Join us, and meet the people of the north, living in small settlements and sustaining their lives from the Arctic nature! This winter expedition takes you into the heart of Uummannaq Fjord, far above the Arctic Circle. You will travel on dogsled like the locals do, meet the hunters and stay at their homes. Out on the sea ice, we will hunt and camp, to give you a taste of the sense of freedom to live in and with nature.
The air is crisp and cold. From February to early March, there are chances to see northern lights, and the low sun gives amazing colours to the icebergs. In April, we already have long hours of daylight. The sun in the dazzling blue sky is bright on the snow, and twilight colours linger on the horizon close to midnight.
The people of the north are so warm and welcoming. You will be visiting different settlements, talk with the locals, eat together with them, and share stories and some good laughs.
The daily itinerary can be found below.
For you who will experience the authentic culture of the Inuit, experience nature up close, and make friends from all over the world, this is the perfect trip that will bring you closer to our community. Come and live among us, check the booking availability by pressing 'Choose a date' above.
Activities
Camping
Dog Sledding
Food Tasting
Greenlandic Culture
Iceberg Views
Northern Lights
Settlement Visit
Day 1
Arrival to Uummannaq, dinner with a local family
We pick you up at the heliport of Uummannaq. A chorus of dogs will greet you as you settle down into the guest house. We will drop you off to the guesthouse so you can settle in and get ready for your dogsledding adventure!
The town, with a population of around 1250, is on an island with a heart-shaped mountain – which is the namesake of the town Uummannaq “like a heart”. Take a walk among houses of all colours, or go down to the sea ice where the dogs are. There is a special bond between the owner and the dogs, that allows them to work together on long journeys into the wilderness. The dogs are very loyal to their owner but might seem aggressive to strangers. Please keep your distance from the dogs. If you would like to pet the dogs, the owner of the dog will show you what dogs are safe to pet.
In the evening we will have dinner together with a local hunter and his family and brief you on plans for the next days.
Day 2
Dogsledding the fjord, stay at the settlement Ikerasak
We strap your bags and hunting equipment onto the sled, put some pieces of muskox or reindeer skins on top, and off we go. The dogs are eager to start, and as they settle down to a pace that is similar to a bicycle, you will take in the surroundings of icebergs passing by and wind patterns on the snow.
After approximately 4 hours dogsledding tour will arrive at the small settlement in the fjord. We will meet our host family and have dinner with them before getting to bed. It will be the perfect opportunity for you to learn about Inuit culture, and everyday life in the small settlement and just have a cozy time together.
In the Arctic, the angle of the sun is low, so you will enjoy 2 or 3 hours of twilight every day. In early spring the days are short, with long beautiful sunrises and sunsets, with chances of northern lights when the sky is dark. In late spring, the sunset late at night, will blend into the sunrise for the next day. The snow, the icebergs and the sky will be painted in many shades of orange, pink and purple – a photographer’s paradise!
Day 3
Dogsledding to the winter camp
This morning we will start our expedition to nature. We will pass through frozen landscapes, and big icebergs being stuck in the sea ice. If we are lucky we will spot some wild animals.
After we arrive at the camp the rest of the day is yours! You can hike around the area, and learn from the mushers about dogsledding and maintenance.
We camp on the sea ice tonight, in true Inuit hunting expedition style. The tent is erected over the sled, so that inside the tent, there is a “kitchen floor” of ice, and the sled becomes an elevated bed covered with furs. With the stove burning inside, you will be surprised how warm it can be in the tent.
In the evening we will enjoy Greenlandic food in a cozy campsite. Hopefully, the sky will be clear and we could step outside and enjoy the Northern lights show!
Wander around the settlement, the church is often open, and talking with the school kids is always fun. There may be more dogs than people in the settlements, and perhaps some skins hanging out to dry.
Day 4
Dogsledding back to Uummannaq
We travel back to the heart shaped mountain on the horizon. It is amazing how far you can see in the clear Arctic air. We might wave to hunters going out from town, or pass fishing grounds set up with long lines. Stopping on the ice for a chat and a cup of tea is part of the local grapevine, to exchange hunting information or family events.
Day 5
Departure from Uummannaq
The beautiful flight out of Uummannaq will feel different from a week ago. You have been there on the ice, you know what is beneath it, and how it sustains the living of the people here. We hope to see you again, perhaps on a calm summer day under the midnight sun.
Included
Pick up from the airport
Accommodation in the guest house first and last day
All meals
Coffee, tea and biscuits are always available
Clothing including during the dogsledding tour (shoes, pants and jacket)
3 days Dogsledding tour
Local guide
Small group guaranteed!
The itinerary could be adjusted by guests wishes
Please note the itinerary could change depending on ice and weather conditions.
Not included
Flights
Single travel supplement
Alcoholic drinks
What to bring
Good winter boots (lined and waterproof)
Windproof and waterproof outerwear
Heavy and warm winter jacket
Fleece or other warm jacket
Thermal underwear (top and bottom)
Woolen hat
Neck warmer or scarf
Winter gloves
Long sleeve shirts
Long pants
Warm socks
Sunscreen (yes, even in the winter)
Sunglasses (very important to avoid snow blindness)
Small backpack for excursions
Lip balm
Body moisturizer and hand cream with high fat (the air is very dry)
Power bank and extra batteries
Headlamp
European travel adapter
Binoculars (so you don’t miss anything!)
Additional Information
There can be changes to the itinerary depending on weather conditions. Uummannaq is deep into the Arctic, and mother nature can be harsh when she chooses to do so. Living as a part of nature, as the locals do, means that you listen to the environment and adjust to what it brings.
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”.
2 reviews for Dogsled expedition to settlements |5 days| Uummannaq | North Greenland
Rated 5 out of 5
Juerg Bichsel (verified owner)–
The dogsled tour provides even more actions and attractions as described in the detailed tour guide. Wishes of guests are considered by the guide. The group is very small and therefore the personal service is excellent.
Rated 5 out of 5
Ryan (verified owner)–
I thoroughly enjoyed this trip. The arrangement of flights to Uummannaq can be a little involved but once this is set up the dogsledding activities are completely authentic and traditional Greenlandic. The guide goes the extra mile trying to provide the activity each guest wants to include. The seal hunt with Mika was one of the best days of my life!
Juerg Bichsel (verified owner) –
The dogsled tour provides even more actions and attractions as described in the detailed tour guide. Wishes of guests are considered by the guide. The group is very small and therefore the personal service is excellent.
Ryan (verified owner) –
I thoroughly enjoyed this trip. The arrangement of flights to Uummannaq can be a little involved but once this is set up the dogsledding activities are completely authentic and traditional Greenlandic. The guide goes the extra mile trying to provide the activity each guest wants to include. The seal hunt with Mika was one of the best days of my life!