Meet the Northern Lights in Greenland

8 days around Kangerlussuaq, Ilulissat and Nuuk

Meet the Northern Lights – and Greenland – with your heart first

There are journeys you remember for a lifetime. Journeys that are not only about discovering new places, but about feeling something deeper. This is one of those. Over eight days, we’ll take you to three vastly different, yet equally captivating, destinations in Greenland – from the tundra and ice cap of Kangerlussuaq to the iceberg-filled wonders of Disko Bay in Ilulissat, and finally to the cultural heartbeat of the capital, Nuuk. Along the way, you’ll experience Greenland’s dramatic nature and rich history, its beating heart – in its people, its silence, and the northern lights dancing across the Arctic sky.

The ice and tundra of Kangerlussuaq

From the moment you arrive in Kangerlussuaq, it’s clear this place is special. Here, the raw, open tundra stretches out alongside the vast ice sheet, and under the clear polar night sky, you’ll have your first chance to witness the northern lights in motion. The green and white veil that sweeps across the sky feels almost otherworldly – and this is only the beginning.

The icebergs of Ilulissat

In Ilulissat, an Arctic adventure awaits among icebergs that break off daily from one of the world’s most active glaciers. You’ll stay with a view over Disko Bay, where giant icebergs drift by in an endless procession. You’ll walk to an ancient settlement site, hear stories about polar explorer Knud Rasmussen, meet sled dogs, and sail through a landscape unlike any other on Earth. Here, nature, culture, and grandeur blend in rare harmony.

Nuuk and the settlements of the world’s second-largest fjord system

As the grand finale, we round off the journey in Greenland’s vibrant capital, Nuuk. A city in transition – modern and rich in tradition, all at once. Here, you’ll encounter striking architecture, museums, and local cuisine – but also deep fjords, small settlements, and one more chance to see the northern lights, this time from the deck of a boat surrounded by silence.

The journey is carefully designed to give you both shared experiences and personal freedom. You’ll travel with an experienced guide passionate about Greenland and eager to give you the best possible experiences. There’s room for curiosity, reflection, and – perhaps most importantly – the unexpected. In Greenland, magic often appears when you least expect it.

So come with us – into the crisp Arctic air, into the stories, and close to a Greenland that will both surprise and move you. You won’t return home the same.

Highlights

  • Get up walking on the ice sheet
  • Sail among breathtaking icebergs
  • Experience authentic town and village life
  • Spot wildlife on land and sea
  • Get up close to UNESCO World Heritage at the Icefjord
  • Experience Greenland’s exciting capital, Nuuk

Included in the trip

  • Flight Copenhagen – Kangerlussuaq
  • Flight Kangerlussuaq – Ilulissat
  • Flight Ilulissat – Nuuk
  • Flight Nuuk – Copenhagen
  • Transfers from airport to hotels in Greenland
  • 1 night at Hotel Kangerlussuaq with private bathroom/toilet
  • 4 nights at Hotel Arctic with private shower/toilet
  • 2 nights at Hotel Hans Egede with private shower/toilet
  • Welcome dinner at Restaurant Roklubben in Kangerlussuaq (excluding beverages)
  • Welcome dinner at Hotel Arctic (excluding drinks)
  • Farewell dinner at Hotel Hans Egede in Nuuk (excluding beverages)
  • Food and drinks on the flights Copenhagen – Kangerlussuaq and Nuuk – Copenhagen
  • Breakfast
  • Information meetings
  • Northern lights tour in Kangerlussuaq
  • City walk in Ilulissat
  • Visit the sled dogs in Ilulissat
  • Hike to Sermermiut and visit to the Icefjord Centre
  • City tour with museum visit in Nuuk
  • Northern lights boat tour in Nuuk
  • All flight/transportation taxes and fees known to Greenland Travel at the time of publishing
  • 20 kg of checked baggage and 8 kg of cabin baggage
  • Tour Leader

 

Not included

  • Not-mentioned meals
  • Travel insurance
  • Excursion packages

Day program

David Trood - Visit Greenland
Day 1:
Flight from Copenhagen to Kangerlussuaq. Welcome dinner and northern lights tour

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. Here, you’re welcomed with a dinner, 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.

