Early Summer and Midnight Sun in Disko Bay

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. Arrival in Ilulissat – Welcome and guided town tour

The adventure begins with a flight from Copenhagen to Ilulissat – the capital of icebergs. Upon arrival, we are met by our local guide and transferred to the atmospheric Hotel Icefiord, located right on the shores of Disko Bay with views of drifting icebergs.

After checking in, we gather for a short introduction to the journey before setting out to explore Ilulissat on a guided town tour. Along the way, we experience both historic sites and the vibrant everyday life of the town, where fishing for Greenland halibut and shrimp brings the harbour to life. Our guide shares stories of the town’s proud polar history and points out small shops selling local handicrafts, as well as interesting museums that are well worth a later visit. We follow in the footsteps of polar explorers such as Knud Rasmussen and Jørgen Brønlund and get our first taste of Greenlandic culture and atmosphere.

Included meals: – / – / Dinner

Day 2. Sailing to Qasigiannguit – Town walk and hiking in the Arctic landscape

We leave Ilulissat and sail through a magical landscape of ice towards the charming town of Qasigiannguit, beautifully situated in the southeastern corner of Disko Bay.

Highlights

• From the harbour, we are already surrounded by icebergs – white, blue and grey, in all shapes and sizes. No two are alike, and the sight of these majestic masses of ice is an experience in itself.
• Upon arrival, we are met by our local guide. While our luggage is transported, we walk the short distance to Hotel Disko Bay, beautifully situated overlooking the bay.
• After checking in, we begin with a town walk, experiencing the Arctic atmosphere and visiting the local museum housed in Greenland’s oldest wooden building. Here, we see, among other things, a unique archaeological collection from the Saqqaq culture.
• In the afternoon, we follow the yellow hiking trail north towards peaceful Strømsted (Eqalunnguit), where Lake Tasersuaq flows into Laksebugten. The route is gently undulating and takes us through a classic Arctic landscape of mountains, low tundra vegetation and quiet lakeshores.
• At Strømsted, we take a break and enjoy the peace and views across the fjord.

Day 3. Hike to Paradis Bay – Sled dogs and an Arctic bathing adventure

After breakfast, we set out on a guided hike to peaceful Paradis Bay – known locally as Kangerluluk – with views across the open sea and something as rare in Greenland as a sandy beach.

Highlights

• Along the way, we pass the town’s dog yard and gain a fascinating insight into the importance of the Greenlandic sled dog. This powerful, purebred dog – closely related to the wolf – has been an indispensable part of life north of the Arctic Circle for generations. Our guide tells us about the dogs’ role and the special bond between humans and animals in the Arctic.
• We continue through low, damp tundra vegetation and pass Bryghus Bay, where the town was originally founded.
• The trail continues up to a small pass, where the view of Paradis Bay opens up before us – dramatic, magnificent and peaceful all at once.
• Here, we take time to enjoy the silence, and for the brave, there is the chance to take a refreshing dip in the crystal-clear Arctic waters before hiking back to town.

Day 4. Sailing to Disko Island - Local life and a crab feast in Qeqertarsuaq

We set sail from Qasigiannguit towards legendary Disko Island – Greenland’s largest island and a true wilderness paradise of basalt mountains, valleys and ice caps. On the island’s southern coast lies Qeqertarsuaq, a charming town of around 900 inhabitants, where life is lived in close contact with the forces of nature.

Highlights

• Upon arrival, we dock at the historic Kongebroen and are welcomed by a local guide.
• Our luggage is taken to the hotel while we walk the short distance through town and take in our first impressions.
• After checking in, our town tour gives us an insight into the island’s history and modern everyday life in one of Greenland’s most isolated communities.
• In the evening, a special culinary experience awaits – an authentic crab feast featuring the large Greenlandic snow crab, caught in the waters around the island.
• The succulent crab claws are served with homemade bread and flavourful angelica mayonnaise. A taste of Disko that you will remember for a long time.

