no facilities whatsoever ashore — no restrooms, no food, no shelter. Bring a water bottle and dress for 2–10°C with wind.
Skjoldungen has no port infrastructure; all landings are by Zodiac from anchor.
| Cruise Line | Typical Berth / Arrival | Dock or Tender |
|---|---|---|
| Expedition lines (Seabourn, Ponant, Lindblad, Hurtigruten, Quark, Polar Latitudes) | Fjord anchorage, varies by season📍 | Tendered |
| All other vessels | Fjord anchorage📍 | Tendered |
All activities are organized by your expedition ship — there are no independent operators on the island.
Walk to the ruins of the village abandoned in 1965 when Denmark relocated its residents. The small wooden church still stands with its altar intact — one of the most atmospheric stops in all of Greenland.
Ask your expedition team about guided history walks →Expedition-flagged hiking routes lead up rocky slopes to panoramic viewpoints above the fjord, with views of calving glaciers and the Thrym ice system rising behind the island.
Book through your expedition line →Cruise the fjord by Zodiac at water level, weaving between icebergs and glacier fronts. Watch for harbour seals, humpback whales, minke whales, and peregrine falcons on cliff faces.
Available on most expedition calls →Paddle between growlers and bergy bits in one of Greenland's most spectacular fjord systems. Offered by select expedition lines on calm-weather calls.
Pre-book through your cruise line →All walking is on open tundra within the expedition safety perimeter — no trails, no signage.
From the Zodiac landing beach, walk north across spongy tundra to the remnants of Skjoldungen village. Explore collapsed wooden buildings and the small church that still stands with its altar and school furniture.
📍 Open in MapsWalk the pebble shoreline where small icebergs (growlers) have grounded on the dark rocks, creating surreal ice sculptures. Outstanding photography at any time of day in the long Arctic light.
📍 Open in MapsTransport options from the pier — taxis, shuttles, transit passes, and whether ride-share apps work here.
All shore access is by the ship's Zodiacs or rigid inflatable boats operated by expedition crew. There is no pier — landings depend on ice, weather, and tidal conditions each day.
Expedition staff lead small-group hikes across tundra and along the fjord. No roads or trails exist; the terrain is wild and access is fully managed by the ship's team.
Some expedition cruise lines offer sea kayaking or small-boat fjord tours as optional add-ons. These are booked aboard the ship; there are no independent operators ashore.
Upcoming cruises that call at Skjoldungen Island, Southeast Greenland, Greenland. Dates, prices, and ports of call change — always confirm with the cruise line before booking.
Itineraries and prices change — always confirm with the cruise line before booking. Some links are affiliate links that may earn us a commission at no extra cost to you.