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Sunrise in port of Sisimiut

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Example 9 Day Tour
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Set out on a 9-day tour to discover West Greenland and take in the majestic landscape of Greenland's frozen marvels. Explore the history, customs, and way of life of the people in Nuuk at the beginning of your trip. Visit an open-air market to taste local delicacies and freshly caught fish, then sail through the stunning fjords around Nuuk while enjoying a delicious culinary experience. Fly next to Sisimiut, the second-biggest town in Greenland, where old and new Greenland collide. Here, explore a pristine UNESCO site, take a mini-cruise, and hike a historical mountain. Venture into the Sisimiut Back Country on an ATV, traversing rugged landscapes and admiring the scenic beauty. Paddling in Parasuk Bay is a unique way to experience nature. Experience amazing scenery, unusual wildlife, and diverse cultural experiences during this journey for a truly memorable time in the Arctic wilderness.
 
Tour group on Assaqutaq bridgeCatching Cod, Arctic Boat Charter.Hiker on top of NasaasaaqDogsledge taxi puppies and touristHikers on steep hill in SisimiutSisimiut MuseumSisimiut and backcountry aerial viewStand-up paddling near SisimiutBoat tour in Sirius Greenland arriving in AssaqutaqSunrise in port of Sisimiut
Highlights
  • Enjoy sightseeing tour around Nuuk and visit historical sites
  • Experience an exclusive boat tour into the fjords and catch local fish
  • Explore Sisimiut's vibrant culture and rugged terrain
  • Engage with locals and gain insight into Greenlandic culture and practices
  • Visit local artisan workshops to find Greenlandic handicrafts
  • Explore a pristine UNESCO site, take a mini-cruise and hike historical mountain
  • Discover the Sisimiut Back Country on an ATV all-terrain vehicle
  • Hike in the little island and learn the amazing story about the Inuit way of life
Activities
Places Visited
Activity Level: Variable
Activity options vary depending on destination and operator. Activity level is determined by the range and intensity of activities you choose to participate in. Discuss with your Trip Planner which options are best for you.
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Full Itinerary

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Day 1: Arrive in Nuuk | Nuuk City Tour

Start your day with a welcome briefing about your stay in Greenland. A local guide will introduce you to a local point of contact and go over your itinerary for the trip. Fly from Copenhagen to Nuuk, enjoying the scenic aerial views of Greenland’s rugged landscape.

The tour begins with a drive through modern and historical neighborhoods in Nuuk. The first stop is Colonial Harbor, the birthplace of Nuuk. See some of the town's oldest structures and discover more about its early history here. The tour continues through various neighborhoods, each representing different decades, showcasing architectural evolution from traditional homes to modern structures. To fully capture Nuuk's distinct charm and breathtaking scenery, the guide makes several stops at some of the city's photo locations.

The tour proceeds to "the end of the world," a dramatic viewpoint offering panoramic views of the Kook Islands and Mount Kingigtorsuaq. This spot provides an incredible perspective of the rugged coastline of Greenland. Another significant vantage point north of the city reveals parts of the world’s second-largest fjord system. From here, admire the iconic landmark, Sermitsiaq Mountain, which stands majestically against the skyline. Stopping by the biggest gift shop to buy distinctive Greenlandic goods is an optional activity for those interested in local handicrafts and souvenirs.

After the city tour, settle into accommodation at Hotel Hans Egede. After checking in, take some time to rest and recuperate. The evening culminates with a dinner at Restaurant Sarfalik, located within the hotel. Enjoy a delectable meal featuring local Greenlandic cuisine, reflecting the experiences and the beauty of Nuuk.

After settling in, explore Nuuk City on a private guided tour. Your guided tour begins at the National Museum, where you will find artifacts from all periods and civilizations in Greenland. Here, you will pass by old whale blubber processing equipment, Hans Egede's house, the sculpture of "The Mother of the Sea" in the tide zone, and the statue of Hans Egede by the old church.

Next, you will visit the open-air market, where newly caught fish, seals, and reindeer are sold. The walk continues past the Greenlandic Parliament to the cultural center, Katuaq, in the middle of town. In this beautiful building, local artists often exhibit their work during the summer.

The walk ends with a visit to a local family in Kaffemik. Here, you will be introduced to Greenlandic foods like dried fish and meat. Kaffemik is a traditional celebration where people from the neighborhood are invited to visit throughout the day. After the Kaffemik, you will return to the center of town, where there are excellent shopping opportunities.

