Tour Description
Travel to Greenland, where the combination of farming culture, Norse history and diverse landscapes makes this hiking holiday in South Greenland a truly unique experience. At the edge of the Greenland Ice Sheet, you will encounter Greenlandic nature at its most magnificent and untamed.
On the hiking routes, you will step into a landscape that captivates with everything from the Greenland Ice Sheet, deep ice-filled fjords and enormous icebergs to lush valleys and hillsides filled with vibrant flowers, roaring waterfalls and tranquil lakes. As we travel from place to place by boat, you will get close to the fjord’s incredible ice formations and playful seals in the water.
In South Greenland, sheep farming, cattle farming and agriculture are the main industries, and the culture is shaped by the fascinating ruins left behind from the Norse settlements that existed in the region for almost 500 years. You will visit, among other places, the towns of Narsaq and Qaqortoq, as well as the settlements of Narsarsuaq and Igaliku, and experience how life here moves at its own unique pace.
Join us on a journey through South Greenland and enjoy the overwhelming silence.
Highlights
- Experience Kujataa – South Greenland’s UNESCO World Heritage Site with its unique culture and history
- Authentic stays with Greenlandic sheep farmers – close to nature, animals and everyday life
- Hiking through blooming valleys, along mountain lakes, rivers and impressive waterfalls
- Encounter the impressive “Dead Glacier” and its clear, blue glacial ice
- Sailing among turquoise-coloured icebergs on Qooroq Fjord and Erik’s Fjord
- Stay in idyllic Igaliku, a historic settlement with colourful houses and fjord views
- Visit Qassiarsuk and Brattahlid – Erik the Red’s farm and reconstructed Norse buildings
- Hike to Dyrnæs and Norse ruins with views of ice and mountains
- Possibility to experience whales, seals, white-tailed eagles and free-roaming horses in the open landscape
- Fishing, mountain tranquillity and immersion in Greenlandic nature at Tasiusaq and Sillisit
- Meet local culture and Greenlandic everyday life in Narsaq and beautiful Qaqortoq
Included
- Group tour with tour leader and guided hikes
- Flights from Copenhagen to Qaqortoq return
- All boat transfers during the tour
- All accommodation in hotels, settlement hotels, hostels or sheep farms
- Meals as described in the daily programme – excluding beverages
- Luggage transfer to and from airports and harbours
- Luggage transfer between accommodations
- Contribution to the Danish Travel Guarantee Fund
Program
Day 1. Arrival in South Greenland
We fly to Qaqortoq, where we meet our tour leader, and a transfer takes us to the town’s cosy hotel overlooking the fjord and mountains. The town is known for its colourful houses, educational institutions and the art project “Stone and Man”, featuring rock sculptures integrated into the streetscape. In the evening, we gather for a delicious welcome dinner.
Day 2. Town experiences and fjord landscapes in Narsaq
We sail to Narsaq, a town beautifully situated between fjords and ice-filled waters. Here we hike along the fjord with views of icebergs and Narsaq Mountain and visit Norse ruins at Dyrnæs along the way. There is also time to explore the town independently, with options such as visiting the museum, harbour or the local “Brættet” market.
Day 3. Hiking to Sillisit
Today we sail to Qassiarsuk, where we begin a beautiful hike through the Greenlandic mountain landscape to the sheep farm settlement of Sillisit. Along the way, we enjoy views of Eriksfjord, the surrounding mountains and the drifting icebergs before reaching the peaceful settlement by the fjord. After settling in, there is time to enjoy the surroundings, immerse yourself in the tranquillity and experience the silence in the midst of the magnificent nature.
Day 4-5. Culture and nature around the fjords of Sermilik
We hike through Erik the Red’s land with views of mountains, lakes and ice-filled fjords until we reach the scenic Tasiusaq. Here we spend two nights at an idyllic sheep farm with panoramic views of the ice-filled fjords and the Greenland Ice Sheet. Along the way, we may spot white-tailed eagles, free-ranging sheep and Icelandic horses. The following day offers a hike along Bredefjord with spectacular views of drifting icebergs and untouched landscapes – or the opportunity to rent a kayak and explore the area from the water.
Day 6-7. Erik the Red’s land and glacial ice
We hike across the ridge to Qassiarsuk, where Erik the Red settled in the year 985. Here we visit the ruins and reconstructions of Brattahlid before sailing on to Narsarsuaq. We spend two nights here and hike to the “Dead Glacier” through beautiful valleys, with the opportunity to get close to the characteristic blue glacial ice.
Day 8-10. Hiking and tranquillity in the historic landscape of Igaliku
We sail from Narsarsuaq across the moraine, among icebergs from Qooroq Fjord to Itilleq. From here we hike to Igaliku while our luggage is transported by vehicle, and we settle into the cosy village hotel. In Igaliku – the former episcopal seat – we spend three nights surrounded by magnificent nature and historic surroundings.
The area is ideal for hiking, offering experiences such as the iconic Burfjeld mountain, crystal-clear lakes, deep fjords and rushing waterfalls. Along the way, you often encounter sheep farms and old stone structures that bear witness to the area’s long history. Take time to enjoy the silence, the views and especially the sunset over the fjord – an unforgettable experience in the South Greenland landscape.
Day 11. Art and culture in Qaqortoq
After breakfast, we sail back to Qaqortoq, the largest town in South Greenland and the place where our journey began. The town offers colourful buildings, charming streets and a unique blend of culture and history. You can explore the town at your own pace, visit the local museum, enjoy artworks and sculptures throughout the streets, or simply stroll along the harbour and soak up the atmosphere.
Day 12. Departure from Greenland
We say goodbye to Greenland and fly from Qaqortoq back to Denmark – filled with impressions from magnificent nature, culture and hiking experiences.
See the detailed itinerary here
Not included
- Pocket money and expenses for drinks
- Expenses for meals not included (calculate approx. DKK 50-80 per meal that can be prepared yourself)
- Entrance fees to museums and similar attractions
- Travel insurance and possible cancellation insurance
- Possible rental of fishing rods etc.
Important information for this trip
The maximum number of participants on the trip: 11 people.
Read more under the Practical info tab about, among other things:
- The difficulty level of the trip
- South Greenland
- Igaliku and the Narsaq Peninsula
- Safety guarantee when travelling 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.
On domestic flights in Greenland, a cup of coffee and a biscuit are typically served.
Day 1 – Arrival in South Greenland: Qaqortoq
We fly to Qaqortoq, where we meet our tour leader, and a transfer takes us to the town’s cosy hotel with views over the fjord and mountains.
Qaqortoq, meaning “The White One”, is the largest town in South Greenland with around 3,500 inhabitants and an important educational centre with a high school, business college and folk high school.
The town is known for its colourful houses and vibrant art scene, including the Stone and Man project, where artists such as Aka Høegh have created sculptures carved directly into the rocks, turning the town into an open-air sculpture park.
In the evening, we gather for a delicious welcome dinner, where we can enjoy the South Greenland atmosphere and look forward to the experiences awaiting us in the coming days.
Included meals: – / – / Dinner
Day 2. Town experiences and fjord landscapes in Narsaq
We sail to Narsaq, a charming and colourful town beautifully situated between fjords and ice-filled waters. The town’s colourful houses are scattered between two fjords, with the ice-filled Narsaq Sound just outside, and the surroundings offer spectacular views of both icebergs and the distinctive Narsaq Mountain. The town invites visitors to both hiking and cultural experiences and is undoubtedly one of the most beautifully located towns in South Greenland.
Today’s hike takes us along the idyllic bay of Narsap Ilua, beautifully decorated with icebergs. We follow the shoreline and enjoy the magnificent views over Narsaq Sound and Sermilik Fjord, whose clear, ice-filled waters stretch from the Greenland Ice Sheet out towards the sea.
Near the fjord, where the steep Narsaq Mountain rises from the sea, we can experience the impressive colours and formations of the icebergs up close while listening to the cracking and booming sounds of the ice. We enjoy our lunch at Dyrnæs, where we can see traces from the Norse era – ruins, stone walls and a small spring with fresh drinking water.
If desired, it is possible to skip today’s hike and instead spend the time exploring the town’s sights.
