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Rugged mountains of Greenland

Icebergs and Islands of Greenland

Example 10 Day Tour
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Discover the breathtaking icebergs and islands of Greenland on an extraordinary 10-day trip in Disko Bay. This customizable adventure is designed to fully immerse you in stunning scenery and unforgettable experiences that promise awe-inspiring moments and lasting memories. Traverse icy waters, marvel at towering icebergs, and witness the pristine beauty of Greenland's rugged terrain. Throughout the trip, engage in a variety of activities and excursions that showcase the best of Northwest Greenland and Disko Bay. Experience the majesty of Greenland's ice fjords and glaciers through boat tours, helicopter rides, and guided hikes. Spot whales, birds, musk oxen, and reindeer in their natural habitats. Learn about Inuit culture, visit traditional villages, and explore museums to gain insight into Greenland's rich heritage.
A hiker near the Eqi Glacier in North GreenlandKayakers from PGI Greenland in front of Restaurant H8 in Oqaatsut in GreenlandA whale safari near Ilulissat in GreenlandSled dogs on sea ice near Oqaatsut in GreenlandA tour boat in front of an iceberg wall near Ilulissat in GreenlandA tour boat near the Eqi Glacier in North GreenlandHiker between volcanic rock formationIcefjord centre & NorthernLightsStory telling at a KaffemikColorful homes in GreenlandOne of Greenland's many glaciersRugged mountains of Greenland
Highlights
  • Discover the icebergs in the Ilulissat Icefjord, a UNESCO Heritage Site
  • Hike to Sermermiut & explore the vast history of the old Inuit settlement
  • Keep an eye out for whales and seals on a boat trip in Disko Bay
  • Spend a night on the black sand beach of Qeqertarsuaq - Disko Island
  • Visit the Ilulissat Icefjord Center for its natural and cultural history
  • Trek on Ilimanaq Glacier and enjoy the unique Koks Restaurant
Places Visited
Activity Level: Moderate
Activities that provide a reasonable level of physical challenge and elevate the heart rate. Focused on more active pursuits including multisport tours. Travelers may be active 5-7 hours total each day. Recommended for travelers with active lifestyles.
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Full Itinerary

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Day 1: Arrive in Ilulissat, Greenland

Welcome to Ilulissat, Greenland! Upon arrival at Ilulisat Airport, a private transfer to your hotel will wait for you. As you settle into your accommodation, you will have a briefing about your stay with a local guide, be introduced to your local point of contact, and review your itinerary.

Your guide will take you on a tour around the charming city and tell you about its history and how people live 300 kilometers north of the Polar Circle. Enjoy an evening walking around the town, taking in the vibrant Greenlandic culture and stunning coastal scenery. There may even be time to stop for a drink in one of the small, cozy cafes around town.

Day 2: Ilulissat Adventures | Sermermiut Hike | Disko Bay Whale Tour

Today, explore the ever-changing backcountry surrounding Ilulissat. Along the way, you will have the chance to visit a private home where you are invited to a traditional "Kaffemik" with coffee and cake with a local Greenlandic family to hear about modern life in Greenland.

In the morning, hike to the abandoned settlement of Sermermiut, where the first people settled in Ilulissat, to learn more about its 4,000-year-long history and the various Inuit cultures that have called it home. The natural beauty of the landscape, along with the stories passed down and now shared with you about the lives and traditions of Greenlandic settlers, will keep your attention throughout the hike. The walk begins at the old cemetery, where people remain buried today, then continues by wooden boardwalk to the edge of the Ice Fjord and on to "Nakkaavik.". Nakkaavik translates to "the place where you fall." This name originates from a historical practice here during periods of famine, in which the elderly would leap from the cliffs. By doing so, they sacrificed themselves to ensure that the younger generation had enough food to survive and sustain future generations. Continue along the track to Seqinniarfik, where every year, on January 13th, the people of Ilulissat hike to welcome the sun and the light after the long, dark polar winter. The hike to Sermermiut will bring Ilulissat's history alive for you to experience firsthand, while the stunning views of the Icefjord and Disko Bay will captivate you.

