Icebergs in the Midnight Sun
Discover Ilulissat, the modern Greenlandic town north of the Arctic Circle, the picturesque Disko Bay, and see the Greenlandic settlement north of the Polar Circle. Watch the calving glaciers and enormous icebergs up close.
Tour Itinerary
From Keflavik International Airport, you travel directly to Ilulissat.
The flight itself is rather exciting as you prepare to land in Ilulissat while cruising at a low altitude over the Inland Ice Cap. When you get to Ilulissat, you will be met by a guide who will tell you about the trips you can take and the things you can do on your own.
Hike to the Ice Fjord and Sermermiut, an abandoned town (included)
1.5 kilometers south of Ilulissat, there is an old settlement called Sermermiut. Beautiful icebergs surround this settlement. For 4,000 years, different Inuit tribes lived in the town, and you can still see signs of their time there. You will learn about the Inuit and their traditions before the arrival of Europeans in Greenland. Additionally, we will point out historical sites along the way, which can be difficult to locate on your own. Finally, before returning, you will enjoy a coffee or tea break at "Kaellingeklften," with a breathtaking view of the Ice Fjord.
Overnight and welcome dinner at Hotel Arctic (Dinner)
Welcome dinner
Hotel Arctic
Travel directly to Ilulissat
This morning, you can participate in an optional activity.
Whale Safari (optional)
Getting near giant whales is a beautiful experience. There are 15 whale species in Greenland. We typically observe the humpback, the common minke whale, and the fin whale during the summer. At that season, the whales swim across Disko Bay, sometimes near the town, sometimes in the ice fjord, and occasionally north of the island Arveprinsens Ejland. We frequent radio contact with the fishermen and hunters regarding the whales' locations. The humpback, with its distinctive fin, is the species we encounter most frequently. Later, you have to prepare for the evening excursion.
The midnight sun lengthens the days, and you will feel energized to explore and take advantage of the entire day.In the summer solistice, the sun never sets in the Arctic Circle, resulting in perpetually bright nights. Ilulissat's midnight sun is present from 22 May to 24 July, but there are also exceptionally bright nights in August.
Sailing Between the Icebergs (included)
At least once, almost every tourist to Ilulissat chooses to take this boat tour among the icebergs. More than 40 million tonnes of ice flood into the fjord every day. The floating icebergs are enormous, often exceeding 100 meters in width and reaching 100 meters above the water's surface. At the end of the fjord, these giants amass, giving you a fantastic opportunity to sail among them.
When visiting Ilulissat, you should not miss out on this beautiful experience. The icebergs are a stunning sight regardless of the weather; when the sun is shining, the contrasts are pretty distinct, while the blue hues are strikingly gorgeous when it is gloomy, and the midnight sun puts a unique light on the icebergs at night. The boat ride during the dazzling night is an extraordinary experience.
Remember to bring warm clothing; alternatively, you can rent sealskin apparel.
Overnight in Ilulissat (Breakfast)
- Breakfast
- Overnight in Ilulissat
Full Day Eqi Glacier Excursion (included)
Today, you will sail to the famous calving Eqi Glacier. 80 kilometers north of Ilulissat, Eqi Glacier flows into the fjord. It is possible to approach the glacier by boat and witness enormous chunks of ice breaking off. The sound is loud, and the sight of ice shards crashing into the sea is astounding.
During the tour to Eqi Glacier, we sail aboard modern, comfortable boats. The path follows the coast to the north, passing Bredebugt, the settlement of Oqaatsut, and the Pakitsoq fjord system, where whales and seals are frequently observed. We sail across the Ataa Strait, bordered by cliffs and waterfalls teeming with wildlife. Our vessels will wait around two hours before the glacier for ice to break off. In the interim, you will be offered a tasty meal.
This full-day expedition during which you will have the time to immerse yourself in the experience and appreciate the boat ride through the ice-filled waters.
Remember to bring warm clothing; alternatively, sealskin apparel can be rented.
Overnight in Ilulissat (Breakfast, Lunch)
- Breakfast, Lunch
- Overnight in Ilulissat
Today is free to explore the town of Ilulissat on your own or participate in exciting activities like kayaking, fishing, helicopter tour and many others. We have not arranged any excusions on this day so you are free to choose your own, or you can just relax and enjoy Ilulissat and the surroundings. At night we have a farewell dinner at Hotel Arctic.
Overnight in Ilulissat (Breakfast, Dinner)
- Breakfast, Dinner
- Overnight in Ilulissat
In the morning, transfer to the airport and flight to Reykjavik (Breakfast).
- Breakfast
- Transfer to the airport
Customer reviews
I want to thank you for arranging our (last minute) trip to Ilulissat Aug. 12th to 15th.
Everything you promised was delivered and then some. Greenland hosts had everything arranged and communicated to us thoroughly and in a timely manner. They had even pre-arranged pickup at Hotel Arctic for our tours. The room and meals at Hotel Arctic were better than hoped for. The midnight cruise through the icebergs was our highlight. We got everything we wanted. Many thanks!
