Summer Days by the Ice Sheet

6 days around Kangerlussuaq

Experience Greenland from its most beautiful side in Kangerlussuaq, the gateway to the ice sheet. Bright summer days and nights, a wealth of activities, and magnificent nature await you.

Your journey starts in Copenhagen, and you land in Kangerlussuaq approximately 4½ hours later.

Kangerlussuaq is located north of the Arctic Circle, and you’ll notice something has changed with your first breath. The air is dry and fresh, and you can see the ice sheet on the horizon. On the flight, you’ve seen the giant white ice sheet from above, and now you’re just 25 kilometers from it.

The airport and the town are surrounded by nature and are practically built on the Arctic tundra. Tundra is a landscape only found in the northern hemisphere. One of the special characteristics of tundra is permafrost. This means that the ground below is permanently frozen. This phenomenon provides insight into an exciting landscape that we will explore today.

With this trip, we have given you the framework for a journey that combines adventure, relaxation, and authentic Greenlandic experiences.

You can explore alone or try one of the two exciting excursion packages we have also put together.

  • One excursion package is the traditional one in Kangerlussuaq, where you experience the ice sheet in two different but equally exciting ways and get out and experience the tundra. All experiences take place in vehicles so that everyone can join in.
  • The other is an outdoor package where you’ll get to experience the ice sheet – and you even get to sleep on it for a night! In addition, you’ll go hiking to Garnet Rock, and finally, there’s a 5-hour kayaking trip in the package. It’s a great package for those who want to be active and try a little more (the minimum age for the outdoor package is 10 years).

PLEASE NOTE: You cannot choose both excursion packages as there is a time overlap.

Highlights

  • Experience Kangerlussuaq with its unique Arctic landscape and wildlife
  • Visit the impressive Ice Sheet at Point 660 and learn about its significance
  • Explore the breathtaking tundra on an exciting tundra safari
  • Embark on independent adventures with opportunities for hiking and cycling
  • Enjoy the warm atmosphere and comfort of Polar Lodge
  • Savor delicious Greenlandic dishes at the local restaurant

Included in the trip

  • Flights Copenhagen – Kangerlussuaq round trip
  • Transfers to/from Kangerlussuaq airport
  • 5 nights at Polar Lodge with shared bathroom/toilet
  • Welcome meeting with a local guide
  • Sightseeing by bus around Kangerlussuaq
  • Welcome dinner at Restaurant Roklubben (excluding drinks)
  • Breakfast
  • Food and drinks on the flight between Copenhagen – Kangerlussuaq
  • All taxes and fees specified by Greenland Travel to date

Not included

  • Lunch and dinner
  • Excursions beyond sightseeing (excursion package available for purchase)
  • Travel insurance

Day program

Day 1:
Welcome to Greenland's summer - arrival, sightseeing and welcome dinner

The trip begins with a beautiful flight from Copenhagen to Kangerlussuaq, where the vast white expanses of Greenland and the Arctic landscape slowly reveal themselves through the plane windows. The flight lasts approximately 4½ hours, but the time feels short as you look forward to the experiences of the coming days.

Upon arrival in Kangerlussuaq, you’ll immediately feel Greenland’s special summer vibe: the fresh air, the open expanses of the tundra landscape, and the calm pace that only this part of the world can offer. Your local guide will wait at the airport to warmly welcome you and ensure you are well introduced to the area and the trip program.

Accommodation is at the Polar Lodge, which, with its cozy décor and views of the surrounding mountains, is the perfect base for your time in Kangerlussuaq.

You’ll be accommodated at Hotel Kangerlussuaq, conveniently in the same complex as the airport’s arrival and departure hall.

Then, it’s off to a welcome dinner at the iconic Restaurant Roklubben, located on the shores of Lake Ferguson. You’ll be served delicious food here, including local ingredients such as musk ox, reindeer, or fish. As you enjoy your dinner, you’ll find peace – outside, the evening sun reflects off the lake’s calm waters and casts a gentle light over the landscape.

