Greenland Winter Highlights: Nuuk and Sisimiut
Tour Itinerary
We fly from Copenhagen to Nuuk. Ahead awaits a 4,5-hour flight and an 8-day winter adventure.
After you check in and unpack in your room at Hotel SØMA, the guide will hold an information meeting. At the meeting, you’ll get information about experiences in Nuuk, dining, and excursion options, and can confirm the excursions you’ve already booked from home. It is also possible to book excursions at the meeting. After the meeting, it’s time to get to know Nuuk at your own pace and get ideas for what to do today and tomorrow.
Nuuk has only 19,500 inhabitants, but you’ll experience a vibrant “big city” as it is a government city with many cultural and educational institutions. Nuuk is growing constantly and is now about 10 kilometers from end to end. You’ll find concerts, theater, museums, and exhibitions. Sports are central to many, so you can go hiking, skiing, sailing, running, strength training, yoga, and even swimming. Since it’s winter, the ski lift is a favorite spot for the city’s citizens.
Fjord adventure (included)
You’ll soon experience Greenland from the sea. It’s a wonderful boat trip, and we’ll have plenty of time to enjoy the views of some of the most beautiful mountains in the Nuuk Fjord. We sail out of Nuuk and into the large fjord system, the second largest in the world. The mountains in the Nuuk Fjord are beautiful and rugged, many towering above the sea. On our way into the fjord, we sail past the city of Nuuk itself, and from the water, you get a sense of how big Nuuk really is. We may also pass some beautiful icebergs. In the Nuuk area, they are not as big as in Disko Bay, but they are still beautiful and impressive. After enjoying a cup of coffee or tea, we sail on might get lucky enough to see some wildlife. Out here in the fjord, we’re also closer to Sermitsiaq, the beautiful mountain that is one of Nuuk’s most famous landmarks.
In the evening, try one of the many wonderful restaurants Nuuk has to offer.
Meals Onboard
Hotel Soma 3*
Today you will explore Nuuk on a 2-hour sighseeing walk.
Nuuk City Walk (included)
This city walking tour begins with a visit to the Greenland National Museum, where you will gain insight into the country’s history through artifacts from various periods. The tour then continues through the Colonial Harbor, featuring well-preserved buildings from the 18th and 19th centuries, passing sights such as Hans Egede’s House, the Mother of the Sea sculpture, and the statue by the cathedral. We continue to the local market, “Kalaaliaraq,” where freshly caught products are sold, then pass by the government buildings before the tour concludes at the Katuaq Cultural Center—located in the heart of the city and offering excellent shopping and experiential opportunities.
The rest of the day is at leisure to explore on your own.
- Breakfast
- Hotel Soma 3*
The trip continues to the coastal town of Sisimiut. The hotel bus picks you up at the airport, and take you to 4-star Hotel Sisimiut, which will be your comfortable base for the next five nights. Check-in is followed by an information meeting with the local guide.
Dog Sled Adventure (included)
Experience Greenland’s cultural heritage on our Dog Sled Adventure Tour. Travel by traditional dog sled through rolling terrain with local mushers who use their dogs for hunting, fishing, and tourism. The tour includes a stop at the viewpoint Qiterlinnguaq, offering magnificent panoramic views of snow-covered landscapes and a distinctive UFO-shaped cabin, where it is possible to enjoy a meal. Please remember to dress warmly – thermal suits and boots can be rented at Hotel Sisimiut.
- Breakfast
- Hotel Sisimiut 3*
Today is yours to enjoy activities in and around Sisimiut.
Winter Hiking (included)
The Winter Hiking Trip focuses on snowshoeing. Waking in snowshoes is for big and small alike, and it requires no experience, as there is a guide that will help teach you about the use of snowshoes and rods. We walk towards the town’swaterworks, which is right at the end of the famous Arctic Circle Trail. We cross the path and move along the mountainside towards Lake Nilliasup, which is one of the two lakes that provide drinking water for the whole town. The lake is frozen so we can cross it in a southern direction and continue across a moraine, shaped by the enormous power of ancient melting glaciers.
In the area, there are lots of polar foxes and snow hares, which we will try to spot and perhaps find one of their caves along the road. Depending on the amount of snow, on the mountains, we will be able to see traces of scrub strips and various soil species from glacial movements and the melting of the ice. At the end of the moraine, we can look out towards the David Strait and the breathtaking view of the archipelago and the Polar Circle area south of Sisimiut. Here we will take a well-deserved break and get a refreshment.
There is also time to take beautiful pictures before we return home. On the return trek, we cross the mountain to another moraine and continue towards Sisimiut’s cross-country ski trails. Before returning to Hotel Sisimiut, we stop at the frozen lake, Spejdersøen (Scouts’ Lake), which is at placed the center of activities during the winter season.
- Breakfast
- Hotel Sisimiut 3*
Another great adventure is scheduled for today.
UTV Winter Safari (included)
The winter safari is a trip into the amazing mountain landscape on our “monster trailer.” It is a huge sled that is being pulled by a snowmobile. On the trip, you get several stops, so there is ample opportunity to take pictures and enjoy nature. Nature is right outside your door, and you will very quickly get a sense of the difference between civilization and the wild nature. You sit on the big sled and experience Sisimiut’s hinterland. The tour’s route goes through the winter playground and, on the way back, we stop on a plateau so you can enjoy the view of Sisimiut and the Davis Strait. As you are being pulled on a sled, nothing is required of you (other than holding onto the sled), so everyone can go on this tour.
Also, every day in Sisimiut, you can use the beautiful Arctic Spa, Hotel Sisimiut’s hot tubs to enjoy the warm water even if there is a chill.
- Breakfast
- Hotel Sisimiut 3*
Today is your last full day in Sisimiut, giving you time to explore at your own pace or simply relax and enjoy this charming Arctic town.
For those looking for one last adventure, we highly recommend an unforgettable snowmobile excursion into the Greenlandic wilderness.
Snowmobile into the Wilderness (included)
If the introductory snowmobile tour left you wanting more, this extended adventure is the perfect choice. Riding your own snowmobile, you'll venture farther into the spectacular landscape surrounding the Arctic Circle Trail. The route takes you across frozen lakes and fjords, up narrow mountain trails, and to scenic viewpoints offering breathtaking panoramic vistas. You'll also cross the famous dog sled trail before stopping at a cozy cabin by a frozen fjord, where you'll enjoy a packed lunch and have time to warm up and relax.
Farewell Dinner (included)
This evening, gather with your fellow travelers for a farewell dinner at the hotel. The dinner features a delicious Greenlandic buffet showcasing local specialties (drinks are not included), providing a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the unforgettable experiences of your Arctic adventure.
- Breakfast / Dinner
Hotel Sisimiut 3*
Your Greenland adventure has come to an end – for now, at least. Head back to Denmark via Nuuk. Arrive in Copenhagen early in the evening.
- Breakfast
Customer reviews
We absolutely loved Sisimiut. It felt like stepping into another world. The snow-covered mountains, colorful houses, and hundreds of Greenlandic sled dogs made every day feel special. Our hotel was cozy and very clean, and everyone we met was welcoming and helpful. We especially enjoyed relaxing in the outdoor hot tubs after our excursions. We would definitely recommend this tour to anyone interested.
Alan Deen
