The ultimate tour of 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.
On domestic flights in Greenland, a cup of coffee and a biscuit are typically served.

Day 1. From Copenhagen to Ilulissat

We fly from Copenhagen to Ilulissat, where our local guide welcomes us at the airport before we are transferred to the wonderful Hotel Icefiord, ideally located right on the shores of Disko Bay.

The afternoon begins with a city tour, offering an exciting introduction to Ilulissat. You will learn about the town’s history, harbour, shops, museums and many attractions that make Ilulissat such a special place. Afterwards, you can continue exploring the town at your own pace, perhaps browse for souvenirs or visit some of the local museums, such as Knud Rasmussen’s childhood home and the art museum.

We end the day with a lovely dinner together at the hotel’s restaurant, looking forward to the many experiences that await us.

Included meals: – / – / Dinner

Day 2. Ilulissat – The archaeological settlement and views of the Icefjord

Today, we set out from Hotel Icefiord towards the remarkable Kangia Icefjord for an unforgettable day of exploration.

Along the fjord are ancient settlements dating back more than 4,500 years. The Sermermiut settlement was one of the largest settlements of both Paleo-Eskimo and Neo-Eskimo communities, offering fascinating insight into life in the past. During the final settlement of the Thule culture, up to 250 people lived here. The area has been home to several cultures over time, including the Saqqaq, Dorset and Thule cultures, and has witnessed several periods of migration. It is an exceptionally beautiful place, where you can hear the icebergs creaking and cracking – and even smell the ice itself!

At the Icefjord, we continue towards Holms Bakke, where the people of Ilulissat gather every year on 13 January to welcome the sun back after a long winter period without sunlight. Close to the settlement, we find the Ilulissat Icefjord Centre, where you can enjoy one of the best views of the area from its rooftop terrace. If you wish, this is the perfect time to visit the centre.

If you still haven’t had enough of the Icefjord, you can also join the tour leader on a short detour along the coast back to the hotel – a beautiful walk.

Included meals: Breakfast / Lunch / –

Day 3. Sailing across Disko Bay to Qeqertarsuaq on Disko Island

Today, we continue our journey around Disko Bay by boat to the charming town of Qeqertarsuaq, beautifully situated on the southern tip of Disko Island. During the crossing, we enjoy spectacular views of icebergs, followed by the impressive basalt mountains of Disko Island, which become increasingly prominent as we approach. The cold waters around the island provide ideal conditions for whales and seals, so keep your eyes peeled along the way!

We spend three nights at Hotel Disko Island, centrally located in town and just a few minutes’ walk from the shop, museum and iconic Kongebroen by the harbour. After checking into our rooms, it is time for an exciting city tour, where we discover the town’s key sites and learn about life in a small community with the nearest neighbour almost 100 km away across open sea. A visit to the local supermarket is almost a must – you can find almost everything you need here, unless the goods have sold out and are waiting for the next ship. It offers a fascinating insight into everyday life in an isolated Arctic community.

In the low evening sun, you can admire the steep basalt mountains rising behind the hotel.

Included meals: Breakfast / Lunch / –

Day 4. Hiking in the mountains towards Kuannit

Disko Island is Greenland’s largest island, roughly the size of Zealand. The island is home to around 850 people in the town of Qeqertarsuaq, as well as around 10 people in the remote settlement of Kangerluk, which is a day’s journey away by dog sled in winter or a couple of hours by small boat in summer. The rest of the island is untouched wilderness, characterised by impressive mountains, deep valleys and permanent ice caps covering the majestic basalt mountains.

Outside the town, a unique flora awaits, with a range of distinctive Arctic species thriving here. Disko Island’s geology differs significantly from mainland Greenland, as the area was shaped by earlier volcanic activity. The local guide will arrange a roughly four-hour hike into the remarkable landscape towards Kuannit, where we can admire the impressive basalt formations created as the lava crystallised. The entire area is incredibly lush, with neon-green moss and large, beautiful angelica plants thriving around the warm springs.

