Greenland's Majestic Frontiers | 12 Days in Nuuk & Ilulissat | West Greenland

Tour Type

Multi-day Tour

Available

June - August

Duration

12 days

Difficulty

Easy

Start town

Nuuk

Description

Daily itinerary

Included

Useful information

Embark on a captivating journey through Greenland, exploring its stunning capital, Nuuk, and the picturesque town of Ilulissat. Your adventure begins in Nuuk, where you will dive into Greenland's rich history with a guided city tour. Visit the National Museum to view artifacts spanning all eras of Greenlandic history, then explore the colonial harbor with its preserved buildings and significant sculptures like “The Mother of the Sea.”

After experiencing Nuuk, fly to Ilulissat, renowned for its dramatic icebergs and rich cultural tapestry. Discover the town's history on a guided walk, visiting key locations like the bustling fishermen at the harbor and the polar explorer Knud Rasmussen's birthplace. Enhance your visit with an evening sail through the magical Icefjord, experiencing the serene midnight sun or the captivating Arctic twilight.

Continue your exploration with a tour to Oqaatsut, enjoying a three-course dinner in a cozy local restaurant after taking in the area's stunning natural beauty. The adventure reaches new heights with a boat tour to the awe-inspiring Eqi Glacier, known for dramatic scenes of ice calving into the fjord.

Take a guided walk to the historical Sermermiut Settlement near Ilulissat, absorbing the ancient Inuit culture and breathtaking iceberg views. Back in Nuuk, choose from optional activities like whale watching, where you might spot humpback whales in the protected fjords, or a fjord adventure boat tour that offers deep connections with nature.

Conclude your journey with the unique Qooqqut Nuan Catch and Eat experience, where you can fish for Greenlandic species and enjoy your catch freshly prepared in one of the world’s most remote restaurants.

This tour is not just a trip; it is a deep dive into the heart of Greenland, offering a profound understanding of its landscapes and cultures.

Click on the 'Daily itinerary' tab to read more information about each day of the tour, and then reserve by clicking on 'Book Now'.

Activities

Boat Tour

City Tour

Fishing

Food Tasting & Kaffemik

Glacier Views

Greenlandic Culture

Hiking

Iceberg Views

Midnight Sun

Settlement Visit

UNESCO Site

Whale Watching

Wildlife Observation

Attractions

Disko Bay

Eqi Glacier

Ilulissat Icefjord

Nuuk Fjord

Oqaatsut

Qooqqut

Sermermiut

UNESCO World Heritage Site

Day 1

Arrival in Nuuk

Welcome to the stunning capital of Greenland, Nuuk! Upon your arrival at the airport, you will find a self-booked taxi waiting to take you from the airport to your hotel. Taxi ranks are conveniently located right outside the airport, making your transfer to the hotel as smooth as possible.

You will spend two nights in Nuuk at Hotel Hans Egede. This hotel is renowned for its central yet quiet location, offering you the perfect balance of convenience and tranquility to start your Greenlandic adventure.

Day 2

Discover Nuuk

Start your morning with a nourishing breakfast at your hotel. At 10:00 AM, join a city tour beginning at the National Museum, where you will spend around 30 minutes viewing artifacts from all eras of Greenlandic history. Following the museum, your guide will lead you through the colonial harbor, featuring preserved buildings from the past 200 to 300 years.

You will also see old whale blubber processing equipment, Hans Egede's House, and significant sculptures like “The Mother of the Sea” and the statue of Hans Egede by the old church. The tour continues to the lively open-air market where fresh fish, seal, and reindeer are sold. Passing by the Greenlandic Parliament, your tour concludes at the Katuaq Culture House in the center of Nuuk, where you can enjoy some free time for shopping. Entrance to the museum is included in the tour price.

Day 3

Travel day: Nuuk to Ilulissat

Begin your journey with a self-booked taxi from your hotel to Nuuk Airport at 10:30 AM, allowing approximately 20 minutes for the transfer. Check in for your domestic flight from Nuuk to Ilulissat, which departs at 11:45 AM and lands at 12:45 PM after a 1 hour and 20 minutes flight.

Upon arrival in Ilulissat, a hotel shuttle minibus will be waiting to transfer you from the airport to your accommodation.

Ilulissat, founded in 1741, is Greenland's third-largest town and is home to over 4500 inhabitants. Its name, meaning "Icebergs," reflects the breathtaking scenery you will encounter here.

At 15:00, embark on a guided city walk that delves into more than just the sights. Your guide will share insights into the history of Ilulissat, Greenlandic culture, and modern life 300 kilometers north of the Arctic Circle. You will visit key locations including the bustling fishermen at the harbor, the hunters at "brættet", and pass by polar explorer Knud Rasmussen's birthplace and the old wooden Zion Church.

