From Copenhagen Ilulissat Kangerlussuaq Qeqertarsuaq
Description
Daily itinerary
Included
Useful information
Terms of service
Witness Greenland's largest ice spectacles on this 12-day package. Your 12 days in Greenland will bring you to the most sought out natural attractions in Greenland, including the Greenland Ice Sheet, Ilulissat Icefjord, the Eqi Glacier, and Disko Island.
We guarantee that you will see icebergs in all sizes and shapes. This extraordinary package trip to Greenland will let you explore the country’s ice spectacles of glaciers, ice cap, icebergs, and ice fjords.
Your trip departs from Copenhagen, Denmark, and takes brings you to Kangerlussuaq, West Greenland. In Kangerlussuaq, you will be visiting Point 660, from where you will ascend to the Greenland Ice Sheet. Kangerlussuaq is one of the best places to see wildlife, why we might be lucky to encounter caribou, musk ox, Arctic foxes, and hares.
Your journey continues by flight to Aasiaat, from where you will board the ferry to Qeqertarsuaq, Disko Island. You will stay three days in Qeqertarsuaq to enjoy the unique surroundings of hexagonal basalt formations, glacier, green vegetation, and mountains.
The next stop is Ilulissat, the city of icebergs. The town is situated by the UNESCO world heritage site, Ilulissat Icefjord. Here the sky-scraping icebergs start their voyage out of Disko Bay, forming a new horizon of ice every day, all year round.
The journey continues to Eqi, The Calving Glacier. You will be staying in the cabin town, Glacier Lodge Eqi, just across from where the ice calves. An indescribable natural phenomenon that must be experienced to be understood.
You return to Ilulissat, where we bid you farewell. By then we guarantee that you have seen ice and icebergs in all sizes and shapes, the Inland ice and a calving glacier, as well as the most beautiful places in Disko Bay.
The tour departs during the summer months, June, July, and August. Throughout June and July, you can experience the midnight sun in Disko Bay. In August you can enjoy the most spectacular sunsets.
By booking this package tour you can travel with ease and comfort. All tours are planned and organized in advance, ensuring you get the full grasp of the best attractions in Greenland. And if you’d like to add more adventures to this exciting summer journey, you can opt for more tours in the booking process. For instance, you can navigate between the icebergs of Ilulissat Icefjord on a kayak or add an additional boat trip among the icebergs to the itinerary.
Click on the Itinerary tab to read more information about each day of the tour, and then reserve your place on this exploration of Greenland by clicking on Book Now.
Activities
Boat Tour
Glacier Views
Iceberg Views
Icecap & Glacier hiking
Settlement Visit
UNESCO Site
Whale Watching
Attractions
Disko Bay
Ilulissat Icefjord
Point 660
UNESCO World Heritage Site
Day 1
The Greenland Ice Sheet
Your flight to Kangerlussuaq, West Greenland departs from Copenhagen, Denmark. The flight has an estimated duration of 4,5 hours.
Welcome to Greenland! As soon as you land and have picked up your luggage, your guide welcomes you in the arrival hall and shows you to your accommodation at Hotel Kangerlussuaq. Hotel Kangerlussuaq is conveniently located in Kangerlussuaq Airport. All rooms are equipped with a private bathroom. The hotel hosts two restaurants and a bar, which serve dishes made from Greenlandic commodities.
After you have settled in, it's time to start exploring the wonders of Greenland. Your exploration starts with a glacier hike at Point 660 by the Greenland Ice Sheet.To reach the Ice we have to cover 37 km of dirt road by car. Your trip takes you through the Arctic tundra. Kangerlussuaq is one of the best places to see wildlife, why we might be lucky to encounter Greenlandic fauna, in the form of caribou, musk ox, Arctic hare, and foxes.
At Point 660 we ascend onto the ice. Safety is the top priority, why the guide will teach you how to navigate around the ice. While hiking around, you can enjoy a view of ice stretching as far as the horizon, you will get a sense of how large the ice cap is. This trip has a duration of 4 hours
Returning to Kangerlussuaq, you retire for the evening in your accommodation.
Day 2
Disko Island via Aasiaat
Your second day in Greenland brings you to Disko Bay. From Kangerlussuaq, you depart with the flight to Aasiaat. From here your journey takes you by boat to Qeqertarsuaq on Disko Island.
Approaching Disko Island, you will be met by a coastline of large volcanic basalt mountains. This otherworldly scenery is topped off with the Sermersuaq glacier resting on top.
You arrive late afternoon and check-in at the hotel in Qeqertarsuaq, which is the only town on Disko Island. The midnight sun provides you with the perfect conditions to enjoy the surrounding nature.
Day 3
Qeqertarsuaq town
The town of Qeqertarsuaq is the last remaining town on Disko Island. The town is beautifully located by a black sand beach, with large basalt mountains in the back. Traditional Greenlandic wooden houses are scattered across the unique scenery, making the picturesque landscape even more idyllic.
Your morning starts with a guided city tour, where you can learn about the town's history, and follow the daily life of a Greenlandic town.
