Greenland Ilulissat Adventure

Upon arrival at the small airport in Ilulissat, a hotel representative will be there to greet you and provide a transfer to your accommodation. On the way enjoy the amazing view of the Ilulissat Icefjord with towering icebergs that you will see from the windows of the car as soon as you leave the airport.

This afternoon, embark on a self-guided exploration in Ilulissat, starting with a leisurely stroll on a marked wooden boardwalk, unveiling the grandeur of the UNESCO World Heritage Site. The trail, transitioning into marked paths, leads you through the scenic Sermermiut and Seqinniarfik, with the icefjord's majestic vistas as your companion. Post stroll, enrich your Arctic knowledge with a visit to the illustrious Ilulissat Icefjord Museum.

Then you can visit the Kangiata Illorsua – Ilulissat Icefjord Centre. The Icefjord Centre is a visitor and dissemination centre which, through the exhibition “The Tale of Ice”, informs visitors about the history of ice, the culture in and around the ice fjord, and climate change.

This morning is free for wandering this small village. Feel the vibes of a small arctic city while strolling the streets and visiting some souvenir shops. Take a stop at the art craft workshop where local artists make their carvings in bone, tooth and stone. Visit the small Knud Rasmussen Museum and the oldest church in Greenland. It is in an incredible setting – on the cliffs high above the endless sea of icebergs floating in front of the Icefjord, into Disko Bay, on their way to the open ocean.

After lunch, meet your guide at the hotel lobby and prepare for the boat trip to camp. This open air boat transfer from Ilulissat to Saqqaq unveils a thrilling 110 km journey. The boat speeds over crystalline waters, with towering icebergs glistening under the Arctic sun.

On arrival, join a guide for a historic walk discovering Saqqaq culture before checking in at 4.30pm.

Discover the hidden history of Qullissat, a secluded town in Greenland that was once one of the largest cities on the island of Qeqertarsuaq. The city was established in 1924 when the Danish state decided to open a coal mine that would supply the island with its own coal. However, after the Second World War, the mine was deemed unprofitable and in 1968 it was closed, along with all public services such as schools, hospitals and telegraph stations. This forced relocation of the inhabitants had serious social consequences for many families. The city has been left as a ghost town ever since.

On 21 November 2000, Qullissat was hit by a tsunami caused by a large landslide at Paatuut on the Nuussuaq peninsula. The tsunami reached over 100 metres inland and would probably have caused many deaths if the city had still been inhabited. This serves as a reminder of the power of nature and how life can change in an instant.

On a journey of curiosity and discovery, learn about the forced relocation that happened in many places around Greenland during the 60s and 70s and its impact on the displaced families. Reflect on the human fragility and the struggles faced by those who were forced to leave their homes and adapt to new surroundings. This trip offers a glimpse into the life clinging to the edge of survival in a remote and harsh environment.

The trip goes by boat from Saqqaq to Qullissat, crossing the David Strait to the Disko Island. You will stop at a secluded beach to observe and interact with Arctic Foxes along the shoreline before heading back to camp.

After dinner, we will make a nice bonfire either outside the dining tent or at the beach and end the day with drinks - or maybe the famous Greenlandic coffee.

After breakfast, join an exhilarating adventure as you set off from camp and head straight to the beach for a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to paddle among icebergs in the icy waters of the fjord. Donned in warm drysuits, life jackets, and communication gear, you'll be safe and comfortable as you take in the fresh air and the surreal beauty of the surroundings. As you paddle, keep an eye out for the whales that call the fjord home - you might even be lucky enough to spot some!

If you fall off the board, don't fret - it's easy to get back on and the drysuit will keep you cozy in the cold water. Take in the silence and the sound of melting ice as you're surrounded by white and possibly crystal-clear blue icebergs.

After an outdoor BBQ lunch, meet the Greenlandic sledge dogs - learn more about the sledge dogs in Greenland and help feed a team of up to 20 howling, hungry dogs. In North and East Greenland, there is only one type of sled dog, the Greenlandic Canis Lupus Familiaris - one of the purest and most isolated dog breeds in the world. We will do our very best to find some puppies as well, so you can cuddle with them and take some adorable photos.

In the Disko Bay region, for the six to seven months of winter every year, it is “sledge time”, when long-line fishers use the dogs to transport Greenland halibut from the places where they go ice-fishing. Even today, the modern snow scooter can’t compete with the 2000 years old Greenlandic way of transportation, and there remain about 15,000 working sled dogs in Greenland.

Few places in the world can match the scale and solitude of this remote destination, where the ancient ice cap meets the sea. Journeying into the Ata Strait you will come upon the Eqi glacier, a sight of unparalleled purity and grandeur, to see the awe-inspiring spectacle of huge pieces of ice breaking off and crashing into the water. The sounds are enormous, the drama breathtaking.

You’ll spend approximately 2-hours in front of the glacier waiting for the ice to calve, while serving lunch onboard. This is a true journey of discovery, a full sensory experience where ancient natural forces have shaped a unique, never to be forgotten landscape.

Next is a 2 hours cruise to Ilulissat for a little taste of civilization.

Transfer to your hotel after breakfast.