Port information & tips for Clavering Island
Clavering Island in Northeast Greenland National Park is a pristine jewel of the Arctic and a fascinating destination for expedition cruises. As the largest island off the coast of Wollaston Forland, it impresses with its dramatic mountain panoramas, vast tundra landscapes, and an impressive silence in the midst of the Arctic Ocean. Special highlights include the archaeological excavation sites of the Thule culture in Dødemandsbugten and the historic Eskimonaes weather station, while hikes to Mount Payer offer expansive views over the pack ice. Since there is no fixed terminal, ships anchor in sheltered bays and take guests directly to the natural shores via Zodiac boats, allowing for immediate and authentic access to the Arctic wilderness far from any urban infrastructure.
Clavering Island in Greenland is an extremely remote expedition destination and not a classic cruise port with fixed terminal structures or road connections. Arrival is exclusively by aircraft and subsequently by sea, often as part of expedition cruises.
Aircraft & Connecting Travel
Travel from the DACH region usually requires several flight segments. First, you fly to Copenhagen (CPH) or Reykjavík (KEF), from where further flights to Greenland are offered. For East Greenland, Nerlerit Inaat Airport (Constable Point, CNP) near Ittoqqortoormiit is the nearest civilian airport, served from Akureyri (Iceland). From there, the transfer to your waiting expedition ship takes place by helicopter or small boat, depending on the itinerary. Early booking and allowing sufficient time for connections are crucial due to Arctic conditions and often only a few weekly connections.
Arrival by Expedition Ship
Clavering Island is typically a destination within an expedition cruise, which often starts in Island or Spitsbergen. There is no traditional pier; landing on the island is done comfortably by Zodiac or other small landing craft. This allows for an intensive nature experience and access to remote coastal sections of the island, which is known for its rugged landscape and historical significance.
Pre-Travel Logistics & Overnight Stays
Due to the long and complex journey to Greenland, it is highly recommended to plan at least one overnight stay in one of the major transit cities such as Copenhagen, Reykjavík, or Akureyri. This creates a relaxed buffer before the onward flight to Greenland or embarkation on the expedition ship and minimizes the risk of missed connections in case of flight delays. Many cruise lines also offer fly-and-cruise packages that cover the entire arrival and departure, including necessary transfers and, if applicable, pre-cruise hotels.
Check-in & Embarkation
Please note that you will generally receive a fixed time slot for check-in with your travel documents, which is binding for your embarkation. Plan sufficient time for your journey to the port accordingly and keep in mind that the latest embarkation time—depending on the cruise line and destination area—is usually scheduled about one hour before the planned departure.
The same applies during the voyage: for shore excursions, you should be back on board no later than one hour before departure. Always pay attention to the current announcements as well as the notices on board, as mooring and departure times can change at short notice.
Clavering Island in Greenland is an extremely remote expedition destination and not a classic cruise port with fixed terminal structures or road connections. Arrival is exclusively by aircraft and subsequently by sea, often as part of expedition cruises.
Aircraft & Connecting Travel
Travel from the DACH region usually requires several flight segments. First, you fly to Copenhagen (CPH) or Reykjavík (KEF), from where further flights to Greenland are offered. For East Greenland, Nerlerit Inaat Airport (Constable Point, CNP) near Ittoqqortoormiit is the nearest civilian airport, served from Akureyri (Iceland). From there, the transfer to your waiting expedition ship takes place by helicopter or small boat, depending on the itinerary. Early booking and allowing sufficient time for connections are crucial due to Arctic conditions and often only a few weekly connections.
Arrival by Expedition Ship
Clavering Island is typically a destination within an expedition cruise, which often starts in Island or Spitsbergen. There is no traditional pier; landing on the island is done comfortably by Zodiac or other small landing craft. This allows for an intensive nature experience and access to remote coastal sections of the island, which is known for its rugged landscape and historical significance.
