Port information & tips for Ella Island
Ella Island is a spectacular highlight of Northeast Greenland National Park, captivating visitors with its untouched Arctic wilderness. Situated in the heart of the majestic Kong Oscar Fjord, the island offers an incomparable atmosphere thanks to its dramatic rock formations, such as the impressive "Bastionen" cliffs, and the vast tundra. Highlights include the station of the legendary Sirius Sledge Patrol and hikes to viewpoints offering panoramic views over the winding fjord system. As there is no permanent pier, expedition ships anchor in the protected bay and transport guests by Zodiac to the beach near the station. From this natural landing site, the fascinating polar world with its flora and fauna can be explored directly and comfortably on foot.
Ella Island in Greenland is an extremely remote and uninhabited natural paradise in the Northeast Greenland National Park, which is visited exclusively as part of expedition cruises. There are no classic port infrastructures or terminals; arrival at the ship usually takes place via charter flights to a Greenlandic airport and subsequent embarkation in one of the more accessible settlements. Direct arrival by car, train, or commercial scheduled flights to Ella Island is not possible.
Airplane
Arrival from the DACH region usually requires long-haul flights to Copenhagen (CPH) or Reykjavík (KEF), from where special charter flights or scheduled flights to Greenland (e.g., to Kangerlussuaq (SFJ) or Nerlerit Inaat (CNP) near Ittoqqortoormiit for East Greenland routes) depart. These flights are often organized by the cruise lines or are part of the travel package. Due to the long journey and potential flight schedule changes, arriving a day early at the departure airport in Europe is strongly recommended to reach the connecting flight to Greenland in a relaxed manner.
Onward Travel in Greenland
After landing at one of the Greenlandic airports, such as Kangerlussuaq or Constable Point (Nerlerit Inaat), the transfer to the expedition ship takes place. This often occurs via further domestic flights with smaller aircraft or by bus to the ship's anchorage, where embarkation usually takes place via Zodiac transfer. The exact transfer details vary depending on the cruise line and expedition route, but are always fully organized and included in the travel price to ensure a smooth journey in this remote region.
Pre-Cruise Hotel
Due to the complex journey and the specific flight connections to Greenland, booking a pre-cruise hotel in Copenhagen, Reykjavík, or at one of the Greenlandic transfer locations is often mandatory or at least highly recommended. This allows for a relaxed arrival without time pressure and provides a buffer for unforeseen travel delays. Many cruise lines offer coordinated hotel packages that already include the transfer to the airport for the onward flight to Greenland, which significantly increases travel comfort.
Check-in & Embarkation
Please note that you will usually receive a fixed time slot for check-in with your travel documents, which is binding for your embarkation. Plan sufficient time for the journey to the port accordingly and take into account 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 and the notices on board, as mooring and departure times can change at short notice.
Ella Island in Greenland is an extremely remote and uninhabited natural paradise in the Northeast Greenland National Park, which is visited exclusively as part of expedition cruises. There are no classic port infrastructures or terminals; arrival at the ship usually takes place via charter flights to a Greenlandic airport and subsequent embarkation in one of the more accessible settlements. Direct arrival by car, train, or commercial scheduled flights to Ella Island is not possible.
Airplane
Arrival from the DACH region usually requires long-haul flights to Copenhagen (CPH) or Reykjavík (KEF), from where special charter flights or scheduled flights to Greenland (e.g., to Kangerlussuaq (SFJ) or Nerlerit Inaat (CNP) near Ittoqqortoormiit for East Greenland routes) depart. These flights are often organized by the cruise lines or are part of the travel package. Due to the long journey and potential flight schedule changes, arriving a day early at the departure airport in Europe is strongly recommended to reach the connecting flight to Greenland in a relaxed manner.
Onward Travel in Greenland
After landing at one of the Greenlandic airports, such as Kangerlussuaq or Constable Point (Nerlerit Inaat), the transfer to the expedition ship takes place. This often occurs via further domestic flights with smaller aircraft or by bus to the ship's anchorage, where embarkation usually takes place via Zodiac transfer. The exact transfer details vary depending on the cruise line and expedition route, but are always fully organized and included in the travel price to ensure a smooth journey in this remote region.
