The Ultimate Greenland trip from South to North | 15 Days

Flight from Reykjavik to Narsarsuaq & a hike in Narsarsuaq

From Keflavik International Airport in Iceland, we will fly with Icelandair to Narsarsuaq. The town is beautifully located in South Greenland’s oasis of rough mountains, trees, icy fjords, glaciers, and ruins from the age of Vikings.

We will be staying at Hotel Narsarsuaq, which is neighbor to the Kujataa UNESCO World Heritage area, so you will have the immense nature right outside your window. After check-in and dinner, those who is up for a great hike can go along to a tour towards Signal Hill. Here, you will find a breath-taking view of the airport area, Brattahlid, and the Ice Sheet. For those who do not wish to reach the top, the view is still very beautiful.

During the evening, you will have a lovely welcome dinner in the hotel restaurant (drinks not included).

Boat trip to Qassiarsuk and Itilleq & hiking to Igaliku

Today we will go on some awesome excursions!

Qassiarsuk/Brattahlid

In the morning, we sail into the area of Kujataa to Qassiarsuk which is located at the bottom of Tunulliarfik. This is the exact place where Erik the Red settled when he discovered this green land in 985!

You will see the restored ruins of Erik the Red’s settlement, Brattahlid, and see reconstructions of his longhouse and his wife Thorhildur’s church.

On the guided tour, you will get great insights into life in South Greenland 1000 years ago. There will be lots of time to experience Qassiarsuk.

Igaliku/Gardar

After, we sail to the beautiful Qooroq Fjord to the landing site Itilleq. Here, we will walk on a gravel road for one hour to Igaliku, the old King’s Road. Igaliku is a beautiful sheep farming settlement at the head of the Igaliku Fjord, surrounded by a beautiful green landscape and steep hills in the background. This is where the Norsemen established their Gardar bishopric.

The remnants of the small cathedral are now visible between the colorful houses and vegetable gardens. Today, approximately 40 people live in Igaliku and is primarily working as sheep farmers. We will spend two nights in the quaint country hotel which has an amazing view of the Azure Fjord.

Full-day hiking trip in and around Igaliku

This wonderful area invites you to take a guided hiking trip north of Igaliku to a fantastic viewpoint of the Qooroq glacier and the Greenland Ice Sheet on the horizon. On the way, we pass a small lake with a great chance to find moonstones. Other hiking routes are also possible, such as roaring waterfalls or Nuluk hill.

Boat transfer to Qaqortoq & guided town tour

Today, we sail to Qaqortoq. An amazing sail tour through fantastic scenery with icebergs and cliffs. There might be a chance to spot sea eagles and seals as well! We stop by Hvalsey, which is yet another relic from the past. Hvalsey is known for the last known testimony to the lives of the Norse in Greenland. In 1408, there was a wedding in the church and this is the last written testimony of the Norse presence in Greenland.

Qaqortoq

We arrive at Qaqortoq early in the afternoon. Here, you will be staying at Hotel Qaqortoq. Yet again, there is an amazing view from the hotel where you can see the harbor. After check-in, we will take a walk around the colorful houses and flower gardens in Qaqortoq. The town is located between the Qaqortoq Fjord and the great lake Tasersuaq.

Time in Qaqortoq and northward sailing

Today you will be on your own and have time to experience the many things there is to see in Qaqortoq. At the tourist office, you can get a map of the highlights of Qaqortoq. You can take a walk over the river and visit the open fish and meat market and the charming museum.

Late in the afternoon, we board the coastal ship Sarfaq Ittuk. Here, you can just relax and enjoy the view of the coastline and try to spot whales and seals!

You will stay in the Cabins design for 1-4 people! Cabin is aprox 10 square meters and have table, shatir, wardrobe, bed (bed linen and towels) with bathroom and toilet. You wont be staying with strangers, you will stay with people you booked the trip.

The evening meal will be served on board the ship.

At sea on Sarfaq Ittuk

The coastline varies with desolate areas, rocky landscapes, and icebergs of different sizes and colors. There will be plenty of time to sit back and enjoy the moment with a book or maybe good conversation with some of the locals who also sail along the coast.

Arrival in Nuuk with a city tour and tour to the fjord catching your own dinner on a boat trip

We will reach Nuuk approximately at 7:30 AM and go directly to the 4-star hotel, Hotel Hans Egede. You will have breakfast at the hotel and after it is time to explore the Arctic capital!

Sightseeing tour with the Greenland National Museum and the old colonial harbor.

During the city tour, you will be introduced to the major attractions such as the Greenland National Museum, Katuaq (the culture house), the Colonial harbor, the fish market, and much more.

You can spend the afternoon on your own. The hotel is located in the heart of Nuuk, and you have the opportunity to explore the nearby area on your own. Moreover, like all other towns in Greenland, nature is right at your doorstep if you want to go out and experience nature.

Boat trip to Qooqqut – catch your own dinner

At 3:30 PM, we depart from Nuuk on a boat trip to the lovely Qooqqut Nuan’ Restaurant. However, this is no normal restaurant visit! We sail through the vast fjord system behind Nuuk. In the Qooqqut Fjord, we stop and try to catch our own dinner.

