DAY TO DAY PROGRAM
Day 1: Copenhagen – Kangerlussuaq – ice cap
Morning departure from Copenhagen with arrival same morning in Kangerlussuaq.
In Kangerlussuaq you will be living at the Polar Lodge Hostel, close to the airport. There will be transfer from the airport waiting for you. Upon arrival at Polar Lodge, we will hold a short briefing about the activities in Kangerlussuaq.
After you have finished your briefing and checked in, it’s time to embark on a journey to the famous ice cap, which has its beginnings about 40km from Kangerlussuaq. The trip goes through very beautiful Greenlandic landscapes, which have been formed by the movement of the ice sheet throughout thousands of years. The mountains are rounded, and it’s easy to see the effects and strong forces of the ice. If weather permits we will be able to walk up onto the ice cap itself. At its highest point, the Greenlandic Ice Cap is more than 3km thick!
On the way there will be plenty of opportunity to spot wildlife; musk ox, reindeer, snowhare and the elusive snow fox.
In the evening we recommend dinner at Restaurant Roklubben, which is located at the border of the very scenic Lake Ferguson, a short drive from Kangerlussuaq. Transfer to the restaurant is included. If the weather is clear, this is a great spot to experience the Northern Lights. If interested book your table upon check-in at your hostel.
Day 2: Kangerlussuaq – Ilulissat / citytour
Breakfast at Polar Lodge, and then we leave Kangerlussuaq to fly to our new destination, Ilulissat (the name Ilulissat means means ‘icebergs’ in greenlandic – and for a reason!). Even before we land in Ilulissat, you will be able to see the dramatic landscape beneath, with gigantic icebergs far out into the horizon. We pick you up at the airport and take you to your hotel Hvide Falk, that lies with breathtaking views over Disko Bay.
Today we will take you on a historic city tour through Ilulissat. We walk past the old colonial harbour, and to “brættet” where the local fishermen sell their daily catch, and not least, we will visit the old house of famous polar explorer Knud Rasmussen.
Day 3: Ilulissat – Sermermiut hike & Icefjord Cruise
Breakfast at Hotel Hvide Falk.
After breakfast we will hike up and into the Sermermiut Valley, which probably will be one of the most beautiful hikes you will ever experience. It is not hard, it is not long, but the views over Kangia Icefjord is a sight to behold! The place is on the UNESCO list of world heritage sites, and it is here where you can experience with your own ice, the “emptying” of ice into the ocean from the Ice Cap. 10% of all ice coming from the Ice Cap, goes through this narrow straight. On our way to the fjord, we will come across very old Inuit settlements.
We have lunch in town on our own.
In the afternoon, it is time to take to the seas, and we will depart for the Ice Fjord cruise. At slow speeds we will cruise through the waters littered with icebergs of all shapes and sizes. It gets cold at sea, so take extra warm cloth. Use the layer system, so you can alway put on or take off another layer of cloth.
Day 4: Ilulissat – Oqaatsut
Breakfast at Hotel Hvide Falk before you go by snow mobile to Oqaatsut from Ilulissat, where you stay two night. If the sea ice is safe, you will be able to drive on the sea ice on the way to Oqaatsut. Oqaatsut was earlier named “Rode Bay” by the Dutch whalers, because of all the whales, which were killed here and colored the rocks red by the whale blod. Today very few whales are killed and people living here, 27 all year round, mainly fish, hunt and welcome tourists. A part of your stay in the settlement is to have a taste of the Greenlandic culture and taste local specialities. Something you will never forget.
Check in to the small Hotel Northern Light from were you have good view of the small settlement, and hopefully can enjoy a clear sky with northern light during the evening. Listen to dog dogs and enjoy life in the small settlement.
Day 5 – Oqaatsut dog sledge tour
After breakfast you will join a 2 hours dog sledge tour with a local hunter. Experience the back country of the small settlement.
During the afternoon you can consider to add on ice fishing, homevist to locals or other tours. Bookings can be made in advance or with your local hotel Northern Light.
Day 6: Oqaatsut – Ilulissat – day at leisure
After breakfast we will return back to Ilulissat and Hotel Hvide Falk with snow mobile. Spend the rest of the day at leisure in Ilulissat.
In the afternoon you can join our wellness sauna for 1,5 hour with a panoramic view over the Disko Bay for DKK 250,-. We have water, towels and etheric oils ready for you. If you want, you can rent the sauna on a private basis DKK 1195,-
Day 7: Ilulissat day at leisure
Breakfast at Hotel Hvide Falk. Enjoy your last day at leisure in Ilulissat. Consider a last hike to the amazing UNESCO area where you can enjoy the view of the Icefiord. Other tours can be requested in advance or on the spot.
Day 8: Ilulissat – Kangerlussuaq – Copenhagen
Breakfast at Hotel Hvide Falk. Morning flight from Ilulissat to Kangerlussuaq. From here we leave for Copenhagen at noon with arrival in Copenhagen during the evening.
