Tour Description
A sublime round trip awaits you in Disko Bay – perfect for those with a great appetite for nature and cultural experiences, and who enjoy hiking without the walks becoming too long or demanding.
The journey takes you deep into the beautiful Arctic landscapes of Disko Bay. Highlights include gigantic icebergs, whales, seals, Arctic birdlife and glaciers. You will also gain fascinating insight into everyday life in Greenland’s settlements and towns. Boat trips and hikes take you through Greenland’s untouched and unique landscapes, both on land and at sea – a true paradise for any nature lover.
Look forward to visiting Ilulissat and standing in awe of the icebergs at the mouth of the world-famous, UNESCO-listed Kangia Ice Fjord, as well as experiencing town life in Qasigiannguit and Qeqertarsuaq on the magical Disko Island.
On this round trip, Topas has prioritised spectacular accommodation experiences. Among them is one night in the wilderness at the Glacier Lodge Eqi, where you will experience the magnificent natural phenomenon of the active Eqi Glacier up close.
Highlights
- Spectacularly located accommodations with direct views of basalt mountains, ice fjord, glacier and wilderness
- A series of boat trips in Disko Bay and to the calving Eqip Sermia Glacier
- Hike to the edge of the old moraine ridge at Eqi and experience the Eqi Glacier calving up close
- Unforgettable hikes through Greenland’s most beautiful Arctic landscapes around Disko Bay
- Experience Arctic wildlife including whales, seals, Arctic birdlife, Arctic hare and perhaps even an Arctic fox
- Get a close-up look at everyday Greenlandic life in Qeqertarsuaq, Qasigiannguit and Ilulissat
- Enjoy delicious meals made from fresh Greenlandic ingredients from the mountains and sea
Included
- Group tour with local destination guides and guided hikes
- Flights from Copenhagen – Greenland return
- Domestic flights
- Transfers in Ilulissat from the airport to the boat, and from the hotel to the airport
- All boat trips included in the round trip
- All accommodation (see separate section regarding accommodation)
- Meals as described in the daily programme – excluding drinks
- Luggage transport between boats and accommodation (at Eqi, guests must carry their own luggage from the boat to the cabin)
- Contribution to the Danish Travel Guarantee Fund
Program
Day 1-2. Arrival in Qeqertarsuaq on Disko Island via Nuuk and Ilulissat
We arrive in the town of Qeqertarsuaq on Disko Island and check in at Hotel Disko Island. The island offers, among other things, opportunities for beautiful hikes.
Day 3. Boat trip from Disko Island to Qasigiannguit in the southeastern part of Disko Bay
We sail from Disko Island to the town of Qasigiannguit, known as the “Pearl of Disko Bay”. Here, we go on a hike through a beautiful natural area to Paradise Bay.
Day 4. Town walk and hike to Strømstedet
Guided tour of Qasigiannguit and the opportunity to visit the museum. Hike to Strømstedet or enjoy a relaxing afternoon at the hotel with views over Disko Bay.
Day 5. Boat trip from Qasigiannguit to Eqi via Ilulissat
The boat trip first takes us north from Qasigiannguit via the mouth of the Ilulissat Ice Fjord with its gigantic icebergs, before continuing directly to Glacier Lodge Eqi by the active Eqi Glacier.
Day 6. Eqi and hike to the moraine ridge and glacier front
From the lodge, we hike to the edge of the moraine ridge and enjoy the magnificent views of the glacier. In the afternoon, we sail to Ilulissat and check in at Hotel Icefiord.
Day 7. Ilulissat, culture & nature – hike in the UNESCO World Heritage area to Sermermiut and the Ice Fjord
Hike to the historic settlement of Sermermiut, beautifully located by the Kangia Ice Fjord. Guided town walk and cultural tour in Ilulissat, with the opportunity to visit museums independently afterwards.
Day 8. Ilulissat — Denmark via Nuuk
After a round trip filled with Arctic highlights in Disko Bay, we depart from Ilulissat to Nuuk and continue onwards to Copenhagen.
