Discover the wonders of Greenland on this thrilling winter escapade! Journey through icy landscapes, UNESCO World Heritage sites, and charming Arctic towns while experiencing the magic of the Northern Lights and awe-inspiring glaciers.
Sail among massive icebergs in the Ilulissat Icefjord, explore the vibrant culture of Ilulissat, and stand in awe of the towering Eqi Glacier. Along the way, enjoy local culinary delights, serene Arctic landscapes, and the unforgettable beauty of Greenland’s wilderness.
This adventure promises an extraordinary blend of exploration, culture, and relaxation in one of the world’s most remote and spectacular destinations.
Overview
Itinerary Highlights
- Northern Lights Experience: Witness the mesmerizing aurora borealis dancing across the Arctic night sky, a once-in-a-lifetime spectacle.
- Russell Glacier Experience: Marvel at the towering walls of the Russell Glacier, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and enjoy a traditional Greenlandic BBQ in breathtaking Arctic surroundings.
- Ilulissat Icefjord Exploration: Sail through the iconic Ilulissat Icefjord, a UNESCO-listed wonder, surrounded by massive icebergs that create one of the world’s most stunning landscapes.
- Oqaatsut Village Visit: Experience authentic Greenlandic life with an evening tour of this tranquil village, capped off with a delicious dinner of local specialties at a historic restaurant.
- Eqi Glacier Excursion: Witness the grandeur of the Eqi Glacier, known for its dramatic calving, as you sail close to its towering ice walls for an unforgettable Arctic spectacle.
Itinerary in Brief
- Day 1: Arrive at Kangerlussuaq and Check-in at nearby Airport Hotel
- Day 2: Russell Glacier with BBQ Tour & Fly Kangerlussuaq to Ilulissat
- Day 3: Ilulissat Town Tour (morning) & Northern Lights Tour (Afternoon)
- Day 4: Sailing to the Icefjord Tour
- Day 5: Oqaatsut Day trip incl lunch and Snowshoe Hike
- Day 6: Depart Iluissat
Tailor-made suggestions
- Swap or add the included tours for other adventures such as Kayaking or other hikes.
- Add in a few extra days to make the most of this unique place.
- Add on an expedition cruise around Greenland, Canada or Iceland to explore the awe inspiring landscapes of The Arctic.
- Extend your trip and explore the best of Iceland
Travelling with Eclipse
Peace of Mind
- Eclipse Travel is Australian owned and run, and an ATAS accredited travel agent.
- 24/7 emergency numbers and local contacts provided for support while you’re abroad.
- We provide all the information you need to organise your visas and vaccinations, making travel preparation stress-free.
- No currency surcharges. Once your deposit is paid, your price is guaranteed.
Specialists
- Our consultants are true destination experts, with firsthand experience and extensive travel in the regions we offer.
- Expect quick, professional responses and dedicated service from our knowledgeable team.
- We conduct regular checks on destinations, hotels, and services to ensure quality for every trip.
Authentic Travel
- Tailor-made itineraries designed around your unique requirements.
- Freedom to select your preferred style and standard of accommodation.
- Unique itineraries that take you beyond the major highlights, immersing you in each location.
- Committed to responsible travel: we reinvest in the environment and local communities across our destinations.
Day 1 - Kangerlussuaq: Arrive at Kangerlussuaq and Check-in at nearby Airport Hotel
Arrive at Kangerlussuaq and Check-in at nearby Airport Hotel
On arrival at Kangerlussuaq Airport, please make your own way to your hotel to check-in. Approx. distance 100m
Day 2 - Kangerlussuaq: Russell Glacier Tour with BBQ / Fly Kangerlussuaq to Ilulissat / Ilulissat Airport to Hotel
Russell Glacier Tour with BBQ
UNESCO World Heritage Site: Enjoy a genuine Greenlandic summer day with many hours of sunlight, time spent in breathtaking surroundings and a traditional BBQ of local specialties - all served against the background of the Russell Glacier.
