Polar Circle Marathon

26-27 Oct 2024

Ilulissat Extension

Ilulissat, also known as the Iceberg Capital, is a true Greenlandic gem. With a wide range of attractions, including the UNESCO-accredited Icefjord, Ilulissat offers natural wonder mixed with cultural immersion.
28-31 Oct | 4 days | 1 195 EUR

What makes Greenland a truly unique destination is the combination of wild nature and the Inuit culture that has adapted to it through generations. It is along the coast the people of Greenland live and it is in the towns and settlements that we find the "real" Greenland. Small colourful houses cling to mountainsides, culture and architecture are both enriched and limited by nature, and if you take just a few steps outside the town you’ll find yourself almost completely isolated, surrounded by one of the world’s last and largest wildernesses. With any luck, we'll be treated to a display of the amazing northern lights on one or more evenings. 

Ilulissat is the third largest town in Greenland with just under 5000 residents, and offers a variety of tour possibilities. If we are lucky with the weather, there might be snow enough for the dog sleds to operate. Otherwise, a helicopter or small plane flight over the Iulissat Icefjord is a stunning experience. These extra excursions can be booked upon arrival to Ilulissat. Please note all optional tours are permitted by weather and/or number of participants and therefore cannot be guaranteed in advance.

  • Icefjord by Boat Tour
  • View over Icefjord
  • Ilulissat's Zion Church
  • Northern Lights over Ilulissat
  • 28 Oct 2024: Kangerlussuaq to Ilulissat

    We'll check in for Air Greenland’s flight to Ilulissat. Upon arrival and transfer to the town, we check in at Hotel Hvide Falk. The hotel is situated at the waterfront with an impressive view over the Disko Bay where stray icebergs from the Icefjord, located just south of town, float by the windows. Restaurants, museums, shops and the harbour are all within walking distance. 

    The town of Ilulissat is picturesque, lively, and inviting. By Greenlandic standards it offers many cultural sights that - apart from the birthplace and museum of arctic explorer Knud Rasmussen - include a hunting and fishing museum and a fine collection of paintings of Emanuel A. Petersen. Since Ilulissat was founded more than 250 years ago, it has steadily grown and is today Greenland’s third largest city with more than 4000 inhabitants. Our tour leader will guide us on a walking tour through the town, showing us iconic sights such as the Zion Church and the fish market, and giving us an overall introduction to the town and all the possible activities to be done in the area. 

    Meals: Breakfast

  • 29 Oct 2024: Ilulissat and the Icefjord

    Ilulissat is rightfully called the Capital of Icebergs. South of the city, the enormous Icefjord cuts its way through the landscape. It starts 32km further inland, where the huge Sermeq Kujalleq Glacier is calving icebergs with a speed of 25 meters per day. It is responsible for the production of 10% of all of Greeenland's icebergs, making it the most productive glacier outside of Antarctica. These icebergs float down the fjord and out into Disko Bay, where the icy giants linger. 

    Its importance to glacial science and the stunning natural settings have put the Icefjord on UNESCO’s World Heritage list. After breakfast, we will walk to the harbour and embark on a 2½ hours boat trip on the Icefjord where we will get an up close and personal view of the impressive “floating mountains.” This is a good chance to get some stunning photos and an experience you will never forget. Remember warm clothes! The afternoon is free to shop, or walk to one of the nearby hilltops overlooking the Icefjord. Alternatively, you can go on some of the optional excursions if weather permits. 

    Meals: Breakfast

  • 30 Oct 2024: Ilulissat

    This morning, after breakfast at your hotel, we will go for a walk to the Sermermiut Valley. The hike is a must-do activity in the region and will take us approximately 2 kilometers south of Ilulissat, beginning at the old heliport. From there, we enter the UNESCO-area on a wooden path toward the famous ruins of Sermermiut. Sermermiut is an ancient settlement that has been home to many different Inuit people for more than 4000 years. The stone ruins of old turf houses are scattered on various hilltops that we will be able to see as we walk. We continue through the old settlement to Nakkaavik, a cliff whose name means 'the place to fall.' You can ask your guide about the origin of this haunted name. From here, we are treated to a breathtaking view of the Kangia, another name for the famous Ilulissat Icefjord with its many massive icebergs. (Please note: the Sermermiut Valley hike may be re-scheduled for Monday or Tuesday depending on weather and availability of other excursion options).

    The rest of the day is at your own leisure. In the evening it is possible to book the traditional Greenlandic Buffet dinner at Hotel Hvide Falk. This is a feast of local specialities not to be missed. Eat as much as you can from land and sea. 

    Meals: Breakfast 

  • 31 Oct 2024: Ilulissat - Kangerlussuaq - Copenhagen

    In the morning, we will head to the airport and take a domestic flight to Kangerlussuaq. From there, we board a flight to Copenhagen, where we will arrive in the evening (CET). Due to connection times, we do not recommend booking a same day flight home. Post-nights can be booked at the Hebron Hotel in central Copenhagen. 

    Meals: Breakfast and a flight meal 

  • Price Information

    Hotel Hvide Falk

    Standard room

    • Shared double room - EUR 1195
    • Single room supplement - EUR 200

    Bayview room

    • Shared double room - EUR 1350
    • Single room supplement - EUR 250
  • Inclusions
    • Flight Kangerlussauq-Ilulissat round trip with Air Greenland
    • English-speaking tour leader
    • 3 nights at Hotel Hvide Falk 
    • Breakfasts
    • Guided city walk in Ilulissat
    • Boat trip on the IceFjord
    • Sermermiut Hike 
  • Exclusions
    • Personal expenses
    • Beverages
    • Meals other than breakfast
    • Travel and health insurance
    • Single room supplement
    • Anything else not mentioned under “Inclusions”
  • Flight Information

    Note: 2024 Flight times are not yet confirmed. The following are expected times only, and are subject to schedule changes. 

    Route: Copenhagen (CPH) - Kangerlussuaq (SFJ); Kangerlussuaq - Ilulissat (JAV); Ilulissat - Kangerlussuaq; Kangerlussuaq - Copenhagen 

    • 24 OCT CPH - SFJ 10:00 - 11:40 GL781
    • 28 OCT SJF - JAV 08:25 - 09:10 GL502
    • 31 OCT JAV - SFJ 07:15 - 08:05 GL501
    • 31 OCT SFJ - CPH 13:40 - 21:00 GL782

    The flight times may be subject to changes or delays.