Not included
- Pocket money and expenses for drinks.
- Expenses for meals not included (allow approximately DKK 150–400 per meal)
- Entrance fees to museums and similar attractions in Qeqertarsuaq, Qasigiannguit and Ilulissat.
- Travel insurance and any cancellation insurance.
- Single room supplement DKK 600 per night. However, single rooms are not possible in the cabins at Eqi – single rooms must be requested by email or phone.
- Upgrade to Comfort Deluxe at Glacier Lodge Eqi, DKK 450 per person in a shared twin room.
- Upgrade to a Deluxe Explorer room at Hotel Icefiord, DKK 300 per night per person in a shared twin room.
- Access to the UNESCO World Heritage area Ilulissat Ice Fjord, which can be purchased online here.
Important information for this trip
Maximum number of participants on the trip: 12 participants
Please note that there may be additional participants on the locally guided hikes and city walks (people who are not travelling with the group).
Read more under the tab Practical info about, among other things:
- The difficulty level of the trip
- Glacier Lodge Eqi
- Safety guarantee for trips to Greenland
Detailed Itinerary
All accommodation, excursions and experiences described in the itinerary are included in the price.
Included meals are marked on the individual days as Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner. Meals that are not included are not mentioned in the itinerary.
Drinks are not included with the included meals.
On Air Greenland flights between Denmark and Greenland, complimentary meals and drinks are served onboard.
Day 1. Copenhagen – Qeqertarsuaq on Disko Island via Nuuk and Ilulissat
We fly from Copenhagen to Ilulissat. Shortly after arriving in Ilulissat, we continue by boat to the town of Qeqertarsuaq, beautifully located on the southern coast of Disko Island. During the crossing, the island’s impressive basalt mountains become increasingly visible as we approach. During summer boat trips in Disko Bay, there are often excellent opportunities to spot humpback whales – so keep your eyes open!
We will stay at Hotel Disko Island for the next two nights. The hotel consists of a number of small houses centrally located in town, just a few minutes’ walk from the shop, Kongebroen (the King’s Bridge), and other local sights.
After settling into our rooms, there will be time to admire the towering mountains rising behind the hotel. In the evening, we gather for a shared dinner served in the hotel’s restaurant.
Included meals: – / – / Dinner
Day 2. Disko Island – hike to the columnar basalt formations at Kuannit
We have the entire day at our disposal on Disko Island, Greenland’s largest island, which is roughly the same size as Zealand. Around 1,000 people live in Qeqertarsuaq, while fewer than 10 people live in the small settlement of Kangerluk, located a full day’s dog sled journey from Qeqertarsuaq (or a couple of hours by small boat in summer). The rest of the island consists of uninhabited wilderness with mountains, valleys, and permanent ice caps on top of the basalt mountains.
Our local guide will lead us on an approximately 4–5-hour return hike to the Kuannit area, located along the coast north of Qeqertarsuaq. Kuannit is a truly special place for several reasons: it features impressive basalt formations and structures created by flowing lava millions of years ago, and the area is remarkably lush, almost neon green, with mosses and large, beautiful angelica plants. We enjoy our packed lunches while sitting among the heather with views across Disko Bay — and perhaps even a whale or two!
In the afternoon, there is an opportunity to join the local guide for a walk around town and gain insight into the history of Qeqertarsuaq and the daily life of the island’s inhabitants.
Included meals: Breakfast / Lunch / –
Day 3. Sailing from Disko Island to Qasigiannguit in the southeastern part of Disko Bay
Today we continue by boat to the town of Qasigiannguit, known as “The Pearl of Disko Bay”, beautifully located in the southeastern corner of Disko Bay. Along the way, we can look back towards Disko Island’s impressive basalt landscapes, which we have explored and learned more about over the previous two days. Once again, there are excellent opportunities to spot humpback whales — an experience you can never get enough of!
Upon arrival at the harbour in Qasigiannguit, our luggage will be transported to the hotel while we walk the short distance ourselves.
