Greenland

Reykjavik to Nuuk

The expedition begins with your arrival in Nuuk, Greenland’s vibrant capital, where you will be met at the airport and transferred to Hotel Soma for check-in. Nuuk is the capital and largest city of Greenland, with a population of approximately 20,000 people—around one-third of the country’s entire population.

Situated on Greenland’s southwest coast, it serves as the island’s political, economic and cultural centre. Founded in 1728 by the Danish-Norwegian missionary Hans Egede and originally known as Godthåb (“Good Hope”), Nuuk today combines colourful Scandinavian-style architecture with dramatic Arctic scenery, while retaining strong connections to Inuit culture and traditions.

After settling into the hotel and enjoying tea, coffee and refreshments, we transfer by taxi into the city centre for an introductory walking tour. For those who prefer not to walk far, a guided city tour by vehicle can also be arranged.

Our exploration includes the Greenlandic Parliament, the historic Colonial Harbour with its colourful 18th- and 19th-century buildings, Hans Egede’s House, viewpoints overlooking the fjord and surrounding glacial mountains, historic churches, traditional whale-processing equipment, the Mother of the Sea sculpture and the Hans Egede statue. Along the way there will be ample opportunities to photograph the beautiful Arctic scenery. If time does not permit us to visit all locations today, we can return to them tomorrow.

We then return by taxi to Hotel Soma. For those who wish, there is the opportunity before dinner to relax in an outdoor hot-water “Arctic Spa” with a glass of champagne while enjoying views across Nuuk’s fjord towards the glacier-clad mountains beyond. See: www.hotelsoma.com/arctic-spa-in-nuuk

Dinner is served at Hotel Soma.

Overnight: Hotel Soma.

Explore Nuuk

After breakfast at Hotel Soma, we transfer into Nuuk to visit Greenland’s National Museum, which opens at 10:00 am. The museum provides a fascinating introduction to Greenland’s remarkable human history, from the arrival of the first Paleo-Inuit peoples around 2500 BC through to the Norse settlements of the Viking Age, the colonial period and modern Greenlandic society. Its collections offer valuable insight into the resilience and ingenuity of those who have made a life in the Arctic over thousands of years.

Following our museum visit, we enjoy a traditional Greenlandic tapas lunch featuring local fish, shellfish and meats, with vegetarian options available.

In the afternoon, we experience one of Greenland’s most cherished social traditions: a Kaffemik. Hosted by a local Greenlandic family, this informal gathering offers the opportunity to enjoy coffee, cake and conversation while learning about daily life in Greenland, both past and present. It is a wonderful opportunity to ask questions, hear personal stories and gain a deeper understanding of the country’s culture.

Later, we embark on a scenic boat journey into the spectacular Nuuk Fjord system, one of the largest and most impressive fjord networks in the world. Travelling approximately 50 kilometres through glacier-carved landscapes, we look for whales, seals and seabirds while also trying our hand at fishing for local species such as cod and redfish. There is an excellent chance of encountering humpback whales, which migrate thousands of kilometres from the Caribbean to Greenland’s nutrient-rich waters each summer. These magnificent animals can reach lengths of 18 metres and weigh up to 30 tonnes.

Our destination is the former settlement of Qooqqut, home to the renowned Qooqqut Nuan restaurant. Here the chef prepares our freshly caught fish using local ingredients and international culinary influences. Should we fail to catch anything, the restaurant always has fresh local fish available, together with vegetarian options.

We enjoy dinner overlooking the beautiful fjord scenery before returning by boat to Nuuk and transferring back to Hotel Soma. For those interested, Nuuk is also home to several excellent art galleries and souvenir shops which we may visit today, depending on the group’s interests. There is also a massage parlour close to Hotel Soma for anyone wishing to book a treatment (additional cost, paid directly).

Overnight: Hotel Soma.