One of Greenland’s biggest attractions, known as the Greenland Ice Sheet, it covers 80% of the island’s surface and is second in size to the world’s only other ice sheet in Antarctica. Due to climatic and environmental changes, its mass continues to decrease as more ice melts into the surrounding seas.
On this tour, our destination is the strikingly beautiful Russell Glacier, which stands like a wall of ice – reaching up to 60 meters (197 feet) at certain points – in sharp contrast to the surrounding land and icescapes. Plus, we will have the pleasure of enjoying a delicious, traditional BBQ within a landscape that is beyond compare!
Kangerlussuaq enjoys a distinguishing attribute as the only place in Greenland where you can literally drive onto the ice sheet – and it is located only 25 km from the settlement! From all other locations in Greenland, you must hike, sail or fly.
Our adventure to the area’s most remarkable glacier requires transport via a tundra coach, a 4WD vehicle, which is designed to take on the rocky, changeable terrain and gravel roads. This leg of our journey takes approximately 1.5 hours. On the way, we will be on the lookout for wildlife, such as reindeer and musk oxen, and listen to stories from our guide about the area’s history.
After arriving to Russell Glacier, you can hike along the glacier’s edge, and simply enjoy its immensity. Here, the roar of melting and morphing ice structures are the only sounds that disrupt the peaceful silence. You will find many excellent locations for close-up photography and panoramas. While you are taking in the magnificent panoramas, we will fire up the grill and begin making preparations for our evening BBQ.
Due to the melting of ice during the warmer summer months, glacial thinning and instability within the colossal walls of ice can result. These structures can calve and break suddenly; therefore, it is important to maintain a safe distance.
As the ice slowly moves across the mountain landscapes, its unseen power crushes the rock below, thereby producing an accumulation of stony deposits and fine, gray silt. The silt is actually fine sand, clay and gravel that resulted from the ice’s crushing weight. These moraines and silt serve as a true testament to the great forces that nature can exert. They also help explain the steely gray color of the 160-kilometer (199-mile) long Kangerlussuaq Fjord.
After time spent enjoying the fantastic glacial surroundings and nature’s might, we will join together for a BBQ of grilled Greenlandic specialties and dine beneath the soft evening light. As our evening draws to an end, we will leave Russell Glacier behind, just as we found it – pristine, magnificent and unforgettable.
The Russell Glacier is located within the UNESCO World Heritage site of Aasivissuit - Nipisat.
Duration: 5 hours
Difficulty: 2 of 5
Season: can be done all year around, but BBQ is only offered from May to September. Box lunch on the other months
Participants: Max 16
Check-out and make your way to Kangerlussuaq Airport
Today you will check-out and make your own way to Kangerlussuaq Airport. approx 100m distance.
Fly Kangerlussuaq to Ilulissat
The flight will depart from Kangerlussuaq airport and will arrive in Ilulissat airport.
Ilulissat Airport to Hotel
Upon arrival at ilulissat Airport, you will be met by our representative and transferred to the hotel.
Breakfast and Lunch included.
Day 3 - Ilulissat: Ilulissat Town Tour / Northern Lights Tour
Ilulissat Town Tour
Join us on a guided town tour where we walk to the cultural and historic highlights of Ilulissat and make several scenic photo stops as we go along.
We will start at the historical Hotel Hvide Falk and on our way pass the Zion Church, the local fish market, the museums*, the harbour and different great viewpoints among other places. All places, which are important to the city or have interesting stories.
Learn the Story of the Old and Modern Ilulissat
By joining a guided town tour, you will learn the origin of Ilulissat, how the city has developed over the years, why the Inuits have been in the area for thousands of years, how important fishing is to the Ilulissat and much more.
However, every tour is different and our experienced guides will try to tailor each tour to the interests and questions of the guests.
*Please note, we won’t enter the museums during this tour.
Duration: 2 hours
Difficulty: 1 of 5
Season: All year around
Participants: 3
Northern Lights Tour
Northern lights are, without a doubt, one of the most amazing experiences in the Greenlandic winter. Our guide will take you to different viewpoints and explain about the science and myths of the aurora borealis.
