Greenland Disko Bay and Ilulissat 15% Advantage

This seven day expedition journey takes you through West Greenland to Disko Bay and Ilulissat, starting and ending in Kangerlussuaq. Along the way, small towns and remote coastal stretches alternate with fjords, glaciers, and iceberg filled waters. Zodiacs allow flexible landings and close approaches, depending on weather, ice, and local conditions. The style remains expedition focused, with the daily schedule adjusted as needed to combine wildlife and landscape observation, short hikes, and cultural encounters in a meaningful way. Highlights include the UNESCO listed Ilulissat Icefjord, the basalt scenery of Disko Island, and a visit to the active Eqip Sermia Glacier.

Greenland Disko Bay and Ilulissat, The Itinerary

Day 1: Embarkation in Kangerlussuaq
The tour services begin with dinner. In Kangerlussuaq, Greenland’s only town inland and an important air hub with a history dating back to the Cold War, you board the ship. The transfer to the ship is by Zodiac, then you settle into your cabin and take part in the safety drill. After that, the voyage begins through Kangerlussuaq Fjord, whose broad expanses of water mark the start of this Arctic route.

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Day 2: Sisimiut, Greenland’s Second City
Sisimiut is considered the country’s lively second largest city and has been inhabited for a very long time. On Tele Island, which can be reached on a hike, there are archaeological traces of early Paleo Inuit cultures. In the town itself, historic buildings such as the Blue Church in the museum quarter and the town’s history since its founding as Holsteinsborg shape the scenery. At the same time, Sisimiut presents modern Arctic life with education and economic structures, cultural institutions such as Taseralik, as well as a museum and art workshop, complemented by local specialties.

Day 3, Qeqertarsuaq on Disko Island
Qeqertarsuaq is picturesquely situated beneath high basalt mountains and tells of a past as a center of whaling, before life shifted more toward hunting, fishing, and tourism. Volcanic soils and a mild microclimate ensure strikingly lush vegetation that contrasts with the colorful houses and the rugged coastal landscapes. In the afternoon, a Zodiac ride leads along the coast near Kuannit, with tundra, caves, and waterfalls, while icebergs repeatedly drift in the surrounding waters. Afterwards, the journey continues into Disko Bay.

Day 4, Eqip Sermia Glacier
Eqip Sermia, literally the glacier at the end of the fjord, is smaller compared to other Greenlandic glaciers, but it remains a powerful ice stream fed directly by the ice sheet. The glacier is among the most active in the region, and pieces of ice regularly break off from the front. If weather and conditions allow, you approach the calving edge by Zodiac to observe the calving from a safe distance at sea level. The scenery combines quiet fjord landscapes with the visible dynamism of the ice.

Day 5: Ilulissat, City of Icebergs
Ilulissat means icebergs in Kalaallisut and is located by the UNESCO listed Ilulissat Icefjord, which can be reached on an easy walk from the harbour. The approximately 70 kilometre long fjord leads to Sermeq Kujalleq, the largest glacier outside Antarctica, and makes the region a centre for icebergs in the Northern Hemisphere. In addition to its natural setting, the town offers cultural insights, as it was founded around 280 years ago and is considered the birthplace of polar explorer Knud Rasmussen. Markets, galleries, and paths around the Icefjord round out the shore excursion.

Day 6, Itilleq Village
Itilleq, the transition place from the sea, lies between mountains and fjords north of the Arctic Circle and on the edge of the UNESCO area Aassivisuit Nipisat. The village preserves a long Inuit hunting tradition, even though today colourful houses have replaced the former turf huts. Daily life is still closely tied to Arctic resources, including Arctic char, reindeer and musk ox. During a visit, the focus is on insights into a small, community shaped way of life and encounters with local hospitality.

Day 7, Disembarkation in Kangerlussuaq
To conclude, the ship sails up the approximately 160 kilometre long Kangerlussuaq Fjord. Disembarkation is by Zodiac and after saying goodbye to the expedition team, the route leads to the modern airport. After breakfast, the travel services end.

Special features:
The itinerary is expedition focused and is adjusted by the on site team to weather, ice, and local conditions, so individual landings and close approaches depend on circumstances. Transfers between ship and shore are by Zodiac, including boarding and disembarking near the coastline. During glacier visits, safety distances are maintained, especially when there is active calving at the ice front. In the towns and communities visited, respectful encounters and consideration for local routines are a priority.
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