Ilulissat - 4 days
Take a trip to the Arctic and experience untouched wilderness and exciting traditional Inuit culture. Located on the west coast of Greenland, 300 kilometres above the Arctic Circle, the famous Ilulissat Icefiord is filled with icebergs from “Sermeq Kujalleq” which is the most producing glacier in the northern hemisphere. Ilulissat town is an exciting mix of Inuit culture, modern life and thousands of sledge dogs pulsing under the magical light of the midnight sun.
Tour Itinerary
A 3-hour flight from Reykjavik domestic airport (not Keflavik) to Ilulissat. Transfer to 4-star Hotel Arctic. After the welcome meeting with your local guide enjoy a guided city walk of Ilulissat, and afterwards, you have some time to explore the town, visit the local museum and observe Greenlandic life at the always busy harbour. Welcome dinner (2-course) is included at Hotel Arctic.
Around 22:00, we depart for a sunset cruise to the famous Ilulissat Icefiord that is the world’s largest ice sculpture park. The experience is overwhelming; lights and colours constantly change. Enjoy a late drink on “the real rocks”. Tour duration: about 3 hours. Dress warmly.
(Note: The season for midnight sun is approx. May 22-Jul 24. Outside this season the excursion is operated as an evening cruise with the beautiful sunset reflecting over the icebergs).
Welcome dinner
Hotel Arctic, in a standard (Puisi) room with shower/wc
Flight from Reykjavik domestic airport (not Keflavik) to Ilulissat
Only a few places in Greenland are as beautiful as the Eqi Glacier, which runs into the fjord 80 kilometers north of Ilulissat. It is possible to get very close to the glacier by boat and experience huge pieces of ice breaking off. The sounds are thunderous, and the sight of chunks of ice crashing into the water is astonishing.
We sail in modern, comfortable boats during the excursion to Eqi Glacier. The route takes us north along the coast, passing Bredebugt, the settlement of Oqaatsut and the big fjord system called Pakitsoq, where whales and seals are often spotted.
Lunchtime and watch the ice calve
Further along the route, we pass through the Ataa Strait, which is surrounded by steep mountains with bird life and waterfalls. Our boats, which are reinforced for sailing in icy waters, will remain in front of the glacier for approximately 2 hours and wait for the ice to calve. Meanwhile, a delicious lunch will be served. This is an all-day excursion where you will have a good opportunity to immerse yourself in the experience and fully enjoy the boat trip through the ice-filled waters.
- Breakfast & lunch or dinner
- Hotel Arctic, in a standard (Puisi) room with shower/wc
Breakfast at the hotel. By bus as far as the road goes. Guided walking tour to the old Inuit settlement Sermermiut located on the famous Ilulissat Icefiord that was inscribed on the UNESCO’s world heritage list in 2004. The ancient settlement of Sermermiut, 1.5 km south of the town, is surrounded by Ilulissat’s beautiful icebergs. Various Inuit cultures have lived here over the past 4,000 years, and you can still see remains from ancient times. Learn about local history and customs before Europeans arrived. See plots settled for thousands of year and admire the views across the majestic icebergs. Please wear proper boots or hiking boots.
The hiking distance is about 3 km (1,9 mls) round-trip; hiking time is about 1 hour. Terrain: mainly track bridge and a bit of uneven nature and rocky trail. Tour duration: about 3 hours.
Rest of the day free at leisure to hike along the Icefiord and explore the town of Ilulissat.
- Breakfast & farewell dinner
- Hotel Arctic, in a standard (Puisi) room with shower/wc
Breakfast at the hotel. Farewell coffee at the hotel with your guide.Transfer to the airport. Flight with Air Iceland from Ilulissat to Reykjavik Domestic Airport.
- Breakfast
- Flight with Air Iceland from Ilulissat to Reykjavik Domestic Airpor
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!
Thanks again for your good service.
Laura Blaise, France
