Greenland in Autumn – Kangerlussuaq, Ilulissat and the Icebergs of Disko Bay

8 days around Kangerlussuaq and Ilulissat

Autumn is a truly special time in Greenland. The light softens, the colors grow warmer, and the silence feels more present and profound. On this carefully curated journey, you’ll experience some of West Greenland’s greatest natural wonders – from the vast Greenland Ice Sheet near Kangerlussuaq to the UNESCO-protected Ilulissat Icefjord and the impressive icebergs of Disko Bay.

This tour is designed with comfort, peace of mind, and time for immersion in mind. Your journey begins with a flight from Copenhagen to Kangerlussuaq – the gateway to the Ice Sheet – where the Arctic wilderness immediately offers a preview of the adventure ahead. Here, you’ll feel the silence, the wide-open landscapes, and the unique atmosphere found only in the Arctic.

Kangerlussuaq is one of the easiest places in Greenland to access the Ice Sheet, and you may even have the opportunity to walk directly on it.

The journey continues to Ilulissat, one of Greenland’s most iconic towns. Your stay in Ilulissat offers flexibility and choice. Enjoy your days at your own pace – explore the town, visit museums and cafés, or join an unforgettable boat excursion among the icebergs of the Icefjord. Gliding silently between monumental ice sculptures is an experience that is almost impossible to put into words.

There is also the option to join a Northern Lights excursion, where darkness and stillness create the perfect setting for nature’s own light show. Our optional excursion package offers a wide variety of experiences to enhance your stay.

The final days of your journey allow time for reflection and personal exploration before returning to Denmark. This fall tour offers a unique opportunity to experience Greenland in one of its most atmospheric seasons, when nature reveals itself in its most colorful and dramatic form. It is a journey of contrasts – between light and darkness, silence and grandeur – and one that will leave memories long after autumn has faded.

Day program

Day 1 Flight Copenhagen – Kangerlussuaq, arrival and optinal sightseeing

You fly from Copenhagen to Kangerlussuaq and can now sit back, relax, and enjoy the attentive onboard service. As the aircraft approaches Greenland, nunataks (mountain peaks rising through the ice sheet) and the vast Ice Sheet will capture your full attention.

After approximately 4½ hours, you land in Kangerlussuaq, where a refreshing Arctic chill welcomes you. A guide from our local excursion office meets you upon arrival and assists with check-in at Hotel Kangerlussuaq, conveniently located within the airport complex.

Kangerlussuaq is beautifully situated between gentle mountains and close to the Ice Sheet. It is the only settlement in Greenland located inland rather than on the coast. The area offers easy access to spotting wildlife such as reindeer and musk oxen.

After check-in, a welcome meeting provides practical information about Kangerlussuaq, the surrounding area, and the available excursions.

If you have purchased the excursion package, the afternoon includes a guided sightseeing tour.

Sightseeing Tour (part of the excursion package)

Explore the former American air base on a guided bus tour, offering insight into the area’s fascinating history and unique natural environment.

Kangerlussuaq is the only inhabited settlement in Greenland located inland, characterized by a continental climate and highly stable weather conditions. These conditions were the original reason the Americans established their base here. Remnants from that era can still be seen throughout the area.

In the evening, we recommend enjoying dinner at Restaurant Roklubben, beautifully located by the lakeshore near Kangerlussuaq.

Raven Eye Photography - Visit Greenland
Day 2 At leisure or optional excursion to the Ice Sheet and Northern Lights

If you have bought the excursion package excursion, today features one of the highlights of your journey.

Excursion to Point 660 (part of the excursion package)

Today you travel to the Greenland Ice Sheet at Point 660, where you can step directly onto the ice itself. The journey is by specially adapted vehicle from town, traveling approximately 15 miles to reach the Ice Sheet. Along the way, your guide shares insights about the ice and the dynamic moraine landscape.

Standing atop ice that is hundreds of thousands of years old and many meters thick is a truly extraordinary experience.

Please note that the Ice Sheet is a living, ever-changing mass. Access points may vary from year to year depending on conditions. Sometimes the ice is easily accessible, while other times reaching it requires a bit more effort. Safety is always our top priority, and we only visit secure areas.

The remainder of the day is at your leisure. Enjoy a walk in the surrounding landscape or perhaps a relaxed dinner at the hotel. Later in the evening, another excursion awaits if you have purchased the excursion package.

Northern Lights Excursion (part of the excursion package)

Don’t miss the chance to experience Greenland’s spectacular Northern Lights. On clear evenings from mid-September onward, Kangerlussuaq often offers exceptional viewing conditions.

Due to its stable inland climate, Kangerlussuaq is one of the best places in Greenland to see the aurora borealis, and we highly recommend this excursion.

We drive away from town into the Arctic night, hoping the magnificent lights will appear. Witnessing the shimmering curtains of green dancing across the sky is an unforgettable experience – one more lasting memory to add to your growing collection of Arctic impressions.

Adam Lyberth - Visit Greenland
Day 3 Flight to Ilulissat and town walk (optional)

Your day begins with a scenic flight from Kangerlussuaq to Ilulissat. From the air, you’ll already enjoy spectacular views of Greenland’s dramatic landscapes. The flight takes less than an hour, and upon arrival, a bus will be waiting to ensure a smooth and seamless start to the day.

After check-in at your hotel, you’re invited to join an atmospheric city tour of Ilulissat – one of Greenland’s most iconic towns, beautifully situated at the mouth of the world-famous Ilulissat Icefjord.

Town walk (part of the excursion package)

Ilulissat is surrounded by breathtaking nature, and the enormous icebergs on the horizon are a constant reminder that you are in the heart of the Arctic.

Accompanied by a local guide, you’ll gain insight into the town’s history, culture, and daily life. We stroll through the charming old town, where colorful wooden houses create a striking contrast against the rugged landscape. Along the way, you’ll hear stories about life in Disko Bay – from fishing and hunting traditions to sled dogs and the modern development shaping the town today.

We pass Zion Church, an important landmark that continues to play a central role in the community. Here, you’ll learn about its spiritual and historical significance to local residents. We also visit the Ilulissat Museum, located in the birthplace of polar explorer Knud Rasmussen. The museum shares Greenland’s cultural history and tells the story of life in the Arctic – from early Inuit settlements to contemporary society.

After the tour, you’ll have time to explore the town at your own pace. Browse cozy shops offering local handicrafts – perhaps a tupilak carving, a sealskin wallet, or a piece of Greenlandic design will catch your eye. The small cafés invite you to pause with a warm cup of coffee while watching icebergs drift quietly by offshore.

This city tour offers a wonderful introduction to Ilulissat – a place where tradition and modern life meet, and where the grandeur of nature is always just beyond your doorstep.
In the evening, enjoy a welcome dinner at one of Hotel Arctic’s excellent restaurants (beverages not included).

Mads Pihl - Visit Greenland
Day 4 Day at Leisure or Icefjord Cruise and Northern Lights Safari (optional)

Today is yours to enjoy at your own pace – unless you have purchased the excursion package. If so, another highlight awaits: a boat tour on the Ilulissat Icefjord.

Iceberg Cruise on the Icefjord (part of the excursion package)

The day concludes with an unforgettable evening cruise on the Ilulissat Icefjord. Aboard a comfortable boat, we sail among the majestic icebergs calved from the enormous Sermeq Kujalleq Glacier. The evening sun casts golden and blue hues across the towering ice formations, creating a truly magical atmosphere.

Your guide shares insights about the fjord and its significance while you enjoy a warm beverage and take in this extraordinary natural spectacle.

In the evening, you’ll once again have the opportunity to search for the Northern Lights.

Northern Lights Safari (part of the excursion package)

As darkness falls and the Arctic sky turns black, it’s time for another Northern Lights adventure. Solar activity over the polar regions creates ideal conditions for viewing the aurora in Greenland’s pristine darkness.