After hiking to Sermermiut, visit the Ilulissat Icefjord Center on your way back to town. Thanks to its world-class architecture, the Icefjord Center is an attraction in itself, and the design of the building has been purposefully integrated into its surroundings. The shape of the building is inspired by the wingspan of the snowy owl when it is in flight through the landscape. The Icefjord Center is a logical continuation of the paths that wind through the UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the roof of the building has been constructed so that you can walk over the top of the center and enjoy the view of the surrounding landscape. Inside, learn about the ice fjord itself, Greenlandic culture, and the study of ice cores through a variety of exhibits.

In the afternoon, head out on a boat tour among the giant icebergs, looking for humpback whales. The humpback whale is one of the farthest-reaching animals in the world. They come to Disko Bay in the summer to eat large volumes of krill and small fish before migrating almost 6,000 kilometers south to the Caribbean for the winter. The humpback whale is the whale we usually see in Disko Bay, and it is easily recognizable by its beautiful tail and unique fluke pattern, similar to a human fingerprint. While spotting whales, learn about the glacier that is producing icebergs in the Ice Fjord, Sermeq Kujalleq. It is located approximately 70 km inside the ice fjord, where all sailing is impossible. It is the most productive glacier in the Northern Hemisphere and the world’s fastest ice stream, with 40 meters per day. Ice production is 46 cubic kilometers per year (equivalent to U.S. annual water consumption). The largest icebergs are 1.5 cubic kilometers. 

Day 3: Oqaatsut Kayaking Adventure

Join this adventurous day trip to Oqaatsut, which combines sailing, kayaking, and hiking. The tour starts with a boat trip among huge icebergs along the amazing coastline from Ilulissat to Oqaatsut. Upon arrival in Oqaatsut, the kayak guide will give a safety briefing, introduce the gear, and help to change into top-quality Kokatat kayak suits before heading out into the water in kayaks.

Paddle through the bay of Oqaatsut and end at a small coastline. Stop for a short hike to one of the backcountry’s lakes and waterfalls. Enjoy a cup of coffee while appreciating the incredible viewpoint before heading back in the kayaks. The group will sail around the bay and end at Restaurant H8 Explorer, where lunch will be served, featuring local fish and meat. After lunch, walk around and explore the settlement before going back by boat to Ilulissat.
 

Day 4: Qeqertarsuaq or Disko Island

After breakfast, travel to the harbor for a boat trip to Qeqertarsuaq. Qeqertarsuaq, or Disko Island, is the largest island in Greenland and an exceptional place in the truest sense of the word. Everything about it is the first, the largest, or the only. The town of Qeqertarsuaq stands alone on the great Disko Island, far off Greenland’s west coast, in a picturesque setting. The Lyngmark Glacier that towers above the town is the only place in Greenland to go dog sledding in the summer. The natural environment around Qeqertarsuaq is so fertile with the Angelica herb and diverse species that it is like no other place in North Greenland.

Once you arrive, head out for a hike in Kuannit. Kuannit is situated east of the town of Qeqertarsuaq. The walk passes the heliport, Arctic Station, Red River, and the opening of the large glacial valley of “Blæsedalen.” On the trail, spy the 900-meter-high “Skarve Mountain” on one side and a spectacular view of Disko Bay on the other side. At Kuannit, incredible basalt formations are present, formed by volcanic activity millions of years ago. Kuannit area is very fertile by Greenlandic standards, and mosses, lichens, flowers, and especially Angelica plants are present there. In the summertime, whales are often spotted in the sea just below Kuannit.

After the hike, settle into the comfortable Igloo Cabin on the beach in Qeqertarsuaq/Disko Island. You will have a view of the icebergs and humpback whales passing by from your lounging area. In late summer and winter, you will be able to watch the Northern Lights while lying in bed.