Included meals: Breakfast / Lunch / –
Day 3. Hiking to Sillisit
Today, we enjoy a beautiful sailing trip on Eriksfjord, where we glide through the magnificent South Greenland fjord landscape surrounded by steep mountains, green slopes and drifting icebergs reflected in the clear water. Along the way, the landscape opens up with views of small settlements, mountain peaks and the unique Arctic light that makes the sailing experience special in itself.
We go ashore in Qassiarsuk, the historic settlement where Erik the Red once settled, and from here we begin today’s hike towards the sheep farm settlement of Sillisit. The route takes us through open mountain terrain, green valleys and past small lakes with wide views over the fjord and surrounding mountains. Along the way, we experience the special tranquillity that characterises South Greenland – interrupted only by the sound of the wind and flowing meltwater.
As we approach Sillisit, the views over the fjord and drifting icebergs become increasingly impressive. Upon arrival at Sillisit, we check in and have time to enjoy the location and the unique peace that surrounds this small settlement by the fjord. Here, you can unwind, enjoy the peaceful atmosphere by the water, listen to the waves and admire the changing colours of the icebergs and the light over Burfjeld.
Included meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Day 4. Culture and nature around the fjords of Sermilik
We hike through Erik the Red’s land, a magnificent landscape of small mountain lakes, green valleys and wide views of ice-filled fjords. Along the way, we have good chances of spotting white-tailed eagles, which are numerous in the area, as well as free-ranging sheep and Icelandic horses grazing in the mountains when they are not being used for sheep gathering or by local children.
After a long and beautiful hike, we reach scenic Tasiusaq, where we stay overnight at an idyllic sheep farm with panoramic views of mountains, ice-filled fjords and the Greenland Ice Sheet. Here, you can enjoy short walks near the fjords or visit a nearby viewpoint before relaxing in the peaceful surroundings. We spend two nights here, giving us time to experience the nature and sense the presence of history in this unique South Greenland landscape.
Included meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Day 5. Hiking with views of icebergs and the Ice Sheet
Tasiusaq is beautifully situated by Bredefjord, which is often filled with ice from the large glaciers further inside the fjord. The significant tidal changes create a fascinating spectacle as the icebergs drift in and out through the narrow strait.
We hike to the Innarsuaq Peninsula, where we are rewarded with impressive views over Bredefjord, the ice-filled waters and the wilderness stretching towards the Greenland Ice Sheet. The route along the fjord offers beautiful scenery, and if we are lucky, we may experience an iceberg tipping over. Along the way, we enjoy packed lunches and coffee from our thermos. The hike returns along the same route, allowing the individual needs of the group to be accommodated.
The day can also be spent renting kayaks and exploring the fjord from the water, or hiking and discovering the area’s varied nature. Alternatively, you can stay at the sheep farm and simply enjoy the silence, the changing colours of the fjord and the slowly drifting icebergs.
Included meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Day 6. Hiking to Qassiarsuk and Brattahlid
We hike across the ridge towards the other side of the Narsaq Peninsula to Qassiarsuk. Along the way, we gain a clear understanding of why the Norse settlers chose to establish themselves here and why the area today remains relatively densely populated with sheep farms. The landscape is lush, with beautiful shades of green, yellow and white, while free-ranging sheep and Icelandic horses complete the idyllic scenery.
Upon arrival, we have the opportunity to walk around the settlement and experience the unique, relaxed atmosphere of a Greenlandic village. Qassiarsuk is known as the place where Erik the Red settled in the year 985. Here, we visit the ruins of his settlement, Brattahlid, and see the reconstructed buildings – the longhouse and the church – which were rebuilt in 2000, allowing us to experience them up close.
After the visit, we sail across the fjord to Narsarsuaq, where we check in at the hostel for the next two nights.
Included meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Day 7. Hike to "Den Døde Bræ"
From Narsarsuaq, we hike through Hospital Valley and Flower Valley, both of which were carved out by "Den Døde Bræ/The dead glacier” – the glacier we reach further into the valley.
