DAY TO DAY PROGRAM
Day 1: Arrival in Greenland – Ilulissat (-/-/-)
Departure from Copenhagen with Kangerlussuaq as your destination. In Kangerlussuaq you will stay at the local hostel Old Camp – breakfast is included. Kangerlussuaq was an old american military airbase until 1992. Today is the place known for its wildlife and short distance to the Ice Cap
Day 2: Kangerlussuaq – Greenlandic Ice Cap (B/L/-)
In the morning we leave for the ice cap. The trip is done by 4WD vehicles, which will take you through the Arctic tundra. On our way to the ice cap there will be plenty of possibilities to spot wildlife. We can get pretty close to the ice cap itself by the 4WD, but we will have to walk the last part up over the final ridge, from where we will get the first great views over the vast ice cap. It stretches hundreds of kilometers in all directions, and is indeed the last remains of the last ice age.
If you look at the mountains during the trip to the ice cap, where there is no longer ice, you can easily see how the ice has formed and softened the edges of the mountains.
During this time of year we will find lakes of melted ice and rivers on the ice itself – an experience of a lifetime!
Day 3: Kangerlussuaq – Ilulissat: Briefing and city walk (B/-/-)
Flying north for about an hour you will reach Ilulissat. Ilulissat means iceberg in Greenlandic, and already on your approach, you will be able to see icebergs scattered on the ocean beneath. In Ilulissat you will be staying at Ilulissat Guesthouse (please request if hotel is preferred)
Today, you will be met by our guide in Ilulissat, who will take you on a historical walk through town, where you will get a solid introduction to Ilulissat – the third largest town in Greenland. We will walk past the old colonial harbor, “brættet” (the wood -board) where the local fishermen sell their daily catch, the house of Arctic Explorer Knud Rasmussen and the Zion Church. Afterwards you will get a brief on your stay in Ilulissat.
You have the rest of the day to yourself, to soak up the atmosphere of this special place.
Day 4: Ilulissat – UNESCO Sermermiut Hike (-/-/-)
The first part of today offers one of the most beautiful hikes you will ever experience. Sure there are harder treks out there, with formidable views, but nothing quite like this. Towering icebergs floating by as we walk into the valley of Sermermiut. Not too long ago several Inuit settlements called this their home, and its still possible to see some of their household remains. We will walk to the Kangia Icefiord, which came under UNESCO protection in 2004, a spectacular site. It is said that it was an iceberg from this very glacier front that sank the Titanic. 10% of the entire ice spill that happens in Greenland, exits through this narrow straight and very few glaciers in the world produce more or bigger icebergs than this place.
We recommend bringing a packed lunch and explore the trails even more on your own. The guide will show you the marked trails.
Day 5: Ilulissat – Hike to the ice cap – full day tour (-/L/-)
We start the day by sailing from Ilulissat up north, passing Oqaatsut and continue up in the Paakitsoq Fjord; this amazing fjord is a hidden gem with the most beautiful, isolated and pristine nature. After approximately 2 hours boat ride, we’ll start our hike towards the mountain peak, where we will have the most amazing view over the ice cap, waterfall and lagoon. It is a fantastic hike with great views.
We’ll find a nice picnic spot to eat our lunch before hiking back to the boat, sailing back towards Ilulissat. On the way back, we will of course go look for whales, and maybe we’ll be lucky to get close to (most likely) hump back whales.
Day 6: Ilulissat – Waterfall Hike – Oqaatsut (-/L/-)
After breakfast it’s again time to head up north. Depending on weather conditions, we will sail for about 45 minutes passing the settlement, Oqaatsut. As you leave the boat, you will hike into the backcountry exploring nature and a waterfall. By the waterfall you will enjoy a sandwich for lunch (included in the trip), before heading back to the boat. Next destination is the small settlement, Oqaatsut.
During Summer time, the only way of getting to Oqaatsut is by boat or hiking. 40 people live here all year round. In the past Oqaatsut was the centre for whaling. Still today it’s possible to see hunters dragging a whale on shore, but it doesn’t happen too often anymore.
The guide will give you a cultural tour of the small settlement before you check in at the local B&B – breakfast included.
Day 7: Hiking back to Ilulissat from Oqaatsut on the old mail route (B/-/-)
After spending a night in Oqaatsut, you will wake up to yet another day of hiking: The only sounds, you can hear, is the wind, the ocean and maybe the sound of the sled dogs.
On your hiking back to Ilulissat using the old mail route, you will pass lakes, streams, areas with Summer cabins and the view over the Disko Bay and the ice fjord, when you get closer to Ilulissat. Today’s hike is around 7-8 hours depending on your pace. Total distance: 23 km. Hike is without guide, as the trail is well marked.
Back in Ilulissat, you will once again check in at Ilulissat Guesthouse.
Day 8: Goodbye Greenland (-/-/-)
Today we will check out and check in for our return flight. We hope that you will have your backpack filled with great memories from this Greenlandic adventure.
