Summer Adventure in Greenland

8 days around Kangerlussuaq and Ilulissat

The itinerary below applies to departures in 2027. If you have booked this tour with a departure in 2026, you can find the applicable itinerary here.

Experience Greenland from its most beautiful summer side on this tour to Kangerlussuaq and Ilulissat. Bright summer days and nights, a wealth of activities, and magnificent nature await you!

Kangerlussuaq is the gateway to the ice cap. The settlement with the large airport is located north of the Arctic Circle, and you feel something has changed with your first breath. The air is dry and fresh. On the flight, you’ve seen the giant white ice sheet from above, and now you’re just 25 kilometers away from it. It’s only a matter of time before you’re off on a wonderful full-day adventure on the ice sheet.

After a few nights at Hotel Kangerlussuaq, you’ll get back on a plane and travel north to Ilulissat, located by the world-famous UNESCO World Heritage Icefjord. Ilulissat is, not without reason, the most popular destination in Greenland. The ice is the big draw, and there are plenty of wonderful experiences. Both with the ice in focus or as a fantastic backdrop for other experiences.

This tour offers plenty of adventure and authentic Greenlandic summer experiences.

Excursions

On this tour, you also have the opportunity to add optional excursions, such as a day trip to the Eqi Glacier, an impressive glacier located about 80 kilometers north of Ilulissat. From the boat, you can enjoy spectacular views of the glacier and experience the dramatic sight and sound of massive chunks of ice breaking off and crashing into the fjord.

Most excursions require a minimum number of participants to take place. To minimize cancellations, we therefore schedule the excursions on specific days during the trip. You can read more about the excursions in the daily itineraries below. The itineraries are not set in stone. Some excursions may be rescheduled depending on weather conditions, but we strive to complete the full program during the trip.

We strongly recommend booking the excursions with your trip to avoid them selling out later. Some excursions are very popular but can only be offered in limited numbers. If, contrary to expectations, an excursion is not carried out, you will, of course, receive a full refund.

Day program

Day 1 Flight Copenhagen - Kangerlussuaq and welcome dinner. Optional tundra tour

The trip begins with a beautiful flight from Copenhagen to Kangerlussuaq, where Greenland’s stunning white landscapes slowly fade through the plane’s windows. The trip takes approximately 4½ hours, but time flies by in anticipation of the experiences that await.

Upon arrival in Kangerlussuaq, you’ll immediately sense Greenland’s unique summer atmosphere: the clear air, the open expanses of the tundra landscape, and the special calm pace that characterizes this place. A local guide will meet you at the airport, warmly welcome you, and introduce you to the area and the exciting program.

You will be accommodated at Hotel Kangerlussuaq, conveniently located in the same building complex as the airport terminal.

If you have purchased the excursion, it’s time for your first adventure.

Tundra Tour (add-on)

A tundra tour by bus in Kangerlussuaq offers you a unique opportunity to experience the Arctic landscape up close—without the need for strenuous hiking. The tour follows gravel roads into the backcountry, giving you a true sense of Greenland’s raw and majestic nature.

Along the way, you’ll cross rivers and pass through open plains, barren mountains, and lush valleys where reindeer and musk oxen often graze in the distance. Your guide will share insights into the landscape, wildlife, and local history, providing a deeper understanding of how both people and animals have adapted to this harsh environment.

Stops are made along the route to enjoy the views and take photos—especially from lookout points with panoramic vistas over the tundra and the ice sheet on the horizon. You’ll experience silence and vast open spaces that inspire reflection and awe.

This tundra tour is a peaceful and comfortable way to get an authentic taste of Greenland’s wild heart.

In the evening, we offer a welcome dinner at the Musk Ox restaurant at the hotel (drinks excluded).

Raven Eye Photography - Visit Greenland
Day 2 Full-day adventure on the Ice Sheet (optional)

Standing on the ice sheet is a unique experience, but embarking on a mini-expedition is an even greater adventure.

Day adventure on the Ice Sheet (add-on)

This excursion follows the program of the Inland Ice Point 660 tour but includes approximately 4 hours to explore the ice sheet in depth.

