Tour Description
Experience Greenland’s magnificent winter landscapes in the low season, where peace prevails and nature is at its most striking. Majestic icebergs drift quietly through Disko Bay while the Northern Lights dance across the sky, and each day offers spectacular natural experiences and authentic encounters with local culture.
On guided walks, your local guide shares the history and proud traditions of the area as you explore Sermermiut, a historic site with traces of former settlements. You pass the beautiful building of the Icefjord Centre, a striking landmark in the landscape, and along the fjord you can enjoy the impressive interplay between land, ice, and sea.
Boat trips in Disko Bay offer the chance to experience the icefjord from the water, where giant icebergs slowly drift by and the Northern Lights may color the sky on clear evenings. During an authentic kaffemik in a local home, you step into Greenlandic hospitality, and a visit to an experienced dogsled musher provides insight into a proud craft and a meeting with the impressive sled dogs that have been part of life in northern Greenland for generations.
Walks along the icefjord and icefjord cruises give you time to enjoy the unique landscape, while a day at your own pace allows you to explore Ilulissat, visit shops and museums, or simply enjoy the view from Hotel Icefiord. During your stay, two meals are included at the hotel restaurant, featuring delicious dishes prepared from local ingredients that reflect the taste of Greenland’s nature and culture. In addition, you are offered an authentic Greenlandic coffee accompanied by stories about Greenlandic traditions – with a guaranteed chance of seeing the Northern Lights.
The combination of nature, Northern Lights, icebergs, and cultural heritage creates a stay that is both grand, authentic, and unforgettable – a Greenland you will remember for a lifetime.
Highlights
- Hiking in Ilulissat’s magnificent landscapes and along the impressive Kangia Icefjord
- Sailing to the mouth of the icefjord among gigant icebergs
- Sailing in Disko Bay in search of the Northern Lights
- Kaffemik in a private home, where you experience Greenland’s warm hospitality
- Visit to an experienced dog sled musher and meeting the impressive sled dogs
- Fascinating stories from local guides about Greenland’s nature, culture, and proud traditions
- Peace and presence by the icefjord while enjoying the magnificent Arctic silence
- Delicious food prepared from local ingredients at the hotel restaurant and authentic Greenlandic coffee
- Time at your own pace to explore Ilulissat, shops, museums, and everyday life
Included
- Group tour with local destination guides and guided hikes
- Flights from Copenhagen to Greenland return
- Transfers in Ilulissat between airport and hotel
- All accommodation as described in the detailed itinerary
- Welcome and farewell dinner in Ilulissat – excluding drinks
- Guided city tour, hike to Sermermiut settlement, and along the icefjord
- Kaffemik in a local home and visit to a dog sled musher
- Icefjord cruise and Northern Lights boat tour
- Contribution to the travel guarantee fund
Program
Day 1: Welcome to Ilulissat and the icebergs of Disko Bay
After arrival in Ilulissat, we are welcomed by our local guide and driven to the charming Hotel Icefiord, with a magnificent view of Disko Bay and drifting icebergs. After a short briefing, we gather for a welcome dinner with local ingredients, while the Northern Lights may dance above the fjord, casting magic over our first evening in Greenland.
Day 2: City tour and Northern Lights boat trip
We explore Ilulissat on a guided city tour and hear stories about life in the town and the heroes of polar expeditions such as Knud Rasmussen and Jørgen Brønlund. Later in the evening, we sail into Disko Bay, where the town lights reflect on the water and, hopefully, the Northern Lights dance across the sky.
Day 3: Hike to Sermermiut and the magnificent icefjord landscapes
We hike to Sermermiut, the old settlement by the icefjord, and enjoy an incredible view of the largest icebergs. Along the way, we pass the beautiful Icefjord Centre building and understand why this area is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Day 4: Kaffemik and meeting sled dogs
We are welcomed into a local home for a traditional kaffemik and hear about everyday life while experiencing Greenlandic hospitality. Later we meet an experienced dog sled musher and his dogs and learn about the proud tradition that has shaped life in northern Greenland.
Day 5: Hike along the icefjord and Greenlandic coffee
We hike along the icefjord with our local guide and enjoy breathtaking views and fresh Arctic air. Back at the hotel, we warm up with Greenlandic coffee accompanied by stories about culture – and homemade Northern Lights.
