Subscribe to FREE travel info about Greenland

Keep yourself updated and sign up for our newsletter to receive inspirational news about Greenland by Topas trips and great offers.

Autumn and Northern Lights in Greenland Disko Island, Icebergs and Eqi Glacier

We publish 6-8 newsletters per year with information about our travel offers, tips and tricks, travel lectures and other inspiring events about Greenland.

You cannot help but be fascinated by the Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis) when the sky is filled with shafts or curtains of green, yellow, purple and red. You look up, afraid to blink, until your neck gets sore.

Tour Description

Of the four seasons in Greenland, it's no secret that winter is the longest and most dominant. On the other hand, spring, summer and autumn are short. However, autumn contains a myriad of gifts in the form of golden foliage and the most exciting natural phenomena: the Northern Lights.

Nuuk is much more than Greenland's capital city. On this journey you’ll go to the most beautiful and darkest viewpoints around Nuuk to hopefully witness one of the most majestic natural phenomena in the Arctic. Your local guide will tell about various folk tales related to the Northern Lights in Greenland.

Ilulissat Icefjord is a beautiful and interesting place, regardless of the season. It has its own very special colours for each period, but the autumn offers the most dramatic colour contrast. The day often ends with blazing Northern Lights filling the sky.

Highlights

  • Possibility to view the Northern Lights in one of the world's most beautiful countries
  • Learn a little about Greenlandic myths and legends
  • Scenic flight from Nuuk to Ilulissat
  • Stay in one of Greenland's best-located hotels: Hotel Icefiord
  • Explore a UNESCO World Heritage Listed destination by land and possibly by sea
  • Possibility to eat really well at one of the many good restaurants in Ilulissat

Summary

Day 1, Friday. Copenhagen - Nuuk (Northern Light)
The gateway to Greenland is Nuuk, reached by direct flight from Copenhagen. In the evening we will take a tour looking for Northern lights.

Day 2, Saturday. Nuuk - Ilulissat
Scenic domestic flight more than 500 km north to the iceberg capital Ilulissat, where you’ll stay at Hotel Icefiord. Afternoon guided tour of the ‘city’.

Day 3-4, Sunday and Monday. Ilulissat
Guided tour to Sermermiut with view to Kangia Icefiord with a lot of ice. Rest of the days are at your disposal in Ilulissat, with optional excursions to choose from.

Day 5, Tuesday. Ilulissat - Nuuk - Copenhagen

Return home from Ilulissat to Copenhagen via Nuuk.

Click here to see detailed day to day program

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1. Copenhagen - Nuuk. City walk and Northern Light

Your adventure begins with a flight to Greenland's main gateway, Nuuk.

Here we will go on a guided city tour to experience well-known places and the breathtaking viewpoint that’s often found on postcards from Nuuk! We will talk about Greenland’s history, as well as the sculptures and paintings around us. The tour shows Kangeq, where Hans Egede originally settled as well as the old colorful houses and the iconic Sermitsiaq mountain in the background.

I the evening we will go on a cozy tour in a green hybrid car to the most beautiful and darkest viewpoints around Nuuk. The tour is guided by a local, who will tell you about various folk tales related to the aurora, as well as the history and culture of the city. We provide a warm drink during the tour, especially during the cold stops where we step outside to hopefully witness one of the most majestic natural phenomena in the Arctic. If we are unlucky with the unpredictable northern lights, you can join another aurora tour for free!

The night is spent at Hotel Hans Egede Express which is central located in Nuuk.

B / - / -

Day 2. Nuuk- Ilulissat. City Tour

Most people travelling to Greenland want to see glaciers and icebergs. Today you’ll fly to the iceberg capital, Ilulissat. Flight time is approx. 1 hour 20 minutes and in good weather you’ll have a spectacular view over Ilulissat Icefjord shortly before landing.
You’ll be transferred by bus from Ilulissat Airport to your comfortable accommodation at Hotel Icefiord, where you’ll be staying for the next 3 nights in a seaview room.
This afternoon you’ll take a guided city walk to gain insight into everyday life and a little about local history.
B / - / -

Sweet greenlandic children

Day 3-4. Ilulissat on your own

During the days a guided hike to the old Inuit settlement Sermermiut, overlooking the icefjord mouth, is included. Beautifully situated on the outskirts of Ilulissat, the hike is about 5 km and reasonably easy.
UNESCO’s addition of Ilulissat Icefjord and Sermermiut to its World Heritage List has had a significant positive impact to the region. Your guide will explain what UNESCO conservation means and why it’s so important.