Day 5. Hike to Kuannit - Basalt, hot springs and local handicrafts

After breakfast, we meet our local guide and get ready for a day immersed in nature. 

• With packed lunches in our backpacks, we hike north along the coast of Disko Island towards Kuannit – an area known for its impressive columnar basalt formations and lush warm springs.
• The hike begins on the outskirts of town, where we pass the historic Arctic Station, Greenland’s oldest research station, which is now operated by the University of Copenhagen.
• Here, we take a closer look at one of the island’s natural hot springs, surrounded by green vegetation and bright moss – an unusual sight in the Arctic.
• The trail is easy and follows the coastline, with steep basalt mountains on one side and the blue, iceberg-filled waters of Disko Bay on the other.
• The landscape around Kuannit is dramatic and beautiful. The edible angelica plant grows abundantly here in summer, while the distinctive basalt columns bear witness to the island’s volcanic past.
• We end the day with a visit to a local craftsperson – if she is at home – and have the opportunity to explore her beautiful shop and creative workshop, filled with art inspired by life and nature on Disko Island.

Day 6. Qeqertarsuaq to Ilulissat - Explore the town at your own pace

After an unforgettable time on Disko Island, we say goodbye to Qeqertarsuaq and sail back across Disko Bay towards Ilulissat.

Highlights

• Along the way, you can enjoy the fresh sea air and views of the breathtaking landscape, with icebergs of all shapes and shades drifting past – a final glimpse of the Arctic grandeur that has characterised the journey.
• Upon arrival in Ilulissat, we check in once again at the lovely Hotel Icefiord, where you can relax and enjoy the familiar comfort overlooking the Icefjord.
• The rest of the day is free to spend as you wish. Perhaps you would like to revisit the charming streets of the town, visit one of the museums you did not get to see the first time, or take a peaceful walk along the Icefjord and take in your final impressions.
• You can also spend the afternoon picking up some final souvenirs – jewellery, handicrafts or local delicacies to remind you of the journey.

Day 7. Hiking along the Icefjord to the settlement of Sermermiut - Farewell dinner

Today, we get close to the magic of the ice on a hike along the iconic Icefjord.

Highlights

• With our local guide, we cross the town, passing the former heliport and dog yard before reaching the beautiful Ilulissat Icefjord Centre – Dorte Mandrup’s architectural gem, which blends naturally into the landscape.
• After the hike, you can explore exhibitions about the significance of the ice, Ilulissat’s nature and culture, as well as the profound changes brought about by climate change. You can also enjoy the views from the rooftop terrace.
• The hike continues to the old settlement of Sermermiut, where people have lived for up to 5,000 years. Nature has now reclaimed the area, but traces of the past are still clearly visible.
• We continue to Nakkaavik – Kællingekløften – and enjoy spectacular panoramic views of the Kangia Icefjord, where icebergs and chunks of ice move in a constant, crackling dance.
• We then follow the trail along the coast and over low mountains to Seqinniarfik (Holms Bakke), where we enjoy our packed lunch overlooking the mountains.
• After the hike, you can either walk directly back to town or follow the yellow-marked trail along the Icefjord back to the hotel (approx. 4 km).
• In the evening, we gather for a cosy farewell dinner at Hotel Icefiord. Here, we enjoy a delicious meal in good company while watching the sun reflected in the icebergs outside and sharing memories from an unforgettable journey through Greenland’s magnificent wilderness.

Day 8. Journey home - Farewell to Greenland

After an unforgettable week in the heart of Disko Bay, it is time to say goodbye to Greenland. We have hiked through magnificent landscapes, encountered whales and sled dogs, enjoyed Arctic cuisine and gained insight into life in the north.

From Ilulissat, we get one final glimpse of the Icefjord and the mighty icebergs glittering in the sunshine as we head south – home to Copenhagen with a suitcase full of memories and our hearts full of the Arctic.