Nuuk to Ilulissat

After breakfast at Hotel Soma, we transfer to the airport and fly north to Ilulissat, gateway to one of Greenland’s most extraordinary natural wonders.

The Ilulissat Icefjord is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most spectacular glacial landscapes on Earth. Fed by the immense Sermeq Kujalleq Glacier, it is among the fastest-moving and most productive calving glaciers in the world, discharging approximately 35 billion tonnes of ice into Disko Bay each year. The result is an endless procession of colossal icebergs, some towering more than 100 metres above the waterline.

Many of the icebergs that enter the North Atlantic originate here, and it is widely believed that the iceberg responsible for sinking RMS Titanic in 1912 began its journey from this very glacier.

Upon arrival in Ilulissat, we transfer to Hvide Falk Hotel, beautifully situated overlooking the iceberg-filled waters of Disko Bay. Following lunch at the hotel, we explore Ilulissat’s charming town centre. Depending on timing, we may visit traditional bone and antler carvers creating Greenlandic tupilak figures, local artisan workshops and souvenir shops, as well as the Icefjord Centre, whose exhibits explain the geology, glaciology and cultural history of the surrounding UNESCO World Heritage landscape.

There are also two excellent museums. The Ilulissat Museum, housed in the birthplace of legendary polar explorer Knud Rasmussen, tells the story of Arctic exploration, Inuit culture and the history of the region. The Ilulissat Art Museum showcases works by both Greenlandic and Danish artists inspired by the extraordinary light, landscapes and ice of the Arctic. If we do not have time to visit all of these attractions today, we can return during the coming days.

After dinner in Hvide Falk Hotel’s excellent restaurant overlooking Disko Bay, there is time to relax before one of the highlights of our stay: an evening cruise amongst the icebergs. With a glass of champagne, we navigate through a dreamlike landscape of towering ice sculptures illuminated by the golden glow of the midnight sun. Despite the late hour, the light is often at its most beautiful, casting warm colours across the ice while whales, seals and seabirds move through the surrounding waters. Seeing the immense icebergs of Disko Bay bathed in this evening light is an unforgettable experience and one of Greenland’s most iconic sights.

Overnight: Hvide Falk Hotel.

Explore Ilulissat

After last night’s late return, we enjoy a relaxed morning and a leisurely breakfast at Hvide Falk Hotel. At approximately 10:30 am, we have the opportunity to meet one of Greenland’s most iconic animals: the Greenlandic sled dog. These remarkable working dogs remain an essential part of life in many Arctic communities and continue to be used throughout Greenland during the winter. Several hundred sled dogs are kept on the outskirts of Ilulissat.

Normally visitors should not approach them without their owners, as these are working animals rather than pets. Today’s experience is a special visit with local Inuit dog owners, whose dogs are accustomed to visitors. We learn about the important role sled dogs have played in Greenlandic history and culture, hear stories from their owners, and may even have the opportunity to hold or pet puppies.

We then enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before departing from the harbour on an unforgettable boat journey deep into the UNESCO World Heritage Ilulissat Icefjord.

This extraordinary landscape is fed by the mighty Sermeq Kujalleq Glacier, one of the most productive calving glaciers on Earth. As we travel deeper into the fjord, we are surrounded by immense icebergs sculpted by wind, water and time. Some rise more than 100 metres above the sea, while hidden beneath the surface lie even larger masses of ice. The scale is almost impossible to comprehend. From time to time, the thunderous crack of newly calved ice echoes across the fjord, a powerful reminder that this frozen landscape is constantly changing.

This is undoubtedly one of the great natural spectacles of the Arctic and offers exceptional opportunities for photography, wildlife observation and simply absorbing the immense beauty of Greenland’s icy wilderness. Along the way we may encounter whales, seals and seabirds.