Rest of the days are at leisure to explore Ilulissat as you wish. You may like to relax and enjoy the local atmosphere around town, go to a café, visit the museums or one of the local artisan studios. If you’d prefer to make the most of your time with some guided excursions, we have a good selection to choose from, including tours with a Northern Lights theme.

See the excursion, in the text given for Ilulissat
B / - / -

Day 5. Ilulissat - Copenhagen (via Nuuk)

With hopefully a memory and camera full of Northern Lights, the adventure is now over. Your homeward journey starts from Ilulissat with a flight to Nuuk and onwards to Copenhagen.
B / - / D

NOTE! – Would you like to extend the journey?

If you would like more days to fully explore our wonderful part of the world, we have excellent knowledge of Greenland and can tailor an itinerary according to your wishes. Please contact us for information.
 

Northern Lights Facts

The Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis) occur when electrically charged solar particles collide with the Earth’s magnetic field. Attracted to the magnetic poles, the particles produce dazzling Auroral light when they collide with oxygen and nitrogen atoms: North Pole = Northern Lights / Aurora Borealis and South Pole = Southern Lights / Aurora Australis.
This phenomenon occurs year-round but is seen only in dark, clear skies. In Greenland it is best experienced in autumn and winter, with some places better than others.

Price and Practical Info

Price Includes

  • Flights Copenhagen (Denmark, Europe) - Nuuk (Greenland) - Ilulissat (Greenland) incl. taxes
  • Flights Ilulissat (Greenland) - Nuuk (Greenland) - Copenhagen (Denmark, Europe) incl. taxes
  • 1 night at Hotel Hans Egede Express, incl. breakfast
  • 3 nights at Hotel Icefiord (Ilulissat) in shared double room incl. breakfast
  • Excursions Nuuk: City tour and Northern lights with car
  • Excursions Ilulissat: City tour and Sermermiut Hiking 
  • Transport from / to airport and hotel (Ilulissat)
  • Contribution to the Travel Guarantee Fund
  • All taxes and charges

Price Excludes

  • Meals, except breakfast and meals on the Atlantic flight
  • Other excursions except those specifically mentioned in "Price Includes"
  • Tour guide (this trip is on your own)
  • Travel and cancellation insurance
  • Single room supplement / cabin allowance of 2.000 DKK

Please note: The price of this trip is a base-level estimate, calculated on a certain category of seat on the flights and room/cabin category of accommodation. The actual price for your travel date may differ, according to availability at the time of booking. Please confirm with us any possible surcharges at the time of making your booking.

If you need further explanation, please feel free to contact us.

Meals

Included meals are marked with B (breakfast), L (lunch), D (dinner) on each day. If meals are not included, these are marked with -.
On Air Greenland flights between Denmark and Greenland, free meals and drinks are served on board. On domestic flights in Greenland, a cup of coffee and a biscuit is typically served.

Accommodation

Access to Electricity

It’s possible to charge digital camera batteries at the hotels (with your own charger).

Mobile Phone

Mobile phone coverage is sparse during this trip, so there will only be limited opportunities to use your phone.

IMPORTANT NOTE!

The programme is subject to change without notice. A trip like this is dependent on good weather. There may therefore be some changes in the programme. Delays and cancellations may occur, especially in air and ship transportation.
No compensation is granted for the first 24 hours of delay or travel changes due to external circumstances. We will strive to reduce the disruption as much as possible and endeavour to provide an alternative programme or fill in the additional waiting time.

Experience Disko Island’s glaciers, Disko Bay’s huge icebergs and legendary whales, then further north, Eqi Glacier's deafening calving events. On this trip you’ll experience ice in many forms.

Tour Description

In our opinion, Qeqertarsuaq on Disko Island is one of the most beautiful places in Greenland. Basalt columns and hot springs are evidence of the island’s past volcanic history. The coastal lowlands are renowned for diverse and abundant flora. The mountainous hinterland hosts the Lyngmark Glacier – one of the few places in Greenland where you can try dog sledding in summer.

You’ll travel to the unique Glacier Lodge Eqi – a small community of cabins facing the glacier Eqip Sermia, located just 80 km / 3-5 hours by boat north of Ilulissat.

Ilulissat is Greenland’s 3rd largest city and known as the Iceberg Capital. Admire these ice giants from the comfort of your fjord view room at Hotel Icefiord, located on the waterfront with a view of the UNESCO World Heritage Listed Ilulissat Icefjord.

