Overland tour of Greenland North to South

From Keflavik International Airport, in Reykjavik, Iceland, we will fly with Air Iceland to Narsarsuaq, which is a wonderful oasis of rough mountains located in South Greenland. This city is characterized by blooming plains, icy fjords, glaciers, ruins; the main economic source is the highly developed agriculture. Today we'll overnight at Hotel Narsarsuaq, which is surrounded by lush nature. After check-in, we will go on a hiking trip to the Signal Hill where there is an amazing view of the airport area, Brattahlid, and the Ice Cap. We'll enjoy our welcome dinner at the hotel.

In the morning, we'll enjoy a boat trip to Qassiarsuk located at the bottom of Tunuliarfik, the same place where Erik the Red settled when he discovered the green land in 985. We will visit the restored ruins of Erik the Red's settlement, Brattahlid, and the reconstructions of his longhouse and his wife Thorhild’s church. Both buildings were reconstructed in 2000 to mark the 1000-year anniversary of Leif Ericsson's discovery of America and the introduction of Christianity in Greenland. On the guided tour, you will learn many things about life in South Greenland 1000 years ago. There will be plenty of time to experience Qassiarsuk. We suggest you enjoy your lunch in the small café Brattahlid.

In a smaller boat, we go on into the beautiful Qooroq Fjord to the landing site Itilleq from where we will start our hike to Igaliku, the old King's Road (after Danish King Frederik the 9th’s visit in 1952). Igaliku is a beautiful sheep farming settlement located at the bottom of the Igaliku Fjord, surrounded by a lush, green landscape and steep, bare hills in the background. Here, the Gardar bishopric was established by the Norsemen. The ruins of the small cathedral are now visible between the colourful houses and vegetable gardens. We will spend 2 nights in the country hotel in Igaliku with a perfect view to the light-blue fjord.  

Today we'll enjoy a unforgettable guided hiking trip north of Igaliku to reach a fantastic viewpoint with scenic views of the Qooroq glacier and the icecap in the back ground. The Qooroq glacier produces no less than 200,000 tons of ice every 24 hours! En route we pass a little lake where there are several opportunities to find moonstones. It is also possible to do many other hiking trips – for example to the roaring waterfalls or Nuluk hill.

In the morning we will get on board and sail to Qaqortoq, we'll enjoy a wonderful trip through a georgerous scenery characterized by icebergs, cliffs and maybe local fauna, such as sea eagles and seals. We will pass Hvalsø, the ruin of a church standing in a wonderful location with a view of the fjord Qaqortup Ima. In the early afternoon we arrive at Qaqortoq and accommodate at Hotel Qaqortoq. From the hotel it is possible to enjoy an amazing view over the harbour, while inside the hotel it is possible to admire fine pieces of artwork made by local artists. After check-in at the hotel, we will discover the town by foot. The picturesque village is situated in a pot between the Qaqortoq Fjord and the great lake Tasersuaq. The town shows colourful houses, gardens with flowers and herbs, a fountain from the 1930s and the modern stone sculpture project Stone and Man carved directly into the cliffs.

Today you'll discover and admire Qaqortoq according to your personal style: there is plenty to see and do. You can ask for a map at the tourist office in order to discover the sculptures scattered around in the town. Take a walk over the river and visit the open fish and meat market and the cozy museum, which is also the oldest house in town, built in 1804. Today you can also visit the incredible hot springs Uunartoq. The lakes are situated on an island approximately 50 kilometres south of Qaqortoq near the settlement Alluitsup-Paa. This unique experience will provide you with warm water springs surrounded by breath-taking landscapes, characterized by big mountains and floating icebergs. During the 2.5-hour boat trip to reach the site, you can spot whales frolicing in the water.

Early in the morning we will board the coastal vessel Sarfaq Ittuk. Now you can relax, enjoy the view of the seaboard and maybe see whales and seals. From the deck, it is possible to enjoy a perfect view of the jagged coastline, its remote areas, hilly landscapes and several little or big colourful icebergs. The eased speed of the boat makes you forget all about the time.

Overnight on board of the Sarfaq Ittuk, which can accommodate up to 274 passengers in its 104 cabins.

