Dream Trip in Disko Bay

We fly from Copenhagen to Nuuk. Ahead of us is a 4.5-hour flight.

Nuuk has only 20,000 inhabitants, but you’ll experience a vibrant “big city” as it is a government city with many cultural and educational institutions. Nuuk is growing constantly and is now about 10 kilometers from end to end. You’ll find concerts, theater, museums, and exhibitions. Sports are central to many, so you can go hiking, skiing, sailing, running, strength training, yoga, and even swimming. You can read more about Nuuk here.

After you check in at Hotel SØMA, it’s time for sightseeing.

Sightseeing in Nuuk

The city tour, a unique part of your excursion package, includes a visit to the Greenland National Museum. Here, you’ll have the privilege of seeing finds from all time periods and civilizations in Greenland. After about 30 minutes at the museum, we continue around the area called Kolonihavnen. This is where most of the original houses from the 17th and 18th centuries still stand. On the way, we pass Hans Egede’s house, the sculpture of the Mother of the Sea, and the controversial statue of Hans Egede at the Greenland Cathedral.

We then head to ‘Kalaaliaraq,’ the traditional market where locally caught fish, seals, and reindeer are sold. Now we head to Greenland’s government buildings and then to Greenland’s Cultural Center, Katuaq, where our tour ends. You’re now as central as you can be, with great shopping opportunities. And many other exciting things to do.

If you’ve purchased the excursion package, there’s a boat trip on Nuuk Fjord.

Fish and Dish (add-on)

Today, we depart from Nuuk on a boat trip to the lovely Qooqqut Nuan’ Restaurant. However, this is no ordinary restaurant visit.

We sail through the vast fjord system behind Nuuk, the second-largest fjord system in the world. In the Qooqqut Fjord, we stop the engine and try to catch our lunch. Today, there will be no complaints that the fish is not fresh!

Qooqqut lies 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 moves here in the summer and serves the most amazing dishes. For lunch, we get to eat our own freshly caught fish.

As something rather unique in Greenland, trees are scattered beautifully in the area behind the restaurant. Consider taking a small hike for a good photo opportunity while the chef is at work with your fish.

After lunch, we return to the boat and sail to Nuuk.

Today, the journey continues with a flight to Ilulissat. From there, we head down to the harbor and take a boat to Disko Island.

As you get closer to the island, you will see the majestic mountains, which rise a thousand meters above the surface of the ocean. At the top of the mountain, the giant glacier, Sermersuaq, is located, and it covers all of the west side of Disko Island.

Qeqertarsuaq – both island and town

After arriving in the small town of Qeqertarsuaq, you will be accommodated at the local hotel. After arrival, there is an information meeting to give you an introduction to this rugged, yet stunning island.

Qeqertarsuaq is the main town of Disko Island, which, in Greenlandic, is also called Qeqertarsuaq. With its various colored houses, it has a very idyllic setting with the harbor and the mountains on one side and the coast and sea on the other. It is not uncommon to spot whales when strolling along the coast.

Life in the town

There is time for a town walk. Along the way, you will encounter a lot of beautiful sights for your travel photography.

Due to its characteristic octagonal shape, the church in Qeqertarsuaq is called The Lord’s Ink Pot, and it is worth a visit. The same goes for the museum, which is located in the former doctor’s residence and the home of the North Greenland Governor, as it was called in a bygone era. A very special sight, which you only experience so spectacularly in Qeqertarsuaq, is soccer, played on a course that lies next to the water. It is an incredible sight to see the young people running around on a green field, while huge, white icebergs flow past just next to them.

After breakfast, you can enjoy a guided walk to Kuannit.

Hike to Kuannit

We hike from the hotel in town, pass the Red River at the bridge, and continue along the coast. At Kuannit, we can see how the lava sprang up millions of years ago and, during rapid cooling, contracted and cracked into spectacular lava sculptures in the form of 6-sided basalt columns. The fauna at Kuannit is very lush with a variety of flowers and tasty Angelica plants. On the coastline, you will find a basalt stone shaped like an elephant drinking directly from the sea.

