5 Days full of Icebergs, Northern Lights & Arctic Culture | Ilulissat
Tour Type
Vacation Package
Available
September - December
Duration
5 days
Difficulty
Easy
Start town
Ilulissat
Description
Daily itinerary
Included
Useful information
Terms of service
This Arctic journey takes you to Ilulissat – Greenland’s iconic Ice Fjord town, where colorful houses meet towering icebergs, and the traditions of the North blend with modern life. Over the course of your stay, you will experience the raw beauty, cultural depth, and everyday rhythm of life above the Arctic Circle.
Sail among enormous icebergs that drift through Ilulissat Ice Fjord – a UNESCO World Heritage Site – and feel their quiet power up close. Hike to the ancient settlement of Sermermiut, where Inuit cultures lived for thousands of years, and see the ruins while learning about life before European contact.
A guided walk through Ilulissat offers insight into local history, daily life, and the town’s many sled dogs, which remain an important part of the community. At night, chase the Northern Lights under crisp, clear skies, while listening to Greenlandic legends and stories beneath the stars.
You will also have the opportunity to visit the remote settlement of Ilimanaq, sailing past icebergs to explore a village where tradition and modern life coexist. There, you will be welcomed into a local home for coffee, conversation, and a taste of true Greenlandic hospitality.
In your free time, explore the museum in Knud Rasmussen’s birthplace, visit the lively local market “Brættet,” or simply take in the views of Disko Bay. Sample Greenlandic cuisine at local restaurants – from sushi made with Arctic fish to freshly baked cakes in cozy cafés. With a mix of included experiences and time to explore at your own pace, this journey offers a deep and personal connection to Greenland – one that will stay with you long after you return.
If you are curious to discover the wonders of the Arctic, this is the tour for you. Select a departure and press ‘Book Now’ to reserve your spot on the tour.
Activities
Boat Tour
City Tour
Greenlandic Culture
Hiking
Iceberg Views
Northern Lights
Settlement Visit
UNESCO Site
Attractions
Disko Bay
Ilimanaq
Ilulissat Icefjord
Sermermiut
UNESCO World Heritage Site
Day 1
Arrival in Ilulissat
You depart Copenhagen in the morning and fly across the North Atlantic with a short stop in Nuuk. The final leg is a stunning 45-minute flight over Arctic wilderness and the vast Inland Ice Sheet. As you approach Ilulissat, the colorful town appears like a jewel set in raw, dramatic nature.
At the airport, Hotel Arctic’s shuttle takes you to your four-star hotel. After check-in, a guide gives you a short briefing about the town, the surroundings, and what to expect in the coming days.
Later, join a guided walk through Ilulissat to learn about local history and daily life, including the sled dogs that live on the edge of town. In the evening, enjoy a welcome dinner at the hotel’s restaurant.
Day 2
Walk to the Ice Fjord and the ancient settlement
Today brings a guided hike to Sermermiut, a former Inuit settlement located just south of Ilulissat. Set against the backdrop of towering icebergs, this area was home to various Inuit cultures for over 4,000 years.
As you walk along the trail, you will hear stories of life before European contact, see ancient ruins, and feel the frozen ground beneath you. The route includes a stop at “Kællingekløften” – a viewpoint offering spectacular sights over the Ice Fjord. Along the way, your guide will share insights into local wildlife, Arctic plants, geology, and the ever-present ice that shapes it all.
Day 3
Icebergs and Northern Lights
Disko Bay is famous for its immense icebergs, striking beauty, and the blend of traditional and modern life in Ilulissat. Whether you choose to explore or simply take in the views, today is yours to enjoy at your own pace.
In the afternoon, head out on a boat trip among the towering icebergs of Ilulissat Ice Fjord – some the size of buildings, rising high above the water. Sailing between these frozen giants is a breathtaking experience and a highlight of any visit. Remember, warm layers are needed, or rent a sealskin suit for the trip.
After dark, join a Northern Lights safari under the polar sky. Far from city lights, you will have the chance to witness the aurora borealis dancing overhead, while hearing Greenlandic legends and stories about this magical natural wonder. The tour depends on clear skies and may be rescheduled if needed.
Day 4
Local life and lasting impressions
Spend your final full day soaking up the atmosphere of Ilulissat. Visit the town museum, housed in explorer Knud Rasmussen’s birthplace, or wander down to the local market, “Brættet,” where fishermen display the day’s fresh catch – a vivid snapshot of everyday life in Greenland.
