Summer Adventure in Greenland

8 days around Kangerlussuaq, Ilulissat and Nuuk

Experience Greenland from its most beautiful summer side on this triangle tour to Kangerlussuaq, Ilulissat, and Nuuk. Bright summer days and nights, a wealth of activities, and magnificent nature await you!

Kangerlussuaq is the gateway to the ice cap. The settlement with the large airport is located north of the Arctic Circle, and you feel something has changed with your first breath. The air is dry and fresh. On the flight, you’ve seen the giant white ice sheet from above, and now you’re just 25 kilometers away from it. It’s only a matter of time before you’re off on a wonderful full-day adventure on the ice sheet.

After a few nights at Hotel Kangerlussuaq, you’ll get back on a plane and travel north to Ilulissat, located by the world-famous UNESCO World Heritage Icefjord. Ilulissat is, not without reason, the most popular destination in Greenland. The ice is the big draw, and there are plenty of wonderful experiences. Both with the ice in focus or as a fantastic backdrop for other experiences.

After four days in Ilulissat, we head south to Nuuk, the exciting capital of Greenland. Nuuk has grown tremendously in recent decades and offers a completely different set of experiences than the rest of Greenland – all in a scenic location by the world’s second-largest fjord system. Here, you’ll have the opportunity to go fishing and eat your own catch!

This triangle tour offers plenty of adventure and authentic Greenlandic experiences.

Highlights

  • Get up walking on the ice sheet
  • Sail among breathtaking icebergs
  • Experience authentic town and village life
  • Spot wildlife on land and sea
  • Get up close to UNESCO World Heritage at the Icefjord
  • Experience Greenland’s exciting capital, Nuuk

Included in the trip

  • Flight Copenhagen – Kangerlussuaq
  • Flight Kangerlussuaq – Ilulissat
  • Flight Ilulissat – Nuuk
  • Flight Nuuk – Copenhagen
  • Airport-hotel transfers in Greenland
  • 2 nights at Hotel Kangerlussuaq with a private bathroom/toilet
  • 4 nights at Hotel Arctic with a private shower/toilet
  • 1 night at Hotel Hans Egede with a private shower/toilet
  • Welcome dinner at Hotel Kangerlussuaq (excluding drinks)
  • Welcome dinner at Hotel Arctic (excluding drinks)
  • Food and drinks on the flights Copenhagen – Kangerlussuaq and Nuuk – Copenhagen
  • Breakfast in the morning
  • Information meetings
  • 20 kilos of weighted luggage and 8 kilos of hand luggage
  • All taxes and fees declared to Greenland Travel Agency until today

Not included

  • Other meals
  • Travel insurance
  • Excursion packages

Day program

Christina Lundbye
Day 1:
Flight Copenhagen - Kangerlussuaq and welcome dinner

The journey begins with a beautiful flight from Copenhagen to Kangerlussuaq, where Greenland’s stunning white landscapes slowly fade through the plane’s windows. The trip takes approximately 4½ hours, but time flies by in anticipation of the experiences that await.

Upon arrival in Kangerlussuaq, you’ll immediately sense Greenland’s unique summer atmosphere: the clear air, the open expanses of the tundra landscape, and the special calm pace that characterizes this place. A local guide will meet you at the airport, warmly welcome you, and introduce you to the area and the exciting program.

You will be accommodated at Hotel Kangerlussuaq, conveniently located in the same building complex as the airport terminal.

In the evening, we offer a welcome dinner at the Musk Ox restaurant at the hotel.

Mads Pihl - Visit Greenland
Day 2:
Full-day adventure on the Ice Sheet (optional)

Standing on the ice sheet is a unique experience, but embarking on a mini-expedition is an even greater adventure.

Day adventure on the Ice Sheet (part of the excursion package)

This excursion follows the program of the Inland Ice Point 660 tour but includes approximately 4 hours to explore the ice sheet in depth.