Today, we continue by boat to Ilulissat. Upon arrival in Ilulissat, you will be picked up by Hotel Arctic’s bus. As you approach the hotel, you can enjoy its location on the edge of town, overlooking the famous UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ilulissat Ice Fjord.

At Hotel Arctic, we are available in the lobby, where you can ask our guide for advice about the area and available excursions. If you’re interested, you can also book local excursions at the Arctic Excursions booking stand, operated by our subsidiary company.

Also, take some time to relax on the hotel’s balcony and dwell on the spectacular views of the Ice Fjord and the seemingly never-ending horizon.

Ilulissat – City of Icebergs

Ilulissat is a great mix of modern life and traditional Greenlandic living. Kayaks and dry fish are placed on racks side by side with the laundry, and thousands of sled dogs add character to the town, providing a unique atmosphere with their howls.

The beautiful UNESCO-recognized Ice Fjord is the workplace of local fishermen and, at the same time, the biggest visitor attraction in Greenland. What makes the Ice Fjord so special are the huge icebergs that are stranded at the mouth of the fjord and, not least, the light that constantly changes the colors of the ice. The Ice Fjord became a part of UNESCO’s World Heritage list in 2004, and it is truly an unforgettable and very impressive sight.

If you have purchased the excursion package, you can look forward to a city walk:

Cultural, historical guided tour (add-on)

Some people might think: “We can just take a walk around the town on our own.” And yes, you probably could, but with our guided tour, you will gain a deeper understanding of Greenlandic culture and history, which will add an extra layer to all your other experiences in Greenland.

Ilulissat was founded in 1741 and, today, it is the third-largest town in Greenland with more than 4,500 inhabitants. The guide will tell you about the history of the town, Greenlandic culture, and contemporary life in a town almost 300 kilometers north of the Arctic Circle. We will visit the fishermen at the harbor and the hunters at their trading post, “Brættet.” We will also show you the church and the birthplace of the famous Polar explorer Knud Rasmussen.

To round off the day, you will have a lovely welcome dinner in the hotel’s amazing restaurant.

Today, you have the chance to explore Ilulissat at your own pace. Ilulissat is a lovely and very Greenlandic town with a modern atmosphere and a more traditional lifestyle. Hunting and fishing are paramount for survival, and fishing boats jostle for space with industrial trawlers. Sled dogs and houses in almost all colors adorn the rocky landscape.

If you have bought the excursions, we have three trips today.

Hiking trip to Sermermiut (add-on)

Beautiful icebergs provide the setting for the former settlement of Sermermiut, 1.5 kilometers south of Ilulissat. For 4,000 years, different Inuit cultures lived in the settlement and, today, you can still see the sparse ruins which indicate their presence. Hear about the life of the Inuit people and their traditions before the Europeans came to Greenland. See the ruins and touch the permafrost with your own hands.

On this hike, we will pass “Kællingekløften,” where you can enjoy the magnificent view of the Ice Fjord, before heading back again. During the hike, there will be time to talk about flora, fauna, geology, and, not least, amazing facts about the omnipresent ice.

Meet the Greenlandic Sled Dogs – A Living Arctic Tradition (add-on)

Step into the world of Greenland’s iconic sled dogs on this guided tour that brings you closer to one of the Arctic’s most enduring symbols. Learn about their deep cultural roots, their role in traditional life, and how they continue to adapt in a changing world. Led by a knowledgeable guide, you’ll hear stories and insights about how these resilient dogs have helped shape life in the Arctic, from transportation and hunting to their continued relevance in today’s remote communities. You’ll gain a meaningful understanding of the special bond between humans and sled dogs in Greenland.

