Greenland Expedition

Tikilluarit! Welcome to Greenland. Your adventure begins in Nuuk, the capital of Greenland, with a welcome meeting at 6 pm. If you arrive early, maybe wander the streets of the Old Nuuk neighbourhood and see the Hans Egede Church and Hans Egede statue, both named after the missionary who founded the settlement. History buffs will want to visit the national museum to view the famous Greenlandic mummies, too, which were found under a rock outcrop in 1972 by two brothers who were ptarmigan hunting. After your meeting, maybe head out for an optional welcome dinner with the group.

This morning, take a leader-led walking tour of Nuuk. After you get your bearings and see some of the city’s sites, you’ll meet with a local storyteller to learn about Greenland’s mythology. Hear stories about the local legends and mythological creatures like the Mother of the Sea, the Mountain Walker, the Sun and Moon and many others. Your storyteller will also talk about their background and where their interest in monsters began. After, you’ll have a free afternoon – maybe take a short hike in the backcountry or take a boat tour through the city’s fjord. As it doesn’t get dark in the evenings, boat tours are a great way to spend an evening! (B)

This morning, you’ll catch a flight to Ilulissat, which literally translates to ‘iceberg’ and is home to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Ice Fjord. When you arrive, you’ll head out on a leader-led walking tour of the town. Learn about the history of the town, visit the port to learn about the local fishing industry and pass by a wooden church and history museum. Stop in at an artisan workshop to learn about the centuries-old bone carving tradition here and see some local artists at work making jewellery. Later, enjoy a kaffemik experience – step into a local’s home and get a feel for what it's like to live like a Greenlander, especially through the art of kaffemik! More than just coffee and cakes, this tradition of a hot drink and a sweet treat promotes community, connection and the enjoyment of life. (B/L)

Today you’ll head out on a daytrip and cruise to the Qasigiannguit settlement. Ilulissat sits at the mouth of the Sermeq Kujalleq glacier – a source of many of the icebergs in the North Atlantic – so this is the perfect spot for total iceberg exploration. During your tour of the town from the water, look out for seals and whales. Visit Greenland's oldest wooden house, built in 1734, enjoy lunch in a scenic spot and learn about the area’s cultural traditions. Maybe end the day at Hotel Arctic, having a drink in the bar or on the terrace overlooking the large icebergs in Disko Bay. (B/L)

Today, you’ll take a transfer to the port, then the ferry to Qeqertarsuaq (Disko Island). The city and the island have the same name, which in Greenlandic means ‘the big island’. Pass by more icebergs – this may just be one of the most spectacular public ferry rides ever – along the way. When you arrive, take a guided walking tour with your leader to learn about the island’s history and what modern life is like above the polar circle. Qeqertarsuaq was founded in 1773 as a whaling station and today has about 850 inhabitants. The rest of the afternoon and evening is free – ask your leader where to grab the best local fare. (B)

Today, you’ll take a full day hike from Qeqertarsuaq to Disko Mountain Lodge. The hiking trail may be challenging at times, but the raw scenery is incredibly beautiful and you’ll take several breaks along the way to soak up the volcanic mountain environment and the views over Disko Bay. On a clear day, you’ll see all the way to Ilulissat! Have lunch along the way, then end at your accommodation at Disko Mountain Lodge – a blue wooden cabin on top of Lyngmark Mountain. Cosy and comfortable despite its remote location, this lodge features panoramic views over the bay and the perfect opportunity to soak in the wilderness of your surroundings. Depending on the weather and the conditions on the glacier, your leader will organise some optional activities for this afternoon – maybe go hiking to Blaesedalen (windy valley) or the Apostle Mountain, hike on the glacier with snowshoes or hang out at the lodge playing games. (B/L/D)

Today, fuel up on breakfast, then hike back to Qeqertarsuaq the same way you came. Disko Island is raw and wild, and its volcanic heritage has created a unique environment, unlike any other place in Greenland. Explore the basalt rock formations, lush vegetation, hot springs and black sand beaches along the way, soaking up the unique natural wonders and the immensity of the Lyngmark Glacier. (B)

This morning, take the ferry back to Ilulissat. When you arrive, enjoy a free afternoon to relax and recharge after a full two days of hiking. You could also take an optional sea-kayaking tour through the icebergs or go whale watching! You could also head out on an iIce fjord boat tour and cruise through the incredible landscape at a leisurely pace. During the months of the midnight sun (when the sun never completely sets), there is plenty to do to really soak up the magic of this remote location! (B)

Visit the Icefjord Centre today for a journey into Greenlandic culture. Here, visit the permanent exhibition ‘Sermeq pillugu Oqaluttuaq – The Story of the Ice,’ and learn about the cycle of the ice and the abundant wildlife around the fjord. Head to the rooftop for a good view of the city, then take a walk along the wooden pathway to the fjord, to visit the Sermermiut settlement. This valley is a UNESCO World Heritage site due to the ruins of ancient settlements that date back 4500 years. See another view of the icebergs from a viewpoint, then you’ll reach the shore of the ice fjord. Continue to Nakkaavik, which means ‘the place where you fall’. This name comes from a time when the elderly use to throw themselves down the cliff during famine – they sacrificed their lives for the younger people, so they could have enough food to continue and feed the new generations. Tonight, you’re free to take on any optional activities you didn’t get a chance to do yesterday. Or, head out for dinner with your group and celebrate an incredible adventure! (B/L)

With no further activities planned after breakfast, your trip comes to an end. If you’d like to extend your stay, it’s important to request any additional accommodation well in advance due to limited availability and high demand in the summer months. (B)