Most people only reach a few hundred meters into the ice sheet, but it’s worth going further. A breathtaking landscape of icy valleys, ridges, crystal blue streams, rivers, waterfalls, and lakes formed by meltwater reveals itself the deeper you go.

With crampons and trekking poles, everyone can participate. It’s no more demanding than walking in hilly terrain at home. We’ll find a scenic spot on the ice where we’ll have lunch – and drink water directly from a meltwater lake!

The journey to and from the ice sheet offers beautiful landscapes that we pass by bus, with the opportunity to see reindeer, musk oxen, and Arctic birds and plants.

Remember to bring a warm jacket and good hiking boots.

PLEASE NOTE: Children must be 10 to go on this excursion.

In the evening, we recommend dinner at the iconic Restaurant Roklubben, located on the shores of Lake Ferguson. Greenlandic delicacies such as musk ox, reindeer, or fish are served here. As you dine, the calm descends – outside, the evening sun reflects off the lake’s still waters, painting the landscape in warm hues.

Ivar Rythorssony - Visit Greenland
Day 3:
Flight to Ilulissat and optional town walk, Sermermiut tour, and Icefjord sailing (optional)

The day starts with a beautiful flight from Kangerlussuaq to Ilulissat, where you’ll enjoy spectacular views of Greenland’s dramatic landscapes from the plane. The trip takes less than an hour, and upon arrival in Ilulissat, a bus will welcome you and ensure a smooth start to the day’s adventure.

Town walk and hike to Sermermiut (part of the excursion package)

After settling in, we’ll take an exciting city tour of Ilulissat, a town with a rich history and a strong connection to the impressive icebergs that dominate the area. The guide will show you the main sights, including the charming Old Town, the Zion Church, and the museum that tells the story of life in the Arctic. You’ll also have time to explore the cozy shops and cafes where local products can be enjoyed.

Afterward, a trip to the Sermermiut Valley is just a short hike from the town. Here, you’ll experience Greenland’s cultural heritage up close and enjoy magnificent views of the Ilulissat Icefjord, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You’ll learn about the area’s history as a settlement for different Inuit cultures and have time to take photos of the stunning landscape.

Sailing among icebergs (part of the excursion package)

The day ends with an unforgettable evening boat tour on the Ilulissat Icefjord. Aboard a comfortable boat, we sail out among the majestic icebergs created by the huge Sermeq Kujalleq glacier. The evening sun casts golden and blue hues on the ice, making the atmosphere magical. The guide tells us about the fjord and its significance while we enjoy a hot drink and take in this unique sight.

It is a day full of experiences where the beauty of nature and the town’s charm come together.

Photographer: Julie Skotte - Visit Greenland
Julie Skotte - Visit Greenland
Day 4:
Ilulissat on your own or whale watching (optional)

Ilulissat offers plenty of experiences. If you have purchased the excursion package, a whale-watching tour is one of them.

Whale watching in Ilulissat (part of the excursion package)

Whale watching in Ilulissat is one of the most memorable experiences Greenland offers. During the summer months, Disko Bay is home to several species of whales, including humpbacks, fin whales, and minke whales, which migrate to the area to enjoy the nutrient-rich waters. Aboard a comfortable boat, we sail out onto the bay, moving through a spectacular landscape of drifting icebergs and sparkling waters.

Along the way, the guide shares fascinating facts about whale behavior, migration, and life cycle. We hope to meet more whales on today’s tour. It’s always fascinating to hear the sound of the whale blowing before the majestic animals dive into the depths. Watching large mammals leap, swim, and dive in their natural environment is unique. Often, you can also see the impressive tails of humpback whales as they disappear below the surface, but not all whale species dive with their tails up, which surprises many.

There’s also a good chance of spotting other Arctic animals, such as seals and seabirds, making the experience richer. Whale watching in Ilulissat is a unique opportunity to get close to Greenland’s wildlife and a reminder of how vast and beautiful nature is. Be sure to bring warm clothes and a camera – this is an experience you’ll want to keep for life.