The route follows the Narsarsuaq River, which originates at the glacier. For those who wish, there is an opportunity to get very close to the glacier and experience the enormous forces that have shaped the landscape over millions of years.
Here, we can also see the characteristic blue ice that originates from the lowest layers of the Greenland Ice Sheet. Under the immense pressure, the air has been compressed out, leaving only the clear, bright blue ice visible.
Included meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Dag 8. Sejlads og vandring til Igaliku
Vi sejler til Narsarsuaq over den undersøiske moræneryg, hvor isfjelde fra Qooroq-fjorden ligger strandet på deres vej mod havet. Undervejs kommer vi tæt på de imponerende isbjerge, der glitrer i smukke blå, hvide og turkise nuancer.
Fra stranden ved Itilleq vandrer vi videre til Igaliku, mens bagagen transporteres særskilt. Afhængigt af vejret vælger vi enten Kongevejen eller en alternativ rute over den store sø midt på landtangen. Stykket mod fjorden er frodigt og rigt på blomster, herunder orkidéer, som pryder landskabet undervejs.
Fremme indkvarteres vi på det hyggelige bygdehotel i Igaliku – det gamle bispesæde. Her tilbringer vi tre nætter omgivet af storslået natur og historiske omgivelser. Den lille bygd er kendt for sin fredelige atmosfære og betagende landskaber, der indbyder til ro og fordybelse.
Læs mere om Igaliku Bygdehotel her.
Inkluderede måltider: Morgenmad / Frokost / Aftensmad
Dag 9. Vandring ved foden af Burfjeld
Området omkring Igaliku byder på smukke vandremuligheder. Vi tilbringer dagen med en tur over et flot plateau til Narsaarsuk, "Den Lille Slette", hvor vi nyder frokosten med udsigt til en kælvende isbræ og de mange isfjelde i fjorden foran os. Fjorden fyldes af isbjerge fra Qooroq-gletsjeren, en arm af indlandsisen, der producerer op mod 200.000 tons is dagligt.
Ved foden af Burfjeld (1.752 m), hvor nordboerne havde en udkigspost, har vi gode chancer for at finde fluorescerende månesten og andre smykkesten.
Fra Igaliku følger vi den brusende flod op til en smukt beliggende sø, hvor de friske kan tage en dukkert i det kølige vand. Herfra stiger vi op gennem fantastisk terræn til plateauet, hvor to smukke søer venter.
Tilbagevendingen foregår enten ad samme rute eller via en alternativ vej gennem fjeldet, afhængig af vejret og gruppens dagsform.
Inkluderede måltider: Morgenmad / Frokost / Aftensmad
Dag 10. Vandring til vandfald ved Igaliku
Vi vandrer opad gennem det grønne landskab syd for Igaliku, over flade strækninger og små terrasser, der skal forceres, mens vi nærmer os Nuuluks stejle vestskråning.
Vi følger elven ned mod fjorden, hvor den danner flere smukke vandfald. Dalen er frodig og rig på varieret vegetation, samtidig med at vi nyder en storslået udsigt over Tunulliarfik-fjorden med spredte isfjelde fra Qooroq-gletsjeren.
På tilbagevejen skråer vi ind over landskabet og møder Kongevejen ved passet, inden vi returnerer til Igaliku.
Inkluderede måltider: Morgenmad / Frokost / Aftensmad
Dag 11. Kunst og kultur i Qaqortoq
Efter morgenmaden sejler vi tilbage til Qaqortoq og afslutter vores rejse i Sydgrønlands største by. Dagen står i byens kunst og kulturens tegn, hvor du kan opleve den særlige grønlandske atmosfære og nyde de smukke omgivelser.
Byen byder på charmerende, farverige huse, hyggelige gader og et levende kunstmiljø. Rundt i byen kan du opleve skulpturer fra kunstprojektet Sten og Menneske, hvor værker indhugget i klipperne skaber en unik kombination af natur og kunst. Du kan også besøge Qaqortoq Museum, som fortæller historien om byen og Sydgrønlands kulturarv.
Har du lyst til at slappe af, kan du spadsere langs havnen, nyde udsigten over fjordene eller tage en kop kaffe på en af byens caféer, mens du oplever den rolige grønlandske bystemning. Dagen giver rig mulighed for at reflektere over rejsens naturoplevelser og kulturmøder.