Highlights

  • Icebergs, glaciers and Ilulissat Icefjord
  • Sailing with plenty of opportunity to see whales
  • Possibility for world-class walks along beautiful trails
  • Qeqertarsuaq ‘city’, known for its friendly and accommodating people
  • UNESCO World Heritage Listed destination
  • Bright days and nights thanks to the Midnight sun
  • Disko Bay's most sought after destination: Glacier Lodge Eqi
  • Experience the contrast between a ‘big city’ and a settlement in Greenland

Summary

Day 1. Copenhagen - Ilulissat
Fly from Copenhagen to Ilulissat. We fly either via Nuuk or Kangerlussuaq, where a smaller domestic flight takes you to Ilulissat.

Day 2. Ilulissat - Qeqertarsuaq
Afternoon departure by Disko Line fast ferry to Qeqertarsuaq, the only ‘city’ on Disko Island. The trip takes about 2 hours. In Qeqertarsuaq you’ll be staying at Hotel Disko Island.

Day 3. Qeqertarsuaq 
Qeqertarsuaq is made by vulcanic activity, and therefore you will find different landscapes compared to what you will see at the "mainland". The beautiful area offers several hiking tours of varying difficulties. 

Day 4. Qeqertarsuaq - Ilulissat
After a few days in paradise (in our opinion), the trip continues to the iceberg capital Ilulissat. Here is also beautiful but in a different way. On arrival in Ilulissat the hotel bus will meet you at the port and take you to Hotel Icefiord for the night.

Day 5. Ilulissat - Glacier Lodge Eqi
Morning cruise of 3-5 hours to Eqi. The boat will drift for about two hours in front of Eqip Sermia glacier, waiting for the ice to calve while you enjoy lunch. You’ll then land at Port Victor for your stay at Glacier Lodge Eqi.

Day 6. Glacier Lodge Eqi - Ilulissat
The last morning at Glacier Lodge Eqi to enjoy the unique view and go for a walk, before the boat takes you back to Ilulissat in the afternoon.

Day 7. Ilulissat, City Tour and Sermermiut Hiking
The morning is spent with a guide who will show you around Ilulissat. In the afternoon a guide will take you on a beautiful walk to Sermermiut.

Day 8. Ilulissat - Copenhagen via Kangerlussuaq
Take your last look at Ilulissat and the icefjord before your short domestic flight to either Nuuk or Kangerlussuaq, connecting with a trans-Atlantic flight to Copenhagen.

Click here to see the detailed daily itinerary

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1. Copenhagen - Ilulissat

Departure from Copenhagen to Ilulissat, the city with the huge icebergs and the amazing view over the Disko Bay.

- / L / -

Colorfull houses

Day 2. Ilulissat - Qeqertarsuaq

Departure from Ilulissat to Qeqertarsuaq by fast ferry (2 hours) across Disko Bay. You’ll be staying 2 nights at Hotel Disko Island.
In our opinion, Qeqertarsuaq is one of the most beautiful places in Greenland. Glacier covered basalt mountains dominate the hinterland, but on the coast you’ll find an abundance of flora, with angelica being one of the most prominent.
Qeqertarsuaq means "big island" and it is by far the largest off the coast of Greenland. There is only one town and a small settlement. The rest of the island is raw and impressive nature.
B / - / -

Day 3. Qeqertarsuaq

Today is at leisure, but if you’re fit enough, we recommend a guided tour to Lyngmark Glacier. Go kayaking or visit our sauna placed right on the beach with view to icebergs - a dip in the sea, among icebergs will give you a fresh touch of Greenland.
B / - / -

Day 4. Qeqertarsuaq - Ilulissat

The trip continues to the iceberg capital Ilulissat. On arrival in Ilulissat you’ll be transferred by Hotel Icefiord's bus to your home in Ilulissat. The hotel has a good restaurant, but if you’d like something different, Ilulissat has a variety of cafes and restaurants offering burgers, Thai food and fine dining.
Ilulissat Icefjord was admitted to UNESCO's World Heritage List in 2004, and was one of the first areas in the Arctic to be placed on the list. Although protected, we have special permits to sail among the icebergs and conduct helicopter tours.
B / - / -

Glacier Lodge Eqi

Day 5. Ilulissat - Glacier Lodge Eqi

Early morning departure by boat to the calving glacier Eqi, a journey of about 3-5 hours. The boat will be positioned a safe distance in front of the glacier so you can hopefully witness a calving. Lunch is served on board. Early afternoon you’ll arrive at Glacier Lodge Eqi where you’ll be accommodated in a comfortable cottage with beautiful views of the calving glacier.
The stay is ‘all inclusive’, which means breakfast, lunch and dinner are included. There are no shops so no possibility to buy anything, but of course you can bring drinks or snacks from Ilulissat if you wish.
B/ L / D

