Winter magic in Ilulissat – Icebergs, Culture and Comfort

Detailed Itinerary

All accommodation, excursions and experiences described in the itinerary are included in the price.

Included meals are marked on the individual days as Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner. Meals that are not included are not mentioned in the itinerary.

Drinks are not included with the included meals.

On Air Greenland flights between Denmark and Greenland, complimentary meals and drinks are served onboard.

Day 1. Arrival in Ilulissat and city walk

From Copenhagen, the flight takes us to Ilulissat – a journey of approximately 5 hours across the magnificent Arctic landscape. As Greenland is three hours behind Denmark, we gain time during the journey, leaving plenty of time to experience the town upon arrival.

At the airport, we meet our local guide, who takes us to Hotel Icefiord, where we check into comfortable rooms in a prime location overlooking Disko Bay. If you wish for extra luxury, you can upgrade to the hotel’s Deluxe Explorer rooms with balcony and skylight – offering uninterrupted views of the majestic icebergs, where you can lie in bed and look for the Northern Lights.

Afterwards, the guide takes us on a city walk where we get to know Ilulissat’s history and culture. We walk through the town’s colourful houses and narrow streets, experience everyday life – from fishermen at the harbour to dog sleds gliding silently across the snow – and hear about the town’s development and the traditions that still shape daily life. The walk provides a vivid first impression of Ilulissat.

The day ends with an arrival dinner at the hotel restaurant, where we gather and enjoy delicious dishes prepared with local ingredients, while the view over Disko Bay creates a beautiful setting. Here, we look forward to the many experiences awaiting us in the coming days.

Included meals: – / – / Dinner

Day 2. Culture, history and spectacular nature at Sermermiut

We wake up to the breathtaking view over Disko Bay, where drifting icebergs reflect in the morning sun. After breakfast with panoramic views, we meet our local guide, who takes us on a hike to Sermermiut – a historic settlement where culture, history and nature come together in one magnificent landscape.

Along the way, we pass the impressive Icefjord Centre and enter the UNESCO-protected Icefjord area, where we gain a unique insight into how nature has shaped life in Greenland over thousands of years. Look forward to seeing the enormous icebergs up close – a sight that cannot be described in words but must be experienced. The guide shares stories about the area’s history, Inuit traditions and the dramatic landscapes.

After the hike, a well-deserved lunch awaits at Hotel Icefiord, before the rest of the day is yours to enjoy. Use the time to explore Ilulissat’s cosy shops, cafés and museums, or enjoy the view from the hotel and the peaceful Arctic atmosphere.

Included meals: Breakfast / Lunch / –

Day 3. Kaffemik in a local home and Northern Lights cruise

A very special cultural experience awaits as we visit a local home for a kaffemik. Our host warmly welcomes us and shares stories about everyday life in Greenland and the traditions that continue to shape daily life. During the visit, we taste delicious traditional Greenlandic cakes while she shows us her beautiful handicrafts. Here, we get a unique opportunity to experience the warm hospitality that Greenland is known for.

In the evening, we head out on a Northern Lights cruise. We experience Ilulissat from the water while looking for the fascinating green lights in the sky – a natural phenomenon that cannot be guaranteed, but for which we have the best possible conditions to experience. Sitting on the water, surrounded by icebergs and the lights of the town in the background, creates a truly special setting as we hope to see the Northern Lights dancing across the sky.

Included meals: Breakfast / – / –

Day 4. Dog sledding through Ilulissat’s spectacular backcountry

We meet a local dog musher and his sled dogs and learn about the musher’s work, the proud traditions surrounding dog sledding, and the close bond between humans and dogs – a relationship that has been essential to life in Greenland for centuries.

When the dogs are ready, we set off on a fascinating journey through the mountains and Ilulissat’s backcountry. The snow-covered landscape, quiet frozen lakes and majestic mountain peaks create the perfect setting for a true Arctic adventure. Nature, tradition and adventure come together, and we experience the magic of the Arctic winter up close.

