Spring Feelings in Greenland

We fly from Copenhagen to Nuuk. Ahead of us is a 4,5-hour flight.

After you check in and unpack in your room at Hotel Hans Egede, it’s time to get to know Nuuk at your own pace and get ideas for what to do today.

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 the information meeting at the hotel, we will explore the city.

City tour of Nuuk, Greenland National Museum

Nuuk has about 17,500 inhabitants, which is significantly more than just two decades ago. Entirely new neighborhoods have been added since the year 2000. Although Nuuk is a busy place in a Greenlandic context, nature is never far away. We go on a city tour in Nuuk’s old center, and the first stop is the National Museum.

Greenland’s National Museum houses many relics, but the most amazing are without comparison the famous mummies from Qilakitsoq. They were found in North Greenland outside the town of Uummannaq by two brothers who were out hunting. They found eight freeze-dried and unusually well-preserved mummies under a rocky outcrop. Four of the mummies are now at home at the National Museum and provide a fascinating insight into the ancient Inuit culture in Greenland.

We continue our round trip of the old town. We visit the statue of Hans Egede, overlooking the old colonial harbor, the fjord and the islands that separate Nuuk from the Davis Strait. Then we move on to the beautiful building of Katuaq, the Cultural Center of Greenland, whose facade is shaped like the northern lights.

At night, the hotel offers a lovely welcome dinner (drinks excluded).

Experience Nuuk on your own. Shopping and culture

The rest of the afternoon, you are on your own to explore Nuuk. There are cafés and restaurants and many shopping opportunities. You’ll find a great selection of shops offering Greenlandic handicrafts and Greenlandic design. Nuuk is the best place to look for original Greenlandic design since the selection here is greater than in the other towns in Greenland. However, you can also find unique and beautiful things in Ilulissat.

If you are up for it, it’s time for a boat trip on Nuuk Fjord.

Boat Tour Around Sermitsiaq – Nuuk’s Iconic Landmark (add-on)

Go on a scenic boat trip around Sermitsiaq, the iconic mountain that rises from the sea like a majestic sentinel of Nuuk’s fjord. The mountain sits on an island, and its shape changes dramatically depending on your perspective. Sometimes it is sharp and rugged, and other times smooth and rounded. In summer, waterfalls cascade down its slopes, adding to the wild beauty of the landscape. In winter, they are just as beautiful, but motionless, as they have turned to ice. We glide silently through the clear Arctic waters, with the city behind us and nature ahead. We may spot humpback whales, seals, or soaring sea eagles depending on the season.

Departure by the coastal ship Sarfaq Ittuk and sailing northward

When the day draws to an end, we board the ship Sarfaq Ittuk. Ahead of us are two days aboard the ship bound for Ilulissat. The coastal ship sails up and down the west coast and is very popular among the Greenlanders. When the ship docks in coastal towns, you will experience happy reunions when the locals pick up their long-awaited friends and family.

In the morning, we dock in Maniitsoq for 30 minutes and then we  continue with the ship further up the coast of Greenland.

Ashore in Greenland’s second largest town, Sisimiut

We now go on a guided town walk of Sisimiut. Sisimiut, Greenland’s second largest town has just over 5,500 inhabitants. There is a cozy atmosphere and an authenticity that is particular to Sisimiut. The town is surrounded by steep mountains, and the view is beautiful.

At this point, we have crossed into the Arctic Circle, and we are in ‘Dogsled Country’. This means you will hear a lot of howling dogs. It’s exciting, intense, and a bit like travelling back in time when we all relied on animals to transport us around.

We do not have not a lot of time in Sisimiut, but enough time to get an idea of the town in the hilly landscape.

As Sarfaq Ittuk approaches Ilulissat, there will be many more icebergs in the water. Very large icebergs. They are significantly larger in the Disko Bay, and in the coming days, icebergs are at the core of our activities.

Accommodation at Hotel Arctic

Upon arrival in Ilulissat, we are picked up and driven to Hotel Arctic. Hotel Arctic lies on the outskirts of Ilulissat with a view of the Ilulissat Ice Fjord. The Ice Fjord was added to UNESCO’s World Heritage List in 2004.

Today, Hotel Arctic is becoming a part of Ilulissat town. However, this has not always been the case. Until recently, it was located outside town, but as Ilulissat is one of Greenland’s four growth centers, the town has expanded and now includes the 4-star hotel. The other growth centers in Greenland are Nuuk, Sisimiut, and Qaqortoq.

Once you’ve got your room, we will have an information meeting to learn more about the town and the many excursions that are available in this exciting area.

Cultural town walk 

After the information meeting with the tour guide, we go on a town walk where you get the opportunity to get to know Ilulissat. The tour guide gives you an introduction to the history and culture of the area. We also pass by the town’s museum which is housed in the world-famous polar explorer Knud Rasmussen’s birthplace. We see the old colonial houses, the almost 250 years old Zion Church and the city’s iconic and vibrant harbor.

Restaurants in Ilulissat

There are many restaurants in Ilulissat and, at Hotel Arctic, there are two really good ones. They both come with excellent views of the ice fjord, and the food is of international standard, prepared with tasty Greenlandic ingredients. You’ll also find several restaurants in town.

Enjoy Ilulissat on your own. There is a reason why this beautiful town is one of the most visited places in Greenland: The impressive Ice Fjord. The icebergs can be experienced by sea, by land, and from the air.

Hike to the settlement at the Ice Fjord, and walks in the town

Consider joining a hike to Sermermiut, an old settlement right at the mouth of the Ice Fjord where giant icebergs have stranded on an old moraine. We will also visit the beautiful Ice Fjord Centre.

Alternatively, wander about on your own, drink a caffé latte at a cozy café, and find a quiet place where you can enjoy the view.

Sailing among the icebergs (add-on)

In the evening, you can take a lovely cruise between the icebergs that – regardless of the weather – are guaranteed to take your breath away. The midnight sun is low on the horizon, and it can be difficult to tell night from day. Reflections from the soft, warm light give the icebergs and mountain tops an orange tinge, and the water becomes almost purple.

Today, you will attend a fascinating sled dog presentation.

Meet the Greenlandic Sled Dogs – A Living Arctic Tradition

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.

You can spend the day on your own, or you can go explore on a daytrip to Ilimanaq.

Day trip to Ilimanaq (add-on)

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 or tomorrow, there’s an opportunity to join an incredibly beautiful helicopter tour.

Ilulissat Icefjord and Glacier Seen From Above (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.

On your last day, you can try some of the experiences you didn’t get around to – or take another walk to Sermermiut.

You can also see it all from above if you didn’t go yesterday.

Ilulissat Icefjord and Glacier Seen From Above (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.

At night, you will have a lovely farewell dinner in the hotel’s amazing restaurant (drinks not included)