Mads Pihl - Visit Greenland
Day 5:
Ilulissat on your own or a day trip to Eqi Glacier (optional)

If you’ve purchased the excursion package, you’ll go on a longer and beautiful boat trip today.

Day trip to Eqi Glacier (part of the excursion package)

From Ilulissat, we sail north through the dramatic Arctic landscape, where icebergs of all shapes and sizes drift silently. On board the boat, there is plenty of opportunity to enjoy the views and listen to the guide talk about the nature of the area and the importance of glaciers.

After 2-5 hours of sailing (depending on the boat), the Eqi Glacier appears on the horizon, and the sight is overwhelming. The huge glacier wall rises majestically from the sea, and you can hear the sounds of the ice cracking and breaking. With a bit of luck, we can witness calving, where large chunks of ice detach from the glacier and crash into the water with a huge bang – an experience that fascinates and reminds us of the forces of nature.

We stop in front of the glacier in good time to take pictures, enjoy a packed lunch, and relax. Along the way, you may also be lucky to spot Arctic animals such as seals, whales, or seabirds roaming the area.

At 2:00 pm, we pick up passengers at Glacier Lodge Eqi and head back to Ilulissat.

A day trip to the Eqi Glacier combines the magnificent nature of Greenland with an experience of peace and reflection that can only be found in this part of the world. Bring warm clothes and a camera – this trip is special.

Chris Konig - Visit Greenland
Day 6:
On your own or visit the dogs and maybe go kayaking (optional)

No matter where you are in Ilulissat, you can’t help but see and hear some of the many sled dogs that live here. Most dogs are in large dog parks outside the town if they’re not out on the trails.

Visit the sled dogs (part of the excursion package)

In Ilulissat, winter lasts six to seven months, and winter means “sledding time.” Around 2,500 sled dogs are used extensively for both leisure and work. Longline fishermen use dog sleds to transport fish between the Isfjord and Ilulissat, where modern motor power often has to give way to traditional Inuit transportation.

After breakfast, you’ll go on an exciting excursion where a local dog owner invites you to watch the feeding of a dog team. Here, you’ll experience the commotion of many dogs barking in unison and their enormous energy and eagerness. The dog owner will demonstrate the sled, harnesses, and whip and discuss the unique interaction between the dogs and their owner. Remember to wait for the owners’ permission before approaching the dogs. This visit is a great opportunity to gain insight into the traditional life of sled dogs in Greenland.

You’ll also have the chance to go kayaking!

Kayak Experience in Ilulissat (optional extra)

Inuit have been kayaking in Greenlandic waters for over a thousand years, and you can do the same. The kayak glides silently through the water, and you experience the huge icebergs rising around you. The sun gives the ice a unique play of colors. In cloudy weather, the beautiful blue colors of the icebergs will stand out. With a bit of luck, we’ll also encounter whales. The tours take place in stable double kayaks with a support boat. The excursion lasts 3½-4 hours, and you’ll be on the water for at least two hours.

Rebecca Gustafsson - Visit Greenland
Day 7:
Flight to Nuuk with optional city tour and fishing (optional)

Today, we fly with Air Greenland from Ilulissat to Nuuk, the exciting capital of Greenland.

Although Nuuk has only 19,500 inhabitants, the city feels like a bustling metropolis with government buildings, cultural institutions, and educational centers. The city now stretches for about 10 kilometers and offers everything from concerts, theater, and museums to sports activities such as skiing, hiking, yoga, and swimming.

After accommodation at Hotel Hans Egede, we meet for a welcome meeting with the guide. If you have purchased the excursion package, the adventure starts with a city tour.

Nuuk city tour (part of the excursion package)

The tour includes visiting the Greenland National Museum, which has finds from different periods. We then explore the Colonial Harbor, where the original houses from the 17th and 18th centuries still stand, and see Hans Egede’s house, the Mother of the Sea sculpture, and the statue of Hans Egede at the Greenland Cathedral.

