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Greenland in Winter & Northern Lights
Be captivated on this winter sojourn of Greenland experiencing life in winter and witnessing the phenomenal Northern lights in the realm of the Arctic on this journey to Kangerlussuaq and Sisimiut. Join in a slew of winter activities in the full essence of Greenlandic culture.
HIGHLIGHTS
Unravel the Greenlandic winter landscape
Admire the UNESCO Ilulissat Icefjord
Dog sledding in the dramatic Sisimiut landscape
Opportunity to view the dramatic Northern Lights
ITINERARY
DAY 1: ARRIVE KANGERLUSSUAQ
Arrive Kangerlussuaq today where you will be warmly received and transferred to the Hotel Kangerlussuaq. Thereafter, we begin an orientation of the area. Kangerlussuaq is a former US air base and you will learn stories about the origins of the base - from the WWII to the Cold War - and its transformation into a modern international airport. The area around Kangerlussuaq has Greenland's longest road and here we will experience and see several interesting places and encounter the great Greenlandic nature. We will drive to the harbour to enjoy views of the beautiful fjord. En route, we stop by Kellyville, a small research settlement to visit the local kennel where you will get better acquainted with Greenlandic sled dogs.
Overnight: Hotel Kangerlussuaq, Kangerlussuaq
Meals: NIL
DAY 2: KANGERLUSSUAQ
Kangerlussuaq is known as the gateway to the Ice Cap and today, we embark on an excursion to the Ice Cap on a 4 wheel drive journey through stunning and varied terrain. As we approach the Ice Cap, we will pass the Russell Glacier and an amazing moraine landscape. At the end of the road awaits the Ice Cap itself where we will spend some time in this vast world of ice before returning to our vehicles. If we are lucky, we may spot some Greenlandic reindeers and musk oxen. Return to Kangerlussuaq thereafter and in the evening, we head out into the landscape where artificial light do not prevent us from seeing nature's spectacular light show.
Overnight: Hotel Kangerlussuaq, Kangerlussuaq
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 3: KANGERLUSSUAQ / SISIMIUT
Today, we board a short flight to the coastal town of Sisimiut where on arrival, you will be transferred to the Hotel Sisimiut. Later, we begin an orientation tour starting at the old heliport, which is now in use as a dog kennel. Our journey through town will stop at "braettet", the local market that is full of freshly-caught fish and game. We will pass the city hall on the way to the southern part of the town where many of the original hunting and fishing houses can still be seen. We will take a drive up to the city's highest vantage point to take in impressive views towards the south. Finally, we will visit the old town in the centre where original buildings from colonial times in the 1700s are now home to the city's museum.
Overnight: Hotel Sisimiut, Sisimiut
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
DAY 4: SISIMIUT (DOG SLED EXCURSION)
Dogsledding is Greenland at its best and today, we will enjoy an experiential dog sled excursion. For thousands of years, the hunter and his dogs have lived together in this harsh, infinite and stunning part of the world. The sled dog is therefore and important part of Greenlandic culture and used to be the only means of transportation when the landscape is frozen and covered in snow. You will be sitting still on the sled while taking in the scenery where we will head to the foot of Niujarfik, a natural stop before the steep climb northeast of Sisimiut. We will also go to the viewpoint Qiterlinnguaq, where you will enjoy the beautiful snowy landscape after some strenuous climbs. Just below the top is a funny-shaped hut reminiscent of a UFO. Finally, we return to Sisimiut for a well-deserved rest and a chance to capture the northern lights.
Overnight: Hotel Sisimiut, Sisimiut
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
DAY 5: SISIMIUT (SNOWMOBILE BACKCOUNTRY)
An adventurous day as we hop onto our snowmobiles for a snowmobile safari into the backcountry where we drive through breathtaking groomed scenic trails up in the mountains range that is so characteristic of the Sisimiut area. The terrain is hilly with good descents, climbs and slopes. Besides the dazzling thrill of freedom you get on a snowmobile driving through the crisp cold air, the absolute highlights on the tour is the spectacular view over the David Strait and the endless views over the rugged winter landscape from Qerrotusup Majoriaa.
Overnight: Hotel Sisimiut, Sisimiut
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
DAY 6: SISIMIUT / ILULISSAT
We say farewell to Sisimiut today for a short flight to Ilulissat via a short stop in Kangerlussuaq. On arrival at Ilulissat, we will be transferred to the Hotel Arctic for check in. Thereafter, begin a guided walk in Greenland's largest town to learn about the history and character of the town through the vivid accounts from your guide.
Overnight: Hotel Arctic, Ilulissat
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 7: ILULISSAT (HIKE TO SERMERMIUT)
Today, we will make a hike to Sermermiut which translates to "the glacier dwellers", referring to the fact that the place used to be a settlement. Throughout 4,000 years, different Inuit cultures inhabited the Sermermiut Valley and it is here we will see the entire Ilulissat Icefjord and iceberg after iceberg as far as the eye can see.
Overnight: Hotel Arctic, Ilulissat
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 8: ILULISSAT (EXCURSION TO RODEBAY)
We travel by boat for an excursion to the hunters' settlement of Rodebay, a small town with only approximately 40 inhabitants who are entirely dependent on fishing and hunting - a very different world to nearby Ilulissat. With your guide, enjoy a photographic and cultural perspective of the town including learning about the dried halibut practice that is synonymous with the town.
Overnight: Hotel Arctic, Ilulissat
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
DAY 9: DEPARTURE ILULISSAT / COPENHAGEN via KANGERLUSSUAQ
A journey of a lifetime comes to an end as we transfer to the airport for our flight to Copenhagen via Kangerlussuaq.
Meals: Breakfast
HOTELS
Hotel Kangerlussuaq is operated by Greenland Airports, Mittarfeqarfiit, which is wholly-owned by the Government of Greenland and based at Greenland's largest international airport, has 70 rooms in the transit building and 40 rooms in the annex building, providing a comfortable stay with easy access for excursions to the Ice Cap.
Hotel Sisimiut is a simple hotel with 40 rooms, a conference centre, a bar and a gourmet restaurant. Rooms are simple but comfortable and the hotel's restaurant serves French-inspired ala carte menu featuring fresh seafood and an extensive wine list.
Located on the UNESCO-listed Ilulissat Icefjord, the Hotel Arctic is a modern and well-appointed hotel featuring modern and comfortable furnishings, superb views of the icebergs and boasts a gourmet restaurant in the hotel.
