8 Days of Autumn Wonders – Northern Lights and Icebergs | Nuuk & Ilulissat
Tour Type
Vacation Package
Available
September - November
Duration
8 days
Difficulty
Easy
Start town
From Copenhagen
Description
Daily itinerary
Included
Useful information
Terms of service
Experience Greenland at its most vibrant, when autumn colors fill the landscapes and the spectacular Northern Lights dance above. On this 8-day adventure, you will explore two incredible destinations – Greenland’s modern capital Nuuk, and the charming town of Ilulissat, the gateway to the world-famous Icefjord and Ilimanaq settlement.
Begin your journey in Nuuk, where you will experience city life Arctic-style. Enjoy a guided sightseeing tour, explore historical landmarks, and soak in the welcoming local atmosphere. In the evening, sail quietly into the Nuuk Fjord and witness the Northern Lights shimmering above you.
Next, fly north to Ilulissat, renowned for breathtaking icebergs and authentic Greenlandic traditions. Here you will wander through the town’s colorful streets on a guided walk, meet the iconic Greenlandic sled dogs, and sail among gigantic icebergs in the UNESCO-listed Ilulissat Icefjord. Your evenings continue to amaze as you head out on a Northern Lights safari, far from the city lights.
Step back in history on a guided hike to the ancient Inuit settlement of Sermermiut, then visit the architecturally stunning Icefjord Center, where you will dive deeper into Arctic life and nature. You will also sail to the picturesque settlement of Ilimanaq, meeting locals who warmly welcome you into their homes for lunch and fascinating stories.
Between excursions, Ilulissat invites you to experience Greenlandic life at your own pace. Explore cozy cafés, lively markets filled with fresh local produce, fascinating museums, and restaurants offering authentic Greenlandic specialties – from local sushi to freshly caught seafood.
Your Greenlandic adventure concludes with a breathtaking flight over Ilulissat’s dramatic Icefjord, providing unforgettable views of a landscape unlike anywhere else in the world.
Click on the Itinerary tab for more details and book your Greenland adventure by pressing ‘Book Now’.
Activities
Boat Tour
City Tour
Food Tasting & Kaffemik
Greenlandic Culture
Hiking
Iceberg Views
Northern Lights
Settlement Visit
UNESCO Site
Attractions
Disko Bay
Ilimanaq
Ilulissat Icefjord
Nuuk Fjord
Sermermiut
UNESCO World Heritage Site
Day 1
Arrival in Nuuk & city tour
Today you will fly from Copenhagen to Nuuk, Greenland’s lively capital, arriving after a 4.5-hour flight. After checking in at Hotel SØMA, your guide will host an information meeting about your stay and local experiences.
Later, join a sightseeing tour of Nuuk. Visit the Greenland National Museum, the historic colonial harbor, and see landmarks such as Hans Egede’s house and the Mother of the Sea sculpture. You will also experience the bustling local market, Kalaaliaraq, before ending at the Katuaq Cultural Center.
The evening is free to explore Nuuk’s restaurants or relax at your hotel.
Day 2
Explore Nuuk & Northern Lights boat tour
Today you can explore Nuuk at your own pace. Discover the city’s cafés, shops, and cultural spots, or simply enjoy the stunning fjord views.
In the evening, join a Northern Lights boat tour departing late evening (we recommend having dinner before departure). Sailing from Nuuk towards Akia – also called Northland – you will escape the city lights for an optimal Northern Lights experience. The boat will stop several times, allowing you to fully appreciate the spectacular night sky and the silence of the fjord.
The Northern Lights are natural, and sightings depend on clear, dark skies. While there is no guarantee, the conditions here offer excellent possibilities.
Day 3
From Nuuk to Ilulissat – town walk & sled dog visit
Today you will fly from Nuuk to Ilulissat. The 45-minute flight offers spectacular views of the icy Arctic landscape and colorful houses nestled among snowy peaks.
Upon arrival in Ilulissat, you will be transferred to Hotel Arctic, where your guide will welcome you with an information meeting.
Later, join a guided town walk to learn about Ilulissat’s history, culture, and daily life. You will encounter the town's famous sled dogs, which are essential to local tradition.
Afterwards, visit a local sled dog owner and his dogs. Watch the dogs being fed, see the equipment used for dog sledding, and learn more about life with these amazing animals.