Inkluderede måltider: Morgenmad / – / –
Dag 12. Hjemrejse fra Grønland
Tiden er inde til at sige farvel til Grønland. Vi tager afsked med det storslåede landskab, de isfyldte fjorde og de varme møder med lokalbefolkningen. Fra Qaqortoq flyver vi tilbage mod Danmark – fulde af indtryk fra den storslåede natur, den rige kultur og de mange vandreoplevelser, der har gjort rejsen uforglemmelig.
Inkluderede måltider: Morgenmad / – / –
Klik her for at komme retur til Rejsen kort.
Practical info
Guide
Duration and difficulty level
12 days — including 8 days of hiking. This trip is rated Grade 2–3. The hikes last between 5 and 8 hours.
There are no established hiking trails in Greenland, so hiking often takes place across untouched terrain. Your luggage will be transported between our accommodation by tractor or boat, meaning you only need to carry a daypack.
The stated hiking times are approximate and may vary from trip to trip. On several days, participation in the day's hike is optional, allowing you to relax at the hiking lodge instead. This makes it easy to tailor the trip to your own preferences.
Activities
Accommodation
SHEEP FARM STAYS
Accommodation at sheep farms varies in standard. We stay in hostel-style accommodation, all of which are well equipped with kitchen facilities and bunk beds.
HOSTELS
We stay in hostels in Narsarsuaq (2 nights) and Narsaq (1 night). The hostels are well equipped with kitchen facilities, bunk beds, toilets and showers.
SETTLEMENT HOTEL
In Igaliko, we stay in twin rooms at the settlement hotel with shared bathroom and toilet facilities in the hallway.
HOTEL
In Qaqortoq, we stay at Hotel Qaqortoq in twin rooms with private bathroom facilities.
SINGLE ROOM
Single rooms are not available on this trip, as the number of rooms at the local accommodation is limited.
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 in Greenland, a cup of coffee and a biscuit are typically served.
Flights and local transport
We are happy to provide flight times for the individual departures. Call us on +45 8689 3622 or send us an email at info@topas.dk. Flight times are always provided subject to change, as airlines may make adjustments.
Climate
Average temperatures in Narsarsuaq and the surrounding area range between 12°C and 17°C from June to September. The temperatures stated are 24-hour averages. Nights can be relatively cold, but once the sun gains strength during the day, temperatures can rise well above the averages indicated.
Thanks to the sunshine and the dry air, temperatures generally feel warmer than in the rest of Europe. Night-time temperatures can drop to around freezing in exposed areas. This time of year is typically characterised by clear weather, providing excellent visibility. Rain, however, is always a possibility.
Currency and credit cards
VISA/Dankort cards are accepted at almost all hotels, restaurants and shops. However, we recommend bringing some cash (DKK 500) for use in settlements and other places where card payments may not be available.
Wi-Fi and Mobile Coverage
Mobile coverage is available in the towns, but not necessarily outside the towns in the mountains or on the water. Therefore, mobile coverage is limited on this trip. Wi-Fi is available at the hotels. Please note that the connection can occasionally be unstable.
If you need a Greenlandic SIM card while in Greenland, you can read more here or contact your own provider.
Maps and travel literature
The following are best purchased locally:
South Greenland Hiking Map, Narsarsuaq 1:100,000
South Greenland Hiking Map, Narsaq 1:100,000
Alternatively, the above can be replaced by the overview map:
South Greenland – Eastern Settlement 1:250,000
Nature Guide to Greenland, Benny Génsbøl, Gads Forlag, 1999
Greenland's Animals and Plants, edited by Bent Gynther and Aqigssiaq Møller, Gyldendal, 1999
The Area
SOUTH GREENLAND – GREENLAND'S GARDEN
South Greenland is green, fertile and blessed with diverse scenery, featuring deep fjords and towering mountain peaks. Here, towns and countryside are never far apart. The region offers the greatest variety of landscapes in Greenland and includes all the classic highlights: icebergs, the Greenland Ice Sheet, fjords, lush mountains and picturesque, colourful towns and settlements. This makes South Greenland one of the very best hiking destinations in the country.