Day 2: Nuuk Boat Tour

After breakfast, get ready for an exclusive boat tour. A lovely young couple living in Nuuk will take you on their brand-new boat into the beautiful fjords surrounding the city. The boat, "Sikki," is a modern, enclosed, and heated Targa 32, designed with safety and comfort in mind. It accommodates up to six passengers.

Fishing in the fjords is an enriching experience, whether you are a seasoned enthusiast or a beginner. This special trip presents a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the scenic surroundings, find peace, and have a high probability of catching cod or redfish. Your hosts will sail you into the fjord and assist you in catching the fish.

After the fishing trip, return to Nuuk and bring your freshly caught fish to the Inuk Hostel, where a delicious dinner will be prepared. This event offers a unique opportunity to appreciate nature while indulging in a delectable meal. From Inuk Hostel, you can enjoy a stunning view of Nuuk's signature mountain, Sermitsiaq. After your meal, coffee and cake will be served, capping off an amazing day in Greenland.

After your day's activity, enjoy dinner at Restaurant Sarfalik, located at the Hotel Hans Egede. Sarfalik offers an innovative dining experience that combines the best of Greenlandic and global cuisine. "Sarfalik," meaning "gathering place" in Greenlandic, reflects the restaurant's connection to seasonal produce and local ingredients. The menu showcases the freshest catches and produce of the season, providing a true taste of Greenland.

Day 3: Fly to Sisimiut | Sisimiut City Tour

Enjoy a hearty breakfast at your hotel and head to the Nuuk Airport for your flight to Sisimiut. As you ascend, enjoy aerial views of Greenland's rugged landscape, an endless expanse of ice and mountains.

Arrive in Sisimiut, Greenland's second-largest town, where traditional and modern Greenland meet. Sisimiut is a melting pot of old and new and everything in between. For the past 250 years, the city has undergone rapid development, which began with the construction of the colony of Holsteinsborg, where modern industry and educational institutions coexist with the traditional hunting profession.

On this guided bus tour, you will be taken through the city’s past and present, from the local meat and fish market at the port to Dog Town to the museum. Virtually the entire town is visited, and you get a good idea of the size and features of the buildings and the history of the town. Originally, the colony was on the plateau above the harbor, but today it has grown out of the mountainsides and into the country, so there are some great vantage points where you can make stops for photos. This tour provides a great overview of the town, making it easier to move around on your own afterward.

Check into your hotel, where a cozy room awaits you. Take a moment to settle in and freshen up. Enjoy the delicious food at the Brasserie & Restaurant Nasaasaaq. Enjoy local and international cuisine based on locally sourced fresh seafood and meat.

Restaurant Nasaasaq - Hotel Sisimiut daily schedule
7:00 AM – 09:30 AM: Breakfast service is available
12:00 AM – 05:00 PM: Day Menu
06:00 PM – 9:00 PM: Evening Service is Available
08:00 PM–10:30 PM: Bar service is available (Sunday – Thursday)
09:00 PM – 01:00 AM & 09:00 PM – 001:00 AM Bar service is available (Friday)

Day 4: Aasisisuit - Nipisat Adventure Activity

Experience a unique opportunity to visit the pristine UNESCO site of Aasivissuit, Nipisat. Enjoy a mini-cruise and hike in the cultural-historical mountain scenery in the archipelago south of Sisimiut. This area is rich in cultural heritage from 4,500 years of Inuit history, including significant events involving Dutch and Danish/Norwegian whalers.

Ride in a shuttle to the harbor and depart on a small boat with only 12 passengers. Enjoy the option to stand outside or go inside during the cruise to the small island of Nipisat. Pass the UNESCO key site, an Inuit settlement called Arajutsisut, with a short briefing on its history.

Explore the Aasivissuit-Nipisat area, a UNESCO site. Over the previous 4,500 years, humans have shaped this cultural landscape. The guide will lead you on a hike around Nipisat, showcasing remains from different Inuit cultures and colonial history. Learn about the settlers' way of living and surviving in the harsh Arctic environment. After lunch, board the boat and sail back to Sisimiut via Ikarasaq.

After a day of exploration, head to an Arctic spa. Indulge in the ultimate relaxation experience amidst the serene Arctic environment. Enjoy the soothing warmth of hot tubs and saunas, contrasting with the crisp Arctic air. Let the tranquility of the spa rejuvenate your body and mind.

Day 5: Sisimiut Adventure Activity

After breakfast, explore the Sisimiut Back Country on an ATV. Sisimiut is one of the only towns in Greenland with a gravel road leading about 10 kilometers out of town. Drive through the sled dog area and over a small bridge to cross a local river with crystal-clear drinking water. Continue until the gravel road ends, then visit small sites in the area. Before 1998, the town had a gravel runway, which you will visit for a beautiful view over the bay and town. Return via the sled dog area. A driving license is required to drive an ATV; otherwise, you can sit as a passenger.

In the afternoon, visit the Greenland Dog Adventure Center to learn about the unique Greenland sled dog, the world's most enduring dog and the closest relative to the wolf. The population of these dogs has halved in the last 20 years, with fewer than 14,000 remaining today. The conservation program aims to preserve the Greenland sled dog through tourism and educational initiatives for local children. Learn about the background and current state of sled dog culture. There is plenty of time to pet and cuddle the friendly dogs.

Day 6: Assaqutaq Boat Tour

Take a private boat ride in the afternoon to Assaqutaq, where you can get a close-up look at the Greenlandic way of traveling. Set sail on the Sirius to visit the abandoned town of Assaqutaq, a fascinating historical site that connects contemporary Greenland society with ancient Inuit culture.

Assaqutaq, abandoned in the 1960s and 1970s, is now a summer camp for local schools. During your guided walk, see the old fish factory, a small cemetery, the summer camp house, and a charming old church.
You may also spot humpback whales and minke and fin whales feeding near the shores of Sisimiut. Refreshments will be served on board before returning to Sisimiut along the coastline of Nasaasaaq.

Day 7: Sisimiut Hiking Activity

Today, hike back in time and experience where people have lived for the last 4,000 years. Sisimiut, Greenland's second-largest city, is beautifully located between the ocean and steep mountains just north of the Arctic Circle. In the summer, enjoy the eternal summer nights when the sun never sets.

This tour takes you to Sallinnguit, or "The Tele Island," home to modern telecommunications and rich history. This island has been an attractive settlement for thousands of years, from different Inuit cultures to shrimp-peeling factories in Royal Greenland and historical residential houses. Connected to the city by a small bridge, Sallinnguit is now central to Sisimiut's development. On this tour, walk through the area, learning about Inuit life before European influence, early colonization, and the history up to today. See ruins from different periods and enjoy views of ancient hunting grounds and the town, with its mix of historical and modern buildings.

Day 8: Sisimiut Water Activity

In the afternoon, experience the thrill of "walking on water" with a stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) adventure! Suitable for all skill levels, it is an enjoyable way to get outside and spend time in nature.

Paddle in Parasuk Bay, just south of the harbor, is a beautiful and safe natural inner harbor with small islands. On calm days, venture into the estuary and admire the high Itilleq mountains. This activity is perfect for the whole family, with dry suits available in sizes 160. Children under 12 can ride on a paddleboard with a parent.

Day 9: Fly to Nuuk | Return Home

  • 1 Breakfast
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at the hotel, taking in the final views of the beautiful Greenlandic landscape. After breakfast, check out the hotel, expressing gratitude to the friendly staff for their hospitality.

Transfer to Sisimiut Airport and return to Nuuk to catch your flight home. Reflect on the highlights of your adventures while you drive, such as the chilly scenery of the northern lights, the diverse cultures you have encountered, and the warm locals you have met.

Please Note: Traveling in Greenland requires an adventurous spirit and a certain amount of flexibility. Due to highly variable conditions and the remote nature of the locations visited, it is quite common to experience itinerary adjustments while in the country. 

Accommodations

Hotel Sisimiut

Trial biking with Petr Kraus by Hotel Sisimiut in Greenland
Hotel Sisimiut
Dining area

Hotel Hans Egede

Hotel Hans Egede Skybar, Nuuk.
Junior Suite room
Junior Suite room

Dates & Prices

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This itinerary is no longer available. For other trip ideas, please visit Greenland Cruises & Tours.

Notes

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Rates may vary based on current exchange rate.

Included
  • 8 Breakfasts, 5 Lunches, 7 Dinners
  • 8 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
  • Nuuk City Sightseeing by Car and City Walk (Private Tour)
  • Exclusive Boat Tour - Fish & Dish (Private Tour)
  • Full Board at Restaurant Nasaasaq - Hotel Sisimiut
  • Sisimiut Sightseeing by Bus
  • UNESCO Classic Cruise (Private Tour)
  • Arctic Spa in Sisimiut
  • ATV Back Country (Private Tour)
  • Visit to Greenland Dog Center
  • Cruise to Assaqutaq (Private Tour)
  • Inuit Private Hiking Tour
  • SUP Paddleboard in Parasuk (Private 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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