Returning to Ilulissat in the afternoon, there is time to relax at the hotel. Alternatively, a small massage parlour close to Hvide Falk Hotel offers treatments for those wishing to unwind (additional cost, paid directly). For those seeking further adventure, optional activities can also be arranged, including scenic helicopter or fixed-wing flights over the Icefjord, or kayaking amongst the icebergs beneath the midnight sun. Availability for these highly sought-after experiences is limited, so advance booking is recommended through the Redfern Adventures team.

Dinner is served at Hvide Falk Hotel.

Overnight: Hvide Falk Hotel.

Explore EQI Glacier Lodge

After breakfast at Hvide Falk Hotel, we begin our journey to one of the most remarkable locations in Greenland: Eqi Glacier Lodge.

Situated beside the immense Eqi Glacier (Eqip Sermia), the lodge occupies one of the most spectacular settings in the Arctic. Unlike many glaciers that can only be viewed from a great distance, Eqi terminates directly in the sea, allowing visitors to approach remarkably close by boat. Stretching nearly four kilometres across, the glacier forms a towering wall of ice that rises above the dark waters of the fjord. Throughout the day, huge blocks of ice regularly break away from the glacier face with a thunderous roar, sending waves across the fjord and providing a dramatic reminder that this frozen landscape is constantly evolving.

At approximately 9:30 am, we depart Ilulissat by private boat for the scenic journey north to Eqi Fjord. The voyage itself is one of Greenland’s great travel experiences, taking us through iceberg-filled waters and past remote mountains, glaciers and untouched Arctic wilderness.

Part way through the journey, we pause in front of the glacier itself to enjoy lunch while watching the spectacular calving process. The glacier is one of Greenland’s most active, and there is often an opportunity to witness enormous sections of ice collapsing into the fjord.

Continuing north, we arrive at Port Victor, the landing point for Eqi Glacier Lodge, at approximately 3 pm.

We then check into our private luxury chalets overlooking the glacier. Each chalet enjoys magnificent sea views and provides comfortable accommodation in one of the most remote and dramatic locations in Greenland. From the terrace, guests can often hear the distant rumble of calving ice echoing across the fjord. Meals are served in the lodge’s excellent restaurant, whose panoramic windows frame uninterrupted views of the glacier.

There is also the opportunity to enjoy the lodge’s sauna while taking in the surrounding scenery. Arctic hares and Arctic foxes are occasionally seen around the lodge, and a number of walking trails provide opportunities to further explore the surrounding landscape. Eqi Glacier Lodge is widely regarded as one of Greenland’s most special places to stay.

The combination of remote wilderness, exceptional comfort and constant views of one of the Arctic’s great glaciers creates an experience that few travellers ever forget.

Dinner and overnight at Eqi Glacier Lodge.

Return from EQI Glacier

This morning we wake to one of the finest views in Greenland, with the immense Eqi Glacier dominating the fjord beyond the lodge.

After a leisurely breakfast, there is time to simply relax and enjoy the scenery or, for those who wish, undertake one of the walks around the lodge. A particularly rewarding route leads to a viewpoint overlooking the moraine, offering superb perspectives across the glacier, fjord and surrounding mountains.

Lunch is served at the lodge while we enjoy our final hours in this extraordinary setting. In the afternoon, we depart Eqi and return south by boat towards Ilulissat, usually arriving between 5 pm and 7 pm depending on conditions.

Upon arrival, we transfer back to Hvide Falk Hotel and check into our rooms before enjoying dinner overlooking the iceberg-filled waters of Disko Bay.

For those who would like to make the most of the evening light, there is the option after dinner to visit the Icefjord boardwalk and viewpoint area. Here a network of trails leads through a landscape that has been inhabited by Inuit peoples for thousands of years. The remains of traditional turf dwellings can still be seen, while the surrounding viewpoints offer magnificent vistas across the UNESCO World Heritage Icefjord. In favourable conditions, the golden evening light illuminates the icebergs in spectacular fashion.

Overnight: Hvide Falk Hotel.