Hotel Diskobay is beautifully situated by the water, and it is not uncommon to spot humpback whales from the hotel terrace — something the “whale bell” is a sign of. Qasigiannguit is located in a scenic area with mountains, tundra plains, green valleys, blue fjords, and mountain peaks offering views across Disko Bay and towards Disko Island.
Together with the local guide, we take a short walk through town, after which you can choose whether you prefer a relaxing afternoon on the hotel terrace overlooking Disko Bay or a hike northwards. We follow the yellow hiking route towards Strømstedet (Eqalunnguit), where Lake Tasersuaq flows into Salmon Bay. The route is relatively flat and follows the lake.
At Strømstedet, we enjoy the views before heading back. We can either return the same way along Lake Tasersuaq or take the “high route” over the mountain.
Included meals: Breakfast / Lunch / –
Day 4. Hike to Paradise Bay
Qasigiannguit was founded in 1734 and reached its heyday in the 1970s, when shrimp fishing (also known in Greenland as “The Pink Gold”) was at its peak and workers came to the town from all over Greenland. Today, around 1,200 people live here, and Qasigiannguit is a great example of a medium-sized Greenlandic town.
The area is particularly well suited for hiking, and today our local guide will lead us on a 3–4-hour hike into the mountains, specifically to “Paradise Bay”. If you are a winter swimmer and fancy a refreshing dip, remember to bring your swimwear and a towel today.
Afterwards, there is an opportunity to visit the town museum, located in Poul Egede’s former trading house from 1734. The museum includes, among other things, a unique archaeological collection from the Saqqaq culture (Greenland’s first inhabitants, around 2,000 BC).
Included meals: Breakfast / Lunch / –
Day 5. Boat trip from Qasigiannguit to Glacier Lodge Eqi (via Ilulissat)
Upon arrival at the harbour in Ilulissat, we are picked up and driven to Hotel Icefiord (where we will spend the final two nights of the trip). Here, we have the opportunity to store our “large luggage” until tomorrow, so we do not have to carry heavy bags up and down to the cabins at Eqi. We then change boats and continue sailing north towards Eqi.
We soon pass Oqaatsut, a small settlement with around 50 inhabitants. We continue through Atâ Strait. On our left/port side, we can see the high mountains of Arveprinsens Ejland, while several bird cliffs dominate the right/starboard side. Here, cormorants, gulls and several species of skuas thrive on the rugged, steep cliffs.
As we approach the glacier Eqip Sermia, we enjoy lunch onboard while watching the fascinating spectacle of enormous chunks of ice breaking away from the glacier and crashing into the water with a thunderous roar – powerful natural forces are at work! In Greenland, this phenomenon is unique to Eqi. The boat docks at Glacier Lodge Eqi, specifically at Port Victor, which is located at a safe distance from the calving glacier.
The harbour is named after Paul-Émile Victor, who came here after World War II to explore the Inland Ice. At that time, Eqi was the best access point to the ice cap with heavy expedition equipment. From the sea, we carry our luggage a couple of hundred metres up to Glacier Lodge Eqi, where we settle into the camp.
The afternoon is at your own disposal. The location itself is world-class, and you can easily spend hours simply enjoying the view of the spectacular natural phenomenon that Eqi Glacier truly is. If you would like to stretch your legs, you can be shown a self-guided hike of around 2 hours towards the delta area. The white-tailed eagle breeds here from time to time, and this is one of the northernmost nesting sites for white-tailed eagles in Greenland. We may also be lucky enough to spot long-tailed ducks and other seabirds in the delta.
Dinner is served in the atmospheric Café Victor.
Included meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Day 6. Hike to the moraine at Eqi Glacier and return by boat to Ilulissat
We have breakfast in the café accompanied by the sound of – and views of – the calving glacier. Afterwards, we set out on a guided hike to Eqi Glacier. We pack our lunches and make our way around a small lagoon to get closer to the glacier front. The trail takes us up to the edge of a terminal moraine, a remnant from the glacier’s former extent.
