Tour Description
This winter expedition takes you far away from everyday life and mobile connection—deep into the wild and magnificent backcountry. The journey begins in Ilulissat at the world-famous Icefjord, where majestic icebergs slowly drift out to sea. This is the starting point for your expedition by snowmobile across the frozen tundra.
You will spend two nights in a cabin—simple, yet warm and full of atmosphere. Out here, you’ll gain a rare insight into Greenlandic hunter life, where ice fishing, craftsmanship, and local culture go hand in hand with modern living.
The trip combines the wild and the beautiful—from glittering icebergs and fjord landscapes to raw winter experiences with snowmobiling and dog sledding. This is a journey for those seeking closeness to nature and adventure.
Highlights
- Travel by snowmobile and dog sled through snow-covered mountains and frozen expanses
- Stay overnight in a remote cabin and feel the silence and rhythm of nature
- Experience ice fishing on the frozen fjord, a traditional method used for generations
- Optimal conditions for witnessing the dancing green Northern Lights
- Snowshoe hiking in the beautiful winter landscape
- Explore Ilulissat’s UNESCO-listed Icefjord on foot and by boat
- Enjoy cozy moments in the cabin with warmth, food, and storytelling
- Stay at the charming Hotel Icefiord – right on the shores of Disko Bay
Note
- All participants must be at least 12 years old, as this is the minimum age to ride on a snowmobile.
- The driver of the snowmobile must be at least 18 years old and must present a valid driver’s license.
Price includes
The price estimate is based on the inclusion of the elements listed below. The final travel program will be prepared in collaboration with our travel advisor, who will then send you a travel offer based on this.
Outbound and Return Travel
- Flights Copenhagen – Greenland, round trip
- Domestic flights Nuuk – Ilulissat, round trip
- Transfers between airport and hotel (Ilulissat)
Accommodation
- 3 nights in Ilulissat at Hotel Icefiord ★ ★ ★
- 2 nights in a cabin in the Ilulissat backcountry
Meals
- Meals and beverages served on flights between Copenhagen and Greenland
- Domestic flights in Greenland typically include a cup of coffee
- 5 x Breakfast at the hotel / in the cabin
- 1 x Lunch / packed lunch from the cabin
- 2 x Dinner in the cabin
Excursions and transport
- Guided hike to Sermermiut near Ilulissat
- Icefjord boat tour in Ilulissat Icefjord
- Snowmobile ride in the backcountry – helmets included
- Opportunity for snowshoe hiking near the cabin with views of the Kangia Icefjord
- Dog sledding with local hunters
- Visit to local fishermen on the frozen fjord
Other
- Contribution to the Travel Guarantee Fund
- All taxes and fees
Price Does Not Include
- Pocket money and expenses for beverages
- Meals other than those listed under "Price Includes"
- Excursions other than those listed under "Price Includes"
- Tour leader (this trip is self-guided)
- Travel and cancellation insurance
- Single room/cabin supplement, 3,270 DKK / 438 EUR
- Access to the UNESCO World Heritage Site Ilulissat Icefjord, which can be purchased online here.
Travel safely to Greenland with Topas – we are with you every step of the way
When you choose to travel with Greenland by Topas, you choose more than just transportation and accommodation. You choose a complete travel experience, where nature, culture, and personal guidance go hand in hand—before, during, and after your journey.
This is why many choose us:
Tailor-made journeys – with you at the center
We arrange package tours without a tour leader, but with a high degree of security and guidance. You travel independently, but you are never left on your own.
Experienced Greenland specialists
Our advisor, Line Vinterberg, who has led Topas group tours in Greenland, knows the country intimately and is ready to help you tailor your journey—whether you dream of Disko Bay, Narsarsuaq, or something entirely different.
Personal guidance – every step of the way
We assist you with planning, booking, and practical details, so you can focus on what matters most: your experiences in Greenland. You receive a well-prepared itinerary and access to experienced local partners along the way.
Local knowledge and strong partnerships
Topas has been organizing trips to Greenland since 1998 and today works closely with, among others, Disko Line, Blue Ice Explorer, and several hotels in Disko Bay—giving you access to the best experiences and facilities.
Safety and responsibility
Topas is a member of the Danish Travel Agency Association and part of the Travel Guarantee Fund. In addition, we are affiliated with the UN Global Compact and actively work with responsible tourism and sustainable values.