Ilulissat to Kangerlussuaq

After breakfast at Hvide Falk Hotel, we enjoy a final morning in Ilulissat. This provides an opportunity to revisit any museums, galleries, artisan workshops or souvenir shops that we may not have had time to explore fully during our previous days in the town.

Around midday, we transfer to the airport and fly east to Kangerlussuaq. Unlike Nuuk and Ilulissat, Kangerlussuaq is not renowned for its architecture or cultural attractions. Instead, its importance lies in its location. Situated deep within a vast fjord system and close to the edge of the Greenland Ice Sheet, it provides access to some of the most impressive wilderness and wildlife viewing opportunities in the country.

The surrounding tundra landscape is beautiful. The settlement grew around a former American air base and, until recently, served as Greenland’s principal international aviation gateway. Today, it remains one of the best places in Greenland to see Arctic wildlife, including musk ox, reindeer, Arctic fox, Arctic hare, ravens and rock ptarmigan.

Upon arrival, we check into Hotel Kangerlussuaq, Greenland’s principal international-standard hotel, and enjoy a late lunch.

Later, there is time for a gentle exploration of the surrounding area. The landscape here is very different from the coastal regions we have visited so far, with wide-open tundra, glacial valleys and distant mountains creating a sense of immense space.

Dinner is served in Kangerlussuaq.

Overnight: Hotel Kangerlussuaq.

The Greenland Ice Sheet

Today is one of the defining experiences of the expedition as we journey to the edge of the Greenland Ice Sheet itself.

After breakfast, we drive inland from Kangerlussuaq through a landscape shaped by ice over countless millennia. This region supports one of Greenland’s richest concentrations of wildlife, and musk ox and reindeer are frequently seen grazing beside the road or on the surrounding hillsides.

With a population of more than 20,000 musk ox in the region, Kangerlussuaq offers some of the best opportunities anywhere in Greenland to encounter these remarkable Ice Age survivors.

Our route crosses broad glacial outwash plains covered in gravel, sand and surprisingly abundant Arctic vegetation, with plains of colourful Arctic wildflowers.

During summer, continuous daylight warms these landscapes and temperatures can occasionally exceed 25°C (77°F), despite our proximity to the vast ice sheet.

Along the way, we stop at several viewpoints and points of interest, including the remains of historic aircraft wrecks and spectacular overlooks across the surrounding tundra and fjord landscapes. Eventually, the Greenland Ice Sheet itself appears on the horizon.

Although we have already seen glaciers and icebergs during our expedition, nothing quite prepares visitors for the scale of the ice sheet. The Greenland Ice Sheet is the second-largest body of ice on Earth after Antarctica. Covering approximately 1.7 million square kilometres—around 80% of Greenland’s surface—it stretches for more than 2,400 kilometres from north to south and reaches over 1,000 kilometres in width. In its deepest areas, the ice exceeds three kilometres in thickness, burying mountains and ancient landscapes beneath an immense frozen plateau. It contains enough ice to raise global sea levels by approximately 7.4 metres were it ever to melt completely.

We arrive at Point 660, one of the most accessible locations from which to experience this extraordinary natural wonder. Here guests can choose from three different experiences according to their interests and activity levels.

Option 1: Ice Sheet Viewpoint Experience

For those who prefer a more relaxed day, Point 660 provides outstanding views across the vast white expanse of the ice sheet. There is ample opportunity for photography and time to absorb the scale of one of Earth’s great natural features before returning to Kangerlussuaq for dinner.

Option 2: Guided Ice Sheet Walk

For those wishing to step onto the ice itself, we are equipped with crampons and trekking poles before venturing onto the ice sheet with experienced local guides. Walking across the surface provides a unique perspective on this frozen landscape and allows us to appreciate the extraordinary textures, colours and formations created by ice, meltwater and sunlight. After our excursion, we return to Kangerlussuaq later in the day for dinner.