Here, we enjoy our packed lunches before passing the rushing waterfall in Røde Elv on the way back.

Included meals: Breakfast / Lunch / –

Day 5. Qeqertarsuaq and optional activities

Today, you can let the tranquillity of the area settle in and immerse yourself in its history and culture.
One of the best places to start is the peaceful “Black Beach”, Siorarsuit. Here, you can gaze out across the impressive sea and the great icebergs. If you are lucky, you may even spot one or more whales breaking the surface.

If you would like to experience the area from a different perspective, join the local guide on an exciting three- to four-hour morning hike. The route takes you into the basalt mountains, where you will enjoy spectacular views over the town, its natural harbour and a breathtaking panorama of Disko Bay. On clear days, you can even glimpse the impressive Icefjord at Ilulissat, more than 100 km away.

If you prefer a more relaxed day, there are plenty of opportunities to explore the town on your own. Visit the local museum, take a dip at the beach or enjoy a leisurely walk and hear a good story from one of the friendly locals. You could also visit Kirsten in her small gallery.

The hotel offers a fantastic sauna by “Black Beach”, where you can relax and enjoy the breathtaking views of the sea and majestic icebergs – perhaps even combined with a refreshing dip in the cold water among the floating sculptures.

Included meals: Breakfast / Lunch / –

Day 6. Sailing from Disko Island to Qasigiannguit

Today, we set out on an approximately two-hour boat journey to Qasigiannguit, known as the “Pearl of Disko Bay”. The town is beautifully situated in a sheltered corner of Disko Bay, and along the way we enjoy breathtaking views of Disko Island’s impressive basalt formations. A journey at sea is always an experience – and you have a good chance of spotting whales, typically humpback or fin whales, which can appear at any moment. It is a sight that never gets old!

When we arrive at the harbour, our hotel is just 200 metres away, and our luggage is collected directly from the boat. We spend the next three nights at Hotel Diskobay, beautifully situated less than 50 metres from the sea. Previous guests have often been lucky enough to spot whales from the hotel terrace, rooms and restaurant. So stay alert and keep watch – and remember to use the “whale bell” so everyone can join in when one is spotted!

Qasigiannguit has a fascinating history dating back to Greenland’s early trading stations in the early 18th century. Several of the oldest buildings from this period are still preserved and now house an interesting museum, where you can see a fine collection of Paleo-Eskimo tools and much more. The town’s heyday was in the 1960s and 1970s, when shrimp fishing in the area reached its peak, which is also documented at the museum.

The local guide will take you on a guided tour of the town, introducing you to its history and the places worth exploring.

In the hinterland around Qasigiannguit, impressive natural landscapes await, with vast tundra plains, crystal-clear lakes, deep blue fjords and majestic mountain peaks. Over the coming days, we will explore these areas and enjoy fantastic views of Disko Bay and Disko Island.

Included meals: Breakfast / Lunch / –

Day 7. Cultural experiences and hiking in the surrounding area

With just under 1,000 inhabitants, Qasigiannguit is a perfect example of a medium-sized Greenlandic town. It is considerably larger than the small settlements, while still much smaller than the major towns of Nuuk, Sisimiut and Ilulissat, giving it an authentic and intimate atmosphere.

Today, you can join the local guide on a beautiful hike north towards Eqalunnguit, known as Strømstedet. The hike takes approximately two hours each way over relatively flat terrain along “Fly Lake”, Tasersuaq. Along the way, we may be lucky enough to spot flocks of Canada geese or perhaps even an Arctic fox on the hunt. The area is also a favourite among locals for gathering berries and herbs, and depending on the season, we may take some time to forage along the way.

We reach Strømstedet, where the lake flows into Laksebugten – a perfect place to take a break. Here, we find a lovely spot in the mountains where we enjoy our packed lunch with views of the magnificent landscape.

After the day’s hike, you can relax on the hotel terrace, wrapped in a warm reindeer hide. Order a cup of coffee or a refreshing drink and let your eyes wander across the spectacular views of Disko Bay, where whales regularly swim quietly past.

