Portrait of a dog musher on his sled near Oqaatsut in Greenland
Request a quote Hearts of the Inuit

7 days during winter in Disko Bay with Inuit settlement visit

 from 1,365.00 €
Request a quote Hearts of the Inuit

7 days during winter in Disko Bay with Inuit settlement visit

 from 1,365.00 €

How many people are you?

Adults Children < 12 years

The trip you chose is offered from February to April. Within this given time, when can you travel?

Start
End

What accommodation level do you prefer?

Should we include international flights?

Yes No

From what airport do you want to fly?

We can customise this trip for you. What activities would you like to add?

Today you will head out by boat into Disko Bay and visit the gigantic floating icebergs, so have your cameras locked and loaded. These frozen giants have calved from the most productive glacier of the Northern Hemisphere, the Sermeq Kujalleq. It annually calves 35 km³ of ice into the UNESCO Icefjord - a sheer unimaginable amount. If we are lucky we might even spot a whale or two.

It is a big day today. You came here to see glaciers and icebergs. And you do not mean the small ones, you mean the massive ones. Well, we promise - this is what you are going to see. Standing in front of the enormous Ilulissat Icefjord will make you feel small and humble. An endless amount of ice pushing down from the glacier Sermeq Kujalleq towards the sea, where ice is calving constantly creating those majestic icebergs floating in Disko Bay. Here, at the Ilulissat Icefjord World Heritage Site, we also stop at Sermermiut, an abandoned Inuit settlement, which had been used by Saqqaq, early Dorset and Thule cultures. Our guide will provide you with insights into the Inuit culture.

On winter evenings with clear sky, the beautiful northern lights often appear in Ilulissat. Going out to experience that natural phenomenon is a welcome break in your holiday which you shouldn't miss. Are you worried about the cold temperatures? We are mindful that in winter the conditions can be demanding. Because of that our exclusive and heated hut is only 10 minutes away from town from where we can enjoy the northern lights into the wilderness. No previous experience is required. Led by our guide and provided with a headlight and snowshoes you walk next to the gigantic icebergs, distanced enough from the city lights to enjoy the magic wonder of the northern lights. The tour follows the Ilulissat Icefjord until it meets the Disko Bay. It takes 1,5 hours including an indoor and heated break in a hut drinking coffee or tea. Once there, we also scout the northern light through the window or from outside. After the magnificent show and before the cold invades our astonished souls, we walk 10 minutes to reach the shuttle that drives us back to the center of Ilulissat.

On a city walk through Ilulissat your guide will show you the most important sites of this charming little town located next to the UNESCO Icefjord for instance the old part of town where the houses of the first Danish settlers are situated at the harbour as well as the Knud Rasmussen Museum and the old wooden church Zion. He will provide us with valuable insight into the history of Ilulissat and the Greenlandic culture.

Add this option to stay overnight at Igloo Lodge, a camp consisting of six traditional igloos and a wooden hut. We get there by snowmobile and once at the base we continue to explore the area by snowshoe enjoying fantastic views of the UNESCO Icefjord. Lunch, dinner, breakfast and a high-performance winter sleeping bag are included. With a bit of luck Northern Lights as well (Feb-Mar). Choosing this option will extend your program by one day.

You will visit a local handcrafts woman at her house where she is revealing glimpse into her traditional skills. In the past the Inuit only wore clothes made from animal skin or fur since these were warm and hard-wearing and ideally adapted for Arctