The Great Greenland Round Trip

We fly from Copenhagen to Nuuk — a journey of about four and a half hours — and continue on a smaller domestic flight to Qaqortoq, the main town of South Greenland.
Our base for the first nights is Hotel Qaqortoq, beautifully located on a hill overlooking the harbor. Throughout the hotel, you’ll find artwork created by local artists. After checking in, we’ll head out for a guided city walk.

Qaqortoq

Qaqortoq, home to around 3,000 people, is the largest town in South Greenland and is often called the region’s unofficial capital. Framed by mountains, lakes, and fjords, the town has a relaxed rhythm and an inviting atmosphere. Colorful houses, small shops, cozy cafés, and a calm harbor create a picture-perfect setting where life unfolds slowly and meaningfully. Qaqortoq is also the hub for education, commerce, and culture in the area.

Among the town’s interesting businesses, Great Greenland stands out. The company operates both a tannery and a sewing workshop, producing elegant seal-skin clothing that combines traditional Greenlandic craftsmanship with modern design. A visit to Great Greenland offers fascinating insight into how local raw materials are transformed into high-quality fashion sold both locally and abroad.

Today, you can enjoy Qaqortoq either together with your tour guide or at your own pace — there’s plenty to see and do. Stop by the local tourist office to get a map of the rock sculptures carved into the surrounding cliffs, stroll across the river, visit the lively local market Brættet, or explore the charming town museum — the oldest building in Qaqortoq, dating back to 1804.

Town Walk

Qaqortoq exudes creativity and history. One of its most iconic landmarks is the fountain in the town square — the only one in all of Greenland. For decades, it has been a favorite meeting place for locals and visitors alike.

As you wander the streets, you’ll also notice the art project “Stone and Man,” a collection of over 30 sculptures carved directly into the granite by artists from Greenland and abroad. The works range from mythical figures to nature-inspired motifs, giving the town a unique artistic character. The project was started in the early 1990s by renowned Greenlandic artist Aka Høegh, who was born in Qaqortoq. Her vision was to create an open-air gallery where nature and art meet — and today, “Stone and Man” has become a symbol of Qaqortoq’s soul: a town where tradition and innovation coexist, and every street has its own story to tell.

A walk through Qaqortoq is more than just a sightseeing tour — it’s an experience of vibrant colors, atmosphere, and local pride. Enjoy the views from the steep streets, visit the small museum to learn about the area’s history, or relax at a café and watch life unfold around the harbor. Qaqortoq manages to be both modern and deeply authentic — a place where Greenland’s heritage and contemporary life blend beautifully.

Qaqortoq also offers several opportunities for truly memorable experiences.

Hiking in Qaqortoq’s backcountry

The landscape around Qaqortoq is breathtaking, with the serene Lake Tasersuaq (also known as the “Great Lake”) at its heart. The route around the lake is about 8 kilometers, and today you can hike the trail together with your guide. It’s a beautiful walk — and if you’re feeling adventurous, you can even dip your feet in the water. In summer, local children often swim here, so it’s not as daring as it might sound!

Another popular option for the day is a boat trip to the natural hot springs of Uunartoq.

Excursion to the hot springs of Uunartoq (add-on)

Uunartoq means “the warm place” in Greenlandic, and that’s exactly what it is — a small island paradise about 50 kilometers south of Qaqortoq.

From the shore, it’s about a one-kilometer walk to reach the two natural pools, where 38°C (100°F) water rises straight from the ground. As icebergs drift by in the nearby fjord, you can sit back and relax in the soothing warmth, taking in one of Greenland’s most unique landscapes. The heat isn’t volcanic in origin, but rather comes from geothermal activity — layers of rock deep underground rubbing against each other and naturally warming the water.

The hot springs at Uunartoq have been known for thousands of years. During the Norse era, a Benedictine monastery stood in the fjord, and legend has it that Leif the Lucky himself took a dip here more than 1,000 years ago before setting sail westward to discover new lands.

Please note: If you choose to take the optional excursion to Uunartoq, there won’t be time for the Tasersuaq hike or the Kaffemik.
Important: The Uunartoq excursion must be booked in advance.

The day begins with a good breakfast. Hopefully, the air is clear and fresh, giving us perfect conditions for a lovely boat trip. Today, we continue towards Igaliku, a beautiful settlement located further inland. We travel by passenger boat from Qaqortoq, passing another settlement, Qassiarsuk, as well as the beautiful Qoorooq Icefjord along the way.