At 21:30, experience the serene midnight sun or the magical twilight hours if you are visiting outside the midnight sun season. Departing from Hotel Hvide Falk’s harbor, this intimate sailing trip to the Icefjord accommodates only 12 passengers, ensuring a personal and tranquil experience. Marvel at the icebergs bathed in varying hues from white and blue to violet, yellow, and reddish tones as the sun hovers around the horizon. Coffee and tea will be served onboard, and facilities are available for your comfort.

Settle in for four nights in a double bay view room, including breakfast, at Hotel Hvide Falk or a similar establishment, offering stunning views and exceptional service.

Day 4

Oqaatsut evening tour & dinner

At 14:00, embark on a captivating 7-hour tour to Oqaatsut, starting with a scenic sail from Ilulissat. Pass the majestic, drifting icebergs that journey from the Ilulissat Icefjord north of the city, setting a stunning backdrop for your adventure.

Upon arriving in Oqaatsut, a guide will welcome you and lead a tour of the settlement, sharing insights into its history and the daily life of its residents. After exploring the settlement, you will have ample time to enjoy the surrounding nature. Oqaatsut boasts numerous viewpoints and benches where you can sit back and appreciate the tranquility and beauty of the area.

The exploration culminates at Restaurant H8 Explorer, where a delightful 3-course dinner awaits. Situated in historic buildings with a breathtaking view of the bay, the restaurant offers a menu prepared from local ingredients, reflecting the simple yet profound essence of Oqaatsut.

The return to Ilulissat by boat in the evening light provides a serene conclusion to your visit, immersing you in the peaceful ambiance of the Arctic twilight.

Day 5

Boat tour to Eqi Glacier

Begin your day early at 09:00 with a 6-hour boat tour to one of Greenland’s marvels, the Eqi Glacier, famously known as the calving glacier. Situated 80 kilometers north of Ilulissat in Disko Bay, Eqi Glacier offers a spectacular natural display as it ends dramatically in the fjord.

As you approach the glacier by boat, you have the unique opportunity to witness enormous pieces of ice breaking off and crashing into the water below, accompanied by thunderous sounds. This breathtaking phenomenon makes Eqi one of the most visually stunning places in Greenland.

The journey to Eqi will be aboard modern, comfortable boats. The route takes you north along the coast, passing the scenic Bredebugt, the quaint settlement of Oqaatsut, and through the vast fiord system of Pakitsoq, where whales and seals are frequently spotted. Continue through the Ataa Strait, framed by steep mountains adorned with bustling birdlife and cascading waterfalls.

Upon reaching Eqi, the boat will anchor approximately two hours in front of the glacier, allowing you ample time to observe the dynamic landscape and capture the magic of the calving ice. During this time, a packed lunch will be served onboard, enhancing your experience with a taste of local fare amidst the stunning Arctic backdrop.

Note that the boat trip duration to and from the glacier can vary, lasting between 2 to 5 hours each way depending on the vessel used that day. The stop in front of the glacier will last approximately 2 hours, ensuring you have plenty of time to soak in the majestic sights and sounds of Eqi.

Day 6

Walk to Sermermiut settlement

At 10:00 AM, set off on a 2.5-hour guided walk to the historical Sermermiut Settlement, located just one and a half kilometers south of Ilulissat. Sermermiut’s backdrop of stunning icebergs adds to the profound beauty and historical significance of the site.

For over 4000 years, Sermermiut was inhabited by various Inuit cultures, and today, the remains of the settlement vividly illustrate their long-standing presence. Exploring this area is essential for understanding the rich history of the Inuit people before European contact.

As you navigate the site, your guide will share captivating stories about the life and traditions of the Inuit, enhancing your visit with insights into their enduring connection to these lands. You will have the opportunity to see the remnants of turf huts and even touch the permafrost, connecting directly with the environment that sustained these ancient communities.

Recognized for its historical and cultural importance, Sermermiut was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2004. To preserve its integrity and protect the area from the impact of up to 30,000 annual visitors, a wooden walkway has been constructed. This walkway ensures that everyone, regardless of physical ability, can enjoy this meaningful experience.

The path leads to Nakkaavik, also known as "the place to fall" (Old Ladies Gorge), where you will stop at the viewpoint. Here, the guide will serve tea or coffee as you take in the breathtaking views before returning along the same route.

Day 7

Ilulissat back to Nuuk

Check out of your hotel and store your luggage at the location free of charge, allowing you to enjoy a few more hours in Ilulissat without the burden of your bags.

At 15:00, take the hotel shuttle to Ilulissat Airport, where you should allow 1 hour and 30 minutes for check-in procedures. Your flight from Ilulissat to Nuuk is scheduled for 16:45 and will arrive in Nuuk at 18:15.