Day 5: Qeqertarsuaq Walking Tour | Ilulissat

Today, take a guided tour of Qeqertarsuaq, exploring both its modern and ancient history. Qeqertarsuaq has approximately 850 inhabitants and is the only town on Disko Island. The town is known as "Godhavn" in Danish, referring to the naturally fortified harbor. Diskofiord is the only village situated in Kangerluk. Qeqertarsuaq is a well-functioning and peaceful small town with a school, nursing home, hospital, and a small museum. Primary occupations are hunting and fishing, especially for snow crabs and lumpfish. There are numerous voluntary associations in town, and the new artificial grass soccer field with stranded icebergs in the background is always busy with playing children. Enjoy the views of the ocean and passing icebergs between the colorful Greenlandic traditional homes as you stroll the town

This afternoon, prepare for a two-hour private boat ride back to Ilulissat after exploring Qeqertarsuaq.

Day 6: Ilimanaq Lodge | Koks Restaurant

This morning, embark on a fascinating journey from Ilulissat to Ilimanaq aboard a comfortable and scenic boat transfer. As the boat glides through the calm waters of Disko Bay, witness some of the most spectacular natural scenery on Earth. Keep your camera ready to capture the majestic icebergs, some as tall as multi-story buildings, and the occasional sight of whales breaching the surface. The knowledgeable crew will provide insights into the local geography, wildlife, and cultural significance of the area.

Upon arriving in Ilimanaq, experience the quaint charm of this historic settlement. Ilimanaq, meaning "Place of Expectations," is a small, picturesque village with brightly colored houses dotting the rocky landscape. The friendly locals and the tranquil environment make it a perfect getaway from the hustle and bustle of modern life.

Staying at Ilimanaq Lodge offers a unique blend of luxury and authenticity. The lodge offers an unrivaled experience of Greenland's natural beauty and cultural heritage, and it is close to the wilderness. The lodge features beautifully designed cabins that blend traditional Greenlandic architecture with modern comforts. Each cabin offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscape, allowing you to take full advantage of the opportunity. The sun glinting off the icebergs greets you as you wake up, and the waves gently crashing onto the coast lull you to sleep.

This evening, enjoy a unique dining experience at Koks Ilimanaq, the World's most remote Michelin-star restaurant.
 

Day 7: Ilimanaq Glacier Adventure | Ilulissat

It is time for the glacier adventure on Ilimanaq. From south of Ilimanaq, set sail for Itilliup Ilua Bay, where you arrive at the broad sandy beach and load up into two large all-terrain vehicles. Fantastic vistas of the mountains and the vast fields unfold while traversing the tundra until you find yourself at the Tasiusaq fjord system. For thousands of years, the Tasiusaq fjord was a beloved fishing area; however, the great activity of past times has ebbed away. From here, continue traveling on the water, between icebergs at the bottom of the fjord, likely without coming upon a single human being.

After about an hour’s sailing, you arrive at the glacier, where the voyage continues on the fjord’s western bank. Closer to the ice now, take in this unique world where land meets ice. Your guide will describe the region’s history and how the ice formed the landscape you see around you.

Next up, disembark for a walk that takes you along the edge of the enormous glacier until you find a place where it is safe enough to set foot upon the ice sheet and perhaps be immortalized within Greenland’s nature through the lens of a camera. Along the way, there will be plenty of good opportunities to sit down and take out some lunch while enjoying the sights.

After the Glacier Adventure on Ilimanaq, a boat will transfer you back to Ilulissat.

Day 8: Ilulissat | Glacier Eqi

Today, you will sail on a morning excursion from Ilulissat to Eqi Glacier. Along the coast, the route heads north, passing Bredebugt, Oqaatsut, and the large Pakitsoq fiord system, a popular spot for whale and seal watching, so keep your eyes on your surroundings and your binoculars ready. Surrounded by steep mountains, wildlife, and waterfalls after crossing the Ataa Strait, the Eqi Glacier, 80 kilometers north of Ilulissat, is one of Greenland's most picturesque locations. While enjoying a delectable lunch, the ice-secured boats lie two hours ahead of the glacier, waiting for the ice to calve. This full-day excursion provides participants with an excellent opportunity to be immersed in the experience and enjoy a boat trip in the ice-filled water. 