Qassiarsuk – the old Brattahlid

Qassiarsuk is a small settlement on the opposite side of the fjord. Around 50 people live here, many of them working with sheep farming, which is an important part of life in South Greenland. The green fields surrounding the settlement show that the climate here allows grass to grow and livestock to be raised – a rarity in the Arctic.

However, Qassiarsuk is much more than a modern sheep-farming settlement. It is also home to some of Greenland’s most important historical remains. It was here that Erik the Red settled around the year 982 and established his farm, Brattahlid, one of Greenland’s first Norse settlements. Today, the site is part of the UNESCO World Heritage area of Kujataa, which tells the story of a thousand years of Norse and Inuit farming and ways of life in this region.

We visit the reconstructions of Erik the Red’s longhouse and Tjodhild’s Church, which provide a vivid impression of the daily lives and beliefs of the Norse settlers. Inside the longhouse, you can almost imagine the smell of smoke and dried fish and picture Erik the Red planning his voyages west – and his son, Leif Erikson, later sailing onwards and reaching Vinland in present-day North America. The surrounding ruins of the original Norse buildings bear witness to a time when farming flourished surprisingly far north in Greenland.

During our visit, we enjoy a simple lunch – a sandwich – overlooking the fjord and the green fields where sheep graze. There is also time for a short walk around the settlement.

Qoorooq Icefjord

From Qassiarsuk, we continue by boat towards the mouth of Qoorooq Icefjord. Along the way, you can relax on deck, gaze across the mountains and ice, and take in the impressions of the day so far. It is a day full of contrasts – from green valleys to ice-filled fjords, from present-day settlement life to the Greenland of the Vikings – and a journey through both nature and history that you will not soon forget. Soon, we approach the icefjord.

Even from a distance, you can sense the cold and the immense power of the ice, which fills the fjord like a floating landscape of blue and white sculptures. Qoorooq Glacier is one of the most active glaciers in South Greenland, calving large quantities of ice into the fjord every day.

The colors of the ice range from crystal clear to almost turquoise blue, and curious seals can sometimes be spotted swimming between the ice floes. For a moment, the boat’s engine is switched off so that we can listen to the sounds of nature – the crackling ice, the birds and the distant rumble of the glacier. Afterwards, we continue our journey.

Itilleq

At the landing site of Itilleq, we go ashore. From here, we hike for about an hour along the King’s Road to Igaliku, where our hotel and dinner await us. Our luggage is transported separately, so we do not have to carry it ourselves.

The trail takes us through rolling terrain, with the scenery constantly changing along the way. We pass green valleys and small lakes, while mountains rise on the horizon.

Igaliku

The sheep-farming settlement of Igaliku is beautifully situated at the head of Igaliku Fjord, surrounded by green fields with steep, bare mountains rising behind them. Igaliku is a place that invites you to slow down and explore at an easy pace. You can stroll along the small paths winding through the settlement and admire its simple but beautifully constructed buildings. Enjoy the silence, broken only by birdsong and the gentle bleating of sheep.

Among the most impressive sights in the settlement are the ancient ruins of the Norse bishop’s residence and cathedral, scattered among Igaliku’s houses and gardens. It almost feels like stepping into another time, with the stones telling stories of a community that lived here more than 800 years ago. The stones themselves are also special: the characteristic Igaliku stone, a multicolored reddish sandstone, gives the entire area its unique historic character. It is difficult to imagine how the Norse craftsmen managed to move the massive blocks of stone that still stand today as reminders of a bygone age.

We settle into our accommodation in the village and can look forward to spending several days in these extraordinary surroundings. In the evening, we enjoy dinner at the hotel followed by a good night’s sleep – tomorrow, a hike awaits!

The day begins with a hearty breakfast at Igaliku Bygdehotel — the perfect start in this calm, fresh mountain air. You may choose a quiet day on your own or join a guided hike.
You can visit one of the local sheep farms, where herding has been part of daily life for centuries, or enjoy a gentle walk through the green valleys that surround the village. This is your chance to experience the rhythm of life in a remote part of Greenland, where the seasons still shape the pace of every day.

Hike to the Igaliku Plateau

For the more active, today’s guided hike to the Igaliku Plateau offers one of the best viewpoints in all of South Greenland. From the top, you’ll have sweeping views over the Qooroq Icefjord, perhaps spotting stranded icebergs and the immense glacier at the fjord’s head. It’s the perfect spot to enjoy your packed lunch. The round-trip distance is about 17 kilometers, but every step is rewarded with stunning scenery.

After returning, a warm dinner awaits at the bygdehotel. As you look out over the mountains and fjord in the evening light, it’s impossible not to feel a sense of wonder at being in such a remote and magical place. Igaliku has a serenity that few places on earth can match — a stillness that lets you truly feel nature’s presence.

Our time in Igaliku comes to an end as we board the boat back to Qaqortoq after breakfast. The trip takes about an hour.

Back in Qaqortoq, you can spend the day exploring more of the town or join an optional excursion to the Hvalsey Church Ruin.

Hvalsey Church Ruin (add-on)

At the head of Hvalsey Fjord, on a lush green slope, stand the Hvalsey Church ruins — the best-preserved Norse ruins in Greenland and among the most remarkable Viking sites in the world. The Norse settled in Greenland in 982, establishing farms and communities from South Greenland all the way north of Nuuk. Christianity arrived around the year 1000, brought by Leif the Lucky, and soon churches began to appear across the south.

The Hvalsey Church stands as a silent witness to that time. The last known written record of the Norse in Greenland describes a wedding held here in September 1408 — the final trace of their presence.

Later in the day, we board the coastal ship Sarfaq Ittuk and begin our northbound journey.

Accommodation aboard Sarfaq Ittuk

Once on board, relax and enjoy front-row views of the rugged coastline. Keep an eye out for whales and seals as the ship makes its steady way along Greenland’s west coast.
Dinner is served on board (drinks not included). Like Norway’s Hurtigruten, the ship stops briefly in several towns; in the evening, there’s a short 30-minute stop in Narsaq before continuing northward.

Today, the journey continues north on board the Sarfaq Ittuk, the lifeline that connects Greenland’s coastal communities. On board, travelers, locals, and crew mingle in a relaxed rhythm — time slows, and the vastness of Greenland unfolds mile by mile.

Outside, the ever-changing scenery drifts by: remote fjords, steep cliffs, floating icebergs, and shining glaciers in hues of white, blue, and turquoise. The sunlight dances on the sea’s surface, and the gentle motion of the ship invites calm reflection.

You can spend the day on deck with a camera in hand, sip coffee in the lounge, read, or chat with locals traveling between towns for work, school, or family visits. Their stories offer a glimpse into daily life in Greenland — conversations about the weather, fishing, politics, and family that bring the country to life.

Along the way, the ship makes short stops in several settlements:

Arsuk, a small and peaceful village on an island, is renowned for its crystal-clear waters and serene charm. Only a few families live here today, their lives closely tied to the sea.
Paamiut, further north, is more lively. Nestled at the mouth of Kvanefjord, it’s famous for its colorful wooden houses and a striking wooden church built in Norwegian style. Fishing and seafaring have shaped the town’s proud heritage.

Qeqertarsuatsiaat, founded in 1755, is one of Greenland’s oldest settlements. Its name means “the small islands,” a fitting description for the maze of skerries and islets that surround it. The people here still rely on fishing and hunting, maintaining a deep connection with the natural world.

As Sarfaq Ittuk continues north, you’ve experienced a living portrait of Greenland’s west coast — from solitude to liveliness, from timelessness to the present day.

Next stop: Nuuk!

Early in the morning, around 7:30, we arrive in Nuuk, greeted by the dramatic mountain scenery of the Nuuk Fjord. After checking in at the four-star Hotel Hans Egede, we enjoy breakfast and begin our exploration of Greenland’s vibrant capital.

City tour with the National Museum and Colonial Harbor

Our guided city tour introduces Nuuk’s highlights — the Greenland National Museum, featuring an exceptional ethnographic collection and the famous Qilakitsoq mummies; the beautiful Katuaq Cultural Center, with its northern lights-inspired architecture; and the historic colonial harbor, featuring the controversial statue of Hans Egede overlooking the fjord and mountains. We also stop by Kalaaliaraq/Brættet, the open-air market for meat and fish.

If you’re looking for Greenlandic crafts, the city’s shops offer a wide range — from delicate jewelry to sealskin clothing.