Most people only reach a few hundred meters into the ice sheet, but it’s worth going further. A breathtaking landscape of icy valleys, ridges, crystal blue streams, rivers, waterfalls, and lakes formed by meltwater reveals itself the deeper you go.

With crampons and trekking poles, everyone can participate. It’s no more demanding than walking in hilly terrain at home. We’ll find a scenic spot on the ice where we’ll have lunch – and drink water directly from a meltwater lake!

The journey to and from the ice sheet offers beautiful landscapes that we pass by bus, with the opportunity to see reindeer, musk oxen, and Arctic birds and plants.

Remember to bring a warm jacket and good hiking boots.

PLEASE NOTE: Children must be 10 to go on this excursion.

In the evening, we recommend dinner at the iconic Restaurant Roklubben, located on the shores of Lake Ferguson. Greenlandic delicacies such as musk ox, reindeer, or fish are served here. As you dine, the calm descends – outside, the evening sun reflects off the lake’s still waters, painting the landscape in warm hues.

Raven Eye Photography - Visit Greenland
Day 3 Optional hike to Garnet Rock

There are many things to do in Kangerlussuaq, like hiking and biking. You can also come with us on this exciting trip.

8-hour hike to Garnet Mountain (add-on)

Today, we set out on a beautiful hike through the magnificent backcountry of Kangerlussuaq, where fragrant Arctic plants, colorful landscapes, and untouched wilderness capture the essence of a Greenlandic summer.

We begin with a drive to the top of Tacan, a mountain shaped by the last Ice Age, where spectacular views await. From here, we follow the trail around Great Salt Lake. The route is mostly downhill, although there are a few uphill sections along the way.

After approximately 2.5–3 hours, we reach Garnet Mountain, where we search for the beautiful semi-precious garnets with hammer and chisel in hand. Along the way, we enjoy a packed lunch and keep an eye out for peregrine falcons and musk oxen roaming the area.

Our hike continues along the shores of Lake Ferguson, where we hope to spot the majestic red-throated loon and hear its distinctive call. The tour ends at the far end of the lake, where we are picked up and driven back to Kangerlussuaq.

Raven Eye Photography - Visit Greenland
Day 4 Flight to Ilulissat and Icefjord sailing (optional)

The day starts with a beautiful flight from Kangerlussuaq to Ilulissat, where you’ll enjoy spectacular views of Greenland’s dramatic landscapes from the plane. The trip takes less than an hour, and upon arrival in Ilulissat, a bus will welcome you and ensure a smooth start to the day’s adventure.

At Hotel Arctic, we are available in the lobby, where you can ask our guide for advice about the area and available excursions. If you’re interested, you can also book local excursions at the Arctic Excursions booking stand, operated by our subsidiary company.

Sailing among icebergs (add-on)

The day can end with an unforgettable evening boat tour on the Ilulissat Icefjord. Aboard a comfortable boat, we sail out among the majestic icebergs created by the huge Sermeq Kujalleq glacier. The evening sun casts golden and blue hues on the ice, making the atmosphere magical. The guide tells us about the fjord and its significance while we enjoy a hot drink and take in this unique sight.

In the evening, a welcome dinner is served at the hotel (beverages not included).

Ivar Rythorssony - Visit Greenland
Day 5 Ilulissat on your own or optional town walk and Sermermiut tours

Ilulissat offers plenty of experiences.

Town walk (add-on)

Today, we’ll take an exciting city tour of Ilulissat, a town with a rich history and a strong connection to the impressive icebergs that dominate the area. The guide will show you the main sights, including the charming Old Town, the Zion Church, and the museum that tells the story of life in the Arctic. You’ll also have time to explore the cozy shops and cafes where local products can be enjoyed.

Town walk and hike to Sermermiut (add-on)

Afterward, a trip to the Sermermiut Valley is just a short hike from the town. Here, you’ll experience Greenland’s cultural heritage up close and enjoy magnificent views of the Ilulissat Icefjord, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You’ll learn about the area’s history as a settlement for different Inuit cultures and have time to take photos of the stunning landscape.

Aninngaaq R. Carlsen - Visit Greenland
Day 6 Ilulissat on your own or a day trip to Eqi Glacier (optional)

If you’ve purchased the excursion package, you’ll go on a longer and beautiful boat trip today.