Green and red colors dancing in the dark winter sky. Sometimes slowly and graceful, sometimes quick and powerful as a massive flame lighting up the night. Northern lights, also known as aurora borealis, are a unique phenomenon, and an experience of a lifetime!
We will make our way out into the nature outside Ilulissat, where no lights will disturb our view of the sky. Its easier to spot the aurora borealis here and see the reflection in the icefjord. We will drive and walk to different viewpoints – and hopefully be lucky.
The northern lights have been explained in several old Inuit myths and stories, which have been passed on for many generations. Our guide will tell these, as we make our way into the darkness and explain about the science behind the northern lights; the massive solar storms hitting Earths magnetic field.
Afterwards, we will return to the hotel and the guide will prepare a traditional Greenlandic Coffee with some homemade “northern lights”.
Please notice, we cannot guarantee northern lights during the tour and we reserve the rights to cancel and reschedule the tour.
Duration: 2 hours
Difficulty: 1 of 5
Season: November - April
Breakfast included.
Day 4 - Ilulissat: Sailing to the Icefjord Tour
Sailing to the Icefjord Tour
Boat trip to the famous Ilulissat Unesco Icefjord with our certified tour boat Pivik and trained guide.
Experience one of the most beautiful places on earth.
Ilulissat Icefjord, named “Ilulissat Kangerlua” in Greenlandic, is one of the most productive places of ice on Earth. To really see and understand the true beauty of the massive icebergs, you have to go in between them and see them from the waterside - which can only be done from a boat.
Experience the UNESCO World Heritage Site by Boat
All of the Ilulissat Icefjord is listed on the UNESCO’s World Heritage List. This is due to the large production of icebergs by the glacier Sermeq Kujalleq at the bottom of the Icefjord and the massive icebergs which are stuck a the end of it.
No matter the weather, the icebergs are always amazing. The sun makes the ice shine and sparkle, while the blue colours of the ice really pops out when it’s cloudy.
All out boat trips are in certified tour boats and with experienced guides. They will tell you about the ice and its importance for the area, while we closely pass the massive icebergs.
Duration: 2,5 hours
Difficulty: 1 of 5
Season: All year around
Participants: min 4 - max 12
Breakfast included.
Day 5 - Ilulissat: Oqaatsut Day trip incl lunch and Snowshoe Hike
Oqaatsut Day trip incl lunch and Snowshoe Hike
This tour takes you on adventure in the snow-covered area around Oqaatsut. Oqaatsut is a settlement of 30 people, located 20 kilometers north of Ilulissat. Experience it as a day tour with lunch or an afternoon/evening tour with dinner at Restaurant H8!
By boat you will be transported from Ilulissat Harbor through the wintery ocean where drifting icebergs will pass you on their path north out of the Disko Bay. Once we arrive in Oqaatsut, the boat will dock by the edge of the frozen bay. This time of year, the harbor in Oqaatsut is inaccessible due to the ice. This means that you will experience walking across the frozen bay and into the settlement. The hosts of H8 will welcome you by the boat and help you over the ice. It is completely safe to walk on the ice and the scenery from the ice in unforgettable.
When you get to Restaurant H8, our hosts will help you gear up with snowshoes and you will embark on an incredible hike in the nature behind the settlement and out where it is only you and nature. Our guide will show you their best viewpoints, tell you about the life in a settlement and the history of Oqaatsut. You will find a good spot for a break, where a warm beverage is served.
After approx. 1-1,5 hour of hiking, you will return to Restaurant H8, where it is possible to heat up again after the hike, and to sit and enjoy the view over the bay.
There will also be time for you to experience this authentic, beautiful settlement on your own. The settlement is filled with amazing views over the Disko Bay and the smaller bay sorrounding Oqaatsut.
For the day tour, lunch will be served in the cozy restaurant with view over the bay.