Included meals: Breakfast / Lunch / –

Day 8. Hiking and a dip in the sea

On your final day in Qasigiannguit, don’t miss the hike through the mountains and down to the beautiful Paradisbugten. The hike takes approximately two hours each way and offers an experience of the kind of silence that only nature can provide – pure peace and tranquillity. You can also take a refreshing dip among the icebergs from the idyllic sandy beach, so remember your swimwear!

Along the way, we pass historic Bryghusbugten, where the former colony of Christianshåb was founded, giving us a glimpse into the area’s dramatic history. As we make our way through the mountains, we keep a watchful eye out for the impressive musk oxen that live in the area and may cross our path – a truly spectacular experience for nature enthusiasts.

When you return to Qasigiannguit, there will be time to do some shopping before we sail on to the wilderness of Eqi early the next morning.

Included meals: Breakfast / Lunch / –

Day 9. Sailing from Qasigiannguit to Glacier Lodge Eqi

We leave Qasigiannguit early in the morning and sail north. We follow the magnificent coastline until we reach the mouth of Ilulissat Icefjord, just south of the town. Here, the impressive icebergs run aground on an underwater moraine, even though the water is 200–300 metres deep! We sail past these gigantic ice giants (from a safe distance, of course) and get the chance to experience the UNESCO-protected landscape. Here, you can sense the enormous power of the Greenland Ice Sheet, located around 60 km further into the fjord, where thousands of years of old ice calves into the Icefjord every day in enormous quantities.

When we arrive in Ilulissat, we can leave our “large luggage” at Hotel Icefiord, where it will be stored until we return the day after tomorrow. This means we do not have to carry heavy luggage up and down to the cabins at Eqi.

We change boats and continue north towards Eqi. Soon, we pass Oqaatsut (Rode Bay), a small settlement with around 30 inhabitants. We continue through the impressive Atâ Strait, with the majestic mountain on Arveprinsens Ejland to port and several steep mountains to starboard. The area is home to rich birdlife, with cormorants, gulls and several species of skuas thriving on the dramatic cliffs.

As the amount of sea ice increases, we approach Eqip Sermia glacier. Today’s lunch is served on board as we take in the fascinating sight of the glacier’s frequent calvings – powerful forces are at work here, creating a unique phenomenon at Eqi.

The boat docks at Glacier Lodge Eqi, specifically at Port Victor. Eqi is particularly well known for more than 100 years of research, long before tourists began coming here. As one of the most accessible places to reach the Greenland Ice Sheet with heavy research equipment, French polar explorer Paul-Émile Victor used this location as his base in the years following the Second World War.

After a day at sea and settling into the comfortable cabins, you may simply wish to relax and take in the magnificent surroundings; enjoy the spectacular calvings and listen to the rumble of the glacier, or stretch your legs before dinner while exploring the surrounding area at your own pace.

Included meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Day 10. Alone in the Wilderness

After a delicious breakfast, the day is yours. It is the perfect opportunity to take in the atmosphere from your cabin terrace or explore the area on foot. Just a few hundred metres away, you can experience untouched wilderness – a feeling of being completely alone in the vast landscape. You will be given a delicious packed lunch, which you can take with you on your own little adventure or enjoy during a relaxed day at the lodge.

The southern hike to the meltwater delta is one of the options that can easily be done independently. The trails are well established, and along the way there are good chances of encountering wildlife such as ptarmigan, Arctic hares and Arctic foxes. You may even spot the majestic white-tailed eagle. The area is one of the northernmost breeding grounds in the world for the white-tailed eagle.