Day trip to Eqi Glacier (add-on)

From Ilulissat, we sail north through the dramatic Arctic landscape, where icebergs of all shapes and sizes drift silently. On board the boat, there is plenty of opportunity to enjoy the views and listen to the guide talk about the nature of the area and the importance of glaciers.

After 2-5 hours of sailing (depending on the boat), the Eqi Glacier appears on the horizon, and the sight is overwhelming. The huge glacier wall rises majestically from the sea, and you can hear the sounds of the ice cracking and breaking. With a bit of luck, we can witness calving, where large chunks of ice detach from the glacier and crash into the water with a huge bang – an experience that fascinates and reminds us of the forces of nature.

We stop in front of the glacier in good time to take pictures, enjoy a packed lunch, and relax. Along the way, you may also be lucky to spot Arctic animals such as seals, whales, or seabirds roaming the area.

At 2:00 pm, we pick up passengers at Glacier Lodge Eqi and head back to Ilulissat.

A day trip to the Eqi Glacier combines the magnificent nature of Greenland with an experience of peace and reflection that can only be found in this part of the world. Bring warm clothes and a camera – this trip is special.

Mads Pihl - Visit Greenland
Day 7 On your own and maybe go kayaking or on a helicopter tour (optional)

You’ll also have the chance to go kayaking!

Kayak Experience in Ilulissat (optional extra)

Inuit have been kayaking in Greenlandic waters for over a thousand years, and you can do the same. The kayak glides silently through the water, and you experience the huge icebergs rising around you. The sun gives the ice a unique play of colors. In cloudy weather, the beautiful blue colors of the icebergs will stand out. With a bit of luck, we’ll also encounter whales. The tours take place in stable double kayaks with a support boat. The excursion lasts 3½-4 hours, and you’ll be on the water for at least two hours.

There is also another option available.

Helicopter Tour Over Ilulissat Icefjord and Glacier (Optional Extra)

The Ilulissat Icefjord and the Kangia Glacier are the focus of this 1.5-hour helicopter tour, taking you straight into the heart of the UNESCO World Heritage Site. You can’t get this close to the enormous glacier by boat or on foot—and from the air, the views are even more breathtaking.

The helicopter takes off from Ilulissat Airport and flies as low as safety and regulations allow over mountains, lakes, rivers, and the Icefjord. You’ll land on a mountain ridge right at the glacier’s edge, where you’ll have about 30 minutes to enjoy the spectacular scenery. Afterward, you fly over the glacier front and follow the Icefjord for 70 kilometers on the return journey.

Finally, a whale safari is also an option.

Whale watching in Ilulissat (add-on)

Whale watching in Ilulissat is one of the most memorable experiences Greenland offers. During the summer months, Disko Bay is home to several species of whales, including humpbacks, fin whales, and minke whales, which migrate to the area to enjoy the nutrient-rich waters. Aboard a comfortable boat, we sail out onto the bay, moving through a spectacular landscape of drifting icebergs and sparkling waters.

Along the way, the guide shares fascinating facts about whale behavior, migration, and life cycle. We hope to meet more whales on today’s tour. It’s always fascinating to hear the sound of the whale blowing before the majestic animals dive into the depths. Watching large mammals leap, swim, and dive in their natural environment is unique. Often, you can also see the impressive tails of humpback whales as they disappear below the surface, but not all whale species dive with their tails up, which surprises many.

There’s also a good chance of spotting other Arctic animals, such as seals and seabirds, making the experience richer. Whale watching in Ilulissat is a unique opportunity to get close to Greenland’s wildlife and a reminder of how vast and beautiful nature is. Be sure to bring warm clothes and a camera – this is an experience you’ll want to keep for life.

Lloyd Horgan - Vertical Magazine
Day 8 Flight to Copenhagen from Ilulissat

A wonderful trip has ended, and you’re returning to Copenhagen today. After eight memorable days in Greenland, you’ll fly directly from Ilulissat to Copenhagen.