Included meals: Breakfast / – / –

Practical info

Guide

Hiking and difficulty level

Grad 2 - Moderate hiking.

Moderate hiking, mostly on good trails, but with occasional longer climbs. No hiking experience or technical skills are required, but you should be used to regularly engaging in moderate physical activity, for example through a sport, walking, or running. The hikes can be managed by anyone with reasonably good fitness. It is possible to opt out of individual hiking days.

Daily hikes:

Notes on difficulty level and hikes:

The following factors are important to keep in mind for each hike, as they affect the experience of the hikes.

Terrain:
There are four hiking days on this trip. In Greenland, there are not many constructed trails, so hiking typically takes place through varied and uneven mountain terrain. The hikes do not involve large elevation differences. The terrain usually alternates between soil, stones, gravel, bedrock, tundra, ice, and snow, so waterproof and warm hiking boots are essential. Trekking poles are strongly recommended as they help maintain balance on uneven ground and reduce strain on legs and knees. They are also a great support if conditions are slippery.

Requirements:
We aim to organize the hikes so that everyone can walk at their own pace. Participation in each individual hike is optional. If you would like additional short hikes on your own, the local guide can recommend several good options.

Activities

SAILING

In addition to the hikes, there are three scenic boat trips around Disko Bay. We travel on scheduled passenger boats, and every crossing comes with an iceberg guarantee!

The boats are either Targa vessels or steel-hulled ships, all offering plenty of space both indoors and outdoors. We always travel on passenger-certified vessels in Greenland.

On tour with a local guide

Accommodation

QEQERTARSUAQ 
On Disko Island we stay at Hotel Disko Island in the town of Qeqertarsuaq. Hotel Disko Island consists partly of a number of small houses in the town center, where the rooms have their own bath and toilet. The town's former restaurant has been renovated with large windows and a view of the marina and mountains. A large terrace with the same view has also been built by the restaurant. The restaurant belongs to the hotel, and the hotel's reception is in the same building.

QASIGIANNGUIT 
In Qasigiannguit we stay at Hotel Diskobay, which sits front-row to Disko Bay with a view of Disko Island. In the period May–September, whales can often be seen in the bay below the hotel. Hotel Diskobay also has a large terrace facing the bay and a restaurant with a view. All rooms have their own bath and toilet.

ILULISSAT
Hotel Icefiord has one of Ilulissat's best locations, right on the cliffs out toward the sea. From the hotel's restaurant and large terrace you can enjoy the view of Disko Island and the ever-changing formations of icebergs around town. Hotel Icefiord is a modern hotel with various room categories. By default you'll stay in standard rooms, but you have the option to upgrade (if space allows) to a Deluxe Explorer room. The Deluxe Explorer rooms have their own balcony facing Disko Bay and a skylight, so you can lie in bed and experience the midnight sun. The price for the upgrade is listed in the section "Not included."

Everywhere we stay in shared twin rooms. Single rooms are available at all three hotels for a supplement listed in the section "Not included."

Meals

Included meals are marked on each day in the detailed itinerary as Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner. Meals that are not included are not mentioned in the daily program.

On this trip we focus on giving you a culinary experience with good Greenlandic ingredients as well — this can include fish, shellfish, reindeer, muskox, berries and mushrooms – and drinks made with inland ice!

Three dinners are included in the trip price, where you get to taste Greenlandic specialties, including snow crab on Disko Island.

Lunch is included on 5 days of the trip in the form of a packed lunch, which we have the opportunity to enjoy out in nature.

On the Air Greenland flights between Denmark and Greenland, free meals and beverages are served on board.

Flights and local transport

Climate

Currency and credit cards

Wi-Fi and Mobile Coverage

There is mobile coverage in Ilulissat, but not necessarily outside the town in the mountains or at sea. Wi-Fi is available at the hotel.

If you need a Greenlandic SIM card, we recommend Tusass eSIM packages. See prices and packages here.

