Sisimiut - Day 2
Town sights
You are welcome to discover the town on your own with the help of a city map. On board you will get an introduction presentation of Sisimiut. Explore the historical center of Sisimiut with its pretty 17th century buildings. The Sisimiut Museum is a culture-historical local museum that focuses on Greenland trade, industry and shipping. The museum is housed in beautiful old buildings originating from the colonial period, situated close to the harbor. We recommend a visit. The entrance fee is approx. 30 DKK and can only be paid cash.
A Hike Back in Time
Excursion code: G-SIS2
Duration: approx. 2.5 hours
Level: more difficult
Price: $47
Down through the ages, the enormous size of Greenland seems to have had little influence on new groups of people determining where to settle. Teleøen or Sallinnguit as it is called in Greenlandic is one of these places where the past and present meet. The various Inuit cultures have lived here for the last 4,000 years. Learn about the Inuit and their history prior to the arrival of the Europeans. See the ruins and enjoy the beautiful view of the town and the ancient fishing, whaling and sealing grounds. This hike takes place in hilly and rocky terrain and requires that participants are in good physical condition.
Boat trip to Assaqutaq
Excursion code: G-SIS3
Duration: approx. 2 hours
Level: moderate
Price: $132
In the 1960s and 1970s several Greenlandic settlements were abandoned for economic reasons and the residents had moved to larger cities. Assaqutaq, located at the foot of Sisimiut’s famous mountain, the Kællingehætten, is such a settlement. Today it is used as a summer camp for the local schools but for a short period in June, it becomes a vibrant hub of life when the inhabitants from Sisimiut gather to fish for the capelin, a small local fish. A short boat trip to Assaqutaq is followed by a leisurely walk through the village visiting the old fish factory, the summer camp and the small church situated top of a hill.
Hike to Palasip Qaqqa Mountain
Excursion code: G-SIS4
Duration: approx. 4-5 hours
Level: more difficult
Price: $84
Enjoy the beautiful green mountains, the pristine air and the crystal clear water. Join a beautiful hike on a lush south-facing slope, where you can enjoy the view of the town and the sea on the whole way. The hike takes you through a surprisingly fertile terrain with abundant bushes, flowers and mosses. Along the way we will also encounter several small waterfalls with the clearest spring water. From the top of the mountain there is an amazing view over the town in the south and the Kangerluarsuk Tulleq Fjord in the north. In the recent years, musk oxen have been spotted in this area. Transfer back to starting point by mini bus.
Qeqertarsuaq - Day 3
Town sights
After an introduction on board, explore the settlement on your own. You can pass through the quarter of the old buildings of trade and administration that date back to the time when Qeqertarsuaq was the capital of Northern Greenland. On the way, you will also have the opportunity to see the very special octagonal church, called "Our Lord's Little Ink Pot." The walk may lead you further through town where you will get a vivid impression of the hunters’ society which is also Qeqertarsuaq of today. The history of the town can be illustrated through a visit to the museum which you are welcome to visit on your own. The entrance fee is approx. 25 DKK and can only be paid cash.
Hike in Blæsedalen
Duration: approx. 2-3 hours
Level: more difficult
Price: Included
A guided walk over Rødeelv (the Red River) through Blæsedalen (the valley of the winds) is a highlight. Walk through characteristic mountain heath to see flora specific to Disko Island. The hike starts from the Women’s House and ends at the waterfall, but passes by the stunning 2,952 ft high Skarvefjeld (Mountain of the Cormorant).
Uummannaq - Day 4
Town sights
The introduction on board will give you an overview of this charming place and afterwards you may explore the settlement on your own. Uummannaq Church, built of huge granite blocks, is right in the center of the town. There are also traditional turf huts nearby the church. The town museum displays include replicas of the costumes of the famous Qilakitsoq mummies and collections of traditional arts and crafts, and a special exhibition about the expedition of the German meteorologist Alfred Wegener. Both, the church and the museum, have an entrance fee of approx 20 DKK.
Hike along the “Heart Shaped Mountain”
Duration: approx. 3 hours
Level: more difficult
Price: Included
The walk starts adjacent to the harbor, by the landing site, and ascends through Uummannaq town, and veers off. Behind Uummannaq town is Santa Claus’ cabin which he uses to build up his strength for the stressful Christmas month and your wish lists can be left here for him! Be warned, as the last part of this hike navigates through some steep terrain and for those not accustomed to hiking in hilly places, you may wish to sit and enjoy the views overlooking Uummannaq and Santa’s cabin. During the hike you get a sense of how small the Island is and you will be surprised by the rich flora of this area. From the cabin you will have a marvelous view of the sea towards Nuussuaq Peninsula.
Sailing to the Red Desert
Excursion code: G-UUM1
Duration: approx. 4-5 hours
Level: moderate
Price: $225
Sailing among the magnificent icebergs through the fjord, sights of special interest en-route to the Red Desert will be pointed out by the expert tour guide. The Red Desert is an incredible mineral landscape, where minerals with a high sulphur and iron content have reacted to produce deposits of yellow sulphur. Only a few plants can grow here and the landscape appears out of this world.
Greenlandic Lunch
Excursion code: G-UUM2
Duration: 1-2 hours
Level: easy
Price: $56
Right beside the harbor side overlooking the fjord is the comfortable Uummannaq hotel. Here you can enjoy your lunch of Greenlandic specialities while taking in the splendid view. You can also walk out to the balcony, which gives you a nice overview of the maritime life of Uummannaq. Drinks are not included.
Talk with Young People
Excursion code: G-UUM3
Duration: approx. 1 hour
Level: easy
Price: $18
Meet the local youth; hear about their lives and their dreams for the future. Have a personal chat, where you can ask questions and learn about everyday life in North Greenland.