 

Keld Ravn

Hotels on this tour

Hotel Kangerlussuaq

Hotel Kangerlussuaq

The Hotel Kangerlussuaq is located as centrally as possible, in the airport building itself, so you have to pick up your luggage and carry it to the reception to check in. All rooms are spacious and have a view of the so-called Kitchen Mountain or views of the town and the surroundings.

The hotel has a restaurant and a very famous cafeteria, which is the meeting place for all the inhabitants of the area and the 220,000 passengers who pass through Kangerlussuaq every year.

Hotel Kangerlussuaq
Tankeqarfiup aqq.
3910 Kangerlussuaq

Excursions (Optional purchases)

Musk Ox in the snow near Kangerlussuaq
Anita Høegh - Visit Greenland

Tundra Safari (Kangerlussuaq)

Price from: 50,- EUR

Join us on an exciting safari through Kangerlussuaq’s impressive tundra landscape, where the dry inland climate has created a unique habitat for abundant wildlife.

Together with a local guide, we venture into the vast wilderness in search of some of Greenland’s most iconic animals. There is a good chance of spotting musk oxen and reindeer, and with a bit of luck, we may also see an Arctic hare or birds of prey soaring above the landscape.

Along the way, your guide will explain the area’s unique flora and fauna and how plants and animals have adapted to life in the Arctic. This excursion offers spectacular scenery and fascinating insight into one of Greenland’s most unique ecosystems.

Included

  • Guided tundra safari
  • Local guide with extensive knowledge of the area’s nature and wildlife
  • Transportation by vehicle through the tundra landscape

Good to know

Duration: 1.5 hours
Participants: 1–36 people

As the animals live freely in the wild, sightings cannot be guaranteed. We recommend wearing warm, windproof clothing and bringing a camera or binoculars to make the most of the experience.

Flemming Deleuran

Full-Day Adventure on the Ice Sheet (Kangerlussuaq

Price from: 155,- EUR

Experience the Greenland Ice Sheet up close on a full-day excursion to Point 660, where you’ll have plenty of time to explore the world’s second-largest ice sheet on foot. With approximately four hours on the ice, you’ll discover a fascinating landscape of valleys, ridges, crystal-clear meltwater streams, lakes, and small waterfalls—an experience that feels like a true polar expedition.

Equipped with crampons and trekking poles, the hike is suitable for most guests. The terrain is comparable to hiking in rolling countryside, and along the way, we’ll enjoy a packed lunch on the Ice Sheet while drinking fresh meltwater straight from nature.

On the drive to and from Point 660, we travel through Kangerlussuaq’s beautiful tundra landscape, where there is a good chance of spotting musk oxen, reindeer, and Arctic wildlife.

Included

  • Transportation to and from Point 660
  • Approximately 4-hour guided hike on the Greenland Ice Sheet
  • Crampons and trekking poles
  • Packed lunch
  • Fresh meltwater from the Ice Sheet

Good to know

Duration: Approximately 8 hours
Participants: 1–12

We recommend warm, windproof clothing and sturdy hiking boots. The excursion is suitable for guests with a reasonable level of fitness.

Please note: Children must be at least 10 years old to participate.

Albatros Arctic Circle

Hiking to Garnet Rock (Kangerlussuaq)

Price from: 130,- EUR

Join us on a full-day hike through Kangerlussuaq’s magnificent backcountry, where the Arctic tundra offers colorful vegetation, spectacular views, and abundant wildlife.

After a drive to Tacan, we follow the trails through the landscape to Garnet Mountain, where you’ll have the opportunity to search for the area’s distinctive red garnets. Along the way, we enjoy a packed lunch in the great outdoors while keeping an eye out for musk oxen and the region’s Arctic birdlife.

Included

  • Drive to Tacan
  • Packed lunch
  • Coffee and tea
  • Hammer and chisel for garnet hunting
  • Transportation back to Kangerlussuaq

Good to know

Duration: Approximately 8 hours
Participants: 1–12

We recommend sturdy hiking boots, windproof clothing, and a small backpack for your personal belongings. The hike takes place in varied terrain with a few uphill sections and is suitable for guests with a reasonable level of fitness.

Please note: Children must be at least 10 years old to participate.