Day 6: Icefjord cruise to the largest icebergs
We sail to the mouth of the icefjord and experience the largest icebergs up close, while the cracking and groaning of the ice fills the air and the landscape impresses all senses.
Day 7: Day at leisure and farewell dinner
We enjoy our last day at leisure in Ilulissat – hiking in the mountains, strolling through town, or visiting museums – before gathering for a farewell dinner with local ingredients and toasting unforgettable experiences.
Day 8: Return home – Goodbye to Greenland
After breakfast, we are driven to the airport and fly back to Copenhagen, filled with memories of Greenland’s magnificent nature, icebergs, Northern Lights, and authentic cultural encounters.
Please note that the program is weather-dependent and therefore indicative. The local guide may change the order of activities or introduce alternative plans if necessary.
See the detailed day-by-day itinerary here
Not included
- Pcket money and drinks
- Non-included meals (approx. 150–400 DKK per meal)
- Entrance fees to museums and similar attractions
- Travel and cancellation insurance
- Single room supplement: 2,800 DKK
- Upgrade to Deluxe Explorer room (skylight and balcony) at Hotel Icefiord: 2,800 DKK per room. Upgrade must be requested via email: info@topas.dk. Upgrade available while rooms last
Important information for this trip
Maximum group size: 12 participants
There is no tour leader on this trip. Instead, we have destination guides - local guides who accompany us on excursions.Read more in the “Practical info” section about:
- Trip difficulty level
- Travelling with local destination guides
- The hotel in Ilulissat
- Travel guarantee for trips to Greenland
Detailed Itinerary
All overnight stays, excursions, and experiences described in the itinerary are included in the price.
Included meals are marked on each day as Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner. Meals not included are not listed in the itinerary.Drinks are not included with included meals.
On flights with Air Greenland between Denmark and Greenland, complimentary meals and drinks are served onboard.
Day 1. Welcome to Ilulissat and the icebergs of Disko Bay
The adventure begins upon landing in Ilulissat after a direct flight from Copenhagen of about five hours. At the airport, we are met by our local guide, who takes care of transportation to the lovely Hotel Icefiord. The hotel is beautifully located right by Disko Bay, where icebergs slowly drift by, offering a first glimpse of Greenland’s magic.
After check-in, we gather for a short briefing where the guide introduces the week’s program and the experiences ahead. It’s a good opportunity to ask questions, meet the other participants, and feel the anticipation grow.In the evening, we meet for a welcome dinner in the hotel’s restaurant overlooking Disko Bay. Here we enjoy delicious food prepared from local ingredients, and if the weather allows, the Northern Lights may already be dancing above the fjord, creating a magical start to our Greenland adventure.
Included meals: – / – / Dinner
Day 2. City tour and Northern Lights boat trip
We wake up to a magical morning in Ilulissat, where breakfast is enjoyed with a view of Disko Bay and icebergs slowly drifting by. The air is crisp, and the landscape invites a day filled with experiences and history.
During the day, our local guide takes us on a guided city tour through Ilulissat. We visit the main sights and hear vivid stories about the town’s history and everyday life. We also learn about polar expedition heroes such as Knud Rasmussen and Jørgen Brønlund, and their importance in Greenland’s history.
Later in the day, we board a boat for a Northern Lights cruise in Disko Bay. We sail into the darkness and see Ilulissat’s lights reflecting on the water, while hopefully experiencing the Northern Lights dancing across the sky, far from city lights. It is a magical experience where nature’s grandeur and the calm glow of the town create an unforgettable setting.
Included meals: Breakfast / – / –
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Day 3. Hike to Sermermiut and the magnificent icefjord landscapes
Today we hike to Sermermiut, the old settlement that was once one of the largest in the area due to the rich natural resources of the icefjord. From here we enjoy a breathtaking view of the icefjord and its massive icebergs – a sight that cannot truly be described, only experienced.
Along the way, we pass the beautiful building housing the Icefjord Centre, designed by Dorte Mandrup, which stands as a striking architectural feature in the landscape. The entire area is part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and it is easy to see why this part of Greenland has received this recognition, where nature and human history meet in an unforgettable way.