Your group will be picked up at the hotel and driven to one of the darkest areas near Ilulissat, where conditions are ideal for observing the lights. Your guide will explain the science behind the aurora as well as the many Greenlandic legends connected to this natural phenomenon. You’ll also receive helpful tips on how to capture great photos of the Northern Lights.

It’s a day filled with unforgettable moments, where the beauty of nature and the charm of the town blend seamlessly together.

Mads Pihl - Visit Greenland
Day 5 Day at Leisure or Hike to Sermermiut

Today you have the opportunity to join a beautiful and accessible hike. The route is not long, and part of it follows a wooden boardwalk, making it suitable for most travelers.

Hike to Sermermiut (part of the excursion package)

The Sermermiut Valley is just a short walk from town. Here, you’ll experience Greenland’s cultural heritage up close while enjoying sweeping views of the UNESCO-listed Ilulissat Icefjord.

You’ll learn about the area’s history as a settlement site for several Inuit cultures and have plenty of time to take photos of the spectacular landscape.

If you wish, you can visit the stunning Icefjord Centre on your own after the hike. The center offers fascinating exhibitions about the Icefjord, climate, and life in the Arctic – all set within remarkable modern architecture overlooking the fjord.

Ivar Eyþórssony Visit Greenland
Day 6 Day at leisure or visit the sled dogs (optional)

Relaxing in Ilulissat is wonderfully cozy, as the view is so overwhelmingly beautiful that you can simply sit somewhere at the hotel and gaze out toward the mouth of the Icefjord, where the massive icebergs rest.

If you have purchased the excursion package, today includes a visit to the sled dogs.

Visit with the sled dogs (part of the excursion package)

In Ilulissat, winter lasts six to seven months each year — and winter means “sled season.” Around 2,500 sled dogs are actively used for both recreation and work. Local longline fishermen use dog sleds to transport fish between the Icefjord and Ilulissat, where modern motor power often gives way to the Inuit’s traditional mode of transportation.
Today, a local dog owner will invite you to observe the feeding of a dog team. You will experience not only the lively commotion of 20 dogs barking in unison, but also their tremendous energy and eagerness. The owner will demonstrate the sled, harnesses, and whip, and explain the unique partnership between the dogs and their handler. Please remember to wait for the owner’s permission before approaching the dogs.

This visit offers a wonderful opportunity to gain insight into the traditional way of life with sled dogs in Greenland.

Please note: These dogs are working animals, not pets. Only approach them with the owner’s permission.

Carmen Huter - Visit Greenland
Day 7 Ilulissat on your own

A stay in Ilulissat is not only about grand natural experiences — it is also a perfect opportunity to slow down and enjoy the special sense of calm that characterizes the town. That is why this day has been left without planned excursions. You may choose whether to relax or explore further.

Nature is always close by, and even a quiet moment can feel like an experience in itself. From the hotel and around town, you can admire the majestic icebergs from the Ilulissat Icefjord as they slowly drift along the horizon. Sit at a café — or on a bench overlooking the sea — breathe in the crisp Arctic air, and let your thoughts wander. It is a simple yet memorable pleasure.

A leisurely walk through Ilulissat offers insight into everyday local life. The small wooden houses painted in red, blue, and yellow create a charming contrast to the dramatic landscape, and everywhere you sense the strong connection between the town and nature.

Others may choose to follow the marked coastal trails, enjoying the silence and the distinctive Arctic light that shifts character throughout the day.

For those who enjoy browsing small shops, Ilulissat offers fine local handicrafts and design. You can find everything from jewelry inspired by natural forms to traditional tupilaks and sealskin products. It’s a wonderful opportunity to bring a piece of Greenland home — not merely as a souvenir, but as a reminder of a destination where tranquility, raw nature, and authenticity go hand in hand.

Jason C. Hill - Visit Greenland
Day 8 Flight from Ilulissat via Kangerlussuaq to Copenhagen

It is now time to say goodbye to Greenland.

You will fly from Ilulissat via Kangerlussuaq to Copenhagen, arriving in the evening — hopefully with your camera roll full of icebergs and your heart filled with Arctic impressions.