Day 6. Glacier Lodge Eqi - Ilulissat

Breakfast and lunch are served at Glacier Lodge Eqi. For those who wish, after breakfast there is a beautiful hike to the glacial moraine. Walk past the lagoon to the front of the glacier and bring your lunch sandwich from Café Victor. Enjoy your little picnic seated in the front row at the old edge of the moraine, overlooking the deep ice slopes of the glacier. The hiking trip typically takes about 4 hours, returning to Glacier Lodge Eqi in time for the cruise back to Ilulissat. The boat departs Eqi at 14:00 hrs (2 pm), with arrival in Ilulissat around 19:00 hrs (7 pm). Two more nights at Hotel Icefiord.
B / L / -

Sermermiut hike

Day 7. Ilulissat - City Tour and Sermermiut Hiking

Breakfast while admiring the beautiful view of the icefjord.
This morning you’ll take a guided city walk to gain insight into everyday life and a little about local history, nature and of course the fishing industry.

Afternoon guided hike to the old Inuit settlement Sermermiut, overlooking the icefjord mouth. Beautifully situated on the outskirts of Ilulissat, the hike is about 5 km and reasonably easy.
UNESCO’s addition of Ilulissat Icefjord and Sermermiut to its World Heritage List has had a significant positive impact to the region. Your guide will explain what UNESCO conservation means and why it’s so important.
B / - / -

Day 8. Ilulissat - Copenhagen via Kangerlussuaq

The day begins with breakfast at the hotel and a last look at Ilulissat and the icefjord, before your flight to Copenhagen via either Nuuk or Kangerlussuaq.
B / - / D

As we say in Greenlandic, Takuss' - see you later!

NOTE! – Would you like to extend the journey?

If you would like more days to fully explore and experience our wonderful part of the world, we have excellent knowledge of Greenland and can tailor an itinerary according to your wishes. Please contact us for information.

Click here for Price and Practical info

Price and Practical Info

Price Includes

  • Flights Copenhagen (Denmark, Europe) - Ilulissat (Greenland) via either Nuuk or Kangerlussuaq, incl. taxes
  • Flights Ilulissat (Greenland) - Copenhagen (Denmark, Europe) via either Nuuk or Kangerlussuaq, incl. taxes
  • 4 nights at Hotel Icefiord, Ilulissat in shared double room incl. breakfast
  • 2 nights at Hotel Disko Island, Qeqertarsuaq in shared double room incl. breakfast
  • 1 night at Glacier Lodge Eqi, in shared 2-person standard cabin incl. full board (start and finish with lunch)
  • Transport from / to airport and hotel (Ilulissat)
  • Sailing: Ilulissat-Qeqertarsuaq-Ilulissat-Eqi-Ilulissat
  • Excursions in Ilulissat: City Tour and Walk to Sermermiut
  • Contribution to the Travel Guarantee Fund
  • All taxes and charges

Price Excludes

  • Meals, except breakfast, meals at Glacier Lodge Eqi and meals on the Atlantic flight
  • Excursions, except those specifically mentioned in “Price Includes”
  • Tour guide (this trip is on your own)
  • Travel and cancellation insurance
  • Single room supplement / cabin allowance, 6,400 DKK. However, this is not possible in Eqi

Please note: The price of this trip is a base-level estimate, calculated on a certain category of seat on the flights and room / cabin category of accommodation. The actual price for your travel date may differ, according to availability at the time of booking. Please confirm with us any possible surcharges at the time of making your booking.

If you need further explanation, please feel free to contact us.

Meals

Included meals are marked with B (breakfast), L (lunch), D (dinner) on each day.
If meals are not included, these are marked with -.
On Air Greenland flights between Denmark and Greenland, free meals and drinks are served on board. On domestic flights in Greenland, a cup of coffee and a biscuit is typically served.

Accommodation

Access to Electricity

It’s possible to charge digital camera batteries at the hotels (with your own charger). However, access to electricity cannot be offered while staying at Glacier Lodge Eqi, as electricity is only produced for short periods during the day by a generator.

We recommend you bring extra batteries (charged) for the nights in Eqi.

Mobile Phone

Mobile phone coverage is sparse during this trip, so there will only be limited opportunities to use your phone.

IMPORTANT NOTE!

The programme is subject to change without notice. A trip like this is dependent on good weather. There may therefore be some changes in the programme. Delays and cancellations may occur, especially in air and ship transportation.
No compensation is granted for the first 24 hours of delay or travel changes due to external circumstances. We will strive to reduce the disruption as much as possible and endeavour to provide an alternative programme or fill in the additional waiting time.

Newsletter

Fill these forms below if you want to receive our newsletter.