Experience the magic of Greenland’s winter on this 5-day journey to Ilulissat, one of the Arctic’s most captivating destinations. Your adventure begins with a comfortable flight from Copenhagen via Nuuk to Ilulissat, where you will stay in the cozy Aurora Cabins at Hotel Arctic, offering panoramic views ideal for spotting the Northern Lights.
Throughout your stay, you will explore Ilulissat’s fascinating culture and history on a guided town walk and hike through the breathtaking landscapes near the ancient Sermermiut settlement. Sail among towering icebergs in the UNESCO-listed Ilulissat Icefjord, and feel the thrill of Greenland’s traditional dog sledding across snowy plains.
A helicopter excursion takes you deep into the Icefjord, providing unparalleled views of Kangia Sermeq, the northern hemisphere’s most active glacier. In the evenings, weather permitting, you will have the chance to chase the mesmerizing Northern Lights under the Arctic skies.
Your tour concludes with a scenic return flight from Ilulissat to Copenhagen, filled with lasting memories of Greenland’s majestic nature and warm hospitality.
Secure your spot on this adventure to Greenland by selecting your preferred travel date and clicking ‘Book now’.
Your journey starts with a flight from Copenhagen to Nuuk, followed by a domestic flight north to Ilulissat. Upon arrival, you are driven directly to Hotel Arctic, located just outside town. After check-in at your comfortable Aurora cabin (easily accessible via a short walkway and stairs), the guide will hold an information meeting, where you will receive details about local experiences, dining, and excursions.
Your first excursion is a guided town walk through Ilulissat, where you explore its fascinating history and local highlights. Founded in 1727, Ilulissat offers historical buildings, friendly locals, and impressive views of icebergs within walking distance from town.
In the evening, Hotel Arctic offers a two-course welcome dinner (excluding drinks) in the cozy restaurant. Later, enjoy relaxing in your Aurora cabin, ideally situated for viewing the Northern Lights. Although the Northern Lights cannot be guaranteed, the cabins provide excellent opportunities to experience this natural wonder.
Day 2
Sermermiut hike and icefjord sailing
Disko Bay is one of Greenland’s most popular destinations, renowned for its spectacular icebergs, dramatic nature, and a unique blend of traditional and modern lifestyles. You may have already chosen some exciting experiences during the information meeting, or perhaps you prefer to simply enjoy Disko Bay’s stunning views from your cozy Aurora cabin.
Today begins with a guided hike to the ancient settlement of Sermermiut, located by the Icefjord just south of Ilulissat. For over 4,000 years, Inuit cultures thrived here, and although snow covers the ruins during winter, you will hear fascinating stories of their way of life. The hike leads to the viewpoint at Old Women’s Gorge, famous from the TV series Borgen, where you will be rewarded with breathtaking views of ice and snow-covered landscapes.
Later, you will sail among the massive icebergs in the Icefjord. Every day, huge chunks of ice break off from the Ilulissat Glacier, forming icebergs up to hundreds of meters in length and towering as high as 70 meters above sea level. Experiencing these ice giants up close from the boat is an unforgettable highlight of any visit to Ilulissat.
Day 3
Dog sledding and Northern Lights tour
Today, you will experience Greenland's iconic tradition – dog sledding. This form of transport has remained largely unchanged over thousands of years, driven by a pack of enthusiastic dogs pulling a wooden sled. The feeling of gliding through Greenland’s snowy landscape is impossible to describe – it must be experienced firsthand.
The 1½-hour sled tour takes place on mostly flat terrain just outside Ilulissat. There are two passengers per sled along with the musher, so if you travel alone, you may share your sled with another participant. Please note that participants must be at least 12 years old, and the tour is not suitable for those with neck, back, or mobility issues.
In the evening, you have the opportunity to chase the Northern Lights. On clear winter nights, the sky above Ilulissat may come alive with the spectacular Aurora Borealis. On this atmospheric tour, your guide will take you out into nature, away from the town’s lights, offering the best conditions for experiencing this magical phenomenon. You'll learn about Greenlandic myths, the science behind the aurora, and enjoy the silent beauty of the Arctic night.
This tour only runs in clear weather, and sightings cannot be guaranteed, as nature ultimately decides whether the lights appear.
Day 4
Helicopter tour to Kangia Glacier
After exploring Greenland’s traditional side yesterday, today offers a thrilling encounter with its modern face – from the air.
On a helicopter tour, you will soar into the heart of Ilulissat’s UNESCO-listed Icefjord, reaching areas that neither boats nor hikers can access. At the center is the massive Kangia Sermeq Glacier – the most active glacier in the northern hemisphere, measuring over a kilometer thick and seven kilometers wide. Witnessing these immense ice formations and nature’s incredible power from above is truly unforgettable.
Departing from Ilulissat Airport, the helicopter will fly as low as safely possible, providing magnificent views of mountains, rivers, lakes, and ice landscapes. You will land at a viewpoint overlooking the ice sheet, spending about half an hour immersed in breathtaking scenery.
On the return flight, you follow the glacier front and trace the Icefjord for 70 kilometers back to Ilulissat, concluding the adventure with spectacular views of towering icebergs stranded just before the town.
Day 5
Return to Copenhagen
After some unforgettable days in the north – and hopefully relaxing moments enjoying the view from your cozy cabin – it is now time to return home.
Today you will fly from Ilulissat to Nuuk on a Dash 8 aircraft, then transfer to Air Greenland’s Airbus 320 for your onward journey to Copenhagen. Due to the time difference, you will arrive in Copenhagen in the evening, despite an early departure from Greenland.
Included
Roundtrip flights Copenhagen–Nuuk with Air Greenland
Roundtrip domestic flights Nuuk–Ilulissat
Transfers between airport and hotel in Ilulissat
4 nights in Aurora Cabins at Hotel Arctic
Food and beverages on Copenhagen–Nuuk flights with Air Greenland
Breakfast each day
Welcome dinner at Hotel Arctic (excluding drinks)
Information meeting upon arrival
Guided town walk in Ilulissat
Guided hike to Sermermiut by the Icefjord
Sailing tour among icebergs in Ilulissat Icefjord
Dog sledding tour (1½ hours)
Northern Lights evening tour (weather dependent, unavailable in April)
Helicopter tour to Kangia Glacier and Icefjord
All flight and transportation taxes and fees known at the time of publishing
20 kg checked baggage and 8 kg cabin baggage per person
Not included
Single room supplement
Travel insurance
Lunch
Dinner
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)
Water bottle
Additional Information
Baggage included
20 kilos of checked baggage and 8 kilos of cabin baggage (max. dimensions of cabin baggage: 55 x 40 x 23 cm).
Travelers with reduced mobility and wheelchair users
This tour is not recommended for people with reduced mobility and wheelchair users. Please note that this advice is not based on medical knowledge, and ultimately it is your own responsibility to decide if a tour is the right tour for you.
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.
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