8-Day Arctic Wonders with Icebergs, Villages & Glacial Adventures | West Greenland
Tour Type
Vacation Package
Available
June
Duration
8 days
Difficulty
Easy
Start town
From Copenhagen Ilulissat Nuuk
Description
Daily itinerary
Included
Useful information
Terms of service
This 8-day journey begins in Nuuk, Greenland's cultural heart, where you will explore modern Arctic life alongside rich history. Sail through the capital’s fjords before heading to Disko Bay, where you will stay in lodges, hike the Arctic tundra, and visit remote settlements like Oqaatsut.
Witness the majestic Ilulissat Icefjord, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and soak in the views of calving glaciers at Glacier Lodge Eqi. You may even spot whales gliding through the icy waters, adding to the unforgettable Arctic experience! Along the way, immerse yourself in Greenland's unique blend of adventure, tranquility, and Inuit heritage.
Nuuk, Greenland’s Capital: Nuuk, the gateway to Greenland, is your first stop. As a modern Arctic city, it offers a mix of history, culture, and nature. Explore the vibrant city center and sail through the stunning fjords surrounding Nuuk.
Ilulissat Icefjord: Famous for its towering icebergs, the Ilulissat Icefjord, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offers unforgettable views. Sail among the 60-kilometer-long fjord’s icebergs and experience the magic of the Arctic.
Oqaatsut: This cozy village north of Ilulissat has just 45 residents but is rich in tradition. Stay in this charming settlement while enjoying the serene beauty of the area.
Glacier Lodge Eqi: Overlooking a massive glacier, Glacier Lodge Eqi is set in a stunningly lush area. Enjoy amazing views, delicious meals, and guided trips to the nearby Ice Sheet.
Join us for an unforgettable journey through Greenland’s breathtaking landscapes. Click ‘Book now’ to discover the serene beauty of Nuuk, the rich culture of Oqaatsut, and the majestic icebergs of Ilulissat Icefjord. Experience this unique adventure firsthand!
Activities
Boat Tour
Camping & Lodge stay
City Tour
Food Tasting & Kaffemik
Glacier Views
Greenlandic Culture
Hiking
Iceberg Views
Kayaking & SUP
Midnight Sun
Settlement Visit
UNESCO Site
Whale Watching
Attractions
Eqi Glacier
Glacier Lodge Eqi
Ilulissat Icefjord
Nuuk Fjord
Oqaatsut
Sermermiut
UNESCO World Heritage Site
Day 1
Arrival in Nuuk – the adventure begins
Welcome to Greenland! After a 4.5-hour flight with Air Greenland from Copenhagen to Nuuk, your adventure kicks off. Once you settle into your room at Hotel Hans Egede Express, join our warm welcome meeting to get started on your journey.
Spend the afternoon exploring Nuuk, a small city with big experiences. With its museums, theaters, and stunning natural surroundings, Nuuk offers a rich mix of culture and adventure.
Explore Nuuk on a City Tour
You will visit the Greenland National Museum, where you can explore fascinating artifacts from Greenland’s history. Wander through Kolonihavnen, a historic area with colonial homes, and visit landmarks like Hans Egede’s statue and the striking Mother of the Sea sculpture. You will end up in the heart of Nuuk, where you can explore local shops and galleries.
Fjord Adventure
In the afternoon, experience the beauty of the Nuuk Fjord on a boat tour. Marvel at the majestic mountains and tranquil waters as you sail past icebergs. Enjoy a warm drink while soaking in the views, and perhaps spot some wildlife. You will also pass the iconic Sermitsiaq mountain, a famous landmark of the region, before returning to Nuuk.
Day 2
Flight to Ilulissat – icebergs and Arctic history
The journey continues with a flight to Ilulissat, whose name means "icebergs" in Greenlandic — a perfect match for the stunning Icefjord. Upon arrival, we transfer you to Hotel Arctic, offering breathtaking views of Disko Bay and the Icefjord, where giant icebergs rest.
After settling in, a welcome meeting will introduce you to the town and its many activities, ensuring a fantastic stay in this beautiful area.
Cultural and Historical Town Tour
Your adventure begins with a walking tour of Ilulissat, Greenland’s third-largest town, where you will learn about its history, culture, and life 300 kilometers north of the Arctic Circle. The tour includes visits to the harbor, local meat market, Knud Rasmussen’s birthplace, and Zion’s Church.
Hike to Sermermiut and Ilulissat Icefjord
Later, we hike to the ancient settlement of Sermermiut, located 1.5 kilometers from town, where you will explore ruins that tell the story of 4,000 years of Inuit history. Enjoy stunning views of the Icefjord, and stop by the picturesque Old Women’s Gorge, made famous by the TV show “Borgen.”
Sailing Among Icebergs
After a delicious welcome dinner, set sail among the massive icebergs of the Icefjord, bathed in the midnight sun. These towering giants, some stretching over 70 meters above sea level, offer an unforgettable experience. Be sure to bundle up, as it gets chilly on the water, even in summer!
Day 3
Hiking to Oqaatsut – Into Greenland’s wilderness
Today, you will embark on one of the longer hikes, leaving Ilulissat and following the old postal route to the charming village of Oqaatsut, where we will stay for two nights.
Hike to Oqaatsut
Enjoy the stunning Arctic tundra and sea views as we hike the 20-kilometer trail. Your luggage will be transported to Oqaatsut, so you can focus on the journey with just a daypack. The marked trail takes 6-7 hours to complete, with a stop for a packed lunch along the way. The hike is moderate and suitable for anyone with basic fitness.