More adventurous travellers can choose to add a guided hike in the footsteps of the famous Paul-Émile Victor, all the way to the Greenland Ice Sheet. This full-day hike takes approximately nine hours. Along the way, you will experience how the landscape changes from the coast, across Arctic tundra with beautiful meltwater lakes, until you reach the enormous moraine just before the Greenland Ice Sheet itself. We cross the moraine and notice how the terrain gradually becomes more and more covered in ice and snow, until we finally stand on the enormous ice cap covering around 80% of Greenland. With 1,000 km of ice stretching out before you, it is time to take in this spectacular moment and the truly unique landscape before retracing our steps to the lodge, arriving in the late afternoon after an unforgettable day. See more about the price and optional add-on in the Not included in the price section. If you would like to hear more about this hike, please feel free to call us.

Whether you choose a relaxing day or the guided hike, the area offers fantastic opportunities to get close to the local wildlife. When we gather in the evening, a delicious dinner awaits at Café Victor, where we share the day’s adventures and experiences.

Included meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Day 11. Walking through the landscape towards the moraine at Eqi Glacier

We enjoy breakfast one last time while taking in the breathtaking view of the calving glacier – setting the scene for a new day. Afterwards, we get ready to check out and set off on one final hike through the impressive landscape. With our packed lunches in our backpacks, we head out with the local guide towards the moraine at the glacier that we have admired from the lodge over the past few days. What initially looked like a small pile of gravel now reveals itself as a gigantic formation, giving us a clear impression of the immense forces of the ice.

The landscape bears clear traces of the glacier’s former extent, and we can now understand how it has carved its way through the terrain. Today, the glacier is approximately 4 km wide and up to around 200 metres high. It calves frequently, with larger or smaller pieces of ice breaking off into the fjord several times an hour. During the hike, we have the opportunity to enjoy this spectacle up close and from above as we eat our packed lunch at a beautiful spot on the moraine.

After a leisurely return to the lodge, we are ready to board the boat back to Ilulissat. Here, we are reunited with our large luggage and check back into the comfortable Hotel Icefiord, which certainly lives up to its name.

The day ends with a farewell dinner at Hotel Icefiord, where the restaurant’s talented chefs treat us to delicious, beautifully prepared dishes that provide the perfect ending to this fantastic journey.

Included meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Day 12. Journey home from Ilulissat to Denmark

Today, we begin our journey home from Ilulissat to Copenhagen.

As soon as we take off from Ilulissat, keep an eye out the window if the weather permits, as we may get one final spectacular view of the Icefjord and Disko Bay before saying goodbye – or perhaps see you again.

Air Greenland takes us to Copenhagen, and we now have time to let the many experiences sink in.

Included meals: Breakfast / – / –

Practical info

Guide

Duration and difficulty level

12 days, including 7–8 hiking days.

All hikes offered are grade 2. However, the full-day hike to the Greenland Ice Sheet at Eqi is grade 3.

In Greenland, there are almost no established trails. We therefore usually walk through varied terrain on paths that have naturally formed through many years of use. The terrain is uneven, and the surface typically varies between soil, rocks, gravel, and bedrock.

As the areas are characterised by permafrost and bedrock, there may be wet sections here and there. To get the most out of the trip, we strongly recommend using good waterproof hiking boots. For most people, hiking poles are a great advantage in uneven terrain, but it does require a little practice to get the full benefit.

Remember to bring rainwear as well. It is an excellent windbreaker at sea, where it can be cold, and of course it will also keep you dry if a shower occurs.

Luggage can be taken on the boat to Eqi; however, you must be able to carry it a short distance up the mountain to the camp (approximately 300 metres). A daypack is used during the excursions throughout the days.

Activities

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 several buildings in the town centre, where the rooms have private bathrooms and toilets.

At Glacier Lodge Eqi, we stay in Comfort cabins with private bathrooms and toilets – all with magnificent views, proper beds, and private terraces. In addition, they have private bathrooms, toilets, and electricity.

If you choose to upgrade, you will stay in a Comfort Deluxe cabin at Eqi, which also has a private bathroom/toilet and electricity. These cabins are located in the front row facing the fjord and glacier, with 7-metre-wide panoramic windows.

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”.

During some periods, only glamping tents may be available. If this is the case, the price will be adjusted, and you will be informed at the time of booking that glamping tents are provided. Glamping tents have shared bathroom facilities.