Hotel Hans Egede’s central location makes it easy to explore Nuuk independently. Though you’ll find traffic lights, buses, and city life, nature’s presence is always close — a reminder that even here, in Greenland’s capital, modern life and Arctic wilderness coexist side by side.

With approximately 19,500 inhabitants, Nuuk is Greenland’s largest and most dynamic city, characterized by creativity, growth, and energy.

Boat trip to Qooqqut – catch your own dinner (add-on)

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.

Note: The Qooqqut excursion must be booked in advance.

We fly from Nuuk to Ilulissat and check in at Hotel Arctic, offering magnificent views over the Icefjord.

Town walk

In the afternoon, your tour guide takes you on a stroll through town, introducing the modern life that contrasts with the traditional hunting and fishing culture that still thrives here. “Ilulissat” means “icebergs” in Greenlandic. Founded in 1741, the town is now Greenland’s third largest, with over 4,500 residents and around 2,500 sled dogs. On this guided walk, you’ll learn about Ilulissat’s history, Greenlandic culture, and life 350 km north of the Arctic Circle. We visit fishermen at the harbor, the local market Brættet, Knud Rasmussen’s birthplace, and the beautiful Zion Church.

The ancient settlement of Sermermiut

We also visit Sermermiut, a former settlement beautifully situated at the mouth of the Icefjord. Rich hunting grounds made this area home to various Inuit cultures for thousands of years. The last residents moved to Jakobshavn (now Ilulissat) in the mid-1800s. The walk along the Icefjord offers breathtaking views of icebergs in every imaginable shape and form.

Today is yours to spend as you wish — explore on your own or join an unforgettable whale safari. Ilulissat offers many hiking routes for all levels, and your guide can point you toward some local favorites.

Read more about hiking in Greenland and Ilulissat here.

Whale safari among the icebergs (add-on)

Few experiences compare to seeing whales in the wild up close. Up to 15 species inhabit the waters of Greenland. Three — the beluga, narwhal, and bowhead — stay year-round, while in summer, humpback, minke, and fin whales are the stars of the show.

They move throughout Disko Bay, sometimes near town, sometimes deep inside the Icefjord. Thanks to radio contact with local fishermen and hunters, we almost always find them. The humpback whale, with its distinctive tail fluke, is the one we most often encounter — a powerful sight against a backdrop of towering icebergs.

Today we sail to Ilimanaq and check into the stunning Ilimanaq Lodge for two nights. The one-hour boat trip passes the mouth of the Icefjord before reaching the small harbor of Ilimanaq.

The cabins are spectacular — two stories high with bedrooms upstairs and a living area below. Imagine waking up, walking downstairs, and watching fishing boats drift by while sipping coffee on your terrace — perhaps even spotting a whale in the bay. Ilimanaq Lodge perfectly combines wilderness and luxury.

After settling in, you can explore the village itself. Just 15 km south of Ilulissat, Ilimanaq has around 50 residents. The colorful houses and shifting Arctic light make it a photographer’s dream. This is a traditional Greenlandic settlement where hunting and fishing remain integral to the way of life.

Dinner is served in a historic building from 1751 — one of the world’s most remote restaurants — where you’ll enjoy a delicious three-course meal inspired by local ingredients (drinks not included).

Breakfast is served in the lodge restaurant. The day is yours to enjoy freely — you might relax on your terrace, wander through the village, or go hiking in the scenic backcountry. Lunch is a packed sandwich, perfect for enjoying wherever the view calls you.

Ilimanaq Glacier Adventure (add-on)

This thrilling day trip combines speedboat sailing, ATV off-roading, and glacier trekking! We depart Ilimanaq by speedboat, heading south to Itilliup Ilua. After landing on a wide sandy beach, we continue by ATV to Tasiusaq Fjord, then travel deeper into the fjord among icebergs until two glaciers and the mighty Greenland Ice Sheet come into view.
We stop for lunch and take in the incredible scenery before hiking and finally stepping onto the vast ice itself.

This tour is not recommended for guests with neck or back problems. The minimum age is 12 years.

Dinner is once again served at the Ilimanaq Lodge restaurant (drinks not included).

After a hearty breakfast, we set out for another wilderness lodge: Glacier Lodge Eqi, about 80 km north of Ilulissat. First, we sail to Ilulissat and then continue north to Eqi, the famous calving glacier. Keep your eyes peeled for seals and several whale species along the way. Near Eqi, the boat passes close to the towering glacier front — you may be lucky enough to witness smaller calvings.