The tour takes place outdoors, where the dogs thrive in their natural habitat. Their thick coats protect them against the harsh cold, making them well-suited for the open environment – not as indoor pets, but as strong, working companions. With the owner’s permission, you may approach selected dogs and experience the individual dog up close. We always prioritize your safety and the well-being of the animals, so any interaction is guided and respectful. You’ll also get a chance to explore traditional sledding gear and learn how it connects past and present practices in dog sledding culture.

This tour is ideal for families and curious travelers of all ages looking for an authentic, educational experience focused on Greenlandic wildlife and tradition. It’s an encounter that will stay with you long after your journey ends.

Please note: For the safety and comfort of guests and dogs, approaching the animals without the owner’s permission is prohibited.

Sailing among icebergs (add-on)

The midnight sun makes the icebergs glow in a unique play of colors that people return to experience again and again. Midnight sun in Ilulissat lasts from May 21st to July 24th.

Sailing during the night with the sun still shining is a fantastic and unusual experience. Almost every visitor to Ilulissat chooses to go on this boat trip among the icebergs at least once. Every day, more than 40 million tons of ice flow out into the fjord. The floating icebergs are gigantic, sometimes more than 100 meters long and wide, and can reach heights of up to 70 meters above the water surface. These giants gather at the end of the fjord, providing you with a great opportunity to sail among them.

The icebergs are a wonderful sight in every kind of weather; in the sunshine, the contrasts are very clear. The blue shades are very beautiful when it is cloudy, and the midnight sun casts a unique glow on the icebergs during the night. Taking the boat trip on a bright night is an extraordinary experience.

You should not miss out on this exceptional experience when visiting Ilulissat.

You can have the day on your own, or you can go on one or more excursions.

You have the opportunity to try kayaking in the country that invented the kayak.

Oqaatsut and Kayak Tour (add-on)

Join us on an exciting excursion to the small settlement of Oqaatsut, where we combine sailing among icebergs, a kayaking adventure in stunning surroundings, and a delightful lunch at the historic Restaurant H8.

The tour begins in Ilulissat, where you will meet our experienced kayaking instructor. You will receive a thorough safety briefing and an introduction to the equipment. Dressed in high-quality drysuits, we are ready to paddle safely and comfortably.

From here, we set off by boat towards Oqaatsut. Along the way, we pass the magnificent icebergs of Disko Bay drifting gracefully along the coast – an unforgettable experience in itself.

Once in Oqaatsut, we receive the final instructions on land before launching the kayaks into the water. We paddle out in double kayaks across the beautiful bay where the village lies, surrounded by mountains and icebergs. Along the way, we can enjoy the peace, the natural surroundings, the views, and a sandwich brought along for lunch.

After the tour, we return to Oqaatsut and change back into our regular clothes. Following a guided village walk, we take our seats at Restaurant H8 Explorer, where we enjoy a two-course dinner prepared with local ingredients in charming, historic surroundings. Afterward, we return by boat to Ilulissat, filled with impressions from a day where sea, ice, and culture came together in perfect harmony.

This tour is not recommended if you have severe neck or back problems, and participants must be at least 12 years old.

You can also experience a helicopter flight.

Ilulissat Icefjord and Glacier Seen From Above with Helicopter (add-on)

Ilulissat Ice Fjord and the Kangia Glacier are in focus on a 1½ hours helicopter ride that takes you right into the heart of a UNESCO World Heritage Site. No boat or hiking trail can get this close to the huge glacier – and you will see it all from above!

The helicopter takes off from Ilulissat Airport and flies as low as safety and laws allow over mountains, lakes, rivers, and the Icefjord until we reach a mountain at the ice sheet’s edge. Here we have about half an hour to enjoy the view. Then, we fly over the glacier front and follow the Icefjord for 70 kilometers on our way back.

Early in the morning, we will travel north by boat to the fascinating Eqi Glacier, one of Greenland’s unique natural wonders.