Detailed Itinerary
The program below is a recommended itinerary for the trip "Winter Expedition in the Ilulissat Backcountry." The program is indicative and can be adjusted according to your choice of activities and hotels. The price listed is a guideline for the suggested trip and will vary depending on the season and your preferences. Upon inquiry, a specific offer for the trip will be prepared.
Day 1 – Welcome to the Iceberg Capital (Thursday)
The flight from Copenhagen to Nuuk with Air Greenland takes about 4½ hours. With good service and movies on the menu, the time passes quickly. In Nuuk, you transfer to a smaller plane that takes you to Ilulissat. The hotel bus awaits you at Ilulissat Airport and takes you on the 5–10 minute drive down to Hotel Icefiord in town. Take a walk around Ilulissat to get a good impression of life in the Arctic. For example, visit Zion Church and Knud Rasmussen’s birthplace, which today serves as the town’s local history museum.
Meals: Complimentary meals and beverages are served on the flight from Denmark to Greenland.
Included Hotel
Hotel Icefiord
★ ★ ★The hotel is located right on the waterfront of Disko Bay, very close to the mouth of the Icefjord—and with sea views from all 36 rooms, the name speaks for itself: Hotel Icefiord. With modern facilities, a cozy atmosphere, and a restaurant serving local specialties, it is an ideal choice for those who want to experience Greenland’s unique nature up close.
Read more about the hotel.
Day 2 – Sermermiut and Snowmobile Expedition to the Backcountry (Friday)
We begin the day with an atmospheric hike to the historic area of Sermermiut, where we stand on the edge of the Ilulissat Icefjord and enjoy the view of the drifting icebergs. After the walk, you have the opportunity to visit the Icefjord Centre on your own and immerse yourself in the area’s natural and cultural history.
Later in the day, we leave the town and head into the wilderness—by snowmobile through the snow-covered backcountry. The journey ends at a remote cabin with panoramic views of the mountains. Here, you can relax in the warmth, go snowshoe hiking, or simply enjoy the silence and presence in the heart of Greenland’s untouched winter landscape.
Meals: Breakfast and dinner included.
Activity on Day 2 (included)
Hike to Sermermiut
The colorful houses of Ilulissat provide a beautiful contrast to the snowy Greenlandic landscape. The enormous icebergs in the Kangia Icefjord create a stunning sculpture park on the fjord. We follow the yellow route and have views of the massive grounded white icebergs.UNESCO has designated the Ilulissat Icefjord and the Sermermiut area as protected sites. The guide will explain what UNESCO protection means for Ilulissat as a town and for the site itself. There are fascinating stories to be told, and it is clear why this place has been protected. Truly beautiful—simply put.
Read more about the activity.
Included Accommodation
Cabin in the Ilulissat Backcountry
The remote cabin is simply furnished with a common area and small rooms—without electricity or a shower, but with heating and views of the snowy landscape. Here, you’ll enjoy an authentic experience of Greenlandic winter life, where silence and togetherness are at the center.Read more about the cabin.
Day 3 – Dog Sledding and Ice Fishing with Local Flavor (Saturday)
The day offers a true Greenlandic winter experience. We start by snowmobile across the frozen tundra to a traditional hunting spot, where we switch to dog sleds and continue over the ice with local hunters. Here, we experience traditional ice fishing among local fishermen. If we are lucky, we’ll catch the day’s dinner—which we will prepare together in the cabin. It’s a day full of presence, nature, and flavor—an authentic experience of Greenlandic hunter life that you will not soon forget.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner included
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Included Accommodation
Cabin in the Ilulissat Backcountry
The remote cabin is simply furnished with a common area and small rooms—without electricity or a shower, but with heating and views of the snowy landscape. Here, you’ll enjoy an authentic experience of Greenlandic winter life, where silence and togetherness are at the center.Read more about the cabin.
Day 4 – Return to Ilulissat (Sunday)
After a peaceful morning and breakfast in the cabin, we head back to Ilulissat by snowmobile. We enjoy the last views of the breathtaking landscape before checking in again at Hotel Icefiord, with the rest of the day free for relaxation or your own adventures in Ilulissat. Take a quiet walk along the fjord or visit the local shops to find unique Greenlandic souvenirs.
