Discover the heart of Greenland’s west coast with a private, immersive journey based in the vibrant town of Ilulissat. Over five carefully curated days, you’ll encounter soaring icebergs, visit traditional Inuit villages, paddle among glacial giants, and hear ancient legends from Greenlandic hosts.
This itinerary offers a balance of adventure, local traditions, and quiet moments to appreciate Greenland’s extraordinary beauty.
Destinations on Our 5-Day Greenland Tour
Day 1: Ilulissat – Gateway to the Icefjord
Scenic arrival tour with photo stops along the coastal cliffs and colorful town streets.
Private walking tour of Ilulissat’s Old Town and Inuit heritage sites.
Sunset hike to the Icefjord’s best viewpoints for first dramatic iceberg sightings.
Day 2: Ilulissat – Icefjord Adventures
Private boat cruise through the UNESCO-listed Ilulissat Icefjord.
Visit to local fishermen’s docks for an authentic glimpse into Arctic working life.
Greenlandic storytelling dinner hosted by a local elder.
Day 3: Oqaatsut – Remote Village Life
Dog sled journey to the remote fishing village of Oqaatsut.
Guided village tours and cultural encounters with residents.
Traditional cooking class.
Day 4: Ilulissat – Arctic Exploration
Private iceberg kayaking adventure on calm glacial waters (weather permitting).
Guided hike to ancient Inuit trails overlooking the Icefjord.
Optional private Northern Lights hunt (September to April).
Day 5: Ilulissat – Farewell and Reflection
Private airport transfer with farewell photo stops at coastal landmarks.
Day 1 – Arrival & Icefjord First Impressions
Settle into the rhythm of Arctic life with a warm Greenlandic welcome, coastal scenery, and a first glimpse of the legendary Icefjord.
Private Airport Pickup
Upon arrival at Ilulissat Airport, your private driver-guide will greet you and lead you on a leisurely scenic drive into town.
Old Town Ilulissat Walking Tour
After check-in and a short rest, embark on a private walking tour through the heart of Ilulissat’s historic old town.
Explore the charming colonial architecture, including the Zion Church—one of the northernmost churches in the world—and visit the grounds of early Inuit settlements that have stood here for centuries.
Your guide will share stories that blend history, legend, and everyday life, offering a deeper perspective on the community’s evolution over time. Wander down colorful alleyways, peek into traditional turf huts, and learn how past generations adapted to the Arctic’s challenges.
Sunset Walk to Icefjord Viewpoint
As evening approaches, take a relaxed guided walk to one of Ilulissat’s most beautiful vantage points overlooking the Icefjord.
Along an easy trail, you’ll hear about the ancient Inuit myths tied to the glaciers and icebergs while the shifting light paints the ice in glowing shades of gold and pink.
Your guide will help you capture the best sunset photos and interpret the movement of the glaciers, making this a breathtaking and meaningful start to your Greenland adventure. Return to your hotel inspired and ready for the days ahead.
Day 2 – Icefjord by Water & Arctic Traditions
Spend a full day immersed in Ilulissat’s most awe-inspiring natural wonders and Greenlandic cultural traditions.
Private Ilulissat Icefjord Cruise (UNESCO)
This morning, set off on a private boat cruise into the heart of the Ilulissat Icefjord, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its dramatic landscape of colossal icebergs.
Your experienced captain and guide will navigate the icy waters, choosing the most photogenic routes based on iceberg drift patterns and weather conditions.
Marvel at the surreal shapes and vivid blue hues of the towering ice sculptures as you learn about their journey from the Sermeq Kujalleq glacier—the fastest-moving glacier in the Northern Hemisphere.
Visit to Local Fisherman’s Dock
After the cruise, deepen your understanding of life in Greenland with a visit to a bustling fisherman’s dock.
During your visit, your guide will explain how fishing, hunting, and dog sledding are still vital aspects of community survival and culture today. You’ll have the chance to ask questions, meet locals, and sample fresh seafood.
