Hiking in Greenland package

Practical information:
You don’t need to be an expert in order to join us, but the trip requires, that you are in a good hiking shape. The trip is made on the terms of the wilderness and as comfortable and flexible as possible.

Accommodation:
At the campsite we aim to make our primitive days in the wild as comfortable as possible and we stay the night in expedition tents. 8 nights in the wilderness and 5 nights in youth hostel.

Catering:
The food is included. We cook together in the open using dried ingredients that we brought with us and which we supplement with gathered berries, herbs and mushrooms as well as fresh fish.

Equipment:
The weather in Greenland can vary a lot. Although the weather is usually lovely in summer it is not unusual for it to change from heat wave to cold and wet weather in just a matter of hours. It is important to bring clothes for any occasion. You should also bring a pair of hiking boots and it is best that you break them in before the trip. Remember that you must carry all your personal equipment plus your part of the supplies and tents and other equipment for the camp. Please do not bring too much, your personal equipment should fit into a 35-40 litre backpack. Instead bring some soap to wash socks and t-shirts from day to day. It is okay to bring fishing gear. When signing up we send the information pack with advice for the wilderness and a list of equipment for the trip. We recommend that you read this material thoroughly.

Luggage:
Your other luggage can be stored at Narsarsuaq while we are gone. If you wish, you can bring a smaller backpack/bag to keep it in. Note that we cannot take responsibility for your luggage.

Flight connections:
Flights are not Included! We happily help with booking. Iceland Air: International Airport to Reykjavik Airport for Greenland flight. International flights Reykjavik / Iceland - Narsassuaq / Greenland - Reykjavik Iceland. Thursday (Copenhagen and Reykjavik) to Tuesday (Copenhagen and Reykjavik). Saturday (Reykjavik) to Thursday (Copenhagen and Reykjavik). Monday (Reykjavik) to Saturday (Reykjavik). Airgreenland: International Airport to Copenhagen Airport for Greenland flight. International flights Copenhagen - Narsarsuaq - Qaqortoq - Nanortalik - Qaqortoq - Narsarsuaq - Copenhagen.

Travelling in Greenland:
It is always a good idea in Greenland to have a couple of extra days at either end of the trip, to allow for changes due to the weather. In case of storm or or pack ice  prevents us from reaching our final destination (force majeure), no compensation will be paid.  At wind conditions more than 12 m/s, precautions must be made and the boat transfer must wait for better weather.

Entry Requirements:
Greenland has the same entry, passport and visa requirements as for Denmark. EU citizens need a valid identity card or passport for a tourist stay of up to three months. Entry Requirements Greenland has the same entry, passport and visa requirements as for Denmark. EU citizens need a valid identity card or passport for a tourist stay of up to three months.

Personal expenses, money and currency:
You must cover meals and other personal expenses on the return trip to Greenland. Do not expect to be able to use credit cards but instead bring cash in Danish currency.

Insurance:
You have to take out insurance that cover hiking in Greenland. Your insurance must include rescue by helicopter.

Included:

• Boat transfers
• Experienced Greenlandic guide
• All meals during the hiking tour
• 4 nights in youth hostel
• 9 nights in expedition tents
• All meals during the program
• Information pack with advice for the wilderness and a list of equipment for the trip
• VAT, special scheme for travel agencies
• Product liability insurance

Not included:

• Flight to Narsarsuaq and flight from Qaqortoq
• Travel insurance
• Cancellation insurance
• Catering in addition to the above
• Personal expenses
• Accommodation in Narsaq
• All that was not described under “included”

Day 1
Narsarsuaq - boat trip to Qooroq Ice Fjord

We sail from Narsarsuaq to the underwater moraine at the mouth of the Qooroq Ice Fjord. Here, we meet a breathtaking sight of thousands of icebergs, sheer cliff faces and the enormous glacier. The glacier daily delivers about 200.000 tons white, blue and turquoise icebergs into the fjord, and we have time to enjoy this panorama. The silence is disturbed only by the sound of the icebergs, breaking free from the glacier and crashing into the fjord. In the fjord we gather ice for our cocktails and hear the mini explosions as thousand-year-old air bubbles escape in the glass. This powerfull and breathtaking nature is a refreshment, which will stay in body and soul.

Day 2-6

Hiking from river Qinngua Kangilleq to Eqalorutsit Glacier and back.

In Narsarsuaq we have a scenic boattransfer to Qinngua Kangilleq, next morning.
The 16 km hike to Eqalorutsit, has only 300 meters of ascent. The distance is walked in two days. It is a very spectacular hike along Qinngua River, passing several impressive waterfalls. After an overnight we follow the broad valley towards the campsite at Eqalorutsit Glacier. We will fish in the river, Arctic Chars up to 4 kilos.

Eqalorutsit is located on a grassy plain at the inner part of the Sermilik Fjord, where the glacier produces icebergs. It is one of the most active ones in South Greenland, with a constant roaring of the glacier, icebergs and ice floes. The active glacier is in contrast to the serene plains and we stay an extra day. Icebergs strand on the beach and we walk among the blue and crystal-like iceblocks, on the daytrip to the glacier. Later on the day we fish Chars in the river and Cod in the fjord for supplies.  