The afternoon and evening are at your leisure, meaning you have time to customize your dream trip to Greenland. Follow a marked route out of town, to either 'Blæsedalen' to see the formations of volcanic activity and a spectacular waterfall, or visit Qaqqaliaq to scout for whales from one of the best viewpoints on Disko Island.
Day 4
Guided hike to the basalt formations by Kuannit
Your fourth day in Greenland brings you on a guided hike to the natural phenomenon, Kuannit. Here you get to see lava creations of a million years in the form of hexagonal basalt columns. The contrast between the beautiful dark basalt columns, the green vegetation, and the dark blue sea makes this one of the most distinct, unique, and beautiful attractions in Greenland. This guided hike has a duration of 3 to 4 hours.
Day 5
Ilulissat, the city by the icebergs
Today, you head west of Disko Island to Ilulissat. 'Ilulissat' means 'Icebergs' in the Greenlandic language. The town inherited its name from the sky-scraping icebergs, that originate from the neighbouring UNESCO World Heritage, Ilulissat Icefjord.
You will be staying three days in Ilulissat to enjoy the natural and cultural activities that the town has to offer. While staying here you will be accommodated at Hotel Arctic, located just outside of Ilulissat.
Hotel Arctic is the world's most northern 4-star hotel and is located on the brink of Ilulissat Icefjord - providing you with an impressive sea view of voyaging icebergs drifting by. All bedrooms have private bathrooms including a shower, hairdryer, and toiletries. Free Wi-fi and breakfast are included.
An information meeting about the following days will take place at the hotel, followed by a welcome dinner at Restaurant Ulo.
Day 6
Whale Safari in Disko Bay
Wake up to the view of icebergs floating past your window.
You will be heading out to sea on a whale safari. Disko Bay’s nutrient-rich waters attract a wide range of seals and whales during the summer, which makes it one of the best places to go for whale watching in all of Greenland. Commonly seen in these waters are the humpback whale, minke whale and fin whale. Occasionally, the bowhead whale also pays a visit to Disko bay.
We have good chances of finding the magnificent sea creatures, as we collaborate with local fishermen who are out at sea.
In the evening it’s possible to go kayaking among icebergs. This is an additional service, which can be added in the booking process. With a guide, you will head out to sea and navigate around the towering blocks of ice. To see the icebergs from the small and flexible vessel, Qajaq, provides you with a completely different perspective.
Day 7
Boat trip among icebergs
Today’s itinerary does not start before evening time, which provides you with the opportunity of putting together your own adventure. We have a wide range of day tours departing from Ilulissat. Head out on a guided hike, visit the nearby settlement Ilimianaq or pay a visit to the sled dogs. See our selection of guided tours in Ilulissat here.
In the evening, you will head out on the UNESCO World Heritage, Ilulissat Icefjord, to experience the icebergs lit up by the rays of the midnight sun. The midnight sun illuminates the white and blue coloured icebergs, changing their colours into red and orange. A spectacular masterpiece of warm colours by nature.
Day 8
Eqi, The Calving Glacier
You depart early in the morning with the boat to Eqi Glacier, where you will be staying the following two nights. Before arriving at Eqi, you have a 2-hour boat ride ahead of you.
On-site, you will witness the 3,5 km long Eqi Glacier wall, that steeply rises into the mountain landscape in the back. It’s quite an extraordinary experience to witness the large glacier brink, but even more unique is to witness the glacier calve. The thundering roar of ice retracting from the glacier can be felt through the whole body. Lunch will be served while you overlook the large ice spectacle.
Immediately after lunch, we head to the east side of the glacier and check-in at Eqi Glacier Lodge. Here you will be accommodated in a cosy cottage with a direct view of the fjord and glacier.
If you have not felt the Greenlandic nature’s silence, there is a chance now. With magnificent nature as far as the eye can see, take advantage of the cottages terraces. Here the only sounds that can be heard, are those from nature. You can hear the ton-heavy pieces of ice, clave from the glacier and fall into the water with a faint rumble.
Day 9
Stay at Eqi Glacier Lodge
Enjoy life by the glacier brink. Sit on the terrace and enjoy the otherworldly view. Head out to explore fauna and flora.
You have the possibility of joining a guided hike to the glacier brink.
South of the glacier we will stop by a small lagoon, that is often occupied by voyaging geese.
From here we will follow the glacier moraine to look down the seracs in the ice.
If we are lucky, we can witness the ice calve in close sight.
Day 10
Return to Ilulissat
By the afternoon, you depart by boat to Ilulissat. In Ilulissat, you resume your stay at Hotel Arctic.
Ilulissat Icefjord is one of the most impressive sights you will witness on this journey, why we recommend that you book an additional boat trip among icebergs. Navigating around the icebergs in the rays of the midnight sun is something you can enjoy to the fullest - more than one time.
Day 11
Free day & sightseeing in Ilulissat
Your last day in Greenland is at your leisure. Take the opportunity to visit the Icefjord Center, the Polar explorer Knud Rasmussen’s museum, and the church, or make the last purchases in one of the city’s many souvenir shops.
It is also possible to add an adventure to your last day. Book a flight over the Icefjord or visit the nearby settlement, Ilimanaq.