For the evening tour, you will end the day with a nice dinner at Restaurant H8 as well, before the boat takes you back to Ilulissat.
The meals in Restaurant H8 is created from fish or meat from the Greenlandic nature in a modern and simple way. Please let us know in advanced if you have any allergies or other preferences that we should be aware of regarding the dinner or lunch.
Included in the tour:
- Boat shuttle to and from Oqaatsut
- Snowshoe hiking with a warm beverage and snowshoe gear
- Choose day or evening tour to include lunch or dinner at Restaurant H8 Explorer (not including drinks)
Duration: 8 hours
Difficulty: 3 of 5
Season: 26th of February - 13th of April
Participants: min 4 - max 24
Breakfast and Lunch included.
Day 6 - Ilulissat: Depart Iluissat
Depart Iluissat
This morning you will be met at your hotel around 5:30am and transferred to the airport.
Breakfast included.
- Day 1 - Arrive at Kangerlussuaq and Check-in at nearby Airport Hotel
- Day 2 - Russell Glacier Tour with BBQ / Fly Kangerlussuaq to Ilulissat / Ilulissat Airport to Hotel
- Day 3 - Ilulissat Town Tour / Northern Lights Tour
- Day 4 - Sailing to the Icefjord Tour
- Day 5 - Oqaatsut Day trip incl lunch and Snowshoe Hike
- Day 6 - Depart Iluissat
Departs During late Feb and mid April
Season | Type | From | Special Offer |
---|---|---|---|
26 Feb 2025 - 13 Apr 2025 | USD$14184pp | ||
Comfort | USD$14184pp | Contact us | |
Superior | USD$15059pp | Contact us |
**Prices are per person based on twin / shared accommodation.
**Single supplements may apply
Comfort
Kangerlussuaq, Greenland - Polar Lodge
Ilulissat, Greenland - Hotel Hvide Falk
Superior
Kangerlussuaq, Greenland - Hotel Kangerlussuaq
Ilulissat, Greenland - Hotel Hvide Falk
What’s included?
- Accommodation with private facilities in our Superior Level. Our Comfort Level has shared facilities in Kangerlussuaq
- Internal flight within Greenland: Kangerlussuaq to Ilulissat on day 2.
- Tours with English speaking guides
- Transfers
- Meals as specified
- 5 Breakfasts
- 1 Lunch or Dinner
What’s not included?
- International airfares into Kangerlussuaq and out of Ilulissat.
- Arrival/departure taxes or reciprocity fees and hotel city taxes where applicable
- Passport, visa, and immigration fees
- Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages
- Travel Insurance
- Gratuities
- Any items not mentioned as included
Notes
- Please note our Comfort Level has shared facilities in Kangerlussuaq.
- It is important to bring clothing for different kind of weather. Wear multiple layers, wind and waterproof jackets, hiking or solid pants, shoes for terrain + thick socks. The average temperature in Greenland during the winter -16 degrees Celsius.
- Whilst this program can only be offered during late February to mid April, we can offer an all year around itinerary with different tour options.
- Please note this itinerary is subject to Air Greenland flight schedule. Please let us know your travel dates so we can build a suitable itinerary for you.
Price Assurance
At Eclipse Travel, our expert destination knowledge and decades of travel planning experience come at no extra cost to you. While many think booking through a tour operator is more expensive than planning a trip independently, that’s not the case. We’re paid by our travel partners—such as hotels, activity operators, and cruise providers—via commissions, not by our clients.
Our team negotiates the best rates for you and ensures you receive unbiased advice, with no preference for any particular supplier. In fact, where we secure higher commissions, we often pass the savings on to you, giving us a competitive price edge.
Additionally, we lock in exchange rates at the time of your deposit, ensuring no surprise costs when it’s time for final payment. You can rest easy knowing we’ll handle the details with our suppliers. The only exceptions are national park fee increases or fuel surcharges imposed after your booking, though these are rare.
Take advantage of our team’s expertise and let us help you plan the perfect holiday—hassle-free!
Destination: Arctic
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