Maps and travel literature

• Sagamaps: Qeqertarssup Tunua, Disko Bay 1:500,000 – overview map
• Hiking map North Greenland, Qeqertarsuaq. 1:100,000
• Hiking map North Greenland, Qasigiannguit. 1:100,000
• Hiking map North Greenland, Ilulissat. 1:100,000

The Area

ILULISSAT — "THE PLACE WITH ICEBERGS"
Ilulissat is Greenland's 3rd largest town and is called Jakobshavn in Danish. Ilulissat is also neighbor to the UNESCO World Heritage site Ilulissat Icefjord/Kangia, which at over 60 km (37 miles) in length is an impressive sight.

DISKO ISLAND – QEQERTARSUAQ
Disko Island is the largest Greenlandic island and about the size of Zealand. Around 1,000 people live in Qeqertarsuaq, and just under 10 people live in the settlement of Kangerluk, which is a day's journey by dog sled from Qeqertarsuaq (or a couple of hours by dinghy in summer). The rest of the island consists of uninhabited wilderness in the form of mountains, valleys and permanent ice caps atop the basalt mountains. In Greenlandic, Qeqertarsuaq means "the big island," and the Danish name Godhavn refers to the beautiful, good natural harbor by which the town is located.

QASIGIANNGUIT
The town lies south of Ilulissat Icefjord in a natural area with mountains, tundra plains, green passes, blue fjords, and peaks with views of Disko Bay and Disko Island. The area is particularly well suited for hiking. Qasigiannguit means "small speckled seals," and the Danish name is Christianshåb. The town on Disko Bay has about 1,200 inhabitants.

Please note

Travel security guarantee for trips to Greenland

Who travels on group tours with Topas?

On our group tours you will meet solo travellers, singles, couples, friends, and families. What unites them is a desire to experience the world and be active in good company. It is often the combination of active days, small shared achievements, and evening conversations at the dinner table that creates a strong sense of community.

If you are going on your first solo trip, it can feel like a big step. But you will quickly discover that the group consists of people with the same curiosity and passion for travel as you.

Important to know

Packing list

Luggage

Bring a daypack to use on the hikes. We recommend a backpack with a good support system, including a hip belt and chest strap, to take weight off your shoulders and back. Consider bringing this backpack as carry-on luggage on the plane.

It's most convenient to pack your gear in a soft duffel bag or similar, as this is easiest to handle during transfers and on board the ship. It is possible, but definitely not recommended, to bring a suitcase.

Boots

It's important to bring good hiking boots with a stiff sole (e.g., Vibram) and good ankle support to avoid ankle injuries! This is a must. It's also important that your hiking boots are waterproof, as some of the trails cross damp terrain. Make sure your boots are properly broken in.

It is not possible to complete this trip in ordinary sneakers or walking shoes.

It's a good idea to travel wearing your boots from home, or to keep them in your carry-on, in case your checked luggage is delayed.

Other footwear

Water bottle

Each participant can bring one or more bottles, as there are several opportunities to refill water along the hiking routes.

Trekking poles

Hiking clothing

Other clothing

Miscellaneous

• Passport, currency, health insurance card and travel documents
• Toiletries
• Medication for personal use, plus sports tape, blister plasters and possibly a knee brace
• Camera, charger and possibly extra batteries
• Hand sanitizer (available at pharmacies or Matas)
• Energy bars/favorite snacks
• Thermos, if you'd like to bring your own tea/coffee on the hikes
• Waterproof bags to protect clothing in your backpack from rain
• Possibly earplugs (if you'd like to sleep undisturbed at night)
• Possibly a money belt
• Possibly binoculars
• Possibly wet wipes
• Possibly laundry detergent for hand-washing
• Possibly a pocketknife (not in carry-on luggage during the flight)
• Possibly swimwear (if you're a winter swimmer, a dip at Paradise Bay near Qasigiannguit might tempt you!)

Specific trip notes

Please note