Greenland getaway from Iceland

Greenland is one of the premier destinations for people dreaming of a trip to the Arctic – untouched wilderness and exciting traditional Inuit culture. It is a unique and inspiring destination for mind blowing adventures – more vast and diverse than you could ever imagine.

Midnight sun, authentic Inuit culture, the Arctic’s amazing abundance of wildlife – humpback whales, reindeer, musk oxen, colourful houses in hilly terrains, an endless horizon, majestic icebergs, the impressive icecap full of mystery and huge mountainous area – a world of its own.

Located on the west coast of Greenland - 300 kilometers above the Arctic Circle – the famous Ilulissat icefjord is filled with icebergs from “Sermeq Kujalleq” which is the most producing glacier in the northern hemisphere.
Ilulissat town is an exciting mix of Inuit culture, modern life and thousands of sled dogs pulsing under the magical light of the midnight sun.

Are you looking for your Arctic dream to come true, you should combine a visit to Iceland with a getaway to Ilulissat but be careful – you might want to go back!

Day program
Day 1 Reykjavik-Ilulissat-Oqaatsut
Day 2 Ilulissat on your own
Day 3 Hiking trip to Sermermiut and sailing trip on the ice fjord
Day 4 Ilulissat-Reykjavik



Day 1 Reykjavik-Ilulissat-Hotel Arctic-Oqaatsut
Flight from Reykjavik to Ilulissat – a 4 hour flight where you will experience the varied landscapes in Iceland and Greenland. The white icy surface with nunataks popping up, enormous deserted areas and isolated towns and settlements bear witness to a world of its own and as the flight approaches Ilulissat the sight of the famous ice fjord with the park of sculptural icebergs fills you with anticipation. This is something extraordinary!

Upon arrival to Ilulissat there is check in at the 4 star Hotel Arctic. The hotel is amazingly located with a fantastic view over the ice fjord, which was included on UNESCO’s World Heritage List in 2004. The ice fjord contains one of the biggest and most active glaciers in the world. The glacier advances approx. 19 metres a day and produces about 35 square kilometre icebergs a year. Besides the sight you may also hear rumbling sounds from the ice. The hotel’s dogs slumber in the hills ignoring the summer warmth and the astonishing view.

A guide from World of Greenland welcomes you and it is now time to a fantastic visit to the settlement Oqaatsut. The sailing trip to Oqaatsut is in itself a truly wonderful experience presenting the icebergs and the landscape around Ilulissat.

The settlement is located absolutely amazingly in an archipelago with high mountains in the background. It faces the shore of the small Akuliarusinnguaq bay north of the Qeqertarsuaq island. Oqaatsut is inhabited by approx. 45 people and twice as many sled dogs and you’ll find a shop, school, church and a cosy restaurant H8. The restaurant located right down at the water front serves a nice dinner.

Throughout centuries Dutch whalers were attracted to this specific area which they named Rode Bay.
Racks with dried fish and the colourful houses in blue, red and yellow combined with the vast hilly area, the drifting iceberg and the warm and open hearted inhabitants will undoubtedly give you lifelong memories and a new meaning to the time aspect.

Later in the evening we sail back to Ilulissat crisscrossing ice bergs in all shapes and colours thanks to the glow from the midnight sun.
Included meals: Lunch and dinner.



Day 2 Ilulissat on your own
This day is at your own disposal. Ilulissat is Greenland’s third largest town with approx. 4500 inhabitants and just as many sled dogs. In the summer time the fishermen are busy and small boats chugs to and from the harbour. The dogsleds are parked – as are the dogs that with longing spend their summer vacation relaxing in the hills.

Go for a hike up in the mountains, capture the atmosphere of the town – either on your own or on an organized excursions. Our local excursion office World of Greenland, with an office right in the heart of Ilulissat, offers a wide range of excursions: It is often also possible to book a helicopter ride to Kangia – an absolutely breathtaking experience.

Another nice hiking trip takes you to the settlement Sermermiut located beautifully at the mouth of the ice fjord. Because of the good fishing conditions this has been the preferred settlement in the area for several thousand years. Only when the colony Jakobshavn had existed for over 100 years, the last residents moved from Sermermiut to Jakobshavn in 1850's. A beautiful walk along the fjord with a view of icebergs of all shapes.

In the town you will also find various souvenir shops giving you the opportunity to admire – and buy – the unique Greenlandic arts and crafts. And on a culture historical walk you will get an introduction to the town from the colonial time to today’s modern society including visits to the old part of the town, the harbour, the open fish and meat market, the old Zion church and the museum.
Included meals: Breakfast and dinner.

Day 3 Hiking trip to Sermermiut-evening sailing trip
On this last day you can enjoy a guided hiking trip to the abandoned Inuit settlement Sermermiut 1.5 kilometre south of Ilulissat. At Sermermiut you can still see the relics from the different Inuit cultures that wisely chose this spot. There is a fantastic view over the ice fjord and the entire hinterland.

Before the farewell dinner at Hotel Arctic you may want to rest a bit or maybe go for a walk in the area around the hotel or in town.

In the evening there is a boat trip to the park of icebergs almost battling to give you one last impressive sight. The midnight sun covers the landscape with an orange/soft pink glow and complete this wonderful glimpse of Ilulissat – and Greenland.
Included meals: Breakfast and dinner.

Day 4 Ilulissat-Reykjavik
Its time to leave Ilulissat. Enjoy the view over the ice fjord one last time and have a nice flight back to Reykjavik.