Upon arrival in Nuuk, arrange a self-booked taxi from the airport to Hotel Hans Egede or a similar accommodation. Check into the hotel where you will spend five nights in a double standard room, breakfast included.

Day 8

Whale watching boat tour

At 09:00, embark on a thrilling 3 to 4-hour whale watching tour in the fiords around Nuuk, a haven for marine life and now a sanctuary for humpback whales. This tour offers a unique opportunity to see these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat, especially since Nuuk's fiord has become a protected area where humpback whales are not hunted, making them more comfortable near boats.

The fiords, reaching depths of up to 600 meters, provide the perfect environment for humpback whales, which are known as one of the great gentle giants of the sea. These whales are among the most well-traveled animals in the world, migrating between the Arctic and warmer waters such as the Caribbean. They visit Greenland from June to September to feed on krill and small fish before returning to places like Haiti and Puerto Rico for breeding during the winter.

Humpback whales, which can grow up to 18 meters long and weigh up to 30 tons, are often recognized by their distinctive tail markings. Encountering them up close is an awe-inspiring experience that many find spiritually uplifting.

The duration of the tour may vary between 3 and 4 hours, depending on the boat used. Rest assured, all tours adhere to government guidelines for approaching whales to ensure their safety and well-being. In the rare event that no whales are spotted, you are entitled to join the next available tour at 17:00 on the same day or the next, free of charge.

Day 9

Nuuk Fjord adventure boat tour

At 13:30, set sail on a 2-hour Fjord Adventure Boat Tour, designed to immerse you in the stunning natural beauty of the Nuuk fjords. This tour is perfect for those who wish to connect deeply with nature and experience the tranquility and majesty of Greenland’s landscapes.

As there is no set route for this adventure, each trip is unique, and tailored to the day's conditions and wildlife sightings. The captain might steer the boat towards recent whale sightings or particularly impressive icebergs, making every tour a personalized experience.

While navigating through the fjords, keep an eye out for local wildlife such as the white-tipped eagle and seals. During the summer months, you may also have the chance to spot a humpback whale. The serenity of the fjords, coupled with the absence of cell reception, offers a profound sense of freedom and a deep connection to nature, reminiscent of what the first settlers might have felt upon reaching Greenland around 5000 years ago.

This tour not only provides spectacular views but also offers a moment of introspection and peace as you glide through the waters, far removed from the hustle and bustle of modern life.

Day 10

Free day in Nuuk

Enjoy a day at your leisure in Nuuk, exploring the city or relaxing as you please.

Day 11

Qooqqut Nuan Catch and Eat tour

Embark on a unique 6-hour adventure, the Qooqqut Nuan, which blends a scenic boat tour through the fjords near Nuuk, a fun fishing excursion, and a delightful dining experience. You can choose to start this tour at either 09:00 or 15:30, offering flexibility to fit into your schedule.

The adventure begins with a 50-minute boat ride to the abandoned settlement of Qooqqut, now the site of a quaint restaurant set against the backdrop of a towering mountain. This restaurant, owned by the locally renowned chef Mads Bek and his wife, offers a splendid mix of Far Eastern spices and European cuisine in one of the world’s most remote settings.

During the boat ride to Qooqqut, you will have the chance to fish for fresh Greenlandic fish such as cod or redfish. Upon arrival, any fish you catch will be masterfully prepared by the chef. If you are not lucky with the fishing, do not worry - the restaurant has extra fish on hand to ensure you can still enjoy a freshly prepared meal. Alternatively, you can choose from the regular menu, though the freshly caught fish is highly recommended for its unparalleled freshness.

You will also have the opportunity to purchase wine or other drinks to complement your meal; please note that these are not included in the tour price and must be paid for at the restaurant.

Day 12

Departure Day

On your departure day, arrange a self-booked taxi from your hotel to the Nuuk Airport. The drive will take approximately 20 minutes. Once at the airport, please allow about 1.5 to 2 hours for check-in procedures, especially if you are catching an international flight. This ensures you have ample time to handle all airport formalities comfortably and without rush.

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Greenland's Majestic Frontiers | 12 Days in Nuuk & Ilulissat | West Greenland

Activities

Attractions

Arrival in Nuuk

Discover Nuuk

Travel day: Nuuk to Ilulissat

Oqaatsut evening tour & dinner

Boat tour to Eqi Glacier

Walk to Sermermiut settlement

Ilulissat back to Nuuk

Whale watching boat tour

Nuuk Fjord adventure boat tour

Free day in Nuuk

Qooqqut Nuan Catch and Eat tour

Departure Day

Included

Not included

What to bring

Additional Information

Reviews

Request booking

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