Northern lights tour

After dinner, an evening excursion awaits – one that many guests describe as an early highlight of the trip: a northern lights tour into the crisp polar night. Kangerlussuaq is known for its stable, dry climate, offering ideal conditions for spotting the aurora. Far from artificial light, we drive into the darkness, and if the skies are clear, you may witness luminous bands of green and white dancing across the sky – an experience that feels almost otherworldly. This outing blends the vastness of nature with a peaceful, near-spiritual calm.

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

Adam Lyberth - Visit Greenland
Day 2:
Excursion to the Ice Sheet (optional). Flight from Kangerlussuaq to Ilulissat. Welcome dinner in Ilulissat

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.

Before we continue to Ilulissat, it’s time for an optional excursion to the Greenland Ice Sheet if you’ve 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.

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 – another welcome dinner awaits.

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.

Ellen Fjellanger Schmidt - Visit Greenland
Day 3:
Culture and World Heritage in Ilulissat

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

City walk, Sermermiut Valley, and the Icefjord Centre

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.

Next, 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.

Mads Pihl - Visit Greenland
Day 4:
Sled dog presentation and boat tour on the Icefjord (optional)

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.

Anja Zurbruegg
Day 5:
Ilulissat on your own or go on a full-day excursion to Oqaatsut (optional)

Today, you can explore Ilulissat and the surrounding area at your own pace – or join a boat trip if you’ve purchased the excursion package.

Oqaatsut – a day in a coastal settlement (part of the excursion package)

After breakfast, we prepare for a truly special experience: a full-day excursion to the small settlement of Oqaatsut, formerly Rodebay, about 20 kilometers north of Ilulissat. We sail along the coast, passing drifting icebergs, mountain landscapes, and perhaps even spot whales on the horizon. The settlement is home to fewer than 40 people and offers a unique window into Greenlandic village life – simple, close to nature, and steeped in proud traditions.

There will be time to enjoy a delightful lunch at Restaurant H8, where local specialties are served, and time to take in the Arctic scenery before we sail back to Ilulissat. The day is rich in nature and culture and offers a deeper understanding of life in Greenland’s smaller communities.

Back in Ilulissat, the evening is free for your own adventures – perhaps another visit to the hotel terrace for one last view of the icefjord.

Elia Locardi - Visit Greenland
Day 6:
From Disko Bay’s icebergs to the rhythm of the capital

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 and check-in at the modern Hotel Hans Egede, 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.

After some time to relax at the hotel, another unforgettable experience awaits:

Northern lights by boat

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.

Aninngaaq R. Carlsen - Visit Greenland
Day 7:
On your own in Nuuk or a boat trip to Kapisillit and Qoornoq (optional)

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.

You can read more about Nuuk here.
But if you’ve purchased the excursion package, you’re in for a day filled with contrast and wonder as we visit two very different settlements.

Boat trip to Kapisillit and Qoornoq (part of the excursion package)

Join us on an unforgettable day tour through the magnificent Nuuk Fjord system – the second-largest fjord system in the world – where Greenlandic culture and stunning nature come together.

We depart from Nuuk and sail deep into the fjord, surrounded by majestic mountains with dramatic formations. Along the way, we stop at a cascading waterfall – a beautiful and surprising natural spectacle that reveals yet another face of Greenland.

At the end of the fjord lies the small settlement of Kapisillit, peacefully nestled in a green valley framed by mountains and rivers. Here, you’ll have time to explore the area on foot, take photos, and soak in the serenity and closeness of life in a Greenlandic village. Kapisillit is one of the few settlements in the region with year-round residents and offers rare insight into daily life far from the city’s bustle.

We then sail past the mouth of the icefjord, where icebergs and floes drift into the fjord system, creating an enchanting scene. From there, we continue to the abandoned village of Qoornoq, where silence tells its own story. Colorful houses cling to the hillside, and you’ll go ashore to experience the atmosphere and hear history’s echoes. Once home to hunters and fishermen, the village is used as a summer retreat by residents of Nuuk today.

