Meet the Northern Lights in Greenland

The journey begins with a direct flight from Copenhagen to Kangerlussuaq, a former American military base and now an important gateway to Greenland’s vast interior. The flight takes about 4½ hours, and already during the descent, you catch your first glimpse of the magnificent landscape – mountains, tundra, and glistening rivers stretching out in a breathtaking Arctic wilderness.

Upon arrival, you’ll check in at Hotel Kangerlussuaq, which is conveniently located right next to the airport.

Now it is time for a trip to the Inland Ice, if you have purchased the excursion package.

Excursion to Point 660 at the Ice Sheet (part of the excursion package)

We set off in a large off-road bus toward Point 660, a spectacular site at the ice sheet’s edge. The drive takes us through mountain landscapes, past meltwater lakes and tundra, until Greenland’s white heart suddenly reveals itself: the vast ice cap that covers the interior. Here, you stand at the edge of the world’s second-largest ice sheet, surrounded by silence and the ice’s dazzling light. It’s a place where many experience a moment of deep awe – where the grandeur of nature and the immensity of time come together.

From Point 660, it is sometimes possible to walk onto the ice. Be aware that the ice is a living entity, and conditions can vary from year to year – sometimes it’s easy to get onto the ice, while other times it requires more effort. But rest assured: our guides always choose safe routes.

At night, you’re welcomed with a dinner at Resturant Roklubben (excluding drinks), where the group gathers, and the guide presents the program for the coming days. It’s a cozy and informal introduction – to Greenland and each other.

Back at the hotel, your warm bed awaits – and the promise of a journey that has only just begun.

The day begins with breakfast and a chance to enjoy the quiet morning in Kangerlussuaq, where reindeer roam near the settlement and ravens circle above the open landscape.

The flight to Ilulissat takes less than an hour but brings you into an entirely different world – a vibrant town perched on the edge of one of the world’s most active glaciers. “Ilulissat” means “icebergs,” and the name becomes very real quickly. The town lies directly on Disko Bay near the mouth of Ilulissat Icefjord, where colossal icebergs drift out into the bay. After arrival and check-in at the comfortable Hotel Arctic – Greenland’s most famous hotel – we go an a town walk.

Town walk

We begin the day with a guided city walk, diving into Ilulissat’s history and daily life. The guide shares stories of Knud Rasmussen – the famous polar explorer – whose childhood home still stands here. We’ll visit the church, the museum, and the harbor, and get a feel for the local life, where modern Greenlandic living and ancient Inuit traditions exist side by side.

In the evening, another welcome dinner awaits you (drinks not included).

This time, you’ll enjoy a delicious meal at the hotel, with views over Disko Bay, and perhaps a stroll afterward to see if the northern lights grace Ilulissat’s night sky.

After a good night’s sleep and breakfast at the hotel, today offers a beautiful blend of culture and nature.

Sermermiut Valley, and the Icefjord Centre

Today, we head to the iconic Sermermiut Valley – a protected area and former settlement site of several Inuit cultures. The place is steeped in history, from the Saqqaq people more than 4,000 years ago to today’s visitors who come to admire the view of the icefjord. A wooden boardwalk has been laid out so everyone can enjoy the hike, and along the way, the guide explains the historical significance of the site and the harsh realities of Inuit life here. As the landscape opens at the fjord’s edge, towering icebergs appear like a frozen cathedral of nature’s spires and pillars.

We also visit the beautiful and modern Icefjord Centre, where architecture and storytelling unite. The exhibits explore climate, the movement of the ice, scientific research, and life in the Arctic – and the building itself is an architectural experience in its own right.

The rest of the day and evening are free to explore on your own. You can enjoy a local café, take an extra walk, or sit with a view of the ice and feel the special energy of Greenland.

We start the day with another lovely breakfast and an exciting day ahead.

Sled dog presentation

The day’s first activity is a presentation about sled dogs – a deeply rooted part of Greenlandic culture. We visit a local dog owner who shares their knowledge and personal stories. You’ll gain insight into how life with sled dogs shapes everyday routines in the Arctic and how the close relationship between humans and dogs has been vital for survival in this harsh environment. You’ll meet the strong, hard-working Greenlandic sled dogs, still used north of the Arctic Circle – and perhaps hear about the special bond of love and respect that connects people to these animals.

The rest of the day is yours to explore – stroll along the waterfront, visit local artisans in town, or relax on the hotel terrace with a view of icebergs slowly drifting by.

If you’ve purchased the excursion package, a spectacular boat tour awaits later.