Pre-Travel Logistics & Overnight Stays
Due to the long and complex journey to Greenland, it is highly recommended to plan at least one overnight stay in one of the major transit cities such as Copenhagen, Reykjavík, or Akureyri. This creates a relaxed buffer before the onward flight to Greenland or embarkation on the expedition ship and minimizes the risk of missed connections in case of flight delays. Many cruise lines also offer fly-and-cruise packages that cover the entire arrival and departure, including necessary transfers and, if applicable, pre-cruise hotels.
Check-in & Embarkation
Please note that you will generally receive a fixed time slot for check-in with your travel documents, which is binding for your embarkation. Plan sufficient time for your journey to the port accordingly and keep in mind that the latest embarkation time—depending on the cruise line and destination area—is usually scheduled about one hour before the planned departure.
The same applies during the voyage: for shore excursions, you should be back on board no later than one hour before departure. Always pay attention to the current announcements as well as the notices on board, as mooring and departure times can change at short notice.
On Clavering Island in Northeast Greenland, access to the untouched wilderness is provided directly via the expedition ships' own landing systems.
Expedition Zodiacs
These specialized inflatable boats bring you safely from the ship to the various coastal sections of the island. The journey through the usually calm fjord waters is an experience in itself and also allows for a flexible approach to the striking shorelines and icebergs.
On Foot
After landing, the vast tundra of Clavering Island can be perfectly explored on foot as part of guided tours. The hikes lead to historical trapper huts and archaeological sites such as Dødemandsbugten, while simultaneously offering panoramic views of the surrounding mountain ranges.
Tender Service
Organized transfers by the expedition team ensure a comfortable connection between the anchorage in the fjord and the land. This service is perfectly coordinated with the daily excursions and, thanks to the experienced crew, guarantees a swift return to the comfort of your ship.
To best discover the untouched wilderness of Clavering Island, the focus is on experiencing the Arctic nature and the historical settlement remains directly on the coast.
Dødemandsbugten
The archaeological site in Deadman's Bay reveals the fascinating traces of former Inuit cultures and, thanks to the well-preserved house ruins, allows for an impressive journey back in time through Greenland's settlement history.
Eskimonaes
This historically significant location on the south coast marks the site of a former radio station and the famous Sirius Sledge Patrol; additionally, the area is perfect for hikes through the tundra and observations of polar wildlife.
Young Sund
The glittering sound in front of the island is a paradise for Zodiac cruises along majestic icebergs and offers an unforgettable Arctic nature experience thanks to the surrounding mountain panoramas and regular sightings of muskoxen.
Eskimonaes on Clavering Island
The historic Eskimonaes station on the southern coast of Clavering Island is easily accessible by Zodiac from the ship and offers an impressive blend of Arctic nature and the fascinating history of the Sirius Sledge Patrol. During a tour, you will discover both the remains of centuries-old Inuit settlements and ruins from the Second World War, while the vast tundra landscape is also ideal for spotting majestic muskoxen. The atmosphere is characterized by complete silence and untouched wilderness, bringing the spirit of great polar expeditions to life. Ideally, join the first Zodiac group in the morning to take advantage of the clear light for photography, and plan your return to the landing site at a relaxed pace about thirty minutes before the final departure.
Returning to the ship from your discoveries in the Arctic wilderness is very safe and easy, thanks to the professional coordination of your expedition team.
Zodiac Inflatable Boats
Your cruise line's agile Zodiacs serve as a convenient means of transport, taking you directly from the shore back to the ship's rail. These boats shuttle at short intervals between the landing site and the anchorage position, ensuring you get back on board comfortably and on time.
Guided Walkways
On Clavering Island, you move within the zones secured by the expedition team and can easily find your way back to the beach thanks to clear markings. The constant presence of guides also ensures a protected return path through the tundra terrain to the landing site by the water.
Shore Gathering Points
The central meeting point for the return journey is located directly at the marked landing site on the shoreline, which is clearly visible to you on the beach. Ship staff coordinate the boarding of the boats here and ensure a smooth process so that all guests are back on the ship in time before the journey continues.