Since 1930, the glacier has retreated further up the valley and further into the water. This has resulted in the glacier front now standing more than 100 metres high directly above the sea, where several times a day (sometimes several times an hour) we can witness the glacier calving enormous chunks of ice into the water. The terminal moraine provides us with a safe opportunity to get remarkably close to this impressive glacier. From here, we have a panoramic view of a large section of the more than 4 km wide glacier front. We enjoy our packed lunches while taking in this unique natural spectacle. The hike takes approximately 4 hours return, including a lunch break.
Afterwards, we hike back to Glacier Lodge Eqi and are ready to sail back to Ilulissat around 2 pm. From the harbour in Ilulissat, we are driven to Hotel Icefiord, which truly lives up to its name, as the hotel is located almost directly at the water’s edge, and all rooms have views across Disko Bay. Hotel Icefiord will be our home for the next two nights.
Included meals: Breakfast / Lunch / –
Day 7. Ilulissat – The place of the largest icebergs
We spend our final day in Greenland in Ilulissat (formerly Jakobshavn), the birthplace of polar explorer Knud Rasmussen. In Greenlandic, Ilulissat means something like “The place of the large icebergs”, referring to its spectacular location at the mouth of the Icefjord, where icebergs and glacier ice flow out into Disko Bay. Ilulissat is a vibrant town where fishing, especially for shrimp and Greenland halibut, plays a major role. There is always lively activity at the harbour, where trawlers and small boats are constantly travelling between the harbour and fishing grounds out in Disko Bay.
We begin the day with a guided walk through town, where the local guide will point out shops offering beautiful handicrafts as well as museums that you may wish to visit in the afternoon. Following the city tour, we walk up to the historic Sermermiut settlement, beautifully located by the Icefjord within the UNESCO World Heritage area. Here, we follow the boardwalk out to “Kællingekløften” (the Old Woman’s Gorge), from where we have magnificent views both into the fjord and towards the enormous icebergs grounded close to shore. If weather conditions allow, we enjoy our packed lunches here in these spectacular surroundings.
After lunch, the afternoon is at your own disposal. You may choose to visit the Icefjord Centre, return to town for shopping, visit the Ilulissat Museum and/or the Ilulissat Art Museum – subject to opening hours. Alternatively, you can extend the hike by about an hour by continuing along the yellow trail around “Parabolfjeldet”, once again enjoying world-class views of ice, water and Disko Island on the horizon.
We end the day and the journey with a shared farewell dinner in the restaurant at Hotel Icefiord, where we can reflect on and share memories from a fantastic adventure.
Included meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Day 8. Ilulissat — Denmark via Nuuk
We fly by Dash aircraft from Ilulissat to Nuuk and continue onwards to Copenhagen with Air Greenland’s Airbus.
Included meals: Breakfast / – / –
Practical info
Guide
On this trip, there will be a destination guide at each location you visit. The guide has extensive local knowledge and is responsible for carrying out the planned activities during your stay. Upon arrival, you will be welcomed by the guide, who will ensure a great stay and assist with your departure. Thus, a new destination guide will be assigned each time you visit a new location during the journey.
Duration and difficulty level
The trip has a duration of 8 days. On 5 of the days, there will be an opportunity to participate in guided hikes lasting approximately 2–4 hours. Of course, it is entirely optional whether you wish to join each individual hike. Simply let the weather, your mood and your energy level on the day determine your choice. On several of the hikes, you can choose to turn back whenever you wish, as we return along the same route. If you would like to do additional short hikes on your own, the local guides can recommend several good options.
The great flexibility regarding participation in the hikes, combined with the relatively short distances and limited elevation gain, means that the trip is graded 1–2. As the hikes take place in mountain terrain with varied surfaces (soil, rocks, gravel and bedrock), Topas recommends hiking boots for the trip, or at the very least high-quality hiking shoes. Trekking poles are always a good idea to bring.