Greenland doesn’t entirely let go. It’s the kind of place that stays with you.

Mads Pihl - Visit Greenland

Hotels on this tour

Hotel Arctic
Restauranten på hotel Arctic - Fotograf: Hotel Arctic
Hotel Arctic
Hotel Arctic sign

Hotel Arctic

Greenland’s most famous hotel is Hotel Arctic in Ilulissat. It is located with a fantastic view of Ilulissat town, Ilulissat Ice Fjord, and Disko Bay. Hotel Arctic is the world’s northernmost 4-star hotel, and on top of that, the hotel features a 5-star conference center. The hotel is located just outside the town, approximately a 15-minute walk from the town center (app. 1.5 km from the central intersection in town).

The hotel has two great restaurants, and the large terrace outside the restaurant is the perfect place to enjoy a glass of wine while the sun shines its golden glow at midnight over the icebergs at Ilulissat Ice Fjord.

NOTE: The hotel offers airport transfers, but there are not transfers in connection with excursions or such.

Hotel Arctic
Mittarfimmut Aqq. B-1128
3952 Ilulissat

Excursions (Optional purchases)

Raven Eye Photography - Visit Greenland

Excursion package with 8 excursions

Price from: 490,- EUR

Our excursion packages include the most popular tours and are tailored to the daily itinerary of the trip.

  • Sightseeing in Kangerlussuaq (2 hours)
  • Excursion to Point 660 (5 hours)
  • Northern Lights tour (2 hours)
  • City walk in Ilulissat (2 hours)
  • Hike to the Sermermiut settlement site by the Ilulissat Icefjord (2 hours)
  • Northern Lights safari in Ilulissat (1½ hours)
  • Boat tour on the Ilulissat Icefjord (2½ hours)
  • Visit with sled dogs (1 hour)

Good to know
We recommend booking the excursion package at the same time as your trip. If booked later, availability cannot be guaranteed as the package may sell out.

 

Flight schedule (local times)

Departure from Copenhagen: 9:30 am
Arrival in Copenhagen: 8:30 pm

Except October 20–27, 2026:

Departure from Copenhagen: 9:30 am
Arrival in Copenhagen via Nuuk: 9:25 pm

Please note that departure times are subject to change by the airline.

Packing list 

Find the packing list for your trip here.

Baggage included 

20 kilos of checked baggage and 8 kilos of cabin baggage (max. dimensions of cabin baggage: 55 x 40 x 23 cm).

Travelers with reduced mobility and wheelchair users

Unfortunately, this trip is not suitable for people with reduced mobility and wheelchair users. Greenland Travel’s difficulty level advise on the excursions are intended for travelers who are not disabled. Of course, we are happy to provide you with information on the suitability of the trip, taking into account the needs you have. Please note that if you choose this trip based on a conversation with Greenland Travel, it is on your responsibility, as we do not have medical competence for advice.

 

Book online and save a handling fee of 30 Euro.

Greenland in Autumn – Kangerlussuaq, Ilulissat and the Icebergs of Disko Bay

8 days around Kangerlussuaq and Ilulissat

Experience Greenland as the landscape transforms into the deep colors of fall, crisp light, and crystal-clear Arctic air. On this atmospheric journey, you travel from the Greenland Ice Sheet near Kangerlussuaq to Ilulissat and the majestic icebergs of Disko Bay.

Ice SheetIcebergsNorthern lightsCulture
From
2.495 EUR
per person in double room
8 days  | 7 nights
September - October
Departure from Copenhagen
Travel id 7044

Greenland Travel A/S is the tour operator of the trip, while Air Greenland solely acts as an intermediary. This means that all future contact regarding the trip will be directly with Greenland Travel, which is also responsible for the practical arrangements of your journey.

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Foto: Lars Outdoor 1340×1340 Fd

Can we help you?

You are always welcome to contact us if you have any questions regarding your trip or if you need advice or guidance.

You can call us at: +45 3313 1011