Day 12
Departure from Ilulissat, Copenhagen via Kangerlussuaq
Your 12-day stay in Greenland has come to an end. We transfer you to the airport and bid you farewell.
You will travel to Copenhagen, Denmark via Kangerlussuaq. On your flight to Kangerlussuaq, enjoy the views of Kangerlussuaq Fjord and the Greenland Ice Sheet.
After a short stay in Kangerlussuaq, you board the flight to Copenhagen. This last part of your trip has an estimated duration of approximately 4.5 hours.
Flights in Greenland are often subject to bad weather, why delays can occur. We, therefore, recommend that you book your international flight with 24 hours delay,
Included
Flights Copenhagen-Kangerlussuaq- Copenhagen
Food and drinks on the Copenhagen – Kangerlussuaq – Copenhagen flights
Flight Kangerlussuaq – Aasiaat (one way)
Flight Ilulissat – Kangerlussuaq (one way)
Airport transfers in Ilulissat
1 night at Hotel Kangerlussuaq
Breakfast at Hotel Kangerlussuaq
5 nights at Hotel Arctic
Breakfast at Hotel Arctic
Welcome dinner at Hotel Arctic, during your first stay at Hotel Arctic on Day 5 (excluding drinks)
2 nights at Hotel Disko
Breakfast at Hotel Disko
2 nights at Glacier Lodge Eqi in a cabin or wilderness glamping tent
Boat trip to Glacier Lodge Eqi b/w
The hike to the lagoon and the moraine (at Eqi)
Full board at Glacier Lodge Eqi (excluding drinks)
1 night at Hotel SØMA
Tour of the town in Aasiaat
Boat trip to Disko Island (Qeqertarsuaq) from Aasiaat
Boat trip to Ilulissat from Disko Island (Qeqertarsuaq)
Tour of town in Qeqertarsuaq
Hike to Kuannit from Qeqertarsuaq
Luggage transfer in Qeqertarsuaq
Information meetings in Kangerlussuaq, Ilulissat, and Qeqertarsuaq
Towels and linen
20 kilos of checked luggage and 8 kilos of hand luggage
Not included
5 Excursions package: (you can add it in the booking process, add per person)
Excursion to the Greenland Ice Sheet, Point 660 (5 hours)
Sightseeing in Ilulissat (2 hours)
Hike to Sermermiut by Ilulissat Ice Fjord (2 hours)
Midnight sailing at Ilulissat Ice Fjord (2½ hours)
Whale watching in Ilulissat (3½ hours)
Airport taxes and fees
Travel insurance
Lunch on flight days
Optional excursions
Unexpected expenses as a result of weather conditions (including difficulties or cancellations due to ice or weather conditions) or flight or boat delays
Accommodation, transfers and food in Reykjavík or Copenhagen
Please note extra charges for room upgrades can accrue after the booking as the availability of accommodation is very limited.
What to bring
Warm hat, gloves, buff or scarf, gloves
Sturdy shoes (e.g. hiking boots)
Sunglasses, sunscreen & sun hat (depending on weather)
Day Pack
Camera with extra batteries
Water bottle
Additional Information
If traveling alone, you must choose the single room supplement when booking this tour.
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.
There is a 4-hour time difference between Denmark and West Greenland.
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 The Great Ice Adventure | 12 Days | Disko Bay & West Greenland
Rated 5 out of 5
Peter Wilson –
The theme of this tour does not lie. Never have I seen so many different types of ice, in so many different versions, shapes and colors. Yes, colors, because the light, the sun and the weather produce different visual effects on both glaciers, icebergs and ice sheets.
The many guided tours were overwhelming, exciting and full of historical facts and funny stories from the present. In general, the Greenlanders are a people who smile and laugh very easily.
An unforgettable trip.
Rated 4 out of 5
Henrik Hylby Henriksen –
En uforglemmelig tur. Naturen er unik og enestående!!!
Kæmpe isbjerge, fjelde, venlige mennesker og gode guider.
Når jeg kun giver turen 4 stjerner, er det mest pga. indkvarteringen. Nogle steder var bestemt ok, men jeg vil anbefale man afstemmer forventningerne bedre. Måske havde jeg bare forventet noget andet og bedre.
Det vi ikke fik indendørs, kompenserede naturen rigeligt for udendørs.
Peter Wilson –
The theme of this tour does not lie. Never have I seen so many different types of ice, in so many different versions, shapes and colors. Yes, colors, because the light, the sun and the weather produce different visual effects on both glaciers, icebergs and ice sheets.
The many guided tours were overwhelming, exciting and full of historical facts and funny stories from the present. In general, the Greenlanders are a people who smile and laugh very easily.
An unforgettable trip.
Henrik Hylby Henriksen –
En uforglemmelig tur. Naturen er unik og enestående!!!
Kæmpe isbjerge, fjelde, venlige mennesker og gode guider.
Når jeg kun giver turen 4 stjerner, er det mest pga. indkvarteringen. Nogle steder var bestemt ok, men jeg vil anbefale man afstemmer forventningerne bedre. Måske havde jeg bare forventet noget andet og bedre.
Det vi ikke fik indendørs, kompenserede naturen rigeligt for udendørs.