Meals: Breakfast included
Activity on Day 4 (suggestion)
Ilulissat on Your Own
We have an extra day to enjoy life in Greenland. We recommend exploring the town on your own to soak up the atmosphere among the colorful houses. There is always something exciting happening, and you might even see a dog sled passing by—here, dog sleds have the right of way over cars. You might also find time to visit Knud Rasmussen’s birthplace, Zion Church, the Ilulissat Art Museum, or the Icefjord Centre—all definitely worth a visit.Read more about the activities.
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Included Hotel
Hotel Icefiord
★ ★ ★The hotel is located right on the waterfront of Disko Bay, very close to the mouth of the Icefjord—and with sea views from all 36 rooms, the name speaks for itself: Hotel Icefiord. With modern facilities, a cozy atmosphere, and a restaurant serving local specialties, it is an ideal choice for those who want to experience Greenland’s unique nature up close.
Read more about the hotel.
Day 5 – Sailing Among the Icebergs in Ilulissat Icefjord (Monday)
Today we set sail into the magnificent landscape of the Ilulissat Icefjord—one of Greenland’s most iconic natural areas and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. On board the boat, we quietly move among the enormous icebergs that rise like frozen cathedrals from the surface of the sea. It is an almost otherworldly experience, where the colors and shapes of the ice change with the light.
Meals: Breakfast included
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Activity on Day 5 (included)
Icefjord Cruise
Depending on the weather and ice conditions, a cruise is offered among the enormous icebergs. If the icebergs looked big from land, they are truly giants when you get up close. The cruise among the icebergs is available both in daylight and at dusk. If you sail at dusk, you might be lucky enough to see the Northern Lights dancing in the sky—a sight you will never forget.Read more about the activity.
Included Hotel
Hotel Icefiord
★ ★ ★The hotel is located right on the waterfront of Disko Bay, very close to the mouth of the Icefjord—and with sea views from all 36 rooms, the name speaks for itself: Hotel Icefiord. With modern facilities, a cozy atmosphere, and a restaurant serving local specialties, it is an ideal choice for those who want to experience Greenland’s unique nature up close.
Read more about the hotel.
Day 6 – Return Journey (Tuesday)
We say goodbye to Greenland and return home with memories and photos from some unforgettable days in the Arctic. There is an early departure from Ilulissat and a late arrival in Copenhagen. Remember to add 3 hours to Greenlandic time.
Takuss’ – see you!
Meals: Breakfast included. Complimentary meals and beverages are served on the flight from Denmark to Greenland.
Extend Your Trip in Greenland?
Do you think the trip is too short and would you like to extend your journey? Whether it’s to another destination in Greenland, feel free to ask us. We have extensive knowledge of Greenland and can easily and quickly guide you.
Season and practical info
Greenland is a truly unique destination—magnificent, but not always easy to visit. That’s part of its charm. Our travel advisors are happy to help you tailor a tour that matches your wishes and interests. As part of our guidance, we will also advise you on the best time to plan your trip, so you can bring home the best possible experiences.
When is the best time to travel?
This journey into the winter landscape around Ilulissat can be experienced from mid-January to mid-April. It is peak season for dog sledding—a special time when the sharp silence of winter, the low sun, and the snow-covered expanses create an atmosphere found only in the Arctic.
In February, the sun begins to return after the darkness of winter, and the daylight increases steadily day by day. Temperatures usually range between -2 and -9°C, and the weather is often clear and dry—making it ideal for outdoor activities such as dog sledding, snowmobiling, and hiking. The landscape is covered in snow, and the fjord is filled with ice—providing a dramatic and magnificent backdrop for your travel experiences.
March and April offer even longer days and milder temperatures. The light becomes softer and is beautifully reflected on the surfaces of the ice and snow, while the chances of experiencing the Northern Lights are excellent when darkness falls. The green, dancing lights across the sky are one of winter’s most magical phenomena—and in Ilulissat, the darkness and dry climate create the perfect conditions.
This journey is designed to make the most of winter’s strengths. You will stay overnight in a cabin surrounded by snow and silence, go dog sledding in the backcountry with local mushers, and have the opportunity to venture out into the landscape—both on foot and by motor. It’s an experience where the rawness and beauty of the season go hand in hand, giving you a unique insight into life and nature north of the Arctic Circle.
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From January to March, it is possible to see the Northern Lights. If the sky is clear and it is dark enough, there is almost a guarantee of witnessing the aurora. The Northern Lights (aurora borealis) are a phenomenon that occurs when solar winds are stronger than usual. These solar winds carry electrically charged particles, which are drawn toward the magnetic poles (the North Pole = Northern Lights and the South Pole = Southern Lights).