Aninngaaq R. Carlsen - Visit Greenland
Jette Schwartz
Stian Klo - Visit Greenland
Jesper Kunuk Egede

Icefjord Sailing (Ilulissat)

Price from: 95,- EUR

Experience the impressive icebergs of Ilulissat bathed in the unique light of the midnight sun. On this popular boat tour, we head out into the Icefjord, where large icebergs, calved from the Ilulissat Glacier, drift and ground at the mouth of the fjord.

Here, you will have the opportunity to sail close among these majestic ice formations and experience their scale and beauty up close. Please remember to dress warmly, as it can be chilly out on the water—even in summer.

Good to know

MINIMUM PARTICIPANTS: 4 or 6 persons
DURATION: 2.5 hours

We recommend booking the tour at the same time as your trip. If you book later, you risk it being sold out. Please read more about the excursions in the daily programs above.

Ivar Eythorsson - Visit Greenland
Caroline Ellis Friis
Jan Lindahl
Asa Steiners - Visit Greenland
Anders Peter Amsnæs

Sermermiut Hike (Ilulissat)

Price from: 55,- EUR

The stunning icebergs of the Ilulissat Icefjord form the backdrop to the ancient settlement of Sermermiut, located about 1.5 kilometers south of the town. For 4,000 years, various Inuit cultures lived at this site, and many remains can still be seen today, bearing witness to their presence.

You can explore ruins from the time when Inuit lived here, and if you continue to the end of the boardwalk, you will also reach the so-called “Kællingekløften,” which became well known after season 4 of the TV series “Borgen,” much of which was filmed in Ilulissat.

  • MINIMUM PARTICIPANTS: 4 persons
  • DURATION: 2 hours

We recommend booking the tour at the same time as your trip. If you book later, you risk it being sold out. Please read more about the excursions in the daily programs above.

Mads Pihl - Visit Greenland
Christina Lundbye
Henrik Møller Nielsen - Visit Greenland
Aninngaaq R. Carlsen - Visit Greenland

City Walk (Ilulissat)

Price from: 45,- EUR

Begin your experience with a deeper understanding of Greenlandic culture and history—adding valuable perspective to all your other experiences in Greenland.

Ilulissat was founded in 1741 and is today Greenland’s third-largest town, with more than 4,500 inhabitants. On this guided city walk, your guide will share insights into the town’s history, Greenlandic culture, and modern life 300 kilometers north of the Arctic Circle. Along the way, we visit the fishermen at the harbor, the vendors at “Brættet,” and pass by Knud Rasmussen’s birthplace as well as the old wooden Zion Church.

  • MINIMUM PARTICIPANTS: 4 persons
  • DURATION: 2 hours

We recommend booking the tour at the same time as your trip. If you book later, you risk it being sold out. Please read more about the excursions in the daily programs above.

Paul Zizka - Visit Greenland

Day Trip to the Eqi Glacier (Ilulissat)

Price from: 335,- EUR

Travel season: June – September

80 kilometers north of Ilulissat you can visit the calving glacier Eqi. It is possible by boat to get very close to the glacier and experience huge pieces of ice breaking off. The sounds are enormous, and the sight of the icebergs, crashing into the water, is breathtaking.

  • Boat tour to Eqi (return trip)
  • Lunch on board
  • 2-hour stay in front of the glacier on board
  • Transfer between hotel and harbor b/w

Duration of the trip depends on which boat is used on the day.
Duration: 6-12 hours

Good to know

We recommend that you book the excursion when you book your trip. By booking later, you risk that the package is sold out.

Julie Skotte - Visit Greenland

Whale Safari (Ilulissat)

Price from: 165,- EUR

Join us on an unforgettable boat tour among the icebergs of Disko Bay as we search for the majestic whales that inhabit these waters. Humpback whales are the most common visitors, but with a bit of luck, we may also spot fin whales or minke whales. The captain adjusts the route according to the day’s conditions and the latest sightings to give us the best possible chance of getting close to the whales—always with respect for the animals and their natural behavior.

  • 3-hour whale safari in Disko Bay
  • Opportunity to see humpback whales, fin whales, and minke whales
  • Cruise among the impressive icebergs of the Ilulissat Icefjord

Good to know

Whales are wild animals, so sightings cannot be guaranteed. However, cruising among the magnificent icebergs makes this a truly memorable experience, no matter what the day brings.

