Today, depending on the weather conditions, explore in-depth the old settlement of Sermermiut. The settlement has a 4,000-year history and has been home to many different Inuit cultures and traditions. Visit the settlement's historic cemetery first thing in the morning, where people remain buried to this day. Then, take the walkway to Sermermiut and Nakkaavik, "the place to fall" (Old Ladies Gorge). Your guide will explain the significance of Nakkaavik to the Inuit cultures as well as traditional practices around aging and survival. Continue your journey along the track to Seqinniarfik, where every year, on the 13th of January, the people of Ilulissat hike to welcome the sun after the long, dark polar winter.
Along the hike, the guide will point out the historical sites, which can be hard to find, especially the old Inuit graves, which lie hidden a little off track. Beautiful icebergs are the setting for the old settlement of Sermermiut, located one and a half kilometers south of Ilulissat. Hear the guide tell stories about the Inuit people’s lives and traditions before the Europeans came to Greenland. See the turf hut ruins and touch the permafrost with your own hands.
After hiking to Sermermiut, visit the beautiful Icefjord Center. Situated in the southern region of Ilulissat, the world-class architecture is a captivating sight in and of itself, with its design developed in harmony with the concepts that the Center promotes. The walking paths that wind through the UNESCO World Heritage Site continue into the Icefjord Center. Learn about the ice, how scientists study the ice cores, and much more in the center.
This evening, you will have a unique chance to experience local culture by visiting a local house and family. Greenlanders hold "kaffemik" to celebrate special events of all kinds, from births and birthdays to the first days of school, but the real enjoyment comes from being in a room filled with people. Enjoy this time to connect with the locals and ask questions about life in the polar regions.
End your day by watching the dancing lights in the sky. The enchanted northern lights frequently appear over Ilulissat on clear, dark evenings. Take a walk in snowshoes where the darkness is closest and get away from the bright lights of the city. Your guide will tell you far and wide about the Northern Lights and serve a much-needed cup of hot drink under the starry sky.