Sightseeing in Kangerlussuaq (for all)

There will also be time for sightseeing. The tour takes you through the history and present of the area. You’ll learn how Kangerlussuaq has been partially inhabited for millennia and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The area where we live started as a US military base during World War II and, over time, developed into one of Greenland’s most important transportation hubs and starting point for great nature experiences. However, since 2024, Nuuk has been the new traffic hub for Greenland, and now Kangerlussuaq is quieter. We drive to viewpoints where you can see the mountains framing the landscape.

If lucky, we might see musk oxen grazing in the distance or reindeer moving in herds in search of fresh vegetation. We enjoy the tranquillity of nature and have time to take pictures of the spectacular landscapes.

Day 2:
Kangerlussuaq on your own - or Point 660 or Garnet Rock (optional)

The day starts with a hearty breakfast. After that, there are three different ways the day can unfold. You can explore the beautiful area on your own, or if you have purchased Excursion Package 1, you’ll go on an amazing trip to the Inland Ice, and if you have purchased the Outdoor Package, you’ll go on a hike to Garnet Rock.

Excursion to Point 660 (part of Excursion Package 1)

If you’ve purchased Excursion Package 1, you’re in for an experience you’ll never forget: a trip to the Inland Ice!

We’ll drive across a large Plain, where the open landscape impresses with its vastness and raw beauty. The gravel road winds its way upwards, and the closer we get to the ice sheet, the more magnificent the views become. Our guide shares fascinating stories about the formation of the ice sheet and its impact on the world’s climate.

At Point 660, one of the most accessible points on the ice, we step out and suddenly face the colossal white giant stretching toward the horizon. It’s an experience almost beyond words – the silence, the size, and the crystal clear air create a sense of awe.

You have time to take a short walk on the ice and feel how it creaks under your feet. Take pictures, enjoy the silence, and let the moment sink in. After the visit, we will drive back to Kangerlussuaq, where you can spend the rest of the afternoon at your leisure.

If you’ve purchased the outdoor package, you’ll experience some of Greenland’s natural treasures.

8-hour hike to Garnet Rock (part of the Outdoor Package)

We’re going on a beautiful hike through the magnificent hinterland of Kangerlussuaq, where fragrant plants, colorful surroundings, and wild nature create the essence of a Greenlandic summer.

We start by driving to the top of Tacan, a mountain shaped by the last ice age, where amazing views await. From here, we follow the trail around the Great Salt Lake. The hike is mainly downhill, but some climbs are to be expected.

After about 2.5-3 hours, we reach Garnet Rock, where we search for the beautiful semi-precious stones with a hammer and chisel. Along the way, we enjoy a packed lunch and have the opportunity to spot peregrine falcons or musk oxen in the area.

Our hike continues along the shores of Lake Ferguson, where we hope to see the majestic loon and hear its distinctive call. The tour ends at the end of the lake, where we’ll be picked up and driven back to Kangerlussuaq.

After dinner, you can take a short evening walk in Kangerlussuaq or relax. Summer evenings in Greenland are bright and peaceful – the perfect time to immerse yourself in the stillness of nature and let the joy of anticipation grow.

Day 3:
Kangerlussuaq on your own - or tundra safari or Camp Ice Cap (optional)

After another delicious breakfast, it’s time for a day full of adventure and unique animal experiences.

If you’ve purchased excursion package 1, the tundra safari is on the program, an experience that brings you close to Greenland’s wildlife and open summer landscape.

Tundra safari (part of Excursion Package 1)

We drive in rugged 4WD vehicles into the endless tundra landscape. The road takes us through vast valleys, small streams, and open grasslands, where the silence is broken only by birdsong and the wind gently sweeping through the landscape. The guide will tell us about the fragile ecosystem of the tundra and the special flora and fauna found only in the Arctic.

