Join Environmentalist David Hatch on this exclusive program to Kangerlussuaq and Ilulissat, Greenland. This isolated Arctic country is home to giant icebergs, colourful villages, and spectacular scenery. You will have the opportunity to discover first-hand the environmental and geographical issues of our changing climate while immersing yourself in the unique culture of this region.
Kangerlussuaq lies at the base of a 160-kilometre (100-mile) long fjord of the same name, which appropriately enough means "the long fjord". From the mountain ridges at Kangerlussuaq you can look out over this huge ice sheet. Only a few kilometres from Kangerlussuaq's airport lives the area's approximately 5000 musk oxen.
Ilulissat means "Icebergs" in Greenlandic, and the town has a beautiful location at the mouth of the 56 kilometer long ice fjord that is filled with enormous icebergs from the most productive glacier in the northern hemisphere, Sermeq Kujalleq. In 2004 the Ilulissat Icefjord was admitted onto UNESCO's World Heritage List.
Day 1:
Travel non-stop with Air Greenland from
Copenhagen to Kangerlussuaq, where you will
spend one night at Hotel Kangerlussuaq. This
afternoon’s excursion is a Musk Oxen Safari
where you will have the opportunity to view
these magnificent animals in close
proximity.
Day 2: An early morning flight will
take you to Ilulissat for a five-night stay
at Hotel Arctic. This afternoon you will
join a guided walk of Ilulissat (Jakobshavn),
which was founded in 1741 and is today the
third largest town in Greenland with over
4500 inhabitants. You will learn about the
history, Greenlandic culture and the modern
life style in the community today. You will
visit fishermen at the harbour and the
hunters at their trading post "Brædtet", as
well as the church and house where the
famous polar explorer, Knud Rasmussen, was
born.
Next you will visit with an owner of a dog
sled team and learn about the life of a sled
dog in Greenland. The harness and sled will
be demonstrated and you will see, and most
of all hear, the howling of 20 hungry dogs.
This afternoon's optional excursions include
a helicopter tour to the Ilulissat glacier
with a half hour ground stop and lovely
cruise among the giant icebergs that float
in the bay.
Greenlandic cuisine will delight you, as a
group dinner is planned for this evening.
(B, D)
Day 3: A full day boat excursion to
the Eqi glacier is planned for today. Very
few places in Greenland are known to be as
beautiful as the Eqi glacier, which forms a
fjord approximately 80 km north of Ilulissat.
By boat it is possible to see pieces of ice
break off at the edge of the glacier - the
crashes are enormous and the sight of the
ice falling into the water is truly
impressive! Our boat is modern and lunch
will be served on board. (B, L)
Day 4: Today's excursion is to the
settlement of Oqaatsut: you will sail
approximately 15 km north of Ilulissat. This
settlement, known as Rodebay, is truly
beautiful and even though it only has 45
inhabitants, it is home to a school, church,
shop and a small restaurant. We will enjoy
lunch at the local restaurant , in a
building that dates back to colonial times.
(B, L)
Day 5: The day is free to explore the
community, visit local shops and enjoy the
view of the bay. This afternoon's optional
excursion is a helicopter tour to the
Ilulissat glacier with a half hour ground
stop. (B)
Day 6: Today's optional excursions
include a boat tour with David Hatch to the
settlement of Ilimanaq. Situated south of
the ice fjord, Ilimanaq features some
beautiful old buildings from the colonial
time and is known for its fine trout
fishing.
For those looking for a more demanding day,
a five-hour guided hike to the Icefjord is
available. After a couple of hours hiking,
you will visit the settlement of Sermermiut
and the old Inuit graves. The hike then
continues along the ice fjord where the
guide will talk about the flora, fauna, and
geology.
A group farewell dinner is planned for
tonight at the Hotel Arctic. (B,D)
Day 7: This morning is free to relax
and enjoy the view. Transfer to the airport
for the return flight to Copenhagen. (B)