We continue to the traditional market Kalaaliaraq (“The little Greenlander”), where locals sell freshly caught fish and game, before ending the tour at the Greenlandic Cultural Center Katuaq. You are centrally located here and have time to explore the town further.

Boat trip to Qooqqut – catch your dinner (optional extra)

Afther the city tour, we depart Nuuk on a boat trip to the excellent Qooqqut Nuan’ Restaurant. But this is no ordinary restaurant visit.

We sail through the huge fjord system behind Nuuk, the second-largest fjord system in the world. In the Qooqqut Fjord, we stop the engine and catch our dinner. Today, there will be no complaints about the fish not being fresh!

Qooqqut is located in a wonderful valley in the Qooqqut Fjord. The mountains surrounding the valley are up to 2,000 meters high. One of Nuuk’s most respected chefs stays here in the summer and serves the most amazing dishes. For dinner, we will eat our own freshly caught fish.

Unusual for the area, trees are beautifully scattered behind the restaurant. Consider taking a little hike for a great photo opportunity while the chef works on your fish.

After dinner, we hop back on the boat and turn the bow towards Nuuk, where we arrive around 9:00 pm.

Day 8:
Flight to Copenhagen from Nuuk

A wonderful triangular trip has ended, and you’re returning to Copenhagen today. After eight memorable days in Greenland, you’ll fly directly from Nuuk to Copenhagen.

 

Map

Hotels on this tour

Hotel Hans Egede

Hotel Hans Egede

Right in the middle of Nuuk, you find the completely renovated, 4-star Hotel Hans Egede. From the Sarfalik restaurant on the fifth floor, you have a totally beautiful view. From here, you can see all of Downtown Nuuk, the nearby mountains, and the fjord.

Hotel Hans Egede is one of the largest hotels in Greenland, and there is an endless stream of people from all over the world visiting Greenland on business or leisure trips. The hotel has no less than two restaurants and a café and hosts larger parties and receptions in the conference department.

There are 140 modern rooms with private baths and toilets. The rooms have TVs with 12 channels. There are also ten well-equipped hotel apartments with their kitchenette, bath, and laundry facilities.

On the hotel’s top floor, you find the well-known restaurant A Hereford Beefstow, the Sarfalik restaurant, and the Skyline Bar. On the ground floor, there is a cafe, and here you also find Greenland Travel, which is situated right next door to the reception area.

Hotel Hans Egede

Aqqusinersuaq

3900 Nuuk

Hotel Arctic

Greenland’s most famous hotel is Hotel Arctic in Ilulissat. It is located with a fantastic view of Ilulissat town, Ilulissat Ice Fjord, and Disko Bay. Hotel Arctic is the world’s northernmost 4-star hotel, and on top of that, the hotel features a 5-star conference center. The hotel is located just outside the town, approximately a 15-minute walk from the town center (app. 1.5 km from the central intersection in town).

The hotel has two great restaurants, and the large terrace outside the restaurant is the perfect place to enjoy a glass of wine while the sun shines its golden glow at midnight over the icebergs at Ilulissat Ice Fjord.

NOTE: The hotel offers airport transfers, but there are not transfers in connection with excursions or such.

Hotel Arctic
Mittarfimmut Aqq. B-1128
3952 Ilulissat

Excursions (Optional purchases)

Practical information

Flight schedule (local times)

  • Departure from Copenhagen 03:50 pm
  • Return flights arrive in Copenhagen 7:40 pm

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

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 Adventure in Greenland

8 days around Kangerlussuaq, Ilulissat and Nuuk

With this triangular journey, you’ll experience plenty of adventure and authentic Greenlandic moments – by the Ice Sheet in Kangerlussuaq, among the icebergs of Ilulissat, and within the vibrant culture of Nuuk!

From
2.695 EUR
per person in double room
June - August  | 8 days  | 7 nights Travel id: 9028 Departure from Copenhagen
Optional experiences
Ice sheetInuit CultureWhalesIcebergs

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

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