When hunger strikes, dive into local flavors at one of the town’s restaurants. From Greenlandic sushi and deep-fried ammassats to whale, seal, and home-baked cakes in cozy cafés – today is a feast for all your senses.
For those craving one last adventure, join a day trip to Ilimanaq, a small settlement south of the Ice Fjord. After a scenic boat ride among the icebergs, you will explore the village, visit a local home for lunch and coffee, and hear stories of Arctic life from those who live it. The return sail offers one more chance to take in Greenland’s breathtaking coastline.
Day 5
Farewell to the Arctic
After a memorable stay in Ilulissat, it is time to say goodbye to Greenland’s icebergs, colors, and crisp Arctic air.
You depart via Nuuk and arrive back in Copenhagen in the evening, carrying with you lasting impressions and a deeper connection to this remarkable corner of the world.
Included
International flight Copenhagen, Denmark- Nuuk, Greenland and return
Nuuk- Ilulissat return flights
20 kg of checked baggage and 8 kg of cabin baggage
Return transfer between the airport and the hotel
4 nights at Hotel Arctic with a private bath and toilet
Breakfast
Welcome dinner at Hotel Arctic (excluding drinks)
Welcome meeting with local Danish/English-speaking guides
Town walk in Ilulissat (2 hours)
Sailing at Ilulissat Ice Fjord (2½ hours)
Hike to Sermermiut by Ilulissat Ice Fjord (2 hours)
Northern Lights safari in Ilulissat (1½ hours)
Boat trip to Ilimanaq and coffee with a local family (5 hours)
Not included
Single room supplement
Travel Insurance
Lunch
Dinner
What to bring
Warm winter wear. Ideally, you should dress in layers: at least one thermal underwear layer (top and bottom), activity layer (e.g. hiking pants and shirt), and insulation layer (e.g. fleece or down jacket). The outer layer must be proper winter gear which typically has lots of insulation and is windproof. Think ski jacket and pants if you come from a warmer climate.
Warm hat, thick windproof gloves, buff or scarf
Insulated winter boots
Sunglasses and sunscreen - snow is very bright and even the winter sun can cause sunburn
Camera with extra batteries (the cold drains the batteries faster)
Water bottle
Additional Information
Hotel Arctic
Greenland’s most famous hotel is the Hotel Arctic in Ilulissat. It is located with an incredible view over the town of Ilulissat, the Ice Fjord, and Disko Bay. Hotel Arctic is the world’s northernmost 4-star hotel and features a 5-star conference center. The hotel is located just outside the town, approximately a 15-minute walk from the town center (app. 1.5 km from the central intersection in town). The hotel has two great restaurants and a large terrace outside, which is the perfect place to enjoy a glass of wine while the sun shines its golden glow at midnight over the icebergs at Ilulissat Ice Fjord.
Flight schedule (local times)
Departure from Copenhagen 10:45 am
Back in Copenhagen at 7:40 pm
Please note: The airline can change the times for departure.
Baggage included: 20 kilos of checked baggage and 8 kilos of cabin baggage (max. dimensions of cabin baggage: 55 x 40 x 23 cm).
Travelers with reduced mobility and wheelchair users
We do not recommend this tour for people with reduced mobility and wheelchair users.
Our customers are the foundation of Guide to Greenland so we make great efforts to provide you with the best possible service. We are located in Greenland and cooperate with everyone involved in the Greenlandic tourism industry. We are therefore perfectly placed to quickly react to changes or new wishes you may have to ensure you have the trip of a lifetime.
BOOK EARLY The earlier you book your trip, the better the prices will be, and the more likely you will be able to book the tour you want for the dates/times you want.
Package tours can be sold out more than half a year in advance (note that Guide to Greenland does not include international flights in packages, except where indicated from Iceland or Denmark).
Day trips may sell out closer to your arrival date, but for popular destinations, certain dates/times can also sell out months in advance. We recommend that you secure all of your experiences by booking them well in advance of your trip.
CANCELLATIONS All cancellations must be made via e-mail.
Although Guide to Greenland is committed to ensuring the best protection and service for our customers in the event of a cancellation, we are obliged to charge cancellation fees. This is in accordance with Greenland travel industry business practices. Details can be found in our general cancellation policy.
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