Included meals: Breakfast / – / –

Day 5. Snowshoeing along the majestic Icefjord

We head out on a snowshoeing adventure along Ilulissat’s impressive Icefjord – a fun and different way to experience the landscape. The hike requires no previous snowshoeing experience, so everyone can join and enjoy the peaceful, snow-covered nature.

Along the way, we experience the fjord’s spectacular surroundings up close: the glittering icebergs, snow-covered mountains and crystal-clear Arctic winter air create an unforgettable setting. After the hike, a delicious lunch is served at Hotel Icefiord, while we enjoy the view and the peaceful Arctic atmosphere.

Included meals: Breakfast / Lunch / –

Day 6. Icefjord cruise among majestic icebergs

Today, a truly special nature experience awaits: an Icefjord cruise where we get up close to the enormous, majestic icebergs drifting out into Disko Bay. You can often hear the ice creaking under its own weight as we take in the crystal-clear Arctic air and admire the fjord’s spectacular panorama.

Our guide shares fascinating stories about the ice and the natural phenomenon that shapes the landscape, offering insight into how the Icefjord is constantly changing and influencing both nature and life in the area. The cruise provides a unique opportunity to experience Ilulissat’s iconic scenery from the water, where light and shadow play across the ice formations – a sight that creates unforgettable memories of Greenland’s wild and beautiful winter landscape.

Included meals: Breakfast / – / –

Day 7. Final impressions and farewell dinner in Ilulissat

On the final day, you have time to enjoy one last impression of Ilulissat and the magnificent nature surrounding the town. It is a great opportunity to visit museums you may not have had time for yet, explore the cosy shops or buy some lovely souvenirs to remember your journey.

In the evening, we gather for a farewell dinner where we reflect on the week, share stories and memories, and celebrate the many experiences and impressions we have gained. The dinner features delicious dishes made with local ingredients and creates the perfect setting to end an unforgettable journey to Greenland’s winter paradise.

Included meals: Breakfast / – / Dinner

Day 8. Goodbye to Greenland – for now

After a week filled with adventures and Arctic experiences, it is time to say goodbye to Ilulissat. We return home with our heads full of impressions and memories – and our cameras filled with images telling stories of icebergs, the Northern Lights and genuine Greenlandic hospitality. Greenland has left its mark, and although we say goodbye for now, the experience will stay with us long after we return home.

Included meals: Breakfast / – / –

Practical info

Guide

On this trip, there will be a destination guide. The guide has extensive local knowledge and is responsible for carrying out the planned activities during your stay. Upon arrival, you will be met by the guide, who will ensure a great stay and assist you before departure.

Duration and difficulty level

The trip has a duration of 8 days/7 nights.

The hiking days included in the programme have a difficulty level of 1-2.

Each sled seats 2-3 people plus the musher. If you are travelling alone, you may be placed on a sled together with other participants. The dogs run at varying speeds, so it cannot be guaranteed that all sleds will follow the same pace throughout the entire trip. If you have back or neck problems or are not in good physical condition, the trip may be too demanding. Warm clothing, a hat and gloves are essential for the trip. For the dog sledding excursion, you can rent sealskin clothing to use as an outer layer.

Accommodation

During this trip, we spend 7 nights in Ilulissat at Hotel Icefiord, which has one of the best locations in Ilulissat, situated on the cliffs right by the sea. From the hotel restaurant and the large terrace, you can enjoy views of Disko Island and the ever-changing formations of icebergs surrounding the town. Hotel Icefiord is a modern hotel with several room categories.

As a standard, accommodation is in standard rooms, but you have the option to upgrade (subject to availability) to a Deluxe Explorer room. The upgrade can be requested through Topas by phone or email. Deluxe Explorer rooms have a private balcony facing Disko Bay and a skylight, allowing you to lie in bed and look at the stars and perhaps the Northern Lights throughout the night.

At the hotel, accommodation is in shared double rooms with private bathroom and toilet. It is possible to book a single room for the entire trip for an additional fee, as stated in the section “Not included”.