Option 3: Overnight Ice Sheet Expedition

For the more adventurous members of the group, a truly unforgettable experience awaits. Equipped with crampons, trekking poles and sleds carrying our equipment, we trek approximately 45 minutes across the ice sheet to a specially designated camp area. Here we establish a temporary expedition camp using specialised ice tents secured directly to the ice with ice screws.

Once camp is established, we undertake an extended walk across the ice sheet with our local guides. Conditions vary from year to year, but highlights may include brilliant blue meltwater pools, deep crevasses and moulins—vertical shafts through which meltwater plunges deep into the ice.

Returning to camp, we enjoy a hot meal together in the communal dining tent before settling into our sleeping bags for the night. Under the midnight sun, the ice sheet glows with extraordinary colours, and many guests choose to briefly wake during the early hours to experience the remarkable Arctic light reflecting from the ice crystals.

Although temperatures often fall below freezing overnight, the specialised sleeping equipment provided ensures a comfortable and memorable experience.

Guests choosing Options 1 and 2 overnight at Hotel Kangerlussuaq.

Guests choosing Option 3 overnight on the Greenland Ice Sheet.

Russell Glacier BBQ

Guests who selected Options 1 or 2 yesterday enjoy a leisurely breakfast at Hotel Kangerlussuaq before setting out to explore one of West Greenland’s most impressive glacier fronts.

Those who spent the night on the Greenland Ice Sheet begin the day with a hot breakfast at camp. There is time for a final walk across the ice before the camp is dismantled and we make our way back to Point 660 to rejoin the rest of the group.

We then travel together to the spectacular Russell Glacier, one of Greenland’s most accessible glacier fronts. Towering up to 60 metres above the valley floor, this immense wall of ice stretches across the landscape in a dramatic display of nature’s power. Meltwater rivers emerge from beneath the glacier and weave their way through the surrounding tundra, creating a constantly changing Arctic landscape.

The journey to Russell Glacier also provides another excellent opportunity to search for wildlife. Musk ox are frequently encountered grazing on the tundra, while reindeer, Arctic hare, Arctic fox, ravens and rock ptarmigan may also be seen. As always, we stop whenever worthwhile wildlife sightings present themselves.

Upon arrival at the glacier, we enjoy a short walk to several viewpoints where we can appreciate the sheer scale of the ice front and the surrounding landscape. Standing beside this vast river of ice provides a fascinating contrast to the previous day’s experience on the Greenland Ice Sheet itself.

Lunch today is a memorable Arctic barbecue overlooking the glacier. Musk ox or reindeer steaks are often available, alongside vegetarian options, allowing guests to sample local Greenlandic cuisine while surrounded by one of the country’s most spectacular natural settings.

After lunch, we continue exploring the surrounding tundra and glacial landscapes before returning to Kangerlussuaq.

The drive back provides further opportunities for wildlife sightings and photography as the evening light spreads across the vast Arctic wilderness.

This evening we enjoy our final dinner in Kangerlussuaq and reflect on our experiences amongst Greenland’s glaciers, wildlife and ice-covered interior. Overnight: Hotel Kangerlussuaq.

Kangerlussuaq to Nuuk

After breakfast, we enjoy a relaxed final morning in Kangerlussuaq. While it is highly unlikely that we have not already encountered musk ox or reindeer during our stay, this morning offers one final opportunity to explore the surrounding tundra landscapes and search for wildlife.

We undertake a short tundra safari to several scenic viewpoints around Kangerlussuaq, including Black Ridge, which offers magnificent views across the surrounding wilderness. Here, glacier-polished bedrock has been smoothed by moving ice over thousands of years, creating rock surfaces that shine almost like glass in the Arctic sunlight. The tundra surrounding Kangerlussuaq is among the most wildlife-rich regions in Greenland, and musk ox are often encountered roaming the landscape. With luck, we may also encounter reindeer, Arctic hare, ravens or rock ptarmigan during our final exploration.

We then return to Kangerlussuaq for lunch before transferring to the airport for our flight back to Nuuk. Upon arrival in Nuuk, we transfer to Hotel Soma and check into our rooms.

This evening we enjoy dinner together and a chance to reflect on the remarkable experiences of the past ten days, from Greenland’s colourful capital and traditional communities to the immense glaciers, icebergs and wilderness of the Arctic.

Overnight: Hotel Soma.

Puffins and Razorbills

After a leisurely breakfast at Hotel Soma, we set out on one final exploration of the spectacular coastal landscapes surrounding Nuuk.

Today we travel by boat to a small island south of the city that supports breeding colonies of Atlantic puffins and razorbills. The colourful puffin is one of the Arctic’s most charismatic seabirds, recognised by its striking beak and comical appearance. Spending much of the year far out at sea, puffins return to land only during the breeding season to nest and raise their young.

While sightings can never be guaranteed, as these are wild birds in a natural environment, we have a good chance of observing both puffins and razorbills during our visit. Even when wildlife is elusive, the boat journey itself is rewarding, taking us through beautiful fjords and coastal scenery while providing another opportunity to look for whales, seals and seabirds.

We return to Nuuk around lunchtime and enjoy lunch together in the city.

The remainder of the afternoon is free for independent exploration. Guests may wish to undertake some final souvenir shopping, visit local galleries and craft workshops, or simply relax and enjoy the atmosphere of Greenland’s capital.

Nuuk’s thriving arts scene and growing number of artisan shops provide excellent opportunities to purchase authentic Greenlandic handicrafts, carvings and artwork.

This evening we gather for a final farewell dinner together, celebrating the conclusion of our Greenland adventure.

Overnight: Hotel Soma.

Departure

After a final breakfast together at Hotel Soma, we transfer to Nuuk Airport for our departing flights to Reykjavik.

Over the past twelve days we will have explored Greenland’s vibrant capital, sailed amongst some of the largest icebergs on Earth, visited remote Arctic communities, encountered whales and other wildlife, witnessed the immense power of calving glaciers and stood upon the Greenland Ice Sheet itself.

Along the way we will have experienced both the extraordinary natural beauty of the Arctic and the rich cultural traditions of the Greenlandic people.

As our expedition comes to an end, we depart Greenland with memories of towering icebergs, dramatic fjords, vast tundra landscapes and endless summer daylight that will remain long after the journey is over.

Departures are carefully timed to coincide with direct Icelandair flights between Nuuk and Reykjavik.

Add On Trip: Ancient Norse Ruins

For guests wishing to delve deeper into Greenland’s remarkable history, we offer an optional extension to South Greenland and the historic region around Qaqortoq.

This beautiful area contains some of the most important Norse archaeological sites anywhere in the North Atlantic. Settled by Erik the Red and his followers around AD 985, South Greenland became the heart of the Norse Eastern Settlement, where Viking farmers, hunters and traders established communities that survived for nearly five centuries at the very edge of the known medieval world.

Today these landscapes form part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Kujataa, recognised for its unique cultural significance and the extraordinary story of farming and human settlement in the Arctic.

The most famous site is Hvalsey Church, situated beside a tranquil fjord near Qaqortoq. Built around AD 1300, it is the best-preserved Norse ruin in Greenland, with its stone walls still standing after more than 700 years. Hvalsey occupies a special place in Greenlandic history as the location of the last known written record of the Greenlandic Norse—a wedding celebrated here in September 1408, shortly before the mysterious disappearance of the Norse settlements.

Nearby are the remains of Viking farmsteads, stables, storehouses and banquet halls, providing a fascinating glimpse into daily life on one of Europe’s most remote medieval frontiers.

This extension takes place on 10–11 July, with departure from Greenland on 12 July via direct Icelandair flights from Nuuk to Reykjavik. Please contact the Redfern Adventures team for further information and pricing regarding this optional extension.