In Ilulissat and Qasigiannguit, we stay in hotels – both hotels are located directly by Disko Bay. They are Hotel Icefiord and Hotel Diskobay respectively. All accommodation is in double rooms with private bathrooms and toilets.

Single rooms are available (except at Eqi) for an additional charge stated in the section “Not included in the price”.

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

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

The Area

QEQERTARSUAQ – DISKO ISLAND
Disko Island is among the 100 largest islands in the world and is fascinating due to its volcanic origins and its great diversity of plant species. Here, you come very close to Greenlandic nature. The terrain around the town is ideal for hiking, and you can look forward to spectacular natural experiences on Disko Island with Hotel Disko Island as your base.

QASIGIANNGUIT
The town is located south of the Ilulissat Icefjord in a natural area with mountains, tundra plains, green valleys, blue fjords, and mountain peaks with views of the Icefjord and Disko Island. Here, traditional Greenlandic life is still lived, giving you a unique insight into modern Greenland through authentic cultural and natural experiences. The area is very well suited for hiking.

GLACIER LODGE EQI
Approximately 100 km north of Ilulissat lies the calving glacier Eqip Sermia in a scenic area. As one of the few places in Greenland, Eqip Sermia allows you to get very close to the 5 km wide glacier front, which normally calves many 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, with its length of more than 60 km, is an impressive sight.

Safety guarantee for trips to Greenland

Please note

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

Bring a daypack, which will be used, among other things, on the hikes at Qasigiannguit, Ilulissat, and Eqi. We recommend a backpack with a good carrying system, including a hip belt and chest strap, to relieve pressure on your shoulders and back. You may consider using this backpack as 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. However, it is 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 moderately steep path. However, your luggage can be limited to a daypack containing only the items you need at Eqi, as Hotel Icefiord is happy to store your “main luggage” while you are staying at Glacier Lodge Eqi (see also the detailed itinerary, Day 7).

Boots

On this trip to Disko Bay, 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 on can occasionally be steep and have uneven surfaces. We therefore recommend hiking boots, as they provide ankle support, and the stiff sole reduces strain on the feet when the terrain is uneven 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 unexpectedly delayed.

Other footware

Water bottle

Each participant should bring one or more bottles, as there is plenty of water available along the hiking routes, allowing you to refill your bottle along the way. We recommend using 0.5-litre reusable soft drink bottles, as they are lightweight and durable. The water bottles should be used during the hikes. Water can be filled from the tap.

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.

Clothing for hiking

• 2–4 pairs of thick hiking socks
• Possibly 2 pairs of thin liner socks
• 1–2 pairs of lightweight hiking trousers
• Moisture-wicking underwear, possibly wool underwear
• 1 thin wool sweater
• 1 warm sweater/fleece jacket/light 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

Sun protection

Miscellaneous

• Passport, health insurance card, and travel documents
• Toiletries
• Personal medication as well as sports tape, blister plasters, and possibly knee supports
• Camera, charger, and possibly extra batteries
• Hand sanitiser gel
• Wet wipes
• Energy bars/favourite snacks for the hikes must be brought by yourself
• Possibly washing powder for hand washing
• 1 torch/headlamp for use at Eqi if you need to get up during the night (from approximately mid-August)
• Binoculars
• Thermos flask including cup, if you would like coffee/tea during the hikes
• Plastic bags/black rubbish bags to protect clothing in your backpack from rain
• Mosquito repellent
• Mosquito net (to wear over your head – preferably bring a cap as well). Bring this as there can locally be many mosquitoes in Greenland during calm/warm weather, especially in July/August
• Sleeping mask, as some people find it difficult to sleep due to the midnight sun, and this can often be helped with a sleeping mask
• Possibly swimwear (if you enjoy winter swimming, a dip at Paradise Bay near Qasigiannguit may be tempting!)
• Possibly a small sitting mat for breaks during hikes etc.

Specific trip notes

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 duration of the trip.