We recommend booking this excursion at the same time as your trip. If you book later, the excursion may already be sold out.

Pouring coffee on a kayaking trip among icebergs in the Disko Bay in Greenland
Mads Pihl - Visit Greenland

Evening Kayaking (Ilulissat)

Price from: 185,- EUR

Season: June to August

The Inuit invented the kayak. On this kayaking excursion, you will see the giant icebergs and, with a little luck, we will also meet whales. All tours take place in stable double kayaks, and a boat follows close by. You will be on the water for at least two hours.

  • Internationally approved kayak instructor
  • All kayaking equipment
  • Safety instructions
  • Coffee and tea

Good to know

Minimum age: 12 years old

Health:If you have any serious back pain or shoulder problems, you will not be able to partake in this excursion. This is for your own safety.

We recommend that you book the excursion when you book your trip. By booking later, you risk the package selling out.

Lloyd Horgan - Vertical Magazine
Keld Ravn
Keld Ravn
Keld Ravn
Keld Ravn
Keld Ravn

Helicopter Tour - Kangia Classic (Ilulissat)

Price and dates: EUR 610 per person (April 1 – December 31, 2026)

October 2026: Unfortunately, this excursion cannot be offered in October 2026.

2027: We do not yet have flight times and prices available. If you would like to book, please write to us in the comment field during step 2 of the booking process. We will contact you as soon as the excursion is available for sale.

Ilulissat Ice Fjord and the Kangia Glacier are in focus on a 1½ hours helicopter ride that takes you right into the heart of a UNESCO World Heritage Site. No boat or hiking trail can get this close to the huge glacier – and you will see it all from above!

The helicopter takes off from Ilulissat Airport and flies as low as safety and laws allow over mountains, lakes, rivers, and the Icefjord until we reach a mountain at the ice sheet’s edge. Here we have about half an hour to enjoy the view. Then, we fly over the glacier front and follow the Icefjord for 70 kilometers on our way back.

Minimum number of passengers

The minimum number of passengers depends on the type of helicopter used during the given period. We cannot always predict which helicopter type will be used, as it depends on availability at the time of the flight. The minimum number is three passengers for a small helicopter, while it is six passengers for a larger helicopter.

Booking

Please note that you cannot book this tour in the booking process. If you wish to book the helicopter tour, please indicate this in the comment box when booking in step 2. You can also contact us by phone or e-mail. We recommend booking the tour at the same time as your trip. If you book later, you risk it being sold out. Please read more about the excursions in the daily programs above.

Practical information

Flight schedule (local times) 2026

  • Departure from Copenhagen 09:30 am
  • Return flights arrive in Copenhagen 9:25 pm

Flight schedule (local times) 2027

  • Departure from Copenhagen 08:45 am
  • Return flights arrive in Copenhagen 9:00 pm

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

Hotel in Ilulissat 2026 (in 2027, all stays are at Hotel Acrtic)

  • On the following departures, you will stay at Hotel Nuka: July 14 and 28, August 25, and September 1 and 8, 2026.
  • On this departure, you will stay at Best Western Hotel Ilulissat: August 18, 2026.

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

We do not recommend this tour for people with reduced mobility and wheelchair users. Greenland Travel’s advice regarding difficulty levels on our excursions is intended for travelers who are not disabled. We are always happy to provide you with information on the suitability of the trip, taking into account the specific needs you may have. Please note that our advice is not based on medical knowledge, and ultimately it is YOUR responsibility to decide if a tour is right for you.

Summer Adventure in Greenland

8 days around Kangerlussuaq and Ilulissat

With this journey, you’ll experience plenty of adventure and authentic Greenlandic moments – by the Ice Sheet in Kangerlussuaq, among the icebergs of Ilulissat, and in the vibrant culture of North Greenland!

Ice sheetInuit CultureWhalesIcebergs
From
2.670 EUR
per person in double room
8 days  | 7 nights
June - September
Departure from Copenhagen
Travel id 9028

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.

When do you want to travel?

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Foto: Lisbeth Andersen

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 or write to us!