The day concludes with a delicious welcome dinner at the hotel’s restaurant.
Day 4
Sailing on Ilulissat Icefjord & Northern Lights safari
Today you can explore Ilulissat’s unique mix of traditional Greenlandic life and modern town atmosphere. Visit local workshops selling handmade sealskin souvenirs or other crafts made from bone and teeth.
Later, experience a memorable boat tour sailing among enormous icebergs in the famous Ilulissat Icefjord. These giant icebergs, often hundreds of meters long, create a breathtaking natural spectacle you will never forget.
In the evening, head out for a Northern Lights safari. Away from town lights, you will have the chance to see this magical phenomenon illuminate the Arctic sky, while your guide shares stories and local legends about the aurora. The tour will run only if conditions are clear.
Day 5
Hike to Sermermiut & visit Ilulissat Icefjord Center
Today you have free time to explore Ilulissat on your own.
Later, join a guided hike to Sermermiut, an ancient Inuit settlement beautifully situated near Ilulissat’s famous icebergs. For 4000 years, Inuit cultures lived here, and you will see ruins and hear stories about Greenlandic life before European arrival.
Afterward, visit the Icefjord Center, a stunning exhibition center designed by architect Dorthe Mandrup. Here, you will learn more about the Icefjord, its history, and the Arctic environment.
Day 6
Visit to Ilimanaq Settlement
Today, you can relax or explore Ilulissat on your own.
You will also join an unforgettable boat excursion to the charming settlement of Ilimanaq, south of the Icefjord. Sailing across Disko Bay, you will pass stunning icebergs before reaching this authentic Greenlandic village.
On arrival, your guide will take you on a tour, sharing stories from Ilimanaq’s past and present. You will visit a local family’s home, enjoying Greenlandic hospitality with a light lunch, coffee or tea, and firsthand stories of life in the Arctic.
In the afternoon, sail back to Ilulissat, taking in the breathtaking coastal scenery along the way.
Day 7
Explore Ilulissat
Enjoy your last day experiencing Ilulissat’s unique atmosphere. Visit the local museum, located in polar explorer Knud Rasmussen’s birthplace, or explore the bustling open market, filled with freshly caught fish and local produce.
Sample Greenlandic specialties at the town’s restaurants, from local sushi to freshly baked cakes at cozy cafés.
Take a moment to soak in the unforgettable views across the stunning Icefjord.
Day 8
Departure from Ilulissat
Today you will say goodbye to Ilulissat and enjoy a final view of the spectacular Icefjord and icebergs from the air. You will fly to Nuuk and then onward to Copenhagen, arriving in the evening.
Included
Return flight Copenhagen, Denmark – Nuuk
Return flight Nuuk – Ilulissat
Transfers from the airport–hotel round-trip in Greenland
2 nights at Hotel SØMA Nuuk (private bath/toilet)
5 nights at Hotel Arctic (private bath/toilet)
Breakfast daily
Northern Lights Boat Tour in Nuuk (3 hours)
Cultural History Town Walk in Ilulissat (2 hours)
Hike to the Former Settlement of Sermermiut (2 hours)
Entrance Ticket to the Icefjord Center
Visit the Sled Dogs (1.5 hours)
Northern Lights Safari in Ilulissat (1.5 hours)
Sailing to Ilulissat Icefjord (2.5 hours)
Boat trip to Ilimanaq and coffee with a local family (5 hours)
Welcome dinner at Hotel Arctic (drinks not included)
Food and beverages onboard Air Greenland flight Copenhagen – Nuuk
Sightseeing in Nuuk (approx. 2 hours, local English-speaking guide)
Information meetings in both towns upon arrival with local English-speaking guides
20 kilos of checked baggage and 8 kilos of cabin baggage
Not included
Lunch and dinner
Travel Insurance
Single room supplement Mandatory if travelling alone
Please note extra charges for room upgrades can accrue after the booking as the availability of accommodation is very limited.
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
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: This tour is not recommended for people with reduced mobility and wheelchair users. Please note that this advice is not based on medical knowledge, and ultimately it is your own responsibility to decide if a tour is the right tour for you.
Flight schedules (in local times 2026)
Departure from Copenhagen at 10:00 am
Return flights arrive in Copenhagen at 09:25 pm
Please note that departure times are subject to change by the airline.
26 400 DKK
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