Discover Oqaatsut
Oqaatsut, home to about 45 residents, is a picturesque village with a slower pace of life. Historically a whaling hub, it now offers a glimpse into traditional Greenlandic life. We will stay at Hotel Nordlys and dine at the renowned Restaurant H8, which serves local cuisine. In the evening, relax with views of Disko Island and the icebergs drifting by in Disko Bay.
Day 4
Kayaking and hiking in Oqaatsut
Today is filled with adventure! After a hearty breakfast, we will head out for an unforgettable kayaking experience. Our expert guide will give a thorough safety briefing before you glide across the serene, icy waters. Paddle through breathtaking fjords, surrounded by towering icebergs, as you soak in the silence of the Arctic landscape.
Afterward, enjoy a hike through Oqaatsut’s hilly hinterland, passing meltwater lakes and rivers. End the day with a delicious dinner at Restaurant H8 Explorer, savoring local Greenlandic ingredients
Day 5
Journey to Glacier Lodge Eqi – sailing and icebergs
After breakfast at Hotel Nordlys, we will sail back to Ilulissat and board a boat bound for the majestic Eqi Glacier. As we approach, the glacier’s calving ice creates a breathtaking spectacle, and we will spend time watching from a safe distance while enjoying lunch on board.
Stay at Glacier Lodge Eqi
Upon arrival, settle into your cozy cabin overlooking the glacier. The rest of the day is yours to explore and relax, with meals served at Café Victor.
Day 6
A free day at Glacier Lodge Eqi
Today is yours to enjoy the peaceful surroundings of Glacier Lodge Eqi. Wake up to stunning views of the calving glacier, and spend the day exploring at your own pace. You can hike the nearby trails, relax in the cozy cabin, or simply soak in the incredible Arctic scenery. Meals will be served at Café Victor, where you can enjoy local dishes while taking in the panoramic glacier views.
Day 7
Hiking to the moraine and returning to Ilulissat
After breakfast, we check out of our cabins and embark on a hike to the moraine at the edge of the Ice Sheet. As we circle the lagoon, you may spot flocks of geese. The hike brings you up close to the glacier, where you can gaze into its deep crevices and watch for calving ice.
In the afternoon, we sail back to Ilulissat, enjoying coffee, tea, and cake on the way. Upon arrival, settle in at Hotel Arctic for your final night, with dinner on your own to explore Ilulissat's fantastic dining options.
Day 8
Departure and farewell to Greenland
With one last look at the stunning icebergs and the Icefjord, it is time to begin your journey home. Air Greenland will take you from Ilulissat, with a stop in Nuuk, and on to Copenhagen, where you will arrive in the evening.
We hope your mental luggage is filled with memories of Greenland that will stay with you long after the trip.
Included
Flights Copenhagen – Nuuk round trip
Food and drinks on the Copenhagen – Nuuk return flight
Flights Nuuk – Ilulissat round trip
20 kilos of checked baggage and 8 kilos of cabin baggage
Information meetings in Nuuk and Ilulissat upon arrival
Transfers airport-hotel b/w in Greenland
1 night in Nuuk at Hotel Hans Egede with a private shower/toilet
City Walk in Nuuk (2 hours)
Fjord Adventure in Nuuk (2 hours boat tours)
2 nights in Ilulissat at Hotel Arctic with a private shower/toilet
City walk in Ilulissat (2 hours)
Hike to Sermermiut by Ilulissat Ice Fjord (2 hours)
Sailing at Ilulissat Ice Fjord (2½ hours boat tours)
Welcome dinner at Hotel Arctic (excluding drinks)
2 nights in Oqaatsut at Hotel Nordlys with shared facilities
Hike to Oqaatsut (20 km easy 6-7 hours hike with packed lunch)
Kayak adventure and hiking in Oqaatsut
2 dinners at Restaurant H8 in Oqaatsut
Boat trip Oqaatsut-Ilulissat
Boat trip from Ilulissat-Eqi glacier (with 1-2 hours lunch stop in front of Eqi glacier on the way to the Eqi lodge)
2 nights in Glacier Lodge Eqi at a Comfort Cabin with a private bathroom/toilet
Full board in Glacier Lodge Eqi (excluding drinks)
Hiking to the moraine at Eqi Glacier
Breakfast during your stay in Greenland
Not included
Single traveler supplement (mandatory if traveling alone)
Meals not mentioned above
Travel insurances
What to bring
Warm hat, gloves, buff or scarf, gloves
Sturdy shoes (e.g. hiking boots)
Sunglasses, sunscreen & sun hat (depending on weather)
Day Pack
Camera with extra batteries
Water bottle
Additional Information
Trips to Greenland are always subject to weather conditions.
Delays and flight cancellations can happen. We therefore strongly recommend that you do not book onward international flights directly after your trip to Greenland. Give yourself at least one extra day to make an international connection.
We also recommend purchasing travel insurance that will cover any expenses should your flights be delayed or canceled due to bad weather.
The airlines that fly to Greenland only allow 20 kg of checked-in baggage. If you go over this limit, there is a fee (often strictly enforced) for the extra weight.
It is important to bring cash in the form of Danish Krona to Greenland. While credit cards are accepted in larger locations (eg hotels, and supermarkets), they may not be accepted elsewhere. Foreign currency is often not accepted.
There is a 3-hour time difference between Denmark and West Greenland.
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.
Reviews
There are no reviews yet.