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 itinerary.

Drinks are not included with the included meals.

On Air Greenland flights between Denmark and Greenland, complimentary meals and drinks are served onboard.

Flight 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

In February/March, you can expect very cold weather with average temperatures typically ranging between -10°C and -20°C. Daylight is still limited at this time of year, although the days are beginning to get brighter.

Ilulissat is known for its impressive icebergs. It is a beautiful time to visit the town, as you can experience the frozen formations and the winter landscape. However, you should be prepared for the harsh climate with suitable clothing and equipment, as the cold and wind can be quite intense. The air is generally very dry, which makes the cold feel different compared to Denmark.

The Northern Lights are created by electrically charged particles from the sun when these particles interact with the Earth’s magnetic field. The amount of activity from the sun is not constant, which means the frequency and intensity of the Northern Lights vary considerably. Our eyes’ night vision cannot capture all the colours of the Northern Lights. You will get the best photos with a good camera. A tripod can be useful to keep the camera steady.

Currency and credit cards

VISA/Dankort can be used at almost all hotels, restaurants and shops.

Wi-Fi and Mobile Coverage

There is mobile coverage in the towns, but not necessarily outside the towns in the mountains or on the water. 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: Disko Bay & Umanak 1:500,000 – overview map

Scanmaps: Hiking map North Greenland, Ilulissat. 1:100,000

Can be purchased locally.

Please note

Changes may occur. Please note that a trip like this is dependent on weather conditions. Therefore, minor changes to the programme may occur. Delays and cancellations may happen, especially in connection with air and sea transport.

If changes occur, Topas will work together with the guide to minimise any inconvenience and arrange an alternative programme or make the best possible use of any additional waiting time.

Safety guarantee for trips to Greenland

If your package holiday cannot be completed due to unavoidable and extraordinary circumstances – such as government restrictions, travel restrictions or safety conditions at the destination – we will refund the full amount paid. This applies regardless of whether your travel insurance provides coverage. The guarantee follows the Danish Package Travel Act and applicable EU regulations for package holidays.

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 in a welcoming 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 community.

If you are going on your first solo trip, it may feel like a big step for some people. However, 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 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.

Luggage

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

Other footware

Light indoor shoes are optional.

Trekking poles

Clothing for dog sledding

• 1 warm wool sweater and 1 fleece
• 1 pair of fleece trousers, jogging trousers or other comfortable trousers. Preferably lined
• 1 thick, warm hat / balaclava (must cover the ears)
• 1 pair of warm mittens (optionally with a pair of thin gloves underneath)
• 1 scarf / neck warmer / buff
• 2 pairs of thick hiking socks
• Optionally 2 pairs of thin liner socks
• Woollen underwear (a thickness of at least 200g/m² is recommended)
• 1 thin wool sweater
• 1 warm winter jacket
• Ski trousers or similar

In general, it is best to dress in several layers (the layering principle), as this allows you to adjust the amount of clothing according to the current weather conditions.

Ski underwear (that does not contain wool) is designed for when you are active. During dog sledding/snowmobiling, you sit still for periods of time, which means you often get colder if you do not have wool as your innermost layer.

It may be a good idea to bring hand and foot warmers for your gloves and boots respectively. See more here:

For the dog sledding tour, it will be possible to rent sealskin clothing as an additional outer layer for DKK 250. Not all sizes can be guaranteed.

Other clothing

Sun protection

• 1 scarf for sun protection and cooler days
• Good sunglasses
• Sunscreen and lip balm with SPF
• Optional: Ski goggles – they provide more protection from the wind than sunglasses

Miscellaneous

• Passport, currency, health insurance card and travel documents
• Medication for personal use
• Toiletries
• Cold cream or barrier cream (a cream without water) may also be a good idea to bring
• Camera and possibly extra batteries/charger

Specific trip notes

BALACLAVA
We recommend bringing a balaclava or similar to protect your face from the wind and help prevent frostbite around your nose. It can also be a good idea to bring cold cream or barrier cream (a cream without water).