Landing and check-in at Glacier Lodge Eqi

Glacier Lodge Eqi sits deep in the wilderness, offering unobstructed views of the glacier. Accommodation is in cozy one-room wooden cabins made up for one or two guests. Every cabin faces the active Eqi Glacier, and interiors are classic log-cabin style. Your stay includes breakfast, lunch, and dinner at Café Victor (drinks not included).

Café Victor

Café Victor is the heart of the camp and where we share our meals. Your tour leader arranges hikes in the area — to the lagoon, the moraine, and other viewpoints with sweeping glacier panoramas. Spend the afternoon hiking or simply unwinding on your terrace, letting the raw Arctic silence sink in. The café also sells beverages (beer, water, wine, spirits) and a few sweets.

Hike to the delta

A short hike from the lodge brings us to the river and its broad delta, with beautiful views back toward Eqi Glacier — a perfect spot to sit, sip coffee or tea, and take it all in.

After breakfast and check-out, we set out for the glacier moraine.

Hike to the Eqi Glacier moraine

From the lodge, the trail circles the small lagoon at the glacier’s southern end — often a resting place for large flocks of geese during nesting season. We continue up to the moraine, where deep crevasses are visible just a few meters away and the glacier front stretches out below. Calvings are frequent and unforgettable.

Around 2:15 p.m., we sail back to Ilulissat on the same route as yesterday. Coffee, tea, and cake are served on board. The return trip is another chance to photograph dramatic landscapes, immense icebergs, and — with luck — whales and seals.

Back in Ilulissat, we check in again at Hotel Arctic, overlooking a night sky that never fully darkens. From late May, the midnight sun blurs the line between day and night; even outside that period, summer evenings are wonderfully bright.

This long day — or tomorrow — is perfect for more excursions.

Helicopter tour (add-on)

This 1½-hour flight focuses on Ilulissat Icefjord and the Kangia Glacier — right in the heart of a UNESCO World Heritage Site. No boat or hike gets you this close. We lift off from Ilulissat Airport, fly as low as safety and regulations allow over mountains, lakes, rivers, and the fjord, then land on a mountain near the glacier edge for roughly 30 minutes of jaw-dropping views. The route then crosses the glacier front and follows the Icefjord for about 70 km back toward town.

No fixed plans today — just time to enjoy Ilulissat your way (or pick up any excursions you didn’t fit in yesterday). Wherever you go, the view of drifting icebergs is a constant reminder of nature’s power. Simply walking through town becomes an experience as the light, sounds, and scents of the sea shift through the day.

A great morning option is the Ilulissat Museum, housed in the birthplace of explorer Knud Rasmussen, offering insights into local history, early hunting traditions, and the expeditions that put Greenland on the world map.

In the afternoon, consider the classic walk out to Sermermiut and the Icefjord — one of Greenland’s most iconic viewpoints. Watch the massive icebergs jammed at the fjord mouth before they slowly drift into Disko Bay. Take your time, sit in the heather, and let the silence and views sink in. As the sun lowers, the ice turns from white to golden and blue — it’s easy to see why this is one of the most photographed places in Greenland.

In the evening, we gather for a farewell dinner at Hotel Arctic (drinks not included).

You can also round off this fantastic journey with a wonderful boat trip, which is a beautiful experience in any weather.

Sailing among icebergs (add-on)

Under the midnight sun, the icebergs glow in shifting shades that draw travelers back again and again. More than 40 million tons of ice flow into the Icefjord every day, creating giants that can rise to 75 meters above the sea. Many strands at the fjord’s mouth — an ideal place to cruise among them. Dress warmly or rent sealskin gear; even in summer, it’s cold on the water. This tour runs in the evening.

Our Greenland adventure comes to a close. We fly from Ilulissat to Keflavik. As the plane lifts off, there’s a final glimpse of the Icefjord — icebergs like frozen cathedrals. The route south crosses mountains, glaciers, and deep fjords, stitching together many of the vistas you’ve experienced on the trip.

Touching down in Iceland, Greenland somehow feels both far away and surprisingly close. It tends to stay with you — in your memories, in the way you look toward the horizon, and in a reflective mood that follows you home.