Activities
In Greenland, there are very few purpose-built hiking trails, and you will therefore most often hike through varied terrain on routes that have naturally developed through many years of use. The terrain typically alternates between soil, rocks, gravel and bedrock.
In addition to the hikes, the trip includes 5 beautiful boat journeys around Disko Bay. During these crossings, there are excellent opportunities to experience whales, sometimes at close range, as well as guaranteed iceberg sightings! The boats used are either Targa vessels or steel ships, where there is always plenty of space both indoors and outdoors. We always travel on passenger-approved vessels in Greenland.
Accommodation
On Disko Island, we stay at Hotel Disko Island in the island’s only town, Qeqertarsuaq (apart from the settlement of Kangerluk). Hotel Disko Island consists, among other things, of a number of houses located in the town centre, where the rooms have private bathrooms and toilets.
At Glacier Lodge Eqi, we stay in Comfort Cabins – all with a magnificent view, proper beds, and a private terrace, as well as private bathroom facilities and electricity. If you choose to upgrade, you will stay in a Comfort Deluxe Cabin at Eqi.
If you would like to read more about Eqi Glacier Lodge and see the different types of cabins/glamping options, you can do so here.
Please note that there is a very limited number of upgrade cabins available, and they may therefore be sold out at the time of booking. The price for the upgrade is stated in the section “Not included”.
There are periods when only glamping tents are available as an accommodation option. Should this be the case, the price will be adjusted, and you will be informed at the time of booking that the accommodation will be in glamping tents. Glamping tents have shared bathroom facilities.
In Ilulissat and Qasigiannguit, we stay at Hotel Icefiord and Hotel Diskobay respectively – both hotels are located right by Disko Bay, and all rooms have private bathrooms and toilets.
On this journey, all accommodations provide comfortable beds (including duvet, pillow, bed linen, and towel). This also applies at Glacier Lodge Eqi.
Single rooms are available at an additional cost (except at Eqi). The supplement is stated in the section “Not included”.
Meals
Included meals are marked on the individual days in the detailed itinerary as Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner. Meals that are not included are not mentioned in the daily programme.
Beverages are not included with the included meals.
On flights with Air Greenland between Denmark and Greenland, complimentary meals and beverages are served on board. On domestic flights, coffee/tea/water are served.
Flights and local transport
Climate
The average temperatures in Eqi, Ilulissat and the surrounding areas during the months of June, July and August are 5–8°C. The temperature is stated as the average for the entire day. Nights can be relatively cold, but when the sun gains strength during the day, temperatures can rise significantly above the stated average.
Due to the sun and the dry air, temperatures feel warmer than in the rest of Europe. Night-time temperatures can drop to freezing point or even slightly below in exposed areas. At this time of year, clear weather is most common, which often provides excellent visibility. However, rain can occur.
Please note: The midnight sun is visible at Ilulissat Icefjord from 21 May to 24 July. In addition, the nights remain very light for approximately one month before and after the period of midnight sun.
Currency and credit cards
VISA/Dankort can be used at almost all hotels, restaurants and shops.
Wi-Fi and mobile coverage
Mobile coverage is available in the towns, but not necessarily outside the towns in the mountains or at sea. Wi-Fi is available at the hotels. Please note that the connection can sometimes be unstable.
At Eqi Glacier Lodge, there is neither mobile coverage nor internet access.
If you need a Greenlandic SIM card, we recommend Tusass eSIM packages. See prices and packages here.
Maps and travel literature
Hiking map Northern Greenland, Ilulissat. 1:100,000
Recommended to purchase locally
The Area
GLACIER LODGE EQI
Approximately 100 km north of Ilulissat lies the calving glacier Eqip Sermia, located in a scenic and remote area. As one of the few places in Greenland, Eqip Sermia offers the opportunity to get very close to the 5 km wide glacier front, which normally calves several times a day. Read more about Glacier Lodge Eqi.
ILULISSAT — “THE PLACE OF ICEBERGS”
Ilulissat is Greenland’s third-largest town and is called Jakobshavn in Danish. Ilulissat is also located next to the UNESCO World Heritage Site Ilulissat Icefjord/Kangia, which, at more than 60 km in length, is an impressive natural spectacle.
