Focus on Icebergs and Whales | 8 days in Ilulissat

Arriving in Greenland

Fly directly from Copenhagen, Denmark, to Ilulissat and enjoy the views while heading to the iceberg capital.  

Upon arrival in Ilulissat, you will be transferred to Hotel Arctic with beautiful views of Disko Bay. 

Flight schedule (local times)

• Departure from Copenhagen at 9:45 am.

Please note that departure times are subject to change by the airline.

In the evening, enjoy a welcome dinner at Hotel Arctic’s restaurant (drinks not included).

Walk to Sermermiut

You will start your morning with breakfast at Hotel Arctic. After breakfast, you will join a walk to Sermermiut Settlement by the icefjord. 

It is an easy walk on the boardwalk located about one mile (1,5 km) south of Ilulissat. It is a historically important place, as Inuit cultures lived here for more than 4000 years.

The rest of the day you can spend as you wish; we would recommend visiting Ilulissat Icefjord.

Sailing to Ilulissat icefjord

In the morning, you can spend as you wish: book an additional tour or just walk around the city.

In the evening, you will join a sailing trip among the icebergs. In 2,5 hour tour, you will see the icebergs up close, admire their incredible shapes and colours, and enjoy the peaceful silence of the Arctic. You will be sailing with a closed, heated cabin boat equipped with a toilet and an outside deck.  

Additional excursion you can select: Helicopter tour of the icefjord

See the spectacular Ilulissat Icefjord and Kangia Glacier from above. Fly over Greenland’s dramatic landscapes and enjoy approximately 30 minutes of landing on the mountain to take in the spectacular views of the glacier.

Looking for Whales in Disko Bay

Today you will join an unforgettable whale-watching tour from Ilulissat and experience some of Greenland’s incredible marine wildlife up close. During the summer, you may spot humpback, fin, and minke whales feeding in the waters around Disko Bay and the Ilulissat Icefjord. Whale sightings cannot be guaranteed, but seeing these magnificent animals in their natural Arctic environment is an experience you’ll never forget.

Additional excursion you can select: Guided Kayaking tour

You will be sailing with a closed, heated cabin boat equipped with a toilet and an outside deck.  All equipment and a certified guide are included.

Enjoy a day on your own or go hiking

Free day to explore on your own. Additional excursion you can book: Hike Along the Blue Trail

This is the tour for more active travellers who like to hike and enjoy the views of Ilulissat Icefjord. Your local guide will tell you about Greenland’s geology, plants, wildlife, and how people have lived in this unique environment for thousands of years. The hike is following cost of Ilulissat icefjord and will be approximately 4 hours long, on uneven terrain, which makes it moderate to challenging for some people. The hiking distance is approximately 7km (4.3 miles). 

Free day or Eqi Glacier tour

Free day to explore on your own or an additional excursion you can book: a 6-hour boat excursion to Eqi Glacier

Sail through Greenland’s spectacular Arctic landscape, passing mountains and drifting icebergs, and if you are lucky, spot whales or seals. Once at the glacier, the boat stops nearby for approximately two hours, giving you the chance to experience the towering glacier front and, with luck, witness dramatic ice calving as massive pieces of ice break into the sea while having your lunch. The duration of this tour depends on the boat used on the day; it could be 6-12 hours. The boat has a heated area to sit inside and outside, and a toilet on board. 

Free day or boat tour to the settlement of Oqaatsut

Free day to explore on your own. Additional excursion you can book: Boat tour to a small settlement in Oqaatsut with lunch at H8 restaurant

Sail from Ilulissat to the small settlement of Oqaatsut. Discover local life as you visit the settlement’s school, church, and fish factory with your guide. Enjoy a lunch featuring local ingredients at Restaurant H8 Explorer, followed by time to explore the peaceful settlement before sailing back to Ilulissat.

Flying back to Copenhagen

Today you’ll fly directly back to Copenhagen with unforgettable memories from Greenland

Flight schedule (local times)

• Return flight with arrival in Copenhagen at 9:00 pm.

Please note that departure times are subject to change by the airline.

We recommend booking your international flight at least one day after returning from Greenland. Arctic weather can cause flight delays or cancellations, so allowing an extra day gives you some flexibility and peace of mind.