Long Weekend by Disco Bay

Exciting day with many different activities where you can really see ice in different ways.

The Abandoned Settlement of Sermermiut by the Icefjord
This hike takes you through green landscapes to the ancient settlement of Sermermiut, where Inuit cultures have lived for 4,000 years. In the summer you can experience the blooming mountainsides while the guide explains the history and ancient customs of the area. You’ll see the ruins of some of the old peat houses. From the historically significant site of Nakkaavik (Old Women’s Gorge), you’ll have a fantastic panoramic view of the Icefjord and its huge icebergs.

Visit Sled Dogs in Ilulissat
Next, get up close and personal with Greenland’s iconic sled dogs and get a unique insight into their importance to the traditional Greenlandic lifestyle. During this experience, you’ll meet hard-working dogs and hear exciting stories about their role as indispensable helpers in the Arctic landscape. You’ll learn about their training, how they thrive in summer and winter (hint: they like winter best), and their impressive strength and endurance in winter. The visit includes asking an experienced dog owner questions and taking photos of the dogs in their natural environment. It is an unforgettable experience that showcases an important part of North and East Greenland’s cultural heritage.

Sailing Among Icebergs
Almost every visitor in Ilulissat chooses to try a boat trip among the icebergs at least once. More than 40 million ton of ice flows out into the fjord every day. The result is gigantic icebergs, which can be more than 100 meters on each side and with a height of up to 100 meters above the water surface. These giants strand at the end of the fjord, and that gives you a good opportunity to sail among them. An exceptional experience, you do not want to be without while visiting Ilulissat. Remember to bring warm clothes.

• Breakfast
• Hotel Arctic 4*

Sailing to Egi Glacier (Eqip Sermia)
We board our boat and head north towards the impressive Eqi Glacier, which calves ice into the fjord about 80 kilometers north of Ilulissat. The boat trip offers stunning views of the fjord’s icebergs and the raw beauty of the landscape. As we approach the glacier, we dock at a safe distance and spend about two hours in front of the mighty glacier, waiting to experience calving – a sight and sound you’ll never forget. Lunch is served on board while we enjoy the drama of nature. The cruise can vary between two and five hours each way, depending on the type of boat. 

Two Optional Variations:

Overnight stay in Glacier Lodge Eqi 
Glacier Lodge Eqi consists of a charming collection of cabins with outstanding views of the active glacier. The cabins are cozy in rustic log cabin style and offer a unique base for relaxation and adventure. Walkways and ramps have been built between the cabins for easy access, but Glacier Lodge Eqi is not suitable for people with walking difficulties. This is mainly because the ascent from the port facility to the lodges is quite steep, and you must carry your luggage to your lodge. Your stay includes dinner, breakfast, and lunch served in the cozy Café Victor. Here you can also buy drinks and sweets while enjoying the view of one of Greenland’s most impressive nature areas.

Sail to and stay overnight at Ilimanaq Lodge
We depart in the morning and sail past the mouth of the Icefjord before docking at Ilimanaq Harbor approximately 45 minutes later. The cabins at Ilimanaq Lodge are fantastic: They are on two floors with sleeping areas upstairs. When you wake up in the morning, you can go to the living room, sit on the couch, and watch the small fishing boats chug past on the crystal clear water. You enjoy a cup of coffee on the deck and wave to a whale blowing good morning through its blowhole. Ilimanaq Lodge combines magnificent nature experiences with luxurious comfort.

Once you’ve checked into your cabin, you’ll learn more about the settlement and go on a short tour.

Ilimanaq is located 15 kilometers south of Ilulissat and has approximately 50 inhabitants. Ilimanaq offers a full-color palette, from the brightly colored settlement houses to the changing hues of the surrounding landscape according to the seasons. Ilimanaq is a traditional Greenlandic settlement where the main occupations are still hunting and fishing.
Afterward, you’ll be able to relax and enjoy life in a quiet settlement, perhaps lounging on the terrace.

In the evening, dinner is served in a restored colonial building.

• Breakfast
• Hotel Arctic 4*
• Glacier Lodge Eqi (optional)
• Ilimanaq Lodge (optional)

If you’ve stayed at home in Ilulissat, there are different options today. Whale watching is included in your program

Whale watching
Getting close to the majestic whales is an overwhelming experience – a feeling that will give you a rush and leave you with memories for a lifetime. Greenland’s waters are home to around 15 species of whales, and during the summer months, the humpback, fin, and minke whales are the most commonly seen.

The whales move around Disko Bay throughout the summer, often close to the town, in the Icefjord, or further north at Arveprinsens Ejland. We use a fast Targa boat for this excursion, which makes it possible to cover greater distances and increase the chance of finding the whales. We are also in close contact with local fishermen who help us spot the big animals to give you the best possible experience.

If you’re at Glacier Lodge Eqi

The day starts with breakfast, and then we can go hiking again. We check out of the lodges before hiking to the moraine or hanging out in the area so the staff can get the lodges ready for the next group arriving in the afternoon.

Hike to the Moraine at the Edge of the Ice Sheet
From the cabins, we hike around the small lagoon at the southern end of the glacier. There are often large flocks of geese in the lagoon during the breeding season. The hike continues up to the moraine, where we can look down into the huge cracks in the glacier just a few meters from us. From here, we also get an overview of the front of the glacier, and we will see the impressive calving. The ship departs back to Ilulissat at approximately 14:15. The boat trip home is the same route as up, and coffee, tea, and cake will be served along the way. Upom arrival in Ilulissat, you will be picked up and driven back to Hotel Arctic where you will move into your room that has been waiting for you.

If you are in Ilimanaq

After a delicious breakfast, you’ll check out of Ilimanaq Lodge and sail back to Ilulissat, where you’ll have the day to yourself unless you want to go kayaking in the evening. But before that, you’ll be picked up at the harbor and driven back to Hotel Arctic, where you’ll settle into the room waiting for you. You can also try kayaking on the evening of the fourth day.

Kayak Experience in Ilulissat (optional extra)
Inuit have been kayaking in Greenlandic waters for over a thousand years, and you can do the same. The kayak glides silently through the water, and you experience paddling among ice floes and icebergs. The sun gives the ice a unique play of colors, and the ice can be anything from chalky white to golden. In cloudy weather, the beautiful blue colors of the icebergs will stand out. If you’re lucky, you might even see whales. The tours are in stable double kayaks, and a support boat is included. The excursion lasts 3½-4 hours, and you’ll be on the water for at least two hours.

You are on your own to choose where you want to eat on your last evening. There are many restaurants in Ilulissat, and at Hotel Arctic, there are two very good ones, one of which you’ve already tried at the welcome dinner. Both restaurants have excellent views, and the food is of international class, prepared with delicious Greenlandic ingredients. You’ll also find several restaurants in town.

• Breakfast
• Hotel Arctic 4*

After an adventurous, extended weekend, it is time to say your goodbyes to Ilulissat. Greenland is likely to have made quite an impressions on you that will spark a special feeling and flash a series of indelible mental images whenever you hear the word Greenland mentioned in the future.

You depart from Ilulissat via Kangerlussuaq, arriving in Copenhagen in the evening.

• Breakfast
• Transfer to the Airport