DISKO ISLAND – QEQERTARSUAQ
Disko Island is the largest island in Greenland and is approximately the same size as Zealand. Around 1,000 people live in Qeqertarsuaq, while fewer than 10 people live in the settlement of Kangerluk, which is located a full day’s dog sled journey from Qeqertarsuaq (or a couple of hours by small boat in summer). The rest of the island consists of uninhabited wilderness with mountains, valleys and permanent ice caps on top of the basalt mountains.
In Greenlandic, Qeqertarsuaq means “The Big Island”, while the Danish name Godhavn refers to the beautiful and well-sheltered natural harbour where the town is located.
QASIGIANNGUIT
The town is located south of Ilulissat Icefjord in a scenic area with mountains, tundra plains, green valleys, blue fjords and mountain peaks offering views across Disko Bay and towards Disko Island. The area is particularly well suited for hiking.
Qasigiannguit means “small colourful seals”, and the Danish name is Christianshåb. The town on Disko Bay has approximately 1,200 inhabitants.
Please note
We reserve the right to make changes. Please note that a trip like this is dependent on favourable weather conditions. Therefore, minor changes to the programme may occur. Delays and cancellations may happen, especially in connection with transportation by plane and boat. No compensation or reimbursement is provided for the first 24 hours of delays or changes to the journey caused by external circumstances.
Should changes occur, Topas will work together with your local guide during the trip to minimise any inconvenience as much as possible and arrange an alternative programme or make the best possible use of any additional waiting time.
In Ilulissat, Hotel Icefiord handles all transfers between the airport, harbour and hotel. In Qeqertarsuaq and Qasigiannguit, luggage will be transported between the boat and the hotel in both directions. The local guide or a hotel employee will accompany the group participants on the short walk between the boat and the hotel.
At Eqi, participants must carry their own luggage between the boat and the cabin in both directions. However, we recommend limiting your luggage for the stay at Glacier Lodge Eqi to what can fit in a daypack and leaving your main luggage in storage at Hotel Icefiord (see also the daily programme for Day 5).
The journey is operated with a maximum of 12 participants. Please note, however, that there may be additional participants on the locally guided hikes and town walks (people who are not travelling with your group).
Safety guarantee for trips to Greenland
If your package holiday cannot be completed due to unavoidable and extraordinary circumstances – such as government restrictions, travel restrictions or safety conditions at the destination – we will refund the full amount paid. This applies regardless of whether your travel insurance provides coverage. The guarantee follows the Danish Package Travel Act and applicable EU regulations for package holidays.Who travels on group trips with Topas?
On our group trips, you will meet everyone from solo travellers and singles to couples, friends and families. What brings the groups together is the desire to experience the world and be active as part of a great community. It is often the combination of active days, small achievements along the way and evening conversations around the dinner table that creates the foundation for a strong sense of togetherness.
If this is your first solo trip, it may feel like a big step for some people. But you will quickly discover that the group consists of people with the same curiosity and passion for travel as yourself.
Packing list
We have prepared a packing list to assist you when packing for your journey. The packing list contains some general information as well as recommendations on what is useful to bring on this particular trip.
The packing list should be considered a guide to what you CAN bring, and not a list of items you MUST bring on the journey, as individual needs and preferences may vary. However, our experience shows that the items mentioned are useful to have with you.
Luggage
Please bring a daypack, which will be used for example on the hikes in Qasigiannguit, Ilulissat and Eqi. We recommend a backpack with a good carrying system, including a hip belt and chest strap, to reduce strain on your shoulders and back. You may consider using this backpack as your hand luggage on the flight.
For your main luggage (the luggage checked in on flights), we recommend bringing a soft sports bag, backpack, duffel bag or similar, as this type of luggage is easiest to handle during transfers, boarding boats, and disembarking at Glacier Lodge Eqi. It is also possible to bring a suitcase. Please note that you must carry your own luggage from the boat to the cabin and back again at Eqi, a distance of approximately 300 metres uphill on a moderate incline.