Today we'll arrive in Nuuk, the capital city, and stay at the 4-star Hotel Hans Egede, which has the most envied harbour views in the town. The hotel is located in the centre of the city; from here it is possible to explore the nearby area. It appears to be a busy town, due to traffic lights, buses and lots of cars, but the breath-taking scenery and the endless horizon automatically put town life in another perspective. As in all other towns in Greenland, you live in close harmony with nature but with plenty of inspiration from modern life.

Hosting about 15,000 inhabitants, Nuuk is a metropolis in comparison with other towns in Greenland. The construction industry thrives, as many new houses are being built, and the trade and restaurant life is lively. It is possible to discover the city in many ways. You should consider paying a visit to the Katuaq cultural centre, the open market (brættet), the old town and colonial port and the national museum where the famous mummies from Uummannaq are exhibited. Nuuk’s art museum is also an unmissable spot, it shows several paintings by renowned painter Emanuel A. Petersen.

Your guide will arrange a guided tour of the town, including visits to the museums for those who are interested. For those who love hiking, the better thing to do is an afternoon hiking trip around the beautiful mountain Lille Malene. The hike is approximately 8-10 kilometres long and requires good/normal physical condition and that you use to do hiking in fairly rough terrain. In return you will experience a pure, quiet wilderness with streams and rivers that trickle with fresh, cold water surrounded by mountains and overlooking the beautiful Nuuk Fjord. It is also possible to go shopping and take a break in one of the many cozy cafés. 

Today we'll be transferred from Nuuk to Ilulissat by plane. In this new city we'll stay at Hotel Arctic that provides an amazing view of the fjord. In the afternoon, we will take part in a guided tour where the guide will introduce you to modern life in contrast to the traditional hunting life that is still flourishing in the town.

It is also possible to enjoy a hike to the former Sermermiut settlement situated at the mouth of the Ice Fjord. Due to its perfect fishing conditions, this has been the favourite settlement in the area for several thousand years. It is an unforgettable walk along the fjord with a view of icebergs of all shapes and sizes.

Sailing northward we'll reach Eqi, the calving glacier: look out for seals and whales! As we arrive in Eqi, the boat sails close to the awesome glacier front, where you may be lucky enough to observe small calvings. Then, we go ashore at Glacier Lodge Eqi, surrounded by the nature and providing amazing direct views of the glacier. We will spend the following 2 nights in small cozy one-room wooden cabins for one or two persons (no bunk beds and no sleeping bags).

The standard cabins have no running water or sewerage facilities: this is part of the concept! You will get a water bottle for use in the washstand and each cabin is equipped with a toilet bucket in a private toilet room. The cabins are furnished with a gas stove for heating and candles as a light source. All meals are served in Café Victor.

Your guide organises hiking trips in the area, as trips to the lagoon and the moraine, which allow you to enjoy spectacular views of the Eqi glacier. The area provides many hiking opportunities, and it is up to you to decide whether to join a hiking trip or meditate amid the harsh, desolate and beautiful landscape.

Today we'll enjoy a walk around the small lagoon, situated south of the glacier, and cross the river on an easy transition and proceed up the great moraine where it is possible to look down into the huge splits of the glacier. From here, you are able to see a large part of the tall glacier front – rising up to 80 metres in some places – and both see and hear strong calvings. It is a real wonderful journey in the middle of the wild and quite unknown paradise.

Free time in the morning. At noon, we will sail back to Ilulissat with arrival late in the afternoon. Admire the passing scenery while looking out for whales. Fin whales, humpback whales and various other whales are often spotted in this area. In Ilulissat, Hotel Arctic welcomes you once again.

Today you can discover and admire the city of Ilulissat according to your own style. Go for a hike in the mountains, breathe the atmosphere of the town. If you want to take part in optional excursions, our local excursion office, World of Greenland, at the heart of Ilulissat, is at your disposal. It offers a wide range of excursions: boat trips on the fjord during the day or in the evening under the stunning midnight sun are a wonderful experience. The most productive glacier in the northern hemisphere, Kangia, is located only approximately 60 kilometres from Ilulissat where it produces some of the world's largest icebergs. You can also take part in a boat trip to get a true impression of the size of these giants of ice. Moreover, there is the chance to book a helicopter ride to Kangia – an absolutely unforgettable experience or pay a visit to one of the nearby settlements on a boat trip, which offers unique insight into the everyday life in small, isolated communities.

It is time to say goodbye to Greenland. We fly from Ilulissat to Reykjavik.