Greenland in Autumn – Kangerlussuaq, Ilulissat and the Icebergs of Disko Bay

You fly from Copenhagen to Kangerlussuaq and can now sit back, relax, and enjoy the attentive onboard service. As the aircraft approaches Greenland, nunataks (mountain peaks rising through the ice sheet) and the vast Ice Sheet will capture your full attention.

After approximately 4½ hours, you land in Kangerlussuaq, where a refreshing Arctic chill welcomes you. A guide from our local excursion office meets you upon arrival and assists with check-in at Hotel Kangerlussuaq, conveniently located within the airport complex.

Kangerlussuaq is beautifully situated between gentle mountains and close to the Ice Sheet. It is the only settlement in Greenland located inland rather than on the coast. The area offers easy access to spotting wildlife such as reindeer and musk oxen.

After check-in, a welcome meeting provides practical information about Kangerlussuaq, the surrounding area, and the available excursions.

If you have purchased the excursion package, the afternoon includes a guided sightseeing tour.

Sightseeing Tour (part of the excursion package)

Explore the former American air base on a guided bus tour, offering insight into the area’s fascinating history and unique natural environment.

Kangerlussuaq is the only inhabited settlement in Greenland located inland, characterized by a continental climate and highly stable weather conditions. These conditions were the original reason the Americans established their base here. Remnants from that era can still be seen throughout the area.

In the evening, we recommend enjoying dinner at Restaurant Roklubben, beautifully located by the lakeshore near Kangerlussuaq.

If you have bought the excursion package excursion, today features one of the highlights of your journey.

Excursion to Point 660 (part of the excursion package)

Today you travel to the Greenland Ice Sheet at Point 660, where you can step directly onto the ice itself. The journey is by specially adapted vehicle from town, traveling approximately 15 miles to reach the Ice Sheet. Along the way, your guide shares insights about the ice and the dynamic moraine landscape.

Standing atop ice that is hundreds of thousands of years old and many meters thick is a truly extraordinary experience.

Please note that the Ice Sheet is a living, ever-changing mass. Access points may vary from year to year depending on conditions. Sometimes the ice is easily accessible, while other times reaching it requires a bit more effort. Safety is always our top priority, and we only visit secure areas.

The remainder of the day is at your leisure. Enjoy a walk in the surrounding landscape or perhaps a relaxed dinner at the hotel. Later in the evening, another excursion awaits if you have purchased the excursion package.

Northern Lights Excursion (part of the excursion package)

Don’t miss the chance to experience Greenland’s spectacular Northern Lights. On clear evenings from mid-September onward, Kangerlussuaq often offers exceptional viewing conditions.

Due to its stable inland climate, Kangerlussuaq is one of the best places in Greenland to see the aurora borealis, and we highly recommend this excursion.

We drive away from town into the Arctic night, hoping the magnificent lights will appear. Witnessing the shimmering curtains of green dancing across the sky is an unforgettable experience – one more lasting memory to add to your growing collection of Arctic impressions.

Your day begins with a scenic flight from Kangerlussuaq to Ilulissat. From the air, you’ll already enjoy spectacular views of Greenland’s dramatic landscapes. The flight takes less than an hour, and upon arrival, a bus will be waiting to ensure a smooth and seamless start to the day.

After check-in at your hotel, you’re invited to join an atmospheric city tour of Ilulissat – one of Greenland’s most iconic towns, beautifully situated at the mouth of the world-famous Ilulissat Icefjord.

Town walk (part of the excursion package)

Ilulissat is surrounded by breathtaking nature, and the enormous icebergs on the horizon are a constant reminder that you are in the heart of the Arctic.

Accompanied by a local guide, you’ll gain insight into the town’s history, culture, and daily life. We stroll through the charming old town, where colorful wooden houses create a striking contrast against the rugged landscape. Along the way, you’ll hear stories about life in Disko Bay – from fishing and hunting traditions to sled dogs and the modern development shaping the town today.

We pass Zion Church, an important landmark that continues to play a central role in the community. Here, you’ll learn about its spiritual and historical significance to local residents. We also visit the Ilulissat Museum, located in the birthplace of polar explorer Knud Rasmussen. The museum shares Greenland’s cultural history and tells the story of life in the Arctic – from early Inuit settlements to contemporary society.

After the tour, you’ll have time to explore the town at your own pace. Browse cozy shops offering local handicrafts – perhaps a tupilak carving, a sealskin wallet, or a piece of Greenlandic design will catch your eye. The small cafés invite you to pause with a warm cup of coffee while watching icebergs drift quietly by offshore.

This city tour offers a wonderful introduction to Ilulissat – a place where tradition and modern life meet, and where the grandeur of nature is always just beyond your doorstep.
In the evening, enjoy a welcome dinner at one of Hotel Arctic’s excellent restaurants (beverages not included).

