Ice and snow and untouched beauty as far as the eye can see. This is what awaits when you answer the call of the sled dogs inviting you to Greenland for the winter.
Join them (and us) for this 8-day winter adventure on the Arctic Circle at 66.3 degrees N. With flights, 4-star accommodation, and local guided tours included, we take care of all of the details so you can just relax and enjoy everything the Arctic has to offer.
Feel insignificant as you enter the icy world of the vast Greenland Ice Sheet, look up at the 60-metre high face of the Russell Glacier, and watch as the magical northern lights dance overhead. Experience a small taste of life as a Greenlandic hunter as you try to spot wildlife and journey out into the remote backcountry by dogsled. Explore the histories of one of the newer and one of the older towns in Greenland. And embrace the silence and solitude of the magnificent landscapes of the Arctic Circle region.
Book your place on this grand exploration of Greenland's Arctic Circle region by selecting the date and clicking Book Now.
Activities
City Tour
Dog Sledding
Glacier Hiking
Glacier Views
Northern Lights
Attractions
Arctic Circle Trail
Point 660
Russell Glacier
Day 1
Greenland Bound
Our adventure begins with a 4-hour flight from Copenhagen to Kangerlussuaq. Try to arrange a window seat as we fly all the way across the enormous Greenland Ice Sheet with spectacular views.
Once you've checked into the hotel, we'll meet our guide, who will provide practical information about Kangerlussuaq and the surrounding area. We'll then head out on a guided sightseeing tour of this former US airbase and the incredible backcountry surrounding it.
Our guide will share stories of the role Kangerlussuaq played in the Second World War and Cold Wars and how it was transformed into Greenland's modern international airport. We will also visit the harbour, the research station of Kellyville, and "Dog Town," where the Greenlandic sled dogs are kept.
You can enjoy dinner in town or at the Restaurant Roklubben overlooking the beautiful Lake Ferguson. Your guide will arrange transportation to and from the restaurant if you wish to dine there.
Day 2
Greenland Ice Cap
Yesterday we flew over the Greenland Ice Sheet. Today we have the opportunity to walk on it.
The Greenland Ice Sheet
After breakfast, we will travel the length of Greenland's longest road, keeping a keen eye out for musk oxen and other wildlife along the way. At its end is Point 660 - the access point to the Ice Sheet and gateway to an entirely different landscape than any you have previously experienced.
Make sure you are wearing all your layers as you step into a world made entirely of ice.
Our guide will lead you on the safest path, explain the features of the ice, and take you to the most surreal viewpoint where you will see nothing but endless ice surrounding you.
Northern Lights
Kangerlussuaq is one of the best places in the world to see the magical northern lights. So, if it is a clear night and the forecast is good, we will head out of town to a very dark location for the best possible view of this Arctic light show.
Our guide will explain what causes the lights and their different colours, as well as some of the myths (including Greenlandic ones) that have been told about them throughout the centuries. They will also prepare a special treat for you - a Greenlandic Coffee - explaining how the different elements that go into the drink reflect Greenland itself.
Day 3
The Russel Glacier
Today we will once again follow the road towards Point 600 but this time stop at the impressive Russell Glacier. There are few places in the world where you can walk almost all the way up to a 60-metre high glacier face, so this is quite a unique experience.
We will get as close as safety allows and spend time contemplating this massive wall of ice. We will also keep an eye out for musk oxen, arctic hare, and ptarmigan (grouse) that are commonly found in this area.
Once we return to Kangerlussuaq, the rest of the day is yours to enjoy as you wish.
Day 4
Next Destination: Sisimiut
Time to depart Kangerlussuaq and move on to Sisimiut. It is a 30-minute flight over rolling Arctic tundra, with the mountains becoming more and more impressive as we get closer to the coast.
Once we've checked in at the hotel and after a general information session about Sisimiut, we will head out on a guided tour of the town. Our guide will explain a little of the history and culture of Sisimiut as we visit several important sites, including the old town centre, the old heliport, and the local market. We'll also stop at the highest viewpoint in town for a breathtaking view of the mountains to the south.
At night, a welcome dinner is served at Hotel Sisimiut (drinks not included).
Day 5
Travelling by dogsled
After a delicious buffet breakfast, it is time to wear all your layers again for a 2-hour dog sled tour through the stunning backcountry of Sisimiut. Dogsledding is still widely practised in Greenland, and it is the only place in the world where dogs are still used for traditional purposes. The sled dog is, therefore, an important part of Greenlandic culture, and there are ongoing efforts to ensure this continues into the future.
Travelling by dogsled is an incredibly peaceful experience. The squeak of the snow under the sled, the panting of the dogs, and perhaps an occasional command from the musher are the only sounds as you glide through the winter landscape.
For this introduction to dog sledding, we will be two people (plus the expert musher) on a sled. There will also be a break in the middle to take pictures of the snowy backcountry and also the mushers as they untangle the dogs for the return journey.
The rest of the day is yours to do as you please in Sisimiut.
Day 6
Time To Explore Sisimut City
Today is entirely up to you. You may wish to visit the museum, check out the Taseralik culture centre, call into the artisan workshop, take a walk through dog town, or explore other parts of Sisimiut itself. Or simply chill out and relax with a spa, sauna and massage.
If you loved the dogsledding experience from yesterday and would like to go on a longer trip, today is the best day to arrange for it.
Day 7
Monster Sledding Into The Wild
One of the most popular activities for the locals of Sisimiut is snowmobiling. It is much faster than dogsledding and allows them to travel a lot further during the short days of winter.
We will experience a modified version of this on an enclosed sled pulled by asnowmobile that will take us comfortably through the vast snow-covered mountain scenery to the frozen Kangerluarsuk Tulleq Fjord. There will be several photo stops throughout the journey, and we will enjoy a packed lunch at one of the high viewpoints.
Day 8
Home Bound
Unfortunately, our time on the Arctic Circle in Greenland has come to an end.
Today is a fairly full day of travel, flying first from Sisimiut to Kangerlussuaq, and then onto Copenhagen. But we are sure this won't be your last trip to Greenland and we look forward to seeing you again. Perhaps in the summer next time.
Food and beverages on the Copenhagen - Kangerlussuaq - Copenhagen flights
Airport transfers in Greenland
7 nights in 4-star hotels with private facilities in Kangerlussuaq and Sisismiut
Breakfast in the hotel
Welcome dinner in Sisimiut (excluding drinks)
Information meetings
1,5h sightseeing in Kangerlussuaq
5h tour to the Greenland Ice Sheet, Point 660
2h Northern lights tour in Kangerlussuaq
2h Dog sledding tour in Sisimiut (two persons per sled)
1h winter safari in Sisimiut in snowmobile sleigh
Not included
Accommodation, transfers and food in Copenhagen
Travel insurance
Lunches or dinners other than those specifically stated
Excursions other than those listed in this itinerary
Rental of Polar clothing and boots
Unexpected expenses as a result of weather conditions (including difficulties or cancellations due to ice or weather conditions) or flight or boat delays
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)
Day pack
Water bottle
Additional Information
Depending on the availability of flights to Greenland, a flight supplement may apply.
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 cancelled 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, supermarkets), they may not be accepted elsewhere. Foreign currency is often not accepted.
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
Note: Due to COVID-19, a temporary cancellation policy applies. You can find it in the footer of the website under the “Terms & Conditions”.
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