Hiking Adventures in Surreal Landscapes
Hiking the Fjords of Greenland and Iceland
Overview
Experience some of the wildest landscapes on the planet in the remote corners of Northwestern Iceland and Eastern Greenland. Adventurous full-day hikes bring us to jaw-dropping views of sheer granite mountains and dramatic fjords carved by ancient glaciers. In Iceland, we discover the gloriously untouched Westfjords region, with its massive seabird colonies, stepped waterfalls, and dramatic mountains sheltering tiny fishing harbors and villages where Icelandic culture thrives. And on Greenland's extremely isolated eastern coast, we'll meet the native Greenlandic people, hike rugged and spectacular trails used for generations by Inuit hunters, and cruise through channels filled with icebergs. In this realm of elemental beauty and wilderness, we'll savor the rarity of pure silence and the spell-binding light of the Arctic summer.
Arrive: Reykjavík, Iceland
Depart: Reykjavík, Iceland
Highlights
- Hike dramatic high trails above Iceland's spectacular fjords
- Cruise by private boat among Greenland's sculpted icebergs
- Soak up the midnight sun, visit remote Inuit villages
- See the famous puffin colonies of the Látrabjarg Cliffs
Itinerary
Arrive in Reykjavík and fly to Kulusuk in eastern Greenland. A spectacular helicopter flight brings us to the village of Tasiilaq, set on stunning King Oscar Fjord. With charming Tasiilaq as our base, our hikes bring us to steep granite peaks rising above a flotilla of sculpted icebergs, to the ice of calving glaciers, and on ancient hunting trails used by Inuit hunters. One of our adventures is a fantastic cruise into mighty Sermilik Fjord, whose vast ice wall is part of the Greenland ice sheet, a relic of the last Ice Age, up to two miles thick in places.
A helicopter ride brings us back to Kulusuk, where we fly to Reykjavík and head north to Ísafjörður, a trading post since the 16th century. In the southern reaches of the Westfjords, we hike up Mýrafell for views of the expanse of Dýrafjörður, along the spectacular Látrabjarg Cliffs, famed for millions of nesting seabirds, including puffins, and on the trails of
Álftafjörður, a magnificent fjord with a dramatic gorge and waterfall. A ferry ride brings us across magnificent Breidafjörður Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and we depart via Reykjavík on Day 11.
Accommodations
Scroll through our signature accommodations for this trip below. Although it is highly unlikely, we may make substitutions when necessary.
What the Trip is Like
This trip is rated Level 4+, Moderate to Strenuous, according to our trip grading system. Our hikes feature up to 2,600 feet of elevation gain or loss, and are up to 13 miles in length—be ready for some wonderfully full hiking days!
Review Trip Level Details
The hiking terrain can be rough and rocky, often with no distinct trail. No technical gear (crampons, ice axes) is necessary, but on all hikes, hiking poles will be very useful (and they are provided). This is wild country, and all participants should be ready for hiking in a beautiful, but unmanicured landscape. It's a big part of the appeal! Note: In Greenland, polar bears are rarely seen around the towns, but they can be sighted anywhere, and for the safety of the group, our guide will have a rifle with him on all walks. This is the same policy we follow in Africa on our walking safaris.
The weather in this part of the world is notoriously variable, and participants must come prepared for the strong winds and sudden weather changes of Iceland and Greenland. Temperatures should be in the mid 50s, perfect for hiking. The weather can provide spectacular clear days but can also be very wet and changeable, and we want you to be well prepared for all you may encounter. Weather in Iceland and Greenland is always unpredictable, so you must come prepared for at least some rain and bring appropriate rain gear. It is unlikely that it will be truly hot. Trip members need to remain flexible in consideration of inclement weather that may require changes, such as substituting different hiking routes or changing the planned itinerary. Water activities such as our boating excursion are also dependent on sea forecasts.
The weather will have the final say in our daily itinerary. We will do our best to complete all activities as outlined in this itinerary, but the safety of the group is of primary importance, and will be the guiding factor in our decisions.
We will ride aboard small boats (25-45 feet in length) for multiple passages. While we are not far off the coast, the wind and weather can have a significant impact on conditions. Please note that Greenland has little infrastructure for tourism, with simple accommodations and an extreme, unpredictable climate that can make for uncomfortable transportation via boat or plane. An adventurous spirit and the willingness to accept the unexpected will be your most important items to bring along!
Traveling in Greenland is always an adventure! Changes and delays are all part of the experience. We will make every effort to follow the Detailed Itinerary as described, but please note it may be rearranged due to unforeseen circumstances beyond our control, including internal flights often subject to delay, cancellation, and last-minute schedule changes. A flexible, cooperative attitude is a must—your reward is an unparalleled experience of one of the most intriguing parts of the world.
Client Testimonials
"This was an excellent trip. I especially enjoyed East Greenland, which was truly a remote, wild, and beautiful place as advertised. I also enjoyed the Westfjords of Iceland, particularly because this area of Iceland was less crowed and less touristy."
Frank S.
Wrightsville Beach, NC
"This trip greatly exceeded my expectations. I can always count on WT to include extraordinary experiences and ‘little touches’ of fun for its clients."
Jocelyn S.
Arvada, CO
"We have been traveling with Wilderness for years. A fabulous company! Your leaders make all the difference and Orri was no exception!"
Robyn W.
Bethesda, MD
"A great trip, made even better by the wonderful leaders, a terrific group, fine weather, amazingly beautiful country, challenging but achievable hiking, and some lucky and some predictable wildlife sightings."
Trina H.
Tea Gardens, Australia
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Itinerary
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Trip Levels
With more than 200 different adventures to choose from, we want to help you find the trip that’s right for you. Our Trip Level system ranks each trip in two ways: a number rating from 1 to 6 according to the activity, and general travel rigors. 1 is the easiest and 6+ the most difficult.