Read more about the Northern Lights here.
Practical info
Dog Sledding
Each sled accommodates 2–3 people plus the musher. If you are traveling alone, you may be placed on a sled with other participants. The dogs run at varying speeds, so it cannot be guaranteed that all sleds will travel at the same pace throughout the journey. If you have back or neck problems or are not in good physical condition, the trip may be too strenuous. Warm clothing, a hat, and gloves are necessary for the tour. Before heading out to the cabin, you will be provided with a thermal suit to use as an outer layer during the dog sledding trip.
Snowmobile
Each snowmobile seats two people. All participants must be at least 12 years old, as this is the minimum age to ride on a snowmobile. If you are traveling alone, you may be asked to share a snowmobile with another participant. People with back or neck problems should be aware that the trip can be physically demanding.
The backcountry around Ilulissat is hilly, with both ascents and descents that require either a bit of extra throttle or extra caution. Most of the route to the cabin follows a prepared track, but for the last 500 meters, we leave the trail to drive up to the cabin. It’s not a question of age, but of physical condition. If you have back or neck problems, we do not recommend riding a snowmobile.
The driver of the snowmobile must be at least 18 years old and able to present a valid driver’s license. The driver will receive instructions on how to operate the vehicle. The type of snowmobile may vary, and safety is given high priority. Warm clothing, a hat, and gloves are necessary for the trip. Before heading out to the cabin, you will be provided with a thermal suit to use as an outer layer when riding the snowmobile.
The Cabin
The cabin is basic and has been rebuilt on the site of a former hunting lodge. It features a common area that serves as a living room, dining room, and kitchen, as well as 6 small rooms, each accommodating 2 guests.
The toilet is a shared bag toilet, and there is no running water or electricity out here in the backcountry. However, you get the true cabin experience, with breathtaking scenery right outside your door and beautiful views of the snowy landscape. The cabin is heated.
DISTRIBUTION OF TASKS
To ensure the smooth running of a trip like this, the guide will assign various practical tasks. Everyone is expected to help with cooking, washing up, collecting ice, and tidying up the cabin.
Luggage
Bring a smaller bag, such as a duffel bag, soft backpack, or sports bag, which you can use for the cabin trip. Larger luggage can be left at the hotel. This makes handling the luggage easier on the snowmobiles.
Physical Requirements for Travelers in Greenland
Greenland is hilly and uneven, and the weather ultimately determines everything here. Locals are used to this, but as a visitor, it can be challenging if you are not adequately prepared for the conditions. However, if you are aware of what Greenland entails, you can look forward to an unforgettable journey in one of the world’s most beautiful countries.
As a rule, we require that you are physically self-reliant as a traveler: For example, you must be able to carry your luggage from the bus to your room, from the harbor to the ship (onboard via a ramp), and from the bus to the airport building, etc.
Mobile Coverage on the Trip
There is only limited mobile coverage on this trip. Mobile phones can therefore only be used from time to time. Wi-Fi is available at Hotel Icefiord.
Not all subscriptions include mobile data in Greenland. If you need mobile data while in Greenland, you can read more here or contact your own provider.
Access to Electricity
It is possible to charge batteries for digital cameras at the hotel (with your own charger). There is NO access to electricity in the cabin.
Currency and Credit Cards
Credit cards can be used at almost all hotels, restaurants, and shops. However, we recommend bringing some cash (DKK) as a reserve.
Maps and Travel Literature
Sagamaps: Disko Bay & Umanak 1:500,000 – overview map
Scanmaps: Hiking Map North Greenland, Ilulissat. 1:100,000
Can be purchased locally
NOTE
Please note that the price of the trip is a starting price, as there may be supplements for a more expensive flight ticket type or a different room standard, depending on availability at the time of booking. You are, of course, only committed to purchasing the trip AFTER you have confirmed any possible price supplement.
We reserve the right to make changes. Please be aware that a trip like this is dependent on good weather. Therefore, some changes to the program may occur. Delays and cancellations can happen, especially with air and sea transport.
No compensation or reimbursement is provided for the first 24 hours of delays or travel changes due to external circumstances. We will strive to minimize any inconvenience and provide an alternative program or make the extra waiting time as comfortable as possible.