Greenlandic Storytelling Dinner Experience
As evening falls, enjoy a special private Greenlandic storytelling dinner. Gather around the warmth of a cozy venue as a local host shares age-old myths, legends, and personal tales that have been passed down through generations.
Over a hearty Arctic meal featuring specialties like reindeer, halibut, or Greenlandic lamb, you’ll listen to captivating stories about spirits, hunters, and the ever-powerful forces of nature.
It’s a beautiful and intimate way to connect with Greenland’s rich oral traditions and end your day on a deeply cultural note.
Day 3 – Remote Village Life in Oqaatsut
Venture beyond Ilulissat to experience traditional Greenlandic life in one of the country’s most atmospheric and remote coastal villages.
Dog Sledding Journey to Oqaatsut
This morning, we set out on a private adventure to Oqaatsut, a small Inuit village located about 20 kilometers north of Ilulissat.
Journey by traditional dog sled across frozen sea ice, led by an experienced musher who will share the rhythms and sounds of Arctic travel. The journey represents a beautiful reminder of Greenland’s ancient travel traditions and its connection to nature.
Your guide will tailor the route to suit the weather and ice conditions, offering photo stops and storytelling full of local myths, legends, and insight along the way.
Village Walk and Cultural Encounters
Upon arrival in Oqaatsut, enjoy a gentle guided walk through the village’s colorful houses, historic trading posts, and tiny, beautifully preserved church.
With fewer than 40 residents, Oqaatsut offers a truly authentic glimpse into Greenlandic life, where fishing and small-scale hunting still sustain the community.
Your guide will introduce you to friendly locals and explain the village’s unique history, from its early Inuit roots to its role as a hub of colonial-era trade.
Traditional Greenlandic Cooking Class or Tasting Lunch
After your exploration, settle into a cozy local home or village café for an immersive culinary experience.
Take the opportunity to join a simple, hands-on cooking class and learn to prepare traditional Arctic ingredients, such as halibut, dried fish, or crowberry desserts.
Day 4 – Arctic Adventure Day
Today is all about active exploration and unforgettable Arctic landscapes, with a perfect balance of adventure and serenity.
Private Guided Iceberg Kayaking Tour
After breakfast, meet your expert kayaking guide for a private safety briefing and outfitting session.
Once geared up, head out onto the water for a breathtaking paddle among the towering icebergs of the Ilulissat Icefjord.
Paddling quietly between ancient ice sculptures, you’ll experience the scale and silence of this UNESCO site in a way few travelers ever do. Your guide will share insights about glaciology, local wildlife, and kayak traditions that date back to Greenland’s earliest Inuit settlers, ensuring a safe, educational, and exhilarating experience.
Hike to Sermermiut Valley Overlook
Later in the day, stretch your legs on a guided hike along the historic trails of Sermermiut Valley, once home to generations of Inuit peoples.
This easy-to-moderate walk winds through tundra landscapes to a stunning cliffside viewpoint overlooking the Icefjord’s glacier-carved expanse.
Along the route, your guide will interpret the archaeological remains, native plants, and the myths associated with this sacred site. With panoramic vistas at the end, it’s the perfect spot to pause, take a photograph, and appreciate the rich history etched into the landscape.
Optional Nighttime Northern Lights Tour (Autumn/Winter)
If visiting between September and April, tonight offers the option for a private Northern Lights excursion. Depart after dinner with your guide to a handpicked dark-sky location away from any artificial light.
Armed with warm drinks and expert photography tips, you’ll have a chance to watch the Arctic sky ignite with ribbons of green, purple, and gold. Whether the aurora dances or glows quietly, the experience is sure to be one of Greenland’s most magical gifts.
Day 5 – Farewell Greenland
When it’s time to leave, your private driver-guide will escort you to Ilulissat Airport — but not before a few final scenic pauses. Depending on your flight schedule and interests, enjoy farewell photo stops at dramatic iceberg viewpoints, the old town waterfront, or historical sites like the original harbor.
As you drive, your guide will share one last round of stories, reflections, and perhaps a few Greenlandic phrases to remember the journey by. It’s a thoughtful and unrushed conclusion to an unforgettable Arctic adventure.
