Greenland Highlights: Kangerlussuaq and Ilulissat
Tour Itinerary
We fly with Air Greenland from Copenhagen to Kangerlussuaq. It is a 4½-hour flight. Your guide from the local tour office will welcome you upon arrival and assist you with the check-in at the Polar Lodge. The Polar Lodge is located just a stone’s throw from the airport and offers relaxed accommodation with kitchen facilities, a communal area and a souvenir shop.
Once you have checked in and unpacked in your room at the lodge, the guide will call everyone together for an information meeting. You will get practical advice about the settlement, the area, places to eat and go, and here you can confirm any excursions you have booked from home.
It is now time to experience the former American airbase on a guided tour by bus, giving you insight into the area’s fascinating history and nature.
Polar Lodge
Transfer
Two activities are included in today's itinerary:
Excursion to the Ice Sheet, Point 660
If you have purchased the Excursions Package, the first tour will take you to the Ice Sheet. Kangerlussuaq is known as the gateway to the Ice Sheet, and this is a guided tour to the immense ice sheet the size of Western Europe. We will drive in a 4×4 bus through a stunning and varied terrain.
As the road comes to an end, we will approach the Ice Sheet itself by Point 660 – a unique experience. We will spend some time in this enormous world of ice before returning to our vehicles. The trip offers great opportunities for spotting reindeer, musk oxen and, depending on the season, many different species of birds and, possibly, some hares. Go on this trip for a unique opportunity to stand on the very Ice Sheet. It is quite something to feel the extreme cold and let your eyes wander across the vast ice surface.
Northern lights trip – Aurora Borealis
The next trip in the excursion package is a tour to see the northern lights. On cloudless evenings, you will often witness the most stunning northern lights in Kangerlussuaq. We will drive out into the landscape, where we will not be disturbed by artificial lighting, and let nature begin its light show.
Later, as we drive back, the guide will talk about the northern lights and the many Greenlandic myths associated with them throughout the ages. A cup of tasty Greenlandic coffee will also be served during the trip.
Breakfast- Polar Lodge
Our next destination is Ilulissat. We get there by taking a 45-minute flight over a breathtaking expanse of ice and snow. The sheer grandeur of the Arctic unfolds in front of our eyes. As we approach Ilulissat, the town emerges from the snowy landscape, with its colorful houses standing against the stark white peaks. A few incredible days filled with icebergs, vibrant autumn hues, sled dogs, and a deep dive into the cultural treasures of this traditional Greenlandic town await you. Upon arrival, take a shuttle bus to the hotel.
In the afternoon, we invite you on an introductory Ilulissat city walk. As you walk through the town, you will learn about its history. Ilulissat is Greenland's third-largest city, founded in 1741. In winter, the striking feature is seeing and hearing the thousands of dogs living here, along with the 4,500 human inhabitants.
- Breakfast
- Best Western Ilulissat
Hike to the abandoned Sermermiut settlement
In the morning, hike to the abandoned Sermermiut settlement nested between the grand icebergs. The settlement is located 1.5 kilometers south of Ilulissat. Learn about the Inuit people who lived here for 4,000 years before the Europeans came to Greenland. After the hike, we recommend you visit the Icefjord Centre. It is beautifully situated with a view of the sled dog resting area, Sermermiut, and the Ice Fjord.
Sailing in the Icefjord
A boat tour among the iconic icebergs of Ilulissat is a must during your visit. Every year, more than 48 km³ of ice flows into the fjord, creating massive icebergs that can measure over 100 meters on each side and rise more than 100 meters above the water's surface. These ice giants drift to the fjord's end, offering the perfect opportunity to sail among them. The icebergs are captivation in any season. The icebergs take on a warm, magical glow during the midnight sun, creating a breathtaking spectacle.
As the heart of Ilulissat's beauty, the icebergs are an essential part of the experience—sailing among them offers an unforgettable nature adventure.
- Breakfast
- Best Western Ilulissat
On your last day in Ilulissat, you are free to explore on your own and experience the town's atmosphere. Learn about Knud Rasmussen at the local museum, visit the open market where fishermen and hunters offer fresh produce, visit local cafes that offer fresh-baked cakes, and try Greenlandic sushi at the local restaurants. And enjoy the breathtaking views of the Ice Fjord.
- Breakfast
- Best Western Ilulissat
- Breakfast
On your last day in Ilulissat, you are free to explore on your own and experience the town's atmosphere. Learn about Knud Rasmussen at the local museum, visit the open market where fishermen and hunters offer fresh produce, visit local cafes that offer fresh-baked cakes, and try Greenlandic sushi at the local restaurants. And enjoy the breathtaking views of the Ice Fjord.
On your last day in Ilulissat, you are free to explore on your own and experience the town's atmosphere. Learn about Knud Rasmussen at the local museum, visit the open market where fishermen and hunters offer fresh produce, visit local cafes that offer fresh-baked cakes, and try Greenlandic sushi at the local restaurants. And enjoy the breathtaking views of the Ice Fjord.
On your last day in Ilulissat, you are free to explore on your own and experience the town's atmosphere. Learn about Knud Rasmussen at the local museum, visit the open market where fishermen and hunters offer fresh produce, visit local cafes that offer fresh-baked cakes, and try Greenlandic sushi at the local restaurants. And enjoy the breathtaking views of the Ice Fjord.
On your last day in Ilulissat, you are free to explore on your own and experience the town's atmosphere. Learn about Knud Rasmussen at the local museum, visit the open market where fishermen and hunters offer fresh produce, visit local cafes that offer fresh-baked cakes, and try Greenlandic sushi at the local restaurants. And enjoy the breathtaking views of the Ice Fjord.
On your last day in Ilulissat, you are free to explore on your own and experience the town's atmosphere. Learn about Knud Rasmussen at the local museum, visit the open market where fishermen and hunters offer fresh produce, visit local cafes that offer fresh-baked cakes, and try Greenlandic sushi at the local restaurants. And enjoy the breathtaking views of the Ice Fjord.
On your last day in Ilulissat, you are free to explore on your own and experience the town's atmosphere. Learn about Knud Rasmussen at the local museum, visit the open market where fishermen and hunters offer fresh produce, visit local cafes that offer fresh-baked cakes, and try Greenlandic sushi at the local restaurants. And enjoy the breathtaking views of the Ice Fjord.
On your last day in Ilulissat, you are free to explore on your own and experience the town's atmosphere. Learn about Knud Rasmussen at the local museum, visit the open market where fishermen and hunters offer fresh produce, visit local cafes that offer fresh-baked cakes, and try Greenlandic sushi at the local restaurants. And enjoy the breathtaking views of the Ice Fjord.
Enjoy one final view of Ilulissat’s Ice Fjord and the captivating icebergs, as the small aircraft takes you back to Kangerlussuaq and onwards to Copenhagen where you will arrive in the evening.
- Breakfast
- Transfer
