8 Days of Autumn Wonders – Northern Lights and Icebergs | Nuuk & Ilulissat

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.

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 at 8:00 p.m. (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.

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. 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.

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.

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.

Visit to Ilimanaq Settlement

Today, you can relax or explore Ilulissat on your own.

You will also join an unforgettable 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.

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.

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.