Today is yours to enjoy at your own pace – unless you have purchased the excursion package. If so, another highlight awaits: a boat tour on the Ilulissat Icefjord.

Iceberg Cruise on the Icefjord (part of the excursion package)

The day concludes with an unforgettable evening cruise on the Ilulissat Icefjord. Aboard a comfortable boat, we sail among the majestic icebergs calved from the enormous Sermeq Kujalleq Glacier. The evening sun casts golden and blue hues across the towering ice formations, creating a truly magical atmosphere.

Your guide shares insights about the fjord and its significance while you enjoy a warm beverage and take in this extraordinary natural spectacle.

In the evening, you’ll once again have the opportunity to search for the Northern Lights.

Northern Lights Safari (part of the excursion package)

As darkness falls and the Arctic sky turns black, it’s time for another Northern Lights adventure. Solar activity over the polar regions creates ideal conditions for viewing the aurora in Greenland’s pristine darkness.

Your group will be picked up at the hotel and driven to one of the darkest areas near Ilulissat, where conditions are ideal for observing the lights. Your guide will explain the science behind the aurora as well as the many Greenlandic legends connected to this natural phenomenon. You’ll also receive helpful tips on how to capture great photos of the Northern Lights.

It’s a day filled with unforgettable moments, where the beauty of nature and the charm of the town blend seamlessly together.

Today you have the opportunity to join a beautiful and accessible hike. The route is not long, and part of it follows a wooden boardwalk, making it suitable for most travelers.

Hike to Sermermiut (part of the excursion package)

The Sermermiut Valley is just a short walk from town. Here, you’ll experience Greenland’s cultural heritage up close while enjoying sweeping views of the UNESCO-listed Ilulissat Icefjord.

You’ll learn about the area’s history as a settlement site for several Inuit cultures and have plenty of time to take photos of the spectacular landscape.

If you wish, you can visit the stunning Icefjord Centre on your own after the hike. The center offers fascinating exhibitions about the Icefjord, climate, and life in the Arctic – all set within remarkable modern architecture overlooking the fjord.

Relaxing in Ilulissat is wonderfully cozy, as the view is so overwhelmingly beautiful that you can simply sit somewhere at the hotel and gaze out toward the mouth of the Icefjord, where the massive icebergs rest.

If you have purchased the excursion package, today includes a visit to the sled dogs.

Visit with the sled dogs (part of the excursion package)

In Ilulissat, winter lasts six to seven months each year — and winter means “sled season.” Around 2,500 sled dogs are actively used for both recreation and work. Local longline fishermen use dog sleds to transport fish between the Icefjord and Ilulissat, where modern motor power often gives way to the Inuit’s traditional mode of transportation.
Today, a local dog owner will invite you to observe the feeding of a dog team. You will experience not only the lively commotion of 20 dogs barking in unison, but also their tremendous energy and eagerness. The owner will demonstrate the sled, harnesses, and whip, and explain the unique partnership between the dogs and their handler. Please remember to wait for the owner’s permission before approaching the dogs.

This visit offers a wonderful opportunity to gain insight into the traditional way of life with sled dogs in Greenland.

Please note: These dogs are working animals, not pets. Only approach them with the owner’s permission.

A stay in Ilulissat is not only about grand natural experiences — it is also a perfect opportunity to slow down and enjoy the special sense of calm that characterizes the town. That is why this day has been left without planned excursions. You may choose whether to relax or explore further.

Nature is always close by, and even a quiet moment can feel like an experience in itself. From the hotel and around town, you can admire the majestic icebergs from the Ilulissat Icefjord as they slowly drift along the horizon. Sit at a café — or on a bench overlooking the sea — breathe in the crisp Arctic air, and let your thoughts wander. It is a simple yet memorable pleasure.

A leisurely walk through Ilulissat offers insight into everyday local life. The small wooden houses painted in red, blue, and yellow create a charming contrast to the dramatic landscape, and everywhere you sense the strong connection between the town and nature.

Others may choose to follow the marked coastal trails, enjoying the silence and the distinctive Arctic light that shifts character throughout the day.

For those who enjoy browsing small shops, Ilulissat offers fine local handicrafts and design. You can find everything from jewelry inspired by natural forms to traditional tupilaks and sealskin products. It’s a wonderful opportunity to bring a piece of Greenland home — not merely as a souvenir, but as a reminder of a destination where tranquility, raw nature, and authenticity go hand in hand.

It is now time to say goodbye to Greenland.

You will fly from Ilulissat via Kangerlussuaq to Copenhagen, arriving in the evening — hopefully with your camera roll full of icebergs and your heart filled with Arctic impressions.

Greenland doesn’t entirely let go. It’s the kind of place that stays with you.