Summer Holidays in Greenland

The Greenland Ice Sheet is the second largest ice sheet in the world and covers 80 percent of Greenland and has, at all times, attracted expeditions and researchers. It is a truly unique experience to look at the enormous field of ice and feel the forces of nature. Powerful 4x4 vehicles will transport us across a breathtaking environment of mountains, plains, and semi-desert regions. We drive across a spectacular moraine environment towards the Ice Sheet. We walk to the Ice Sheet and onto the massive ice cap at the end of the road. Before returning to our vehicles, we spend some time exploring the world of ice. 

Standing on the ice sheet is a unique experience, but embarking on a mini-expedition is an even greater adventure. This excursion follows the program of the Inland Ice Point 660 tour but includes approximately 4 hours to explore the ice sheet in depth. Most people only reach a few hundred meters into the ice sheet, but it’s worth going further. A breathtaking landscape of icy valleys, ridges, crystal blue streams, rivers, waterfalls, and lakes formed by meltwater reveals itself the deeper you go. With crampons and trekking poles, everyone can participate. It’s no more demanding than walking in hilly terrain at home. We’ll find a scenic spot on the ice where we’ll have lunch – and drink water directly from a meltwater lake! The journey to and from the ice sheet offers beautiful landscapes that we pass by bus, with the opportunity to see reindeer, musk oxen, and Arctic birds and plants. Remember to bring a warm jacket and good hiking boots.

• Breakfast
• Hotel Kaangerlussuaq 3*

The day starts with a beautiful flight from Kangerlussuaq to Ilulissat, where you’ll enjoy spectacular views of Greenland’s dramatic landscapes from the plane. The trip takes less than an hour, and upon arrival in Ilulissat, a bus will welcome you and ensure a smooth start to the day’s adventure.

Ilulissat City Walk
After settling in, we’ll take an exciting city tour of Ilulissat, a town with a rich history and a strong connection to the impressive icebergs that dominate the area. The guide will show you the main sights, including the charming Old Town, the Zion Church, and the museum that tells the story of life in the Arctic. You’ll also have time to explore the cozy shops and cafes where local products can be enjoyed.

Sermermiut Valley Easy Hike
Afterward, a trip to the Sermermiut Valley is just a short hike from the town. Here, you’ll experience Greenland’s cultural heritage up close and enjoy magnificent views of the Ilulissat Icefjord, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You’ll learn about the area’s history as a settlement for different Inuit cultures and have time to take photos of the stunning landscape.

Sailing among icebergs 
The day ends with an unforgettable evening boat tour on the Ilulissat Icefjord. Aboard a comfortable boat, we sail out among the majestic icebergs created by the huge Sermeq Kujalleq glacier. The evening sun casts golden and blue hues on the ice, making the atmosphere magical. The guide tells us about the fjord and its significance while we enjoy a hot drink and take in this unique sight.

It is a day full of experiences where the beauty of nature and the town’s charm come together.

• Breakfast
• Hotel Arctic 4*

Today, a whale safari is included in your tour.

Whale safari among icebergs in the Disco Bay
Whale watching in Ilulissat is one of the most memorable experiences Greenland offers. During the summer months, Disko Bay is home to several species of whales, including humpbacks, fin whales, and minke whales, which migrate to the area to enjoy the nutrient-rich waters. Aboard a comfortable boat, we sail out onto the bay, moving through a spectacular landscape of drifting icebergs and sparkling waters.

Along the way, the guide shares fascinating facts about whale behavior, migration, and life cycle. We hope to meet more whales on today’s tour. It’s always fascinating to hear the sound of the whale blowing before the majestic animals dive into the depths. Watching large mammals leap, swim, and dive in their natural environment is unique. Often, you can also see the impressive tails of humpback whales as they disappear below the surface, but not all whale species dive with their tails up, which surprises many.

There’s also a good chance of spotting other Arctic animals, such as seals and seabirds, making the experience richer. Whale watching in Ilulissat is a unique opportunity to get close to Greenland’s wildlife and a reminder of how vast and beautiful nature is. Be sure to bring warm clothes and a camera – this is an experience you’ll want to keep for life.

Rest of the day is free for optional actvities.

• Breakfast
• Hotel Arctic 4*

Day trip to Eqi Glacier
From Ilulissat, we sail north through the dramatic Arctic landscape, where icebergs of all shapes and sizes drift silently. On board the boat, there is plenty of opportunity to enjoy the views and listen to the guide talk about the nature of the area and the importance of glaciers.

