The uninhabited island of Skjoldungen is situated on Greenland’s rugged east coast, between the Northern and Southern Skjoldungenfjord. Here you’ll find a starkly beautiful landscape of snow-capped mountains, steep valley sides and icebergs in crystalline shades of white and blue.

The spectacular Prince Christian Sound provides a protected passage for ships rounding the southern tip of Greenland, at times narrowing to just 1,500 feet across. Waterfalls cascade down the rugged mountain sides, and you can often spot whales and seals amongst the icebergs.

Qaqortoq is southern Greenland’s largest town, though with just 3,000 inhabitants it’s hardly crowded. A trip to the nearby hot springs at Uunartoq is recommended; relaxing in the 38°C water and watching icebergs drift across the bay is quite something.

Norse settlers were exploring the coasts of North America long before Columbus made his journey across the Atlantic, and Hvalsey is home to some of the most important Norse ruins in Greenland. The 14th-century church here is remarkably well preserved, on the site of a major medieval farmstead.

Greenland’s capital and largest town, Nuuk is positively cosmopolitan compared to the rest of this remote and isolated country. The setting amongst mountains and fjords is striking, and attractions include the Greenland National Museum and the picturesque Old Harbour.

The Arctic city of Iqaluit is the capital of Nunavut, Canada’s northernmost territory. It’s a surprisingly cosmopolitan place given its isolation and polar climate, and is an important centre for contemporary Inuit culture; make sure you check out the fascinating Nunatta Sunakkutaangit Museum.