Overview
Greenland is vast, remote, and utterly captivating. With the great Northern Ice Sheet covering most of its land mass, icebergs spilling out of the countless fjords, seas brimming with marine life including humpback whales and seals, and a vibrant heritage of Inuit culture and Viking history, this is a land for exploration. Our expedition to the world’s largest island (and also the world’s least populated country) brings you to three distinct regions of Greenland, with a wonderful range of activities. We’ll hike iconic mountains above Nuuk and cruise through the exquisite Western Fjords to a remote—and delightful—restaurant that will grill up our freshly-caught fish. In Kangerlussuaq, known as “Bluie West 8” back in World War II when this was a refueling base for the U.S. Air Force, we’ll actually get to hike on the Ice Cap (the blue of the meltwater against the ice is absolutely surreal), and head out across the tundra on a muskox safari. The UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ilulissat Icefjord will give us the chance to hike to the site of ancient Inuit settlements, and with 20 hours of daylight, we’ll enjoy a midnight cruise past the colossal ice giants of the fjord, with the incredible light of the long Arctic twilight. This is an adventurer’s expedition—accommodations are welcoming, but basic, and Greenland’s weather has the final say in the length of our hikes, but if you’ve ever wanted to experience one of the planet’s most intriguing places, come join us in Greenland this summer!
A perfect itinerary allowing one to experience the varied and multi-faceted beauty of Greenland. It's so much more than you expect! The fjords are breathtaking, the ice is intoxicating, spotting wildlife—thrilling! I cannot believe I was kayaking around icebergs…at midnight! Greenland is sheer delight for your eyes! AND, gloriously under-crowded.
— Kathie D., Belle Isle, FL
Days 1-3
Nuuk / Western Fjords / Qooqqut Nuan
In Nuuk, Greenland’s capital, we hike up Ukkusissat Mountain and enjoy a traditional Inuit-style barbecue by the sea. On our boat cruise below the granite cliffs of the Western Nuuk Fjords, we’ll fish along the way, bringing our catch to a boat-in lodge where the chef will transform it into our dinner while we hike to a Viking ruin.
Nuuk / Western Fjords / Qooqqut Nuan - Days 1-3
Hotel Hans Egede
Days 1 to 3 (3 nights), Nuuk, GreenlandThe Hotel Hans Egede is well located in the center of the small city of Nuuk, within walking distance of all the sites. Guest rooms are modern and comfortable, with private bathrooms. There is a comfy rooftop bar in the hotel, along with two restaurants, and a completely delightful buffet breakfast is offered.
Days 4-5
Kangerlussuaq / Musk Ox Safari / Hike the Ice Sheet
We hike across ice-carved valleys to search for Greenland’s wild musk ox herds (this is the best place in the country to see them), then have the extraordinary experience of hiking on the moon-like terrain of the Greenland Ice Sheet, with ice crunching beneath our feet.
Kangerlussuaq / Musk Ox Safari / Hike the Ice Sheet - Days 4-5
Hotel Kangerlussuaq
Days 4 to 5 (2 nights), Kangerlussuaq, GreenlandBasic yet accommodating, Hotel Kangerlussuaq makes a fine base camp with access to the massive Greenland Ice Sheet. The hotel is located in the same building as the airport’s terminal and offers standard rooms, a convenient restaurant, and a friendly staff. If you have time, be sure to enjoy some local Greenlandic beer at their bar.
Day 6
Ilulissat / Midnight Cruise
North of the Arctic Circle, we visit the community of Ilulissat, home to more sled dogs than people. We’ll explore colossal Kangia Icefjord on a midnight cruise beneath the towering face of the Sermeq Glacier, the most active in the world (said to have spawned the iceberg that sank the Titanic).
Ilulissat / Midnight Cruise - Day 6
Hotel Avannaa
Days 6 to 8 (3 nights), Ilulissat, GreenlandThis 22-room hotel is a 15-minute walk from the center of Ilulissat and offers views of the town and the Ilulissat Icefjord, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Guestrooms are basic but clean and comfortable and feature modern Scandinavian simplicity.
Hotel Hvide Falk
Days 6 to 8 (3 nights), Ilulissat, GreenlandThis simple hotel offers 40 rooms plus an annex and offers great views of the fjord crowded with floating icebergs. It's conveniently located in the center of town, within walking distance of shops and cafes.
Hotel Arctic
Days 6 to 8 (3 nights), Ilulissat, GreenlandThis quiet hotel is set right on the edge of iceberg-dotted Disko Bay. Guestrooms can be on the small side, but are clean and comfortable with modern decor. There are two restaurants (try the air-dried musk ox or halibut sashimi), walking paths, and fantastic views from every angle.
Days 7-9
Disko Bay / Sermermiut
Boating out through Disko Bay, on the lookout for humpback whales, we enjoy a coastal hike and picnic lunch with a panorama of floating icebergs and distant Disko Island. Our last hike brings us right among the giant icebergs along the wild shores of Kangia Icefjord as we make our way to the ancient Inuit settlement of Sermermiut. Depart on Day 9.
Disko Bay / Sermermiut - Days 7-9
Hotel Avannaa
Days 6 to 8 (3 nights), Ilulissat, GreenlandThis 22-room hotel is a 15-minute walk from the center of Ilulissat and offers views of the town and the Ilulissat Icefjord, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Guestrooms are basic but clean and comfortable and feature modern Scandinavian simplicity.
Hotel Hvide Falk
Days 6 to 8 (3 nights), Ilulissat, GreenlandThis simple hotel offers 40 rooms plus an annex and offers great views of the fjord crowded with floating icebergs. It's conveniently located in the center of town, within walking distance of shops and cafes.
Hotel Arctic
Days 6 to 8 (3 nights), Ilulissat, GreenlandThis quiet hotel is set right on the edge of iceberg-dotted Disko Bay. Guestrooms can be on the small side, but are clean and comfortable with modern decor. There are two restaurants (try the air-dried musk ox or halibut sashimi), walking paths, and fantastic views from every angle.
Expedition to Greenland
Highlights
Highlights
Details
A mix of moderate walks and hikes over varying terrain, 1-5 hours a day, cultural exploration, travel by small boat, access to the Ice Sheet by rough dirt road
