Wildlife, Inuit Culture, and Hiking on the Ice Cap
Western Greenland Expedition
Overview
With icebergs spilling out of its fjords, humpback whales spouting in its waters, and a unique Inuit culture, Greenland is a visual feast and a magnet for adventurers. We cruise between the steep ice walls of the stunning Western Fjords, walk on the vast Greenland Ice Sheet, and hike the tundra in search of herds of musk ox. In Ilulissat, north of the Arctic Circle, we hike past icebergs on UNESCO-listed Kangia Icefjord and explore an Inuit settlement. Taking an after-dinner boat ride in the golden glow of the midnight sun, we’ll watch the play of light and color of the Arctic twilight reflected on towering icebergs. If you want the thrill of experiencing one of our planet’s most jaw-droppingly beautiful settings, come to Greenland with WT!
Arrive: Nuuk, Greenland
Depart: Ilulissat, Greenland
Highlights
- Savor the pristine, glacier-carved wonder of the Western Fjords
- Walk on the Greenland Ice Sheet, cross the tundra to look for shaggy musk ox
- Cruise past towering icebergs under the long evening light of the Arctic summer
- Learn about the Inuit, who have thrived in Greenland's extreme environment
- Walk along iceberg-strewn shores to an ancient Inuit settlement
Itinerary
In Nuuk, the capital, we cruise in our chartered boat into the vast Western Fjords, once home to more than a thousand Vikings. We’ll fish from the deck along the way (redfish and cod are plentiful here) so we can enjoy our fresh catch for lunch at a remote boat-in lodge.
From the town of Kangerlussuaq, we set out across the tundra in search of iconic musk ox, or “umimmak” in Greenlandic, meaning “long-bearded one,” and the next day we hike right on the Greenland Ice Sheet, with 100,000-year-old ice beneath our feet!
North of the Arctic Circle, we explore Ilulissat, home to more sled dogs than people. We'll see the colossal bergs of the Kangia Icefjord on a “midnight sun” cruise at the mouth of the Sermeq Glacier, said to have spawned the iceberg that sank the Titanic.
Walking past giant bergs along the wild shores of Kangia Icefjord, we visit the Inuit settlement of Sermermiut. We boat through Disko Bay on the lookout for humpback whales and hike the coast for panoramas of floating icebergs and dramatic Disko Island. Depart on Day 8 via Ilulissat.
Accommodations
Scroll through our signature accommodations for this trip below. Although it is highly unlikely, we may make substitutions when necessary.
What the Trip is Like
This trip is rated Level 3+, Moderate, according to our trip grading system. Our walks and hikes will range from 1-8 hours over varying terrain, from tundra to firm snow/ice on the Greenland Ice Sheet, to smooth granite.
Many of our hikes are not on designated trails, which allows some freedom for trip members to walk their own route without straying too far from the group. Hiking poles will be a great asset in keeping your balance over uneven ground including rocky or mossy terrain. Much of this trip's difficulty isn't necessarily the hikes, which can be short some days, but the remoteness and ruggedness of the region.
The biggest factor in Greenland is the weather, which will dictate the length of our activities, and possibly the order of them as well, and is known for being unpredictable. Temperatures are expected to be between 50-60°F, but the icy wind off the ocean and glaciers can make it colder. Trip members need to remain flexible in consideration of inclement weather that may require changes, such as substituting different hiking routes or canceling hikes. Water activities such as our boating excursion and midnight cruise are also dependent on sea forecasts.
We will be on board small boats (25-45 feet in length) for several passages. While we are not far off the coast, the wind and weather can have a significant impact on conditions. Please note that Greenland has very little structure for tourism, with very simple accommodations and an extreme, unpredictable climate that can make for uncomfortable transportation via boat or plane. An adventurous spirit and the willingness to accept the unexpected will be your most important items to bring along!
Client Testimonials
"This trip was amazing and exceeded our expectations! Itinerary and coordination were just perfect!"
Deborah P.
Mahwah, NJ
"A beautiful trip in a wonderful setting. The last hike was spectacular!"
Jeff L.
Sioux Falls, SD
"A perfect itinerary allowing one to experience the varied and multi-faceted beauty of Greenland. It's so much more than you expect! The fjords are breathtaking, the ice is intoxicating, spotting wildlife—thrilling! I cannot believe I was kayaking around icebergs…at midnight! Greenland is sheer delight for your eyes! AND, gloriously under-crowded."
Kathie D.
Belle Isle, FL
"The itinerary was great, and the scenery was breathtaking. I was pleasantly surprised at how good the food was—didn’t expect that in Greenland."
Ken G.
Orlando, FL
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Itinerary
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Trip Levels
With more than 200 different adventures to choose from, we want to help you find the trip that’s right for you. Our Trip Level system ranks each trip in two ways: a number rating from 1 to 6 according to the activity, and general travel rigors. 1 is the easiest and 6+ the most difficult.