Included meals: Breakfast / – / –
Day 4. Kaffemik and meeting sled dogs
Today we get very close to authentic Greenlandic culture. In the morning, we are invited to a traditional kaffemik in a local home, where we step into everyday life and experience the warm hospitality Greenland is known for. We are served coffee and cakes in the Greenlandic style while our host shares stories about life, traditions, and daily rituals that connect families and communities. It is an experience filled with smiles, laughter, and vivid storytelling.
Later we meet a local dog sled musher and his dogs. Here we learn about the proud tradition of sled dog culture in northern Greenland. We see how the dogs are trained and cared for, and feel the strong bond between humans and animals – a connection that has been essential for life in the Arctic for generations.
Included meals: Breakfast / – / –
Day 5. Hike along the icefjord and Greenlandic coffee
Today we take a beautiful hiking route along the icefjord with our local guide. Along the way we enjoy the impressive landscape with icebergs, fjord, and fresh Arctic air. Every turn of the trail offers new breathtaking views, and there is time to absorb the peace and silence of the area.
Back at the hotel, a well-deserved Greenlandic coffee awaits. Along with the coffee comes stories about Greenlandic culture – and the Northern Lights are guaranteed to dance above our cups while we enjoy the moment.
Included meals: Breakfast / – / –
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Day 6. Icefjord cruise among the largest icebergs
Today we set out on a spectacular icefjord cruise toward the mouth of the icefjord. Here the largest icebergs lie, some grounded and others slowly drifting. We hear the soft cracking of the ice as we are surrounded by this impressive natural world – it almost feels like you can smell the ice in the crisp air.
The cruise offers a unique perspective of Disko Bay and the icefjord, allowing us to truly feel the raw power and grandeur of nature. It is an experience combining peace, excitement, and awe – one of the absolute highlights of the journey.
Included meals: Breakfast / – / –
Day 7. Day at leisure and farewell dinner
On our final day in Ilulissat, we have time at our own pace. Some may take a last hike in the mountains and enjoy the quiet views of icebergs drifting through Disko Bay. Others may stroll through town, visit shops for souvenirs, or explore local museums showcasing Greenlandic history and culture.
In the evening, we gather for a farewell dinner in the hotel restaurant, enjoying local cuisine while sharing memories from the week. With views over the fjord and drifting icebergs, it becomes a warm and memorable conclusion to our Greenland adventure.
Included meals: Breakfast / – / Dinner
Day 8. Return home – Goodbye to Greenland
It is time to say goodbye to Greenland. After breakfast, we pack our memories and experiences from the week and are driven to the airport. On the flight back to Copenhagen, we reflect on the stunning nature, Northern Lights, icebergs, and cultural encounters we have experienced in Ilulissat and Disko Bay.
Included meals: Breakfast / – / –
Practical info
Guide
On this trip there will be a destination guide. The guide has in-depth local knowledge and is responsible for carrying out the planned activities during the stay. Upon arrival, you will be met by the guide, who ensures a smooth stay and assists upon departure.
Duration and difficulty level
The hiking days included in the program are difficulty level 2.
Activities
HIKING
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.
Participation in each hike is optional. If you would like additional short hikes on your own, the local guide can recommend several good options.
SAILING
In addition to hiking, there are two boat trips.
The passenger vessels are either Targa boats or steel vessels, offering plenty of indoor and outdoor space.
All boats used in Greenland are passenger-certified.
Please note that it is typically colder on the water than on land, so bring warm clothing if you wish to enjoy the trip on deck.
Accommodation
On this tour, we stay 7 nights in Ilulissat at Hotel Icefiord, which has one of the best locations in Ilulissat, perched on the cliffs right by the sea. From the hotel restaurant and large terrace, you can enjoy views of Disko Island and the ever-changing formations of icebergs around the town. Hotel Icefiord is a modern hotel with different room categories.
As a standard, guests stay in standard rooms, but it is possible to upgrade (if available) to a Deluxe Explorer room. Upgrades can be requested via Topas by phone or email. The Deluxe Explorer rooms feature a private balcony facing Disko Bay and a skylight, allowing you to lie in bed and watch the stars – and possibly the Northern Lights – all night.