After 2-5 hours of sailing (depending on the boat), the Eqi Glacier appears on the horizon, and the sight is overwhelming. The huge glacier wall rises majestically from the sea, and you can hear the sounds of the ice cracking and breaking. With a bit of luck, we can witness calving, where large chunks of ice detach from the glacier and crash into the water with a huge bang – an experience that fascinates and reminds us of the forces of nature.

We stop in front of the glacier in good time to take pictures, enjoy a packed lunch, and relax. Along the way, you may also be lucky to spot Arctic animals such as seals, whales, or seabirds roaming the area.

At 2:00 pm, we pick up passengers at Glacier Lodge Eqi and head back to Ilulissat.

A day trip to the Eqi Glacier combines the magnificent nature of Greenland with an experience of peace and reflection that can only be found in this part of the world. Bring warm clothes and a camera – this trip is special.

• Breakfast / Lunch
• Hotel Arctic 4*

No matter where you are in Ilulissat, you can’t help but see and hear some of the many sled dogs that live here. Most dogs are in large dog parks outside the town if they’re not out on the trails.

Visit the sled dogs
In Ilulissat, winter lasts six to seven months, and winter means “sledding time.” Around 2,500 sled dogs are used extensively for both leisure and work. Longline fishermen use dog sleds to transport fish between the Isfjord and Ilulissat, where modern motor power often has to give way to traditional Inuit transportation.

After breakfast, you’ll go on an exciting excursion where a local dog owner invites you to watch the feeding of a dog team. Here, you’ll experience the commotion of many dogs barking in unison and their enormous energy and eagerness. The dog owner will demonstrate the sled, harnesses, and whip and discuss the unique interaction between the dogs and their owner. Remember to wait for the owners’ permission before approaching the dogs. This visit is a great opportunity to gain insight into the traditional life of sled dogs in Greenland.

You’ll also have the chance to go kayaking!

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 the huge icebergs rising around you. The sun gives the ice a unique play of colors. In cloudy weather, the beautiful blue colors of the icebergs will stand out. With a bit of luck, we’ll also encounter whales. The tours take place in stable double kayaks with a support boat. The excursion lasts 3½-4 hours, and you’ll be on the water for at least two hours.

• Breakfast
• Hotel Arctic 4*

Today, we fly with Air Greenland from Ilulissat to Nuuk, the exciting capital of Greenland. Although Nuuk has only 19,500 inhabitants, the city feels like a bustling metropolis with government buildings, cultural institutions, and educational centers. The city now stretches for about 10 kilometers and offers everything from concerts, theater, and museums to sports activities such as skiing, hiking, yoga, and swimming.

After accommodation at Hotel Hans Egede, we meet for a welcome meeting with the guide. If you have purchased the excursion package, the adventure starts with a city tour.

Nuuk city tour
The tour includes visiting the Greenland National Museum, which has finds from different periods. We then explore the Colonial Harbor, where the original houses from the 17th and 18th centuries still stand, and see Hans Egede’s house, the Mother of the Sea sculpture, and the statue of Hans Egede at the Greenland Cathedral.

We continue to the traditional market Kalaaliaraq (“The little Greenlander”), where locals sell freshly caught fish and game, before ending the tour at the Greenlandic Cultural Center Katuaq. You are centrally located here and have time to explore the town further.

Boat trip to Qooqqut – catch your dinner
After the city tour, we depart Nuuk on a boat trip to the excellent Qooqqut Nuan’ Restaurant. But this is no ordinary restaurant visit. We sail through the huge fjord system behind Nuuk, the second-largest fjord system in the world. In the Qooqqut Fjord, we stop the engine and catch our dinner. Today, there will be no complaints about the fish not being fresh!

Qooqqut is located in a wonderful valley in the Qooqqut Fjord. The mountains surrounding the valley are up to 2,000 meters high. One of Nuuk’s most respected chefs stays here in the summer and serves the most amazing dishes. For dinner, we will eat our own freshly caught fish.

Unusual for the area, trees are beautifully scattered behind the restaurant. Consider taking a little hike for a great photo opportunity while the chef works on your fish.

After dinner, we hop back on the boat and turn the bow towards Nuuk, where we arrive around 9:00 pm.

• Breakfast / Dinner
• Hotel Hans Egede 4*

A wonderful triangular trip has ended, and you’re returning to Copenhagen today. After eight memorable days in Greenland, you’ll fly directly from Nuuk to Copenhagen.

• Fly to Copenhagen through Kangerlussuaq