After dinner, we will sail back to Nuuk and we will arrive around 9:00 PM.

Flight to Ilulissat and town walk followed by a hike to the Ice Fjord and Sermermiut

We will fly from Nuuk to Ilulissat and stay at Hotel Arctic or Hotel Ilulissat. Both hotels have an extremely beautiful view of the Icefjord.

'Ilulissat' is the Greenlandic word for icebergs and is Greenland’s third largest town. Approximately 4500 inhabitants and about 2500 sled dogs are fortunate enough to live in this amazing town. Ilulissat is located almost 300 kilometers north of the Arctic Circle means that the midnight sun rules until mid-July. It never gets completely dark and everything is shrouded in an orange which is magical!

Town walk in Ilulissat

During the afternoon, we will go out on a guided tour where the guide will introduce you to modern life in contrast to the traditional hunting life which is still thriving in the town.

Sermermiut

This day also offers a hike to the former Sermermiut settlement which is located beautifully at the mouth of the Ice Fjord. It is a beautiful walk along the fjord with a view of icebergs of all shapes and sizes. A walk you won't forget!

Sail tour to Eqi Glacier & check-in at Glacier Lodge Eqi

Today, we will sail northwards from Iliulissat to the calving Eqi Glacier.  It is an approximately 2 hours sailing tour. As we get to Eqi, the boat sails close to the impressive glacier front where you might be lucky enough to witness small calvings.

Glacier Lodge Eqi

Afterward, we go ashore at Glacier Lodge Eqi which is located in the middle of the Arctic wilderness with beautiful direct views of the glacier. We will spend the next two nights in small cozy one-room wooden cabins for one or two persons. You won't share cabins with strangers.

There are no running water or sewerage facilities in the standard cabins, but this is part of the concept! The cabins are equipped with a gas stove for heating and candles as a light source. All meals are served in Café Victor.

If you wish, you can upgrade to 'Comfort cabins', which have private facilities and electricity – ask when you book your holiday!

Your guide organizes hiking trips in the area, including trips to the lagoon and the moraine, which offers a spectacular view of the Eqi Glacier. It is totally up to you whether to join a hiking trip or not. Perhaps you might just want to relax in the beautiful landscape out on the cabin’s terrace.

Glacier Lodge Eqi

The day is free! This will be a perfect day to go for a beautiful hike.

Hiking to the moraine

You can hike 4-5 hours from Glacier Lodge to the moraine at Eqi Glacier. The hike is not too difficult, but it is a bit uphill, and you should be prepared to cross a small river and then climb up the mountain a bit if you want to get the right view of the board from the moraine edge. Once you have done that, you will get the most astonishing view of the giant glacier.

Half a day at Glacier Lodge Eqi and back to Ilulissat

At noon, we will sail back to Ilulissat and arrive late in the afternoon. Enjoy the passing scenery while looking out for whales. Fin whales and humpback whales, among other species, are often spotted in this area. After a great sail tour back to Ilulissat, we will check back in at the hotel.

Explore Ilulissat on your own or go on a whale safari!

This day is at your disposal. There are many options for hiking in the area around Ilulissat. Ask your guide who can give you some good suggestions.

Whale Safari surrounded by icebergs in the Disco Bay

An experience you will not forget is getting close to large animals like whales. There are 15 species of whales in the waters around Greenland. During the summer, we usually see humpback, common minke whales, and fin whales. The whales swim in the entire Disko Bay during summer.

One night in Ilimanaq Lodge and dinner at Restaurant KOKS

On this day, you will sail to Ilimanaq and stay overnight in the stunning cottages at Ilimanaq Lodge. You will get there by boat and sail past the mouth of the Ice Fjord before arriving at the port of Ilimanaq 45 minutes later.

The cabins at Ilimanaq Lodge are just amazing. They offer two floors with beds upstairs. When you wake up in the morning, you step down into the living room, sit on the couch, and watch the small fishing boats breaking the crystal-clear water!

Once you have checked in, you will hear more about the village. Ilimanaq is 15 kilometers south of Ilulissat and has approximately 50 inhabitants. Ilimanaq’s houses are painted in many stark colors as a contrast to the surrounding landscape.

Afterward, you can relax, take a walk, and enjoy the view from your terrace.

At night, you get to experience the exquisite tasting menu of Restaurant KOKS. With two Michelin stars, we guarantee you something you have never tried before! In 2022, the Danish equivalent to Financial Times, Børsen, named it the “best eating experience in the Danish Realm.”.

KOKS breakfast and Ilimanaq experiences

We will sail back to Ilulissat in the afternoon. However, your Ilimanaq experiences are far from over... The next few hours can be spent in exciting ways!

In the morning, breakfast will be a heavenly treat from KOKS. There is an extended breakfast from 9-11 AM. Check-out of your cabin is at 10, and you can leave your bags at the reception. Excursions start at 11.30 AM.

We will return to Ilulissat by boat at 4:30 PM. Before so, you can choose from a guided walk around the settlement and hear more about Ilimanaq. Alternatively, you can go hiking or participate in a cultural workshop.

Flight from Ilulissat to Reykjavik 

Now it is time to say goodbye to Greenland. We will fly from Ilulissat to Keflavík International Airport in Iceland.