Guests stay in shared double rooms with private bathroom and toilet. Single rooms are available for a supplement listed in the section “Not include".
Meals
Included meals are marked in the detailed itinerary as Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner. Meals not included are not mentioned in the program.
Drinks are not included with included meals.
On Air Greenland flights between Denmark and Greenland, complimentary meals and drinks are served onboard.
Flights and local transport
We are happy to provide flight times for each departure. You can call +45 8689 3622 or email info@topas.dk. Flight times are always subject to change by the airline.
Climate
This trip takes place during the polar night period north of the Arctic Circle, meaning the sun does not rise high above the horizon during the day. In Ilulissat, the polar night period runs from 27 November to 13 January. It is not complete darkness, but rather twilight conditions with strong reflections from snow and ice. Expect temperatures ranging from a few degrees above freezing down to around -20°C. The air is generally very dry, so the cold feels different from Denmark.
The aurora borealis (Northern Lights) is created by electrically charged particles from the sun interacting with the Earth’s magnetic field. Solar activity is not constant, so the amount of Northern Lights varies. Human eyesight cannot perceive all colours of the aurora; the best images are captured with a camera, ideally using a tripod.
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: Qeqertarsuup Tunua, Disko Bay 1:500,000 – overview map
Hiking map North Greenland, Ilulissat 1:100,000
Available locally
The Area
ILULISSAT — “THE PLACE WITH ICEBERGS”
Ilulissat is Greenland’s third-largest town and is known in Danish as Jakobshavn. It is located next to the UNESCO World Heritage Site Ilulissat Icefjord / Kangia, which stretches over 60 km and is an impressive sight.
Please note
If changes occur, Topas together with your local guide will aim to minimize inconvenience and provide alternative programs or use waiting time in the best possible way.
Travel security guarantee for trips to Greenland
If your package tour cannot be completed due to unavoidable and extraordinary circumstances – e.g. government restrictions, travel bans, or safety conditions at the destination – we will refund the full amount paid. This applies regardless of whether your travel insurance covers it. The guarantee follows the Danish Package Travel Act and applicable EU regulations.
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.
Packing list
We have prepared a packing list to help you when packing for your trip. The packing list contains general information as well as what is useful to bring on this specific journey.
The packing list should be seen as a guide to what you CAN bring, and not as a list of items you MUST bring, as individual needs and preferences may vary. However, our experience shows that the items listed below are useful to bring.
Print packing list Download packling list as PDFLuggage
You may bring 20 kg of checked luggage and 8 kg of hand luggage. Please note the following rules if you bring hand luggage on the flight.
Boots
It is important to bring good winter boots with a stiff sole (e.g. Vibram) and good ankle support for stability. High-ankle winter boots are recommended to protect against snow and wind. The most important thing is that the boots keep your feet warm and allow room for warm wool socks, and that you can stay active while wearing them.
It is a good idea to travel wearing your boots or pack them in your hand luggage in case your checked baggage is delayed.
You may also want to bring ice grips / anti-slip spikes for your shoes to reduce the risk of slipping on icy surfaces.
Gaiters can also be useful to prevent snow from entering your boots.
Other footware
Trekking poles
Streets in Greenlandic towns can be slippery in winter, so trekking poles are recommended for extra support.
Cloting
In general, layered clothing (the “layering principle”) is best, as it allows you to adjust to changing weather conditions.
- Warm wool sweater / fleece
- Soft, warm trousers
- Thick warm hat covering the ears
- Warm mittens (preferably with thin gloves underneath)
- Scarf / neck gaiter / buff
- Thick hiking socks
- Optional: 2 pairs of thin liner socks
- Wool base layer (minimum 200 g/m² recommended)
- Thin wool sweater
- Warm winter jacket
- Ski trousers or similar
Other clothing
- Travel clothes
- T-shirts
- Shirts / long-sleeved tops
- Socks
- Underwear
Miscellaneous
- Passport, currency, health insurance card, and travel documents
- Personal medication (note that flight delays may occur during Arctic winter; bring extra medication for additional days)
- Toiletries
- Cold cream or fatty cream (water-free cream is recommended)
- Camera and extra batteries / charger