QAQORTOQ
Qaqortoq is the largest town in South Greenland, with approximately 3,500 inhabitants, beautifully situated between fjords and mountains. The town is known for its colourful houses, charming streets and vibrant cultural scene, including the *Stone & Man* art project, where sculptures have been carved directly into the rock faces. Qaqortoq combines history, art and modern life with easy access to spectacular nature, while the town museum and harbour provide a fascinating insight into local culture and history.
We stay at the town's cosy hotel.
NARSAQ
Narsaq means "the plain". The town spreads gracefully across a flat area framed by high mountains and is home to around 1,800 people. It has a thriving local economy, including a fish processing plant, Greenland's only lamb slaughterhouse, and a workshop producing clothing and souvenirs from seal skins, fur and other locally sourced materials.
Near the harbour you will find *Brættet*, the local open-air market where, as in harbours throughout Greenland, you can buy the day's catch of fish as well as whale and seal meat.
With beautiful views across two large fjords, most local residents own a boat. The surrounding mountains offer countless opportunities for peaceful walks and outdoor experiences. We spend one night at a hostel in Narsaq.
THE NARSAQ PENINSULA
One of South Greenland's most beautiful hiking areas is the Narsaq Peninsula, with its lakes, mountains, remarkable flora and abundant bird and wildlife. The area supports several sheep farmers, who are highly skilled and industrious. Many have converted their former homes into hostel-style accommodation, where we stay during the trip.
IGALIKU
Only around 50 people live in the settlement of Igaliku, beautifully located at the end of the fjord and surrounded by mountains in striking shades of red. The nearby mountain Illerfissalik, famous for its "moonstones", is also found here. The area has a fascinating history dating back to the time when Erik the Red settled in South Greenland.
The landscape is truly unique: green mountains and brightly coloured houses stand side by side along the blue fjord. Many of Igaliku's sheep farmers are direct descendants of the Greenlanders who first cultivated the area around 100 years ago. Even a short walk in the surrounding hills is enough to spark an interest in the area's beautiful and colourful stones.
Igaliku has a small shop selling the essentials for life at these northern latitudes: sugar, clothing, petrol and tools. We spend three nights at the small settlement hotel in Igaliku.
Please note
The itinerary is subject to change. Please be aware that a trip like this depends on favourable weather conditions, and occasional programme changes may therefore be necessary. Delays and cancellations can occur, particularly with flights and boat transport. No compensation is provided for the first 24 hours of delays or itinerary changes caused by circumstances beyond our control. Your tour leader will make every effort to minimise any inconvenience and, where necessary, arrange an alternative programme or make the best possible use of any additional waiting time.
MPORTANT – SHARED RESPONSIBILITIES
To ensure the smooth running of the trip, the tour leader will assign various practical tasks to participants on a rotating basis. Teams will be organised for bread baking, cooking and washing up at breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Safety guarantee for trips to Greenland
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.
Important to know
The trip is not suitable for people with reduced mobility.Not sure whether the trip is right for you? Feel free to contact us before booking if you're unsure about the physical demands of the trip, or if you have specific physical, mental or social needs that may affect your participation. Together we can assess whether the trip is the right choice for you.
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
On this trip, your luggage will frequently be transported between different locations. We therefore strongly recommend bringing a large backpack with a capacity of 50–80 litres. It should be large enough to hold all of your personal belongings. Alternatively, you may bring a waterproof duffel bag or sports bag. A suitcase is not suitable for this trip.
It is a good idea to pack your luggage so that it is waterproof. We recommend bringing a few heavy-duty rubbish bags or plastic bags to line the inside of your backpack or bag and keep your belongings dry.
You should also bring a daypack for the hikes. We recommend a backpack with a good carrying system, including a hip belt and chest strap, to reduce strain on your shoulders and back. If possible, bring your daypack as your carry-on luggage on the flight.