With binoculars and camera in hand, we keep our eyes peeled for the iconic musk oxen. These large, impressive animals have adapted to Greenland’s harsh climate over thousands of years. If lucky enough to find a herd, we stay at a safe distance but close enough to admire them in their natural element. Seeing these magnificent animals grazing quietly in the green valleys with the dramatic mountains as a backdrop is breathtaking. The guide shares fascinating stories about the role of the musk ox in Inuit culture and how they survive in the harsh Arctic environment.

We’ll make several stops along the way, where you’ll have the opportunity to take photos and enjoy the silence. If lucky, we’ll also spot herds of reindeer or hares that blend perfectly with the surroundings.

After a few hours in nature, we drive back to Kangerlussuaq, where you’ll have time to digest the day’s experiences.

Overnight tour on the Inland Ice (part of the Outdoor Package)

The local guide from our partner, Albatros Arctic Circle, will first tell you about the experiences of the next two days. We’re going on a real adventure, a full 24-hour adventure on the ice sheet, where you’ll stay in a tent camp on the ice itself.

You can leave much of your luggage in your room so you don’t have to carry everything into the ice sheet. Therefore, we recommend you pack your luggage from home and take a smaller backpack with you on your trip to the ice sheet.

The tour begins in an off-road vehicle that has good panoramic windows so you can enjoy the changing landscape along the way. It’s about an hour’s drive to Point 660, where the tour guide reviews the equipment and the next day’s events.

The climate in Kangerlussuaq is usually stable, and our route on the ice is relatively even, while the guide is highly experienced in hiking on ice. Once at Camp Ice Cap, you will be accommodated in the expedition tents. Now it’s time to enjoy some hot drinks and feel the total silence a few kilometers inside the ice. If the weather permits and you’re up for it, you can take a short hike and enjoy the winter landscapes here in summer. Dinner is simple and warm as it consists of freeze-dried food, which is easy to carry in these parts.

The sun stays up late in summer, so some people relax in camp while others go to bed early. The time difference is three hours, so 9 pm in Greenland is midnight in Central Europe. The tents have nice and warm thermal sleeping bags, so you don’t have to worry about freezing at night.

Day 4:
Kangerlussuaq on your own - or Camp Ice Cap (optional)

Today, there are only planned activities for those who have purchased the Outdoor Package. You can spend the day as you like, exploring or relaxing. You can choose to rent a bike and explore the area’s trails and dirt roads that wind through the tundra. Alternatively, you can take a short hike to one of the nearby mountain peaks and experience the panoramic views of Kangerlussuaq and the open countryside. For those looking for a more relaxing afternoon, there is the option to sit with a cup of coffee at Polar Lodge or the hotel and enjoy the silence of summer.

Second day at Camp Ice Cap (part of the Outdoor package)

After a nourishing breakfast and an adventurous night on the ice in the warm sleeping bags, it’s time for a slightly longer hike than the day before. We have crampons and trekking poles, but we don’t need ropes as we walk on safe terrain the whole time.

Our hike now goes beyond the endless meadow of ice. Cracks in the ice in the distance show that the ice changes and breaks up in summer, while the opposite is true in winter. Keeping a safe distance from danger, we can see some turquoise lakes and rivers forming on the ice in summer.

Depending on the weather, we can enjoy a packed lunch along the way or back at camp. Then, it’s time to pack up and head back to civilization.

We’ve started this trip with an experience of the ice sheet that very few people get to experience. Now, we head back to Kangerlussuaq. You’ll find a grocery store, a small equipment store, and a few shops with art, crafts, and souvenirs in the area. You’ll have the rest of the day at leisure to explore the area independently.

Day 5:
Kangerlussuaq on your own - or Russell Glacier or kayak tour (optional)

Today, you can relax or go for a walk or bike ride. If you have purchased one of the excursion packages, there are two options: Russell Glacier for Excursion Package 1 and kayaking for the Outdoor package.

Tour to the mighty Russell Glacier – Greenland’s living ice colossus (part of Excursion Package 1)

Today’s program includes one of Greenland’s most spectacular natural landscapes: the Russell Glacier. After breakfast, we set off in an SUV, slowly moving through the varied landscape.