Pre-Cruise Hotel
Due to the complex journey and the specific flight connections to Greenland, booking a pre-cruise hotel in Copenhagen, Reykjavík, or at one of the Greenlandic transfer locations is often mandatory or at least highly recommended. This allows for a relaxed arrival without time pressure and provides a buffer for unforeseen travel delays. Many cruise lines offer coordinated hotel packages that already include the transfer to the airport for the onward flight to Greenland, which significantly increases travel comfort.
Check-in & Embarkation
Please note that you will usually receive a fixed time slot for check-in with your travel documents, which is binding for your embarkation. Plan sufficient time for the journey to the port accordingly and take into account 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 and the notices on board, as mooring and departure times can change at short notice.
Ella Island in Northeast Greenland National Park is a classic destination for expedition cruises and is conveniently reached by the ship's own boats.
Expedition Zodiacs
Landings are carried out with maneuverable Zodiacs, taking you directly from the ship to the island's shore. These transfers are safe thanks to the experienced crew and also offer an excellent perspective of the crystal-clear waters of the King Oscar Fjord region.
On Foot
Exploration of the island takes place exclusively on foot and leads you across soft tundra soil to historical buildings and the station of the Sirius Sled Patrol. The path is easy to walk and simultaneously allows for an intensive nature experience in the untouched silence of the Arctic.
Guided Hikes
Together with the expedition team, you will undertake tours of the surrounding area and, thanks to professional guidance, safely reach the most beautiful viewpoints. The guides ensure optimal orientation in the terrain and also provide valuable knowledge about Greenlandic flora and fauna.
To make the most of your stay on the pristine Ella Island, we recommend exploring the historical outposts and spectacular geological formations located right near the landing site.
Sirius-Patruljen Station
The station of the legendary Sirius Sledge Patrol offers fascinating insights into Arctic expedition life and, thanks to its location on the sheltered shore, the historic buildings are easily accessible on foot for a visit.
Die Bastion
This majestic rock formation rises steeply above the fjord and provides an impressive backdrop for nature observation; it is also perfect for unforgettable panoramic shots of the Greenlandic wilderness directly from the ship or the shore.
Kap Oswald
The vast tundra around Kap Oswald invites you to hike through the Arctic flora, where travelers might be lucky enough to spot musk oxen while enjoying fantastic views of the deep blue waters of Kong Oscar Fjord.
The Bastion and historical Ørnereden
The striking viewpoint on the Bastion is reachable from the landing shore of Ella Ø via a steadily ascending hiking trail and offers a spectacular panoramic view over the branched fjord system of the Northeast Greenland National Park. This site, steeped in history, also houses the historical station "Ørnereden," which once served the researcher Lauge Koch as a base and today provides fascinating insights into the heroic era of polar research. The atmosphere is characterized by the absolute silence of the Arctic as well as an untouched natural backdrop, perfectly suited for impressive photographs and moments of tranquility. Ideally, start your shore excursion with the first Zodiac group in the morning to take advantage of the special clarity of the polar light, and return relaxed to the landing site in the early afternoon to be back on board your ship in good time.
The way back to the ship on the uninhabited Ella Island is organized in a straightforward and safe manner, thanks to the professional accompaniment of the expedition team.
Tender boats and Zodiacs
The transfer back to the ship takes place via the ship's own Zodiacs or tender boats, which are ready directly on the shore near the Sirius Patrol station. The boats commute at short intervals and take you comfortably through Kong Oscar Fjord back on board your ship.
On foot via the hiking trails
From the exploration tours to the viewpoint at Ørnebjerg or the historic Lauge Koch huts, marked trails lead directly back to the central landing site on the beach. Thanks to the clear landscape, you can keep a safe eye on the landing site and the ship lying in the fjord throughout the entire descent.
Expedition team and meeting points
The expedition team coordinates the return journey at designated meeting points on the shore and also ensures protection in the Arctic nature. The guides on the beach support you in safely boarding the boats and provide information about departure times, so that you are back on board on time for departure.