Boat tour among the icebergs (part of the excursion package)

In the evening, we embark on a boat tour through the majestic icebergs – one of the most unforgettable ways to experience Ilulissat Icefjord. Some icebergs reach up to 70 meters high and glow with the golden hues of the setting sun as we glide silently among them. The ice creaks and cracks, making the entire experience awe-inspiring and deeply peaceful. The Icefjord is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for good reason – and no photograph can truly capture the wonder of seeing it with your own eyes.

If you bought the excursion package, you will visit a small settlement today.

Day trip to Ilimanaq (part of the excursion package)

Only one generation ago, most Greenlanders lived in small settlements, dotted like pearls along the rugged coastline. Today, you will find that most live in towns, though Ilulissat still has four thriving settlements. One of these is Ilimanaq, located just south of the Icefjord.

Ilimanaq, which means “The place for expectations” in Danish, was once a traditional hunting community. Today, it is a unique mix of tourism, nature, fishing, culture, and sustainability. This development is thanks to Ilimanaq’s location south of the Ilulissat Icefjord, and the restoration of the beautiful, old colonial buildings, as well as the construction of Ilimanaq Lodge. Ilimanaq is now a big source of inspiration for the development of Greenlandic settlements, despite its size.

We sail through the Icefjord to Ilimanaq, which is almost 15 kilometres south of Ilulissat. The guide will take you on a tour through the village, where we’ll visit a local family and enjoy a light lunch along with a warm cup of coffee or tea.

The trip is approximately 5 hours long, with 2-3 hours spent in Ilimanaq before we return to Ilulissat.

Today, we say goodbye to Ilulissat and set our course for Greenland’s capital, Nuuk. The flight offers stunning views of the landscape, and from above, you’ll enjoy one last breathtaking glimpse of the icebergs and fjords. After about an hour and a half, we land in Nuuk – Greenland’s largest city and cultural heart.

After arrival, we  check-in at the modern Hotel Hans Egede. After some time to relax at the hotel, another unforgettable experience awaits, if you have purchased the excursion package:

Northern lights by boat (part of the excursion package)

We sail into the fjord near Nuuk, leaving the city lights behind in search of darkness – and the chance to see the northern lights dance above the mountains and water. This outing is a beautiful fusion of Nuuk’s closeness to nature and Greenland’s dramatic contrasts, leaving a lasting impression.

Nuuk may only have around 19,500 residents, but it feels like a small metropolis – it’s the seat of government and home to numerous cultural and educational institutions. The city continues to grow, stretching nearly 10 kilometers from end to end. You’ll find concerts, theater, museums, exhibitions, and plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities: hiking, skiing, sailing, running, weightlifting, yoga, and even swimming. If you choose to spend the day in the city, there’s lots to do.

Today, we head out on a guided city walk.

City walk

Nuuk is a fascinating city where modern architecture meets historical buildings, and urban life, art, and culture thrive in the heart of nature. We visit the renowned National Museum, home to the Qilakitsoq mummies and many other remarkable artifacts that tell Greenland’s long and complex story. We also pass through the harbor area with its cafés and cultural venues, and the new downtown with shops and contemporary residential architecture.Later today, we will enjoy a lovely boat trip, which also includes our farewell dinner.

Boat trip to Qooqqut – catch your own dinner (farewell dinner excluding drinks)

At 3:30 p.m., we depart by boat for an unforgettable experience at Qooqqut Nuan’ Restaurant — a culinary adventure unlike any other.

We sail deep into Nuuk’s vast fjord system, the second-largest in the world, stopping along the way to fish for our own dinner. No one complains about freshness here!
Qooqqut lies in a lush valley surrounded by mountains that reach heights of up to 2,000 meters. One of Nuuk’s top chefs spends the summer here, serving superb dishes — including the fish we’ve just caught ourselves (there’s no guarantee we’ll catch anything, but if we don’t, the restaurant has fish ready for us).

Unusually for Greenland, trees grow around the area behind the restaurant. You may wish to take a short walk for photos while the chef prepares your meal.

After a delicious dinner, we return to Nuuk by boat, arriving around 9:00 p.m.

After breakfast, it’s time to pack your suitcase and say goodbye to Greenland. The day begins at a relaxed pace, and since our flight to Copenhagen departs in the afternoon, you’ll still have time to explore the city a bit more or do some last-minute shopping. Enjoy one final walk through town or perhaps a cup of coffee with a view of the fjord.

Then we head to the airport, and as your flight takes off, you leave Greenland with a heart full of memories. From northern lights and towering icebergs to cultural encounters and awe-inspiring nature, this journey has offered a rare insight into a country of powerful traditions and wild landscapes.

Though the journey ends here, the experiences live on – in your photos, your stories, and most of all, in the feeling Greenland leaves behind in everyone who visits.