However, your luggage can be limited to a daypack containing only the items you need during your stay at Eqi, as Hotel Icefiord is happy to store your main luggage while you are staying at Glacier Lodge Eqi (see the day programme, day 5).
Boots
For this trip to Diskobugten, it is very important to bring good trekking boots with a stiff sole (e.g. Vibram) and good ankle support. Make sure that your boots are properly broken in before the trip.
The trails we hike can occasionally be steep and have uneven surfaces. We therefore recommend hiking boots, as they provide ankle support, and the stiff sole helps relieve pressure on your feet when walking on uneven terrain by distributing pressure from stones and similar obstacles. In addition, the deep tread pattern is a great advantage if the trails are slippery.
It is a good idea to travel wearing your hiking boots or keep them in your hand luggage in case your checked luggage is delayed unexpectedly.
Other footware
Water bottle
Each participant should bring one or more water bottles, as there is plenty of water available along the hiking routes, allowing you to refill your bottles along the way. We recommend using 0.5-litre reusable soft drink bottles, as they are lightweight and durable. The water bottles are to be used during the hikes. Water can be refilled from taps.
Trekking poles
It is very individual how much benefit you get from using trekking poles and whether you choose to use one or two. You will need to find what works best for you. However, there are many advantages, and if the trekking pole(s) become inconvenient in certain terrain, they can easily be attached to your backpack — therefore, telescopic trekking poles are strongly recommended.
In general, the following benefits of trekking poles can be mentioned:
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They significantly improve balance on uneven and/or muddy terrain, in snow (mountain passes etc.) and when crossing streams.
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When used correctly, trekking poles significantly reduce strain on the knees, both during ascents and descents. This is especially relevant on high-route and summit hikes (grade 3-4 and above), where you often carry a heavier backpack and where the total elevation gain and hiking distance are considerable.
Clothing for hiking
- 2–4 pairs of thick hiking socks
- Optional: 2 pairs of thin liner socks
- 1–2 pairs of lightweight hiking trousers
- Moisture-wicking underwear, preferably wool underwear
- 1 thin wool sweater
- 1 warm sweater/fleece jacket/thin down jacket
- 2–4 moisture-wicking T-shirts
- 1 windproof and waterproof jacket with hood
- 1 pair of breathable waterproof trousers
- Warm hat
- Warm gloves/mittens
Other clothing
- Travel clothing
- Casual clothing, if you would like to change into everyday clothes after the hikes
Sun protection
- 1 scarf for sun protection and cooler days
- Wide-brimmed hat
- Good-quality sunglasses
- Sunscreen and SPF lip balm
Miscellaneous
- Passport, health insurance card and travel documents
- Toiletries
- Personal medication, as well as sports tape, blister plasters and, if needed, a knee support
- Camera, charger and, if required, spare batteries
- Hand sanitiser
- Wet wipes
- Energy bars or your favourite hiking snacks (please bring your own)
- Optional: laundry detergent for hand washing
- 1 flashlight/headlamp for use at Eqi if you need to get up during the night (from approximately mid-August onwards)
- Binoculars
- Thermos flask with cup, if you would like to bring coffee or tea on the hikes
- Plastic bags/black refuse sacks to protect clothing in your backpack from rain
- Mosquito repellent
- Mosquito head net (to wear over your head – preferably together with a cap). Recommended because there can be many mosquitoes locally in calm, warm weather in Greenland, especially during July and August.
- Sleep mask, as some people find it difficult to sleep during the midnight sun period, and a sleep mask often helps.
- Optional: swimwear (if you enjoy cold-water swimming, you may be tempted by a dip at Paradise Bay near Qasigiannguit!)
- Optional: small sit pad for use during breaks on the hikes
Specific trip notes
Please note
We carry a first aid kit for use in emergencies. If you take any regular medication, you are responsible for bringing a sufficient supply for the entire trip.
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