Ilulissat: Disco Bay and Icebergs in the Midnight Sun
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. You will be picked up at the airport, and transfered to Hotel Arctic in Ilulissat.
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.
Dinner
Hotel Arctic
Transfers
Whale Safari (included)
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.
Breakfast
Hotel Arctic
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.
Breakfast, lunch
Hotel Arctic
Meet the Greenlandic Sled Dogs – A Living Arctic Tradition (included)
Step into the world of Greenland’s iconic sled dogs on this guided tour that brings you closer to one of the Arctic’s most enduring symbols. Learn about their deep cultural roots, their role in traditional life, and how they continue to adapt in a changing world. Led by a knowledgeable guide, you’ll hear stories and insights about how these resilient dogs have helped shape life in the Arctic, from transportation and hunting to their continued relevance in today’s remote communities. You’ll gain a meaningful understanding of the special bond between humans and sled dogs in Greenland.
The tour takes place outdoors, where the dogs thrive in their natural habitat. Their thick coats protect them against the harsh cold, making them well-suited for the open environment – not as indoor pets, but as strong, working companions. With the owner’s permission, you may approach selected dogs and experience the individual dog up close. We always prioritize your safety and the well-being of the animals, so any interaction is guided and respectful. You’ll also get a chance to explore traditional sledding gear and learn how it connects past and present practices in dog sledding culture.
This tour is ideal for families and curious travelers of all ages looking for an authentic, educational experience focused on Greenlandic wildlife and tradition. It’s an encounter that will stay with you long after your journey ends.
You can also experience a helicopter flight.
Ilulissat Icefjord and Glacier Seen From Above with Helicopter (optuional add-on)
Ilulissat Ice Fjord and the Kangia Glacier are in focus on a 1½ hours helicopter ride that takes you right into the heart of a UNESCO World Heritage Site. No boat or hiking trail can get this close to the huge glacier – and you will see it all from above!
The helicopter takes off from Ilulissat Airport and flies as low as safety and laws allow over mountains, lakes, rivers, and the Icefjord until we reach a mountain at the ice sheet’s edge. Here we have about half an hour to enjoy the view. Then, we fly over the glacier front and follow the Icefjord for 70 kilometers on our way back.
Breakfast
Hotel Arctic
Breakfast at the hotel. Farewell coffee at the hotel with your guide.Transfer to the airport. Flight with Air Iceland from Ilulissat to Reykjavik.
Breakfast
Transfers
Customer reviews
Jurgen Bohler
I'm back from my awesome tour of Iceland. I had a great time traveling around the country and loved seeing Greenland, too. Both are such unique places to visit and it's exciting being able to check them off my bucket list! The geysers and waterfalls in Iceland were breathtaking. I was able to get some really neat photos and videos! The tour guides were remarkable and I really learned a lot. Feeding sled dogs in Greenland was great - such a nice touch to the trip! I'll never forget that. The glaciers and colors in Greenland were so beautiful. The people and culture in Iceland was remarkable, too.
I already can't wait to visit Iceland in the future and bring a few friends along with me. Thanks for making it so memorable.
Best,
Donna Telvin
I'm back from my awesome tour of Iceland. I had a great time traveling around the country and loved seeing Greenland, too. Both are such unique places to visit and it's exciting being able to check them off my bucket list! The geysers and waterfalls in Iceland were breathtaking. I was able to get some really neat photos and videos! The tour guides were remarkable and I really learned a lot. Feeding sled dogs in Greenland was great - such a nice touch to the trip! I'll never forget that. The glaciers and colors in Greenland were so beautiful. The people and culture in Iceland was remarkable, too.
I already can't wait to visit Iceland in the future and bring a few friends along with me. Thanks for making it so memorable.
Best,
Donna Telvin
Steven here. Just writing to thank you for the amazing trip to Iceland and Greenland you helped me plan back in June. I had been wanting to go to Iceland for quite some time, so finally finishing up the last touches to make it complete was so exciting! Icelandair is such a unique airline and just being on board got me pumped for the trip! I took hundreds of photos while I was there and had a great time showing them to my family. I really needed this trip, so thanks again for making it happen. The beauty of Iceland and Greenland are unlike anything I've ever seen before. I already want to bring a group of friends back with me next time, so I'll be in touch. I think everyone should visit Iceland (and Greenland!) at some point in their life to appreciate the beautiful scenery and history in such cool, remote places. Again, thank you.
Steven Frills