Lunch on the boat is included, and don't forget to bring your swimwear if you want to try a true polar plunge!

Day 9: Ilulissat Sled Dogs | Scenic Flight Tour | Farewell Kaffemik

On your last full day in Ilulissat, experience the magic of Disko Bay's pack of friendly and well-trained sled dogs! During this 1.5-hour tour, there is an introduction to the tradition of dogsledding, the history of the unique breed of Greenlandic sled dogs, and how deeply they are woven into Inuit cultural heritage. This experience will provide time to interact with the dogs and puppies and provide you with information on how you can also support the conservation of these remarkable animals. 

In the afternoon, to top off your stay, get an aerial perspective of the vast ice cap, glaciers, and isolated regions of Greenland. Take a 40-minute flight over the Outer Icefjord and Northern Glacier. With its place among the world's most cherished natural wonders on UNESCO's World Heritage List, the Isua Glacier near Ilulissat is by no means anonymous among the UNESCO sites.

After flying over the glaciers, experience the culture of the Greenlanders by visiting a local family. Greenlanders hold kaffemik to celebrate special events of all kinds, such as birthdays, first days of school, and confirmations, but the real enjoyment comes from being in a room filled with people. Experience the local culture when you visit a home, even though there is no celebration other than having guests from out of town.

Day 10: Return Home

  • 1 Breakfast
After ten memorable days filled with breathtaking adventures and unforgettable moments, savor your last day in the enchanting town of Ilulissat, Greenland. Take in the serene beauty of the icy landscapes one final time before you embark on your journey back to Copenhagen. As you catch your flight, carry the cherished memories and the unique experiences that have made this trip special.

Accommodations

Best Western Plus Hotel Ilulissat

Best Western Plus Hotel Ilulissat
Best Western Plus Hotel Ilulissat
Reception area

Beach Igloo Lodge - Qeqertarsuaq

Beach Igloo Lodge
Beach Igloo Lodge - Qeqertarsuaq
Lodge balcony

Ilimanaq Lodge

Ilimanaq Lodges
Sustainable huts at Ilimanaq lodge
A tourist takes in the view and relaxes inside the Iliminaq Lodge

Dates & Prices

My Preferred Start Date

Per person starting at
$18,434 2-3 travelers

Notes

Select a Date
Please note that Greenland internal flight schedules vary widely and are limited to certain days of the week. Please work with a trip planner to determine available dates before booking any flights.

Rates may vary based on current exchange rate.

Included
  • 8 Breakfasts, 1 Lunch
  • 9 Nights Accommodations
  • 8 Days Locally Hosted Guide Service
  • Accommodations as listed
  • Ground transportation as listed
  • Activities as listed
  • Meals as listed
  • Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
  • Welcome briefing upon arrival
  • Hike to Sermermiut in Ilulissat (Private Tour)
  • Visit to Ilulissat Icefjord Center
  • Boat Tour among the Icebergs and Humpback Whales searching (Private Tour)
  • Oqaatsut Kayaking Adventure
  • Qeqertarsuaq to Disko Island (Private Boat Tour)
  • Hike to Kuannit
  • Private boat from Disko Island to Ilulissat
  • Ilimanaq Glacier Adventure
  • Visit to Glacier Eqi (Private Tour)
  • Private Flightseeing Tour (40 minutes)
  • Kaffemik - Visit a local family (Private Experience)
  • Dog Sled Tour
Excluded
  • Gratuities
  • Travel Insurance
  • Personal Expenses
  • Flight costs (please request a quote)
  • Additional excursions during free time
  • Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
  • Greenland Internal Flights

Map

When to Go

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Good to ideal period to travel, and many people choose to visit at this time.
Typically not offered during this period because of weather conditions.

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Everything was amazing! The planning with Adventure Life went smoothly. The actual trip was fantastic! One of the best trips I have experienced. The cruise staff members were knowledgeable and attentive. I will be writing more about this on the blog!
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