Winter at Ilulissat Icefjord

Your journey begins with a morning departure from Copenhagen, and after approximately 4½ hours, you arrive in Ilulissat – right in the heart of the Arctic winter landscape. Even during the approach, you’ll get a glimpse of what awaits: colorful houses scattered across the snow, surrounded by mountains and ice as far as the eye can see.

Upon arrival, you’ll be met and transferred to your hotel, beautifully located with views over Disko Bay. After check-in, you’ll meet one of our guides at an information meeting, where you’ll be introduced to the area, the town, and the many excursion options. If you’ve already booked excursions, they will be confirmed; otherwise, you’ll have the opportunity to tailor your program.

Optional guided town walk (add-on)

If you choose to join the city tour, you’ll get a lively introduction to Ilulissat – one of Greenland’s most important towns with a history spanning thousands of years. You’ll learn about its development from an Inuit settlement to a modern Arctic town and visit areas such as the old trading station and the house where polar explorer Knud Rasmussen grew up.

Along the way, you’ll also notice the many sled dogs – an essential part of life here, both seen and heard on the outskirts of town.

In the evening, we welcome you with a dinner at the hotel (excluding beverages).

Today is at your leisure, but Ilulissat and Disko Bay offer a wide range of experiences – both cultural and natural. The area is known for its unique blend of ice, history, and vibrant local life.

Hike to Sermermiut (optional)

You have the opportunity to join a guided hike to Sermermiut, a former settlement beautifully located by the Icefjord about one mile (1.5 km) south of town. For over 4,000 years, various Inuit cultures lived here, and even though the area is covered in snow during winter, traces of the past remain.

Along the way, your guide will share stories about life in the Arctic before European contact – about hunting, survival, and traditions – all set against a breathtaking natural backdrop.

The day is yours to enjoy, but we highly recommend experiencing the Icefjord from the water.

Icefjord cruise (optional)

A boat trip among the icebergs is a highlight for many travelers. Every day, enormous amounts of ice flow from the glacier into the fjord, forming spectacular ice formations. You’ll sail among icebergs of all shapes and sizes – some as large as buildings – while they crack and shimmer in the Arctic light.

In the evening, another unforgettable experience awaits.

Northern Lights tour – chasing the dancing sky (optional – until March 17)

As darkness falls, we head out of town in search of the best conditions to witness the Northern Lights. Far from artificial light, the sky opens up, and if conditions are right, you may see the green waves of light dancing across the stars.

Along the way, your guide will share stories about the Northern Lights – both scientific explanations and the myths rooted in Greenlandic culture.

The tour is only conducted in clear weather. In case of cloud cover, we will try to reschedule – otherwise, a full refund will be provided.

Today is yours to enjoy Ilulissat at your own pace. Perhaps you’ve been inspired to join additional excursions, or maybe you feel like taking it slow.

Take in the views over Disko Bay, stroll through town, or find a quiet spot and let your impressions settle. In Ilulissat, slowing down and simply being present come naturally.

Today, you may wish to try a 1½-hour dog sledding excursion.

Dog sledding (optional)

Dog sledding is one of Greenland’s most iconic traditions, dating back thousands of years. Few forms of transportation have remained so unchanged: a team of eager dogs harnessed to a simple wooden sled. It’s an experience that truly has to be felt to be understood.

The tour typically takes place on flat terrain near Ilulissat. Each sled carries two guests in addition to the musher. Solo travelers may share a sled with another guest. Please note that sled teams vary, so groups may not stay together throughout the entire tour. This excursion is not recommended for guests with neck or back problems or limited mobility. Minimum age: 12 years.

Stay at Igloo Lodge (optional)

On Day 5, you can choose to spend a night in a real igloo and enjoy a series of unique experiences.

Our sister company, World of Greenland, known for its popular summer lodges, now also offers a winter Igloo Lodge. Here, you’ll venture deep into the Arctic wilderness, with the chance to see the Northern Lights overhead.

You’ll spend the night in a spacious igloo (with access to a heated cabin if needed). The lodge consists of five igloos, each accommodating two people. Beds are prepared with reindeer skins and warm winter sleeping bags, and candlelight helps maintain a temperature around freezing inside – a striking contrast to the outdoor temperatures that can drop to -4°F (-20°C).

Meals are served in a heated wooden cabin, which also includes basic toilet facilities.

The journey to the lodge is an experience in itself. You’ll travel about an hour by snow groomer into the backcountry, enjoying spectacular views along the way. The stay includes lunch, afternoon coffee and cake, dinner, evening relaxation, Northern Lights viewing (weather permitting), overnight in the igloo, breakfast, and return to Ilulissat the next day.

Walking among Giants (optional)

This spectacular snowmobile tour takes you deep into the winter landscape surrounding Ilulissat. Starting from the Igloo Lodge, you’ll ride in pairs toward Aattartoq. After about 45 minutes, you’ll reach a frozen fjord where icebergs are locked into thick sea ice, rising in dramatic formations of blue and white.

Here, you’ll truly understand the name “Walking among Giants” – as you explore this frozen world up close. The area is also used for hunting and fishing, with small cabins and sled dogs nearby. After time on the ice, your guide will share insights into modern Arctic life before returning to the lodge.

Note: Guests staying at Igloo Lodge will go dog sledding at the lodge the following day, using larger sleds with three participants rather than two.

Another day in Ilulissat gives you time to explore at your leisure. The town offers many small, authentic experiences if you take the time to look.

Visit the local workshop where traditional souvenirs are crafted from sealskin, or browse shops selling handmade items from bone, tooth, and natural materials – a glimpse into Greenlandic craftsmanship.

If you feel like heading outdoors, several walking routes are available. A walk toward the airport passes a peaceful cemetery with wide-open views. You can also venture into the surrounding landscape, though snow can be deep – renting snowshoes is a great way to explore further.

After breakfast, you have the opportunity to get up close to one of Greenland’s most iconic animals.

Meet’n’greet the sled dogs (optional)

Join a fascinating excursion where you experience Greenlandic sled dogs in their natural environment. Together with a local guide, you’ll learn about their history and their essential role in Arctic life – past and present.

You’ll hear how these strong and resilient animals have supported transportation and hunting for generations, and how they continue to play an important role today. The guide will share stories and insights that deepen your understanding of the bond between humans and animals in Greenland.

The visit takes place in the dogs’ natural surroundings, where you can observe their strength and adaptability. When conditions allow and with the owner’s permission, you may also get closer to selected dogs – always with respect for their well-being.

You’ll also see the equipment used for dog sledding and learn about its purpose and evolution.

Note: For safety reasons, you may only approach the dogs with the owner’s permission.

After a week of unforgettable experiences, it’s time to head home. From the plane, enjoy one last view of Ilulissat and the magnificent Icefjord, where icebergs lie scattered like frozen sculptures.

You’ll arrive in Copenhagen later the same day – with memories of a journey filled with tranquility, dramatic landscapes, and unique Arctic experiences.