Talk with Local Hunter
Excursion code: G-UUM4
Duration: approx. 1 hour
Level: easy
Price: $23
The art of local fishing and hunting, which developed over hundreds of years, has until today had a high importance in people’s lives. Listen to a local hunter/fisherman as he tells you about his work. He will also show you the tools and explain how they work.
Ukkusissat - Day 4
Settlement Visit
On our visit we will get a sense of what it is like living in a small settlement. There will be different activities in the settlement, and an explanation and information on Ukkusissat will take place on the ship.
Eqip Sermia - Day 5
Nature Walk
The area opposite Eqip Sermia is fantastic for hiking and there will be (weather permitting) the possibility to go on hikes at different levels. Afterwards, relax on board with a BBQ on the outside deck with beautiful views to the glacier.
Ilulissat - Day 6
Town Sights
Enjoy a stroll in this beautiful town. Ilulissat means “icebergs” in Greenlandic and lies at the mouth of the 35 mile long Ice Fjord. The introduction on board will prepare you for the active harbor area, the busy life of a bigger town and the house where Knud Rasmussen, the famous explorer, was born. In this museum you may take some time for the extensive collection from Knud Rasmussen’s expeditions and the history of Ilulissat. The entrance fee is of approx. 40 DKK.
Hike to Sermermiut
Duration: approx. 2-3 hours
Level: more difficult
Price: Included
Guided hike to the abandoned settlement of Sermermiut, which is situated less than a mile south of the town. Different Inuit cultures have lived here during the last 4,000 years – in the estuary of the Ice Fjord.
Boat Trip to the Ice Fjord
Excursion code: G-ILU1
Duration: approx. 2-2.5 hours
Level: easy
Price: $96
Ilulissat is renowned for its beautiful and breathtaking Ice Fjord - best experienced from a boat. Sail in traditional red cutters to the estuary where gigantic icebergs in the northern part of the fjord are stranded. You can see the structure of the ice, hear the sound and feel the cold streaming out. The gigantic icebergs are over 300 feet above sea level. Remember to bring warm clothes for this excursion. Coffee/tea will be served on board.
Helicopter to the Icecap
Excursion code: G-ILU2 Not available to pre book, only bookable onboard
Duration: approx. 2.5 hours
Level: easy
Price: $540
Ilulissat glacier is the most productive glacier on the northern hemisphere. Fly at low altitude over the icebergs that fill this 25 mile long fjord. The helicopter will fly close to the glacier and land on the rock at Kangia with a view over the glacier and the ice cap. After a brief stop on the ground, continue over the Ice Fjord to the icebergs stranded at the mouth of the fjord. Enjoy magnificent views before flying back to Ilulissat.
Note: Due to unpredictable weather conditions this helicopter flight can only be booked on board.
Hike to Holms Bakke
Excursion code: G-ILU3
Duration: approx. 4-5 hours
Level: more difficult
Price: $85
Note: includes lunch
After months of winter darkness, it is traditional for the people of Ilulissat to hike to “Holms Bakke” on January 13th to welcome the sun after the long dark winter. It is a time for festivity and community where the rejoicing is not complete without food, drink and merriment. Holms Bakke has a magnificent view over the Jakobshavn Icefjord, where the icebergs move at an average speed of 62 feet a day. This glacier produces approximately 10% of all calving of ice in Greenland. Hike onwards to the abandoned settlement of Sermermiut and the old Inuit graves, before stopping for a lunch break. After which the hike continues along the ice fjord where information will be provided about the local flora & fauna, as well as glaciology. Please take note that this splendid hike requires good hiking skills.
Boat Tour to Rodebay
Excursion code: G-ILU4
Duration: approx. 4-5 hours
Level: moderate
Price: $234
The settlement Oqaatsut (Rodebay) was through several centuries the resort of the Dutch whale hunters, and whales are still drawn ashore here once in a while. Oqaatsut is beautiful situated approx. 9 miles north of Ilulissat and even though it only has 45 inhabitants, it has its own school, church, shop and a small restaurant called “H8,” which is one of the old building from the colonial time. A highlight is having lunch consisting of Greenlandic dishes at “H8.” Lunch included, drinks extra.
Itilleq - Day 7
The Small Settlement Itilleq (Included program)
In Itilleq there will be some houses open for a “kaffemik." That means that you are welcome to visit a local home, talk with the host, and have a piece of cake and a coffee (time is limited to 20 minutes). Please be so kind to remove your shoes before entering the houses. Arts and crafts are for sale in the old shop (cash only). Please feel free to visit the library and the school. Watch out for a soccer game- Itilleq vs. MS Fram! We need players- and supporters!
Kangerlussuaq - Day 8
Bus Tour towards the Ice Cap
Duration: approx. 3.5-4 hours
Level: easy
Price: Included
Kangerlussuaq is situated only 25 miles from the immense Greenland Ice Cap. This indescribable icy waste land stretches pver 1,500 miles from north to south and over 600 miles from east to west at the widest part of the country. The tallest point on the Ice Cap is 10,500 feet above sea level. The road to the Ice Cap goes through a great variety the most beautiful natural scenery from Arctic desert to tundra with low growing shrubs, and through hilly terrain with a grand view of the edge of the Ice Cap. Stop for coffee/tea and the most magnificent view of the Ice Cap. You will have approximately one hour to enjoy the unspoiled tundra vegetation and walk down to the river just next to the massive ice wall.
Note: Part of the bus ride is off-road and the drive normally takes about 1 hour each way. Please note that part of the road can be quite bumpy. We do not recommend that excursion for guests with back problems.
Barbeque
Duration: approx. 1-2 hours
Level: easy
Price: Included meal
In the late afternoon you are welcome for an outdoor barbeque in our hospitality tents close to the airport.