Boots
It is essential to bring sturdy hiking boots with a stiff sole (such as Vibram) and good ankle support to help prevent ankle injuries. This is a requirement for the trip. Your boots should also be waterproof, as some sections of the route pass through wet terrain. It is not possible to complete this trip wearing ordinary trainers or low-cut hiking shoes.
We recommend hiking boots because they provide ankle support, while the stiff sole helps reduce foot fatigue on uneven ground by distributing pressure from rocks and other obstacles. Their deep tread also provides much better grip if the trails are slippery. Make sure your boots are well broken in before the trip.
We also recommend travelling in your hiking boots or packing them in your hand luggage, just in case your checked baggage is unexpectedly delayed.
Other footware
Water bottle
Each participant must bring one or more bottles with a total capacity of 0,5-1 litres. It is recommended to use 0.5-litre recyclable soft drink bottles, as they are lightweight and durable.
Trekking poles
If you do not have extensive experience hiking in mountainous areas or very uneven terrain, we strongly recommend using trekking poles. If you have not practised with them beforehand, the benefit of using hiking poles will naturally vary from person to person. However, they offer many advantages, and if the poles become inconvenient in certain terrain, they can easily be attached to your backpack — telescopic or folding trekking poles are therefore strongly recommended.
The general benefits of trekking poles include:
- They significantly improve balance on uneven and/or muddy terrain and when crossing streams.
- When used correctly, trekking poles provide considerable relief for the knees, both during ascents and descents. This is especially relevant on high-route and summit trips (difficulty level 3–4 and above), where you often carry a heavier backpack and where the total elevation gain and hiking distances are substantial.
Hiking poles must be packed in your checked luggage during the flight. Remember to protect the tips so that your luggage and other items are not damaged.
Sleeping bag, sleeping bag liner and sleeping mat
All accommodation is heated, so there are no specific requirements regarding the type of sleeping bag you bring. However, a sleeping bag is mandatory.
A sleeping mat is not required, as we sleep in bunk beds or on mattresses.
Clothing for hiking
- 2 pairs of thick hiking socks
- Optional: 2 pairs of thin liner socks
- 1–2 pairs of lightweight hiking trousers and/or hiking shorts
- Moisture-wicking underwear, preferably wool
- 1 lightweight wool jumper
- 1 warm jumper, fleece or lightweight down jacket
- Moisture-wicking T-shirts
- 1 windproof and waterproof jacket with a hood
- 1 pair of breathable waterproof trousers
- Warm hat
- Warm gloves or mittens
Other clothing
- Travel clothes
- T-shirts
- Shirts or long-sleeved tops
- Socks
- Underwear
- Swimwear and a towel (preferably lightweight)
- Sun protection
Sun protection
- 1 scarf/buff for sun protection and cooler days
- Cap or hat with a wide brim
- Good sunglasses
- Sunscreen and lip balm with a high SPF
Miscellaneous
- Passport, currency, health insurance card and travel documents
- Money belt
- Toiletries
- Personal medication, as well as sports tape, blister plasters and, if required, a knee support
- Binoculars
- Whistle
- Earplugs (if you prefer an undisturbed night's sleep)
- Camera, charger and spare batteries if required
- Hand sanitiser for cleaning your hands before picnics
- Wet wipes
- Energy bars or your favourite snacks
- Optional: laundry detergent for hand washing clothes
- Torch or headlamp (useful if you need to get up during the night)
- Pocket knife (must be packed in checked luggage when flying)
- Thermos flask with cup (approx. 0.5 litre) for coffee or tea on some of the hikes
- Lunch box or plastic food container and a fork
- Plastic bags or heavy-duty rubbish bags to keep clothing dry inside your backpack
- Mosquito repellent (peppermint oil can also be useful)
- Mosquito head net (preferably used with a cap)
- Optional: a small sit mat for breaks during hikes and other outdoor activities
Specific trip notes
SHARED RESPONSIBILITIES
To ensure the smooth running of the trip, the tour leader will assign various practical tasks to participants on a rotating basis. Teams will be organised for bread baking, cooking and washing up at breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Please note
We bring a first-aid kit for use in emergencies. If you take any medication regularly, you must ensure that you bring enough for the entire trip, as well as for any additional days in case flights are cancelled due to weather conditions.
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