Only a few places in Greenland are as beautiful as the Eqi Glacier, which ends in the fjord 80 kilometers north of Ilulissat. It is possible to get very close to the glacier by boat and see huge chunks of ice break off. The sounds are thunderous, and the sight of ice crashing into the water is astonishing. After a good lunch in front of the Eqi Glacier, the boat anchors at Glacier Lodge Eqi, where you will stay in cabins facing the glacier.

The untamed nature is just outside the door, and from the terrace you can take in the overwhelming silence, broken only by the crashing sound of ice calving. The cabins at Glacier Lodge Eqi are cozy and offer great views. If you haven’t already sensed the calm, it will come to you right here. Only the natural roar of the glacier, when it calves, breaks the silence.

Please note that we have booked a Comfort Cabin for you. You can upgrade your cabin to a Comfort Deluxe Cabin or a wilderness glamping tent. Read more about Glacier Lodge Eqi here.

Wake up to the silence and light of the wilderness – broken only by the distant rumble of the calving glacier. After breakfast in the café, where panoramic windows offer sweeping views of the fjord, the day is yours to enjoy this unique and remote location. From here, you have two very different ways to experience Eqi – and the choice is entirely yours.

Stay at the lodge and embrace the peace

If you’re seeking quiet and presence, you’re welcome to stay in camp and let the landscape speak to you in its own rhythm. Settle in on the terrace and breathe in the fresh air from the fjord. Perhaps you’ll photograph the many shades of blue in the ice, read a good book with the glacier as your backdrop, or enjoy a coffee in the café, where the large windows let you follow the glacier’s activity – even from the comfort of indoors.

There is no internet at Glacier Lodge Eqi – and that’s a gift. You’ll quickly notice how your body and mind begin to relax.

Hiking opportunities at Eqi

During your stay at Glacier Lodge Eqi, the hike to the glacier moraine is included. This walk offers spectacular views of the Eqi Glacier and the area’s magnificent scenery and is suitable for most guests.

The Eqi area also offers a more demanding full-day hike to the edge of the Greenland Ice Sheet for guests seeking an additional physical challenge. This activity is operated by World of Greenland and can be booked directly with the operator during your stay.

Local guides will be happy to advise during your stay whether the hike is suitable for your interests and fitness level. The hike to the Ice Sheet is recommended only for guests with excellent physical fitness and solid experience with longer hikes in challenging terrain.

Evening in the wilderness

No matter how you choose to spend the day, we’ll gather again in the café for dinner, where the kitchen serves warm dishes made from local Greenlandic ingredients. You might witness the sun painting the sky gold behind icebergs and mountains – or hear another deep rumble from the glacier, reminding you of just how close to nature you really are.

Then it’s time for your final night at Glacier Lodge Eqi.

You will wake up to a fantastic glacier view yet again. You have the morning to explore the area a little more. The area has abundant wildlife and geology. Polar foxes, hares, grouse, and sea eagles are often seen on land while seals swim near the camp. When you are on your own in the wild and desolate landscape, you will undoubtedly get a sense of walking in the footsteps of famous Arctic explorers!

Hike to the Moraine of Eqi Glacier

From the cabins, we hike around the small lagoon at the southern end of the glacier. There are often large flocks of geese in the lagoon in the breeding season. The trip goes further up the moraine, where we can look down into the enormous cracks in the glacier a few meters away from us. From here, we will also get an overview of the glacier front, and we will hopefully see some impressive calvings from the glacier.

After lunch, the boat will take you back to Ilulissat, where you will arrive in the early evening. Once again, you will check into Hotel Arctic.

The day is planned for activities on your own or experiences on the water.

Whale Safari (add-on)

It is a great experience to get close to large animals like whales. There are 15 species of whale in Greenland. During the summer, we normally see humpback whales, common minke whales, and fin whales. The whales swim the entire Disko Bay during the summer; sometimes close to the town, sometimes in the ice fjord, or up north by the island, Arveprinsens Ejland.

We are in constant radio contact with the fishermen and the hunters about the whales and their whereabouts. The humpback, with its characteristic fin, is the one we see most often.