The tour passes through open tundra areas, small rivers, and hilly gravel paths. Along the way, we will stop at viewpoints where you can take pictures of nature’s impressive details and enjoy the undisturbed surroundings. The guide will share knowledge about how glaciers have shaped Greenland’s landscape over millions of years and continue to play a key role in the Arctic ecosystem.

As we arrive at Russell Glacier, a sight that takes your breath away is revealed: The massive ice wall rises to 60 meters above the ground, forming a breathtaking contrast to the surrounding green tundra. The bright light makes the ice surface shine in shades of blue and white, and if you listen closely, you can hear the ice cracking and cracking – proof that the glacier is still in motion.

We’ll spend time close to the glacier, where you’ll have the opportunity to take photos, ask the guide questions, and enjoy the breathtaking views. If lucky, we might see a calving event, where huge chunks of ice break off and come crashing down with a roar. It’s an experience that emphasizes the power and beauty of nature.

After visiting the glacier, we can take a short hike in the area and enjoy the clear, clean air and views of the Arctic summer landscape. When we return to Kangerlussuaq in the late afternoon, the day’s experiences will be deeply etched in our memories.

Kayaking on Lake Ferguson – Greenland’s nature up close (part of the Outdoor Package)

Experience Greenland’s magnificent nature from the sea when you kayak on Lake Ferguson – a great opportunity to get close to both the landscape and the local wildlife.

Kayaking is the traditional way to explore Greenland’s nature. For more than 4,000 years, Inuit have used “qajaat” for hunting and travel. Our experienced guide tells stories about the nature of the area, Kangerlussuaq, and the origin of the kayak.

We use modern, safe double kayaks that are stable and suitable for beginners. Our certified guides will ensure a safe and comfortable experience even if you’ve never tried kayaking. On the water, we paddle for 2-2.5 hours while the guide takes pictures of you in the beautiful landscape. These photos are included in the price and can be picked up after the tour. Children and young people must be accompanied by an adult and be able to follow safety instructions and use the equipment correctly.

Day 6:
Farewell to Greenland - From Kangerlussuaq to Copenhagen

Your last morning in Greenland starts with a final breakfast. Use the early hours to enjoy the peace and take one last trip into the nearby surroundings. The clear air, open landscape, and special silence will, for many, feel like a relief for the soul.

The flight back to Copenhagen allows you to digest the many impressions and relive the journey’s highlights: the encounter with the ice sheet, the wildlife of the tundra safari, the majestic beauty of the glacier, and the long, bright summer nights.

Upon arrival in Copenhagen, this unforgettable journey ends, but the memories of Greenland’s magnificent nature and special summer atmosphere will live long after.

Map

Hotels on this tour

Excursions (Optional purchases)

Practical Information

Flight Schedule (local times)

  • Departure from Copenhagen 3:50 pm
  • Return to Copenhagen at 4.25 pm

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

Packing List

Find the packing list for your trip here.

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

We do not recommend this tour for people with reduced mobility and wheelchair users. Greenland Travel’s advice regarding difficulty levels on our excursions is intended for travelers who are not disabled. We are always happy to provide you with information on the suitability of the trip, taking into account the specific needs you may have. Please note that our advice is not based on medical knowledge, and ultimately it is YOUR responsibility to decide if a tour is right for you.

Summer Days by the Ice Sheet

6 days around Kangerlussuaq

Experience Greenland from its most beautiful side in Kangerlussuaq, the gateway to the ice sheet. Bright summer days and nights, and a wealth of activities. Stay at Polar Lodge.

From
per person in double room
June-September 2 days  | 1 nights Travel id: 9024 Departure from Copenhagen
Optional experiences

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Can we help you?

You are always welcome to contact us if you have any questions regarding your trip or if you need advice or guidance.

We strive to respond to inquiries within 24 hours on weekdays.

You can call us at: +45 3313 1011.