Wildlife, Inuit Culture, and Hiking on the Ice Cap

Western Greenland Expedition

Greenland, Denmark

8 Days

From $7,995

Level 3+

Moderate

Overview

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    Call 1-800-368-2794 or contact us for any questions

    Overview

    With icebergs spilling out of its fjords, humpback whales spouting in its waters, and a unique Inuit culture, Greenland is a visual feast and a magnet for adventurers. We cruise between the steep ice walls of the stunning Western Fjords, walk on the vast Greenland Ice Sheet, and hike the tundra in search of herds of musk ox. In Ilulissat, north of the Arctic Circle, we hike past icebergs on UNESCO-listed Kangia Icefjord and explore an Inuit settlement. Taking an after-dinner boat ride in the golden glow of the midnight sun, we’ll watch the play of light and color of the Arctic twilight reflected on towering icebergs. If you want the thrill of experiencing one of our planet’s most jaw-droppingly beautiful settings, come to Greenland with WT!

    Arrive: Nuuk, Greenland

    Depart: Ilulissat, Greenland

    Highlights

    • Savor the pristine, glacier-carved wonder of the Western Fjords
    • Walk on the Greenland Ice Sheet, cross the tundra to look for shaggy musk ox
    • Cruise past towering icebergs under the long evening light of the Arctic summer
    • Learn about the Inuit, who have thrived in Greenland’s extreme environment
    • Walk along iceberg-strewn shores to an ancient Inuit settlement

    Overview

      Book Online Download Itinerary

      Call 1-800-368-2794 or contact us for any questions

      Itinerary

      Download Itinerary Expand All Days
      In Nuuk, the capital, we cruise in our chartered boat into the vast Western Fjords, once home to more than a thousand Vikings. We’ll fish from the deck along the way (redfish and cod are plentiful here) so we can enjoy our fresh catch for lunch at a remote boat-in lodge.
      From the town of Kangerlussuaq, we set out across the tundra in search of iconic musk ox, or “umimmak” in Greenlandic, meaning “long-bearded one,” and the next day we hike right on the Greenland Ice Sheet, with 100,000-year-old ice beneath our feet!
      North of the Arctic Circle, we explore Ilulissat, home to more sled dogs than people. We’ll see the colossal bergs of the Kangia Icefjord on a “midnight sun” cruise at the mouth of the Sermeq Glacier, said to have spawned the iceberg that sank the Titanic.
      Walking past giant bergs along the wild shores of Kangia Icefjord, we visit the Inuit settlement of Sermermiut. We boat through Disko Bay on the lookout for humpback whales and hike the coast for panoramas of floating icebergs and dramatic Disko Island. Depart on Day 8 via Ilulissat.

      Dates & Pricing

      Pricing below is per person and based on double occupancy. The earlier you book, the more choice you’ll have. WT also has the most generous cancellation and transfer policies in the industry—we make it easy if you change your mind. Have a small group of your own? Take over an existing date or choose your own. You’ll have your own private guide—and the adventure—all to yourselves!

      Payment & Cancel Schedule

      At time of reservation: $600
      90 days prior to departure: Balance

      Cancellation & Transfer Schedule

      Up to 91 days prior to departure: No Charge!
      61-90 days prior to departure: 25% of trip cost
      46-60 days prior to departure: 50% of trip cost
      45 days or less: 100% of trip cost

      Included
      • Expert leadership of a Wilderness Travel Trip Leader and local guides
      • Accommodations in simple hotels
      • All meals included except 1 dinner
      • A glass of wine or beer with dinner
      • All ground transportation and baggage handling from meeting until departure
      • All activities as indicated in Detailed Itinerary
      Not Included
      • Travel to and from the arrival and departure location as indicated in Detailed Itinerary
      • Additional hotel nights outside the trip's scheduled dates
      • Optional gratuities to Trip Leaders or staff
      • Optional travel insurance
      • Other expenses of a personal nature (some alcoholic beverages, laundry, etc.)

      Accommodations

      Scroll through our signature accommodations for this trip below. Although it is highly unlikely, we may make substitutions when necessary.

      Hotel Hans Egede

      Nuuk, Greenland

      Day 1 (1 night)

      The 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...

      The Hotel Hans Egede is well located in the center of the small city of Nuuk, within walking distance of all the sites. Guest rooms...

      Hotel Kangerlussuaq

      Kangerlussuaq, Greenland

      Days 2-3 (2 nights)

      Basic 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...
      Basic yet accommodating, Hotel Kangerlussuaq makes a fine base camp with access to the massive Greenland Ice Sheet. The...

      Hotel Hvide Falk

      Ilulissat, Greenland

      Days 4-7 (4 nights)

      This 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.
      This 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...

      Trip Leaders

      Wilderness Travel Trip Leaders have a passion and a joy for creating an unforgettable journey. We are extremely proud of them and the incredible travel experiences they make possible. For more information, including client comments about them and which specific trips they will be leading, please click on their profiles below.

      Rob Noonan

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      Morten Johansen

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      What the Trip is Like

      This trip is rated Level 3+, Moderate, according to our trip grading system. Our walks and hikes will range from 1 to 8 hours over varying terrain, from tundra to firm snow/ice on the Greenland Ice Sheet, to smooth granite.

      Average Hiking Day

      • 4-5 hours
      Review Trip Level Details

      Many of our hikes are not on designated trails, which allows some freedom for trip members to walk their own route without straying too far from the group. Hiking poles will be a great asset in keeping your balance over uneven ground, especially over moss-covered terrain, which may look soft and inviting, but often hides rocks and small hollows, creating unstable footing. Much of this trip's difficulty isn't necessarily the hikes, which can be short some days, but the remoteness and ruggedness of the region.

      To get the most out of this trip, we recommend you make a special effort to be in good physical condition. Daily brisk walking and/or regular hiking (or using a stair-climbing machine at your gym) are excellent preparatory exercises.

      The biggest factor in Greenland is the weather, which will dictate the length of our activities, and possibly the order of them as well, and is known for being unpredictable. Temperatures are expected to be between 50-60°F, but the icy wind off the ocean and glaciers can make it colder. Trip members need to remain flexible in consideration of inclement weather that may require changes, such as substituting different hiking routes or canceling hikes. Water activities such as our boating excursion and midnight cruise are also dependent on sea forecasts.

      Our accommodations in Greenland are comfortable and clean but basic, and may not conform to international hotel standards. Guestrooms have en-suite facilities and most have views of the stunning scenery beyond. Most rooms are twin-bedded.

      Food options in East Greenland are restricted due to the country’s remote nature and harsh climate, so not all dietary requests are attainable. While we can accommodate vegetarian diets, options will be limited, and we cannot accommodate vegan diets.

      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 trip was amazing and exceeded our expectations! Itinerary and coordination were just perfect!"

      Deborah P.

      Mahwah, NJ

      "A beautiful trip in a wonderful setting. The last hike was spectacular!"

      Jeff L.

      Sioux Falls, SD

      "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

      "The itinerary was great, and the scenery was breathtaking. I was pleasantly surprised at how good the food was—didn’t expect that in Greenland."

      Ken G.

      Orlando, FL

      "It is a very 'out of the way' place, which makes it harder than many trips, but is why most of us want to go there!"

      Ted M.

      The Woodlands, TX

      Book your trip today

      Our Area Specialists know every detail about our tours. They will be happy to answer any questions and help you choose the journey that’s right for you. Contact us to learn more or book your trip today!

      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.