There are no roads, no stores – just stillness, stories, and spectacular nature. In summer, there’s a good chance of spotting whales in the fjord, making the experience even more magical.

This tour is the perfect blend of culture, nature, and peacefulness – a beautiful counterpoint to the rhythm of the capital.

In the evening, we gather for a special farewell dinner: a three-course meal inspired by Greenlandic cuisine and carefully prepared. It’s a lovely way to reflect on the journey and share memories with your fellow travelers – a cozy and heartfelt end to the adventure.

Mads Pihl - Visit Greenland
Day 8:
Return flight from Greenland to Copenhagen

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.

Map

Hotels on this tour

Hotel Arctic

Greenland’s most famous hotel is Hotel Arctic in Ilulissat. It is located with a fantastic view of Ilulissat town, Ilulissat Ice Fjord, and Disko Bay. Hotel Arctic is the world’s northernmost 4-star hotel, and on top of that, the hotel features a 5-star conference center. The hotel is located just outside the town, approximately a 15-minute walk from the town center (app. 1.5 km from the central intersection in town).

The hotel has two great restaurants, and the large terrace outside the restaurant is the perfect place to enjoy a glass of wine while the sun shines its golden glow at midnight over the icebergs at Ilulissat Ice Fjord.

NOTE: The hotel offers airport transfers, but there are not transfers in connection with excursions or such.

Hotel Arctic
Mittarfimmut Aqq. B-1128
3952 Ilulissat

Hotel Hans Egede

Hotel Hans Egede

Right in the middle of Nuuk, you find the completely renovated, 4-star Hotel Hans Egede. From the Sarfalik restaurant on the fifth floor, you have a totally beautiful view. From here, you can see all of Downtown Nuuk, the nearby mountains, and the fjord.

Hotel Hans Egede is one of the largest hotels in Greenland, and there is an endless stream of people from all over the world visiting Greenland on business or leisure trips. The hotel has no less than two restaurants and a café and hosts larger parties and receptions in the conference department.

There are 140 modern rooms with private baths and toilets. The rooms have TVs with 12 channels. There are also ten well-equipped hotel apartments with their kitchenette, bath, and laundry facilities.

On the hotel’s top floor, you find the well-known restaurant A Hereford Beefstow, the Sarfalik restaurant, and the Skyline Bar. On the ground floor, there is a cafe, and here you also find Greenland Travel, which is situated right next door to the reception area.

Hotel Hans Egede

Aqqusinersuaq

3900 Nuuk

Excursions (Optional purchases)

Practical Information

Flight schedule (local times)

  • Departure from Copenhagen 3:50 pm
  • Back in Copenhagen at 10:00 pm

Please note: The airline can change the times for departure.

Minimum number of participants
A minimum of 6 passengers is required per departure.

Language of the tour
This is an international group.

The tour leader speaks Danish and English on the departures on 25 September and 16 October 2025.

Baggage included

20 kilos of checked baggage and 8 kilos of cabin baggage (max. dimensions of cabin baggage: 55 x 40 x 23 cm).

Travelers with reduced mobility and wheelchair users

We do not recommend this tour for people with reduced mobility and wheelchair users. Greenland Travel’s advice regarding difficulty levels on our excursions is intended for travelers who are not disabled. We are always happy to provide you with information on the suitability of the trip, taking into account the specific needs you may have. Please note that our advice is not based on medical knowledge, and ultimately it is YOUR responsibility to decide if a tour is right for you.

Meet the Northern Lights in Greenland

8 days around Kangerlussuaq, Ilulissat and Nuuk

Experience the northern lights, majestic icebergs, and vibrant culture in Kangerlussuaq, Ilulissat, and Nuuk – a journey filled with magical moments and Arctic wonder.

From
3.375 EUR
per person in double room
September-October  | 8 days  | 7 nights Travel id: 9047 Departure from Copenhagen
Optional experiences
Ice SheetNorthern LightsIcebergsInuit Culture

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Can we help you?

You are always welcome to contact us if you have any questions regarding your trip or if you need advice or guidance.

You can call us at: +45 3313 1011