Discover the gateway to Greenland’s Arctic magic with our carefully curated 3-day private tour based in Ilulissat.
Perfect for a first taste of Greenland’s natural wonders and traditions, this journey blends iconic sights with authentic experiences at a relaxed, immersive pace. From gliding past towering icebergs and hiking ancient Inuit trails to connecting with Greenlandic culture and wildlife, every moment is designed to leave you in awe.
With your private guide and thoughtfully arranged experiences, you’ll explore both the dramatic landscapes and the human stories that make this part of the Arctic so unforgettable.
Destinations on Our 3-Day Greenland Tour
Day 1 – Arrival & Arctic Orientation
Arrive in Ilulissat and introduction to this vibrant coastal town.
Day 2 – Icefjord Cruise & Northern Lights
Cruise among Ilulissat’s towering icebergs, hike the historic trails of Sermermiut Valley, and (in winter) watch the Northern Lights dance across Arctic skies.
Day 3 – Arctic Wildlife & Local Life
Enjoy a private dog sledding adventure (winter) or boat safari (summer), meet Greenlandic sled dogs or fishermen, and depart with a final look at the breathtaking ice-choked coastline.
Day 1: Arrival & Arctic Culture
A Warm Welcome to the Arctic’s Edge!
Guided Ilulissat Town Walk
After checking into your hotel and having a chance to refresh, you’ll set out on a private guided walking tour of Ilulissat’s charming town center.
Although small in size, Ilulissat pulses with history, tradition, and everyday Greenlandic life. Your guide will lead you through brightly painted streets, explaining the stories behind important landmarks like the historic Zion Church—the largest wooden building in Greenland—and the home of famed Arctic explorer Knud Rasmussen.
Along the way, you’ll pass local markets, sled dog enclosures, and artisans’ workshops, where traditions such as bone carving and seal skin sewing are still practiced. Your guide will share not only historical anecdotes but also personal insights into modern Greenlandic culture, touching on topics like the challenges of Arctic living, the balance between tradition and progress, and the community’s deep respect for nature.
Greenlandic Cuisine Tasting Walk
In the late afternoon, we will prepare an authentic Greenlandic tasting experience for you, the perfect way to connect deeper with local culture through its flavors.
Accompanied by your guide, you’ll visit small cafés, traditional eateries, and even a cozy private kitchen or two (depending on seasonal availability) to sample Greenlandic specialties.
Expect to try dishes like freshly caught halibut or Arctic char, local reindeer sausage, and perhaps a bowl of mattak—whale skin and blubber, traditionally prepared for special occasions.
For the less adventurous, there will be milder options like Greenlandic tapas, berry preserves, or savory cakes made with seaweed and coastal herbs. Your guide will share the history and stories behind each tasting, from ancient hunting traditions to modern culinary innovation.
Day 2: Icefjord & Nature
Today you’ll step into one of the most awe-inspiring landscapes on Earth, the Ilulissat Icefjord, a UNESCO World Heritage Site where ancient glaciers calve into the sea.
Whether on foot, by boat, or from the sky, the sheer scale of this frozen wilderness leaves lasting impressions.
Hike to Sermermiut Settlement
Begin your day with a guided hike to the ancient settlement of Sermermiut, a site inhabited for over 4,000 years.
As you walk along wooden boardwalks and gentle trails, your guide will share stories of the Inuit peoples who once lived here, surviving at the edge of the ice. From the clifftops, you’ll gaze across a sea of glittering icebergs, each one sculpted by nature into its own cathedral-like form.
Sailing or Helicopter Adventure Over the Icefjord
In the afternoon, choose your adventure:
A boat tour takes you close to towering icebergs, their walls glowing blue in the sunlight as they drift silently through Disko Bay.
Or, opt for a helicopter flight, soaring over the Sermeq Kujalleq Glacier, one of the fastest-moving glaciers in the world.
From above, the endless white expanse stretching into the horizon is humbling, offering a true sense of Greenland’s vast wilderness.
Guided Northern Lights Tour (Winter Only)
As night falls, winter visitors can join a guided Northern Lights hunt.
Far from city lights, your guide will lead you into the quiet darkness of the tundra. Beneath the Arctic sky, watch for the shimmering ribbons of green and violet that have inspired Greenlandic legends for centuries.
Warm drinks and local stories by the fire add comfort to this unforgettable evening.
Day 3: Arctic Wildlife & Local Traditions
On your final day, discover Greenland’s living traditions and its thriving wildlife before bidding farewell to Ilulissat.
Dog Sledding Adventure (Winter)
In winter, set out on a dog sledding safari, one of Greenland’s most iconic experiences.
As your musher calls commands, the eager huskies race across frozen lakes and snowy plains, their paws drumming in rhythm with the Arctic silence. This ancient form of transport connects you directly to the heritage of Greenlandic hunters and explorers.
Whale Safari in Ilulissat (Summer)
In summer, trade the ice trails for open water.
A whale-watching cruise takes you through Disko Bay, where humpback and minke whales breach and dive among floating icebergs.
Cultural Insights at the Museums
Later, deepen your understanding of Ilulissat with a visit to either the Ilulissat Museum or the Knud Rasmussen Museum, housed in the famed explorer’s childhood home.
Exhibits trace both the human history of Greenland and the personal stories of those who shaped its cultural identity.
Departure Transfer
When it’s time to depart, your private driver will transfer you back to the airport.