The two day 18 km long hike back to Qinngua Kangilleq goes over the scenic mountain track, about 600 meter in altitude, and this distance we hike in two days. There are beautiful views over the Tunulliarfik fjord from the grand mountain pass. The hike towards the valley, back to Qinngua, takes us over parts with boulders. We stay the night at the river bank, cooking meals over the campfire, enjoying the company with the Greenlandic guide and sharing the experiences from the first part of the tour.


Day 7
Boat trip and cultural sightseeing in Qassiarsuk - Brattahlid

In Qinngua Kangilleq we have a scenic boattransfer to Qassiarsuk, next morning. The village is known for the local sheep farmers who are working on the same land as the Viking Eric the Red did more than 1000 years ago. One hour guided tour in an area that links together old history and modern living. After lunch we visit the museum of Brattahlid and continue by boat to Itilleq.

Day 7 - 8
Boat trip Itilleq – Igaliko and day hikes in the area

The trip goes through Erik’s Fjord to Itilleq, and from here a 4 km walk on the King's Road to the small historic settlement of Igaliku. On the way we see the colourful Greenlandic houses, the green hills and the deep, blue fjord. On the other side of the fjord the snow-covered peaks of Illerfissalik reminds us how close we are to the grand alpine mountains. After a hot shower we leave our backpacks at the youth hostle, and go on a guided tour in Igaliko. This former Episcopal seat is one of the most beautiful villages in Greenland with impressive ruins from the Norse period. Today the town thrives from sheep farming, there is a school, a church and a shop. 

Next morning you have the opportunity to join a 5-6 hours hike, on the sheep track in easy terrain. We hike along the rushing river, passing through a landscape of willow and birch vegetation, barren mountain lots with outstanding views over the the blue fjord with drifting icebergs. On the return we cross a desert with weathered rocks and stones. Here we can find the shining gemstone Labradorit. The walk to the plateau is one of the most beautiful and varied tours. When we get back we meet a Greenlandic family for “kaffemik” at their home, the traditional coffee party.
 
We stay one more night at the youth hostle and next morning we continue the trip to Hvalsoe.

Day 9 – 11
The famous Igaliko – Hvalsoe hiking trail

With our fresh supplies from Igaliko, we follow the King's Road along the ridge on the grassy plateau. On the way there's a nice view back on the ice cap. We pitch our campsite at the river's outlet with large flat rocks and a small waterfall for a refreshing shower. On the route “Redekammen” can be seen in the southeast. We pass the streams and walk through an open valley with the most beautiful lake and mountain peaks view, to Igaliko Vatnahverfis fjord.

The surroundings change from green grass meadows to a more alpine landscape, as we hike between boulders with Burfjeldet in the north. The track is easy most of the way along the lakes and at the end is a gushing waterfall. We fish in lakes and creeks on the way and gather plants and mushrooms, and accomplished with ingredients that we brought with us from Igaliko, we prepare delicious meals. 

We hike along rivers in the delta. On the south side, we follow the marked route along the ridge, which is also used by Greenlandic hunters. The hike ends at the ruins of Hvalsoe church, which is the best preserved ruin from the Norse period, with a about one hour guided historical tour. A local sails us to Qaqortoq where we will stay at the cozy hostel in town. After a hot shower, we can look forward to a very delicious Musk Ox dinner, accomplished with a cold tasty Greenlandic beer.

Day 12
One day on your own in Qaqortoq

Qaqortoq, often described as the most beautiful town in Greenland, between the fjord of Qaqortoq and the lake of Tasersuaq. Most of the colourful houses have a fantastic view. Houses with small Arctic gardens are to be seen here and there, with flowers, small trees and vegetable. The more than 200 year old houses in the town centre, from the colonial era, have been maintained as an active part of town. In Qaqortoq you find the only water fountain in Greenland, as well as the stone sculptures and stone carvings, which are scattered around town. Qaqortoq has cafe´s, a exellent Thai restaurant and a sovenier shop. From the peak of our town "Peters Varde", you get a good overlook view of the surrounding fjords and mountains. Another recommended walk is the 10 km hiking trail around the Grand Lake of Qaqortoq. 

Day 13
Hot spring tour, Uunartoq nature´s own hot top

The only hot springs in Greenland where you can bathe in the 38-degree Celsius warm water as you watch the icebergs drift in the fjord nearby. One the 2½ hour boat trip each way, we have a good chance to spot whales comming to the surface for air. Hot springs in Greenland are a common natural phenomenon, but the island of Uunartoq is home to the only place where the springs are warm enough to bathe in. Close to the drifting icebergs, you can lie in the warm water and enjoy the scenic surroundings with alpine mountain peaks in the background.

Day 14
Helicopter trip on the way back home

The next day you bring home all your adventures. On our way back to Narsarsuaq by helicopter we can view a part of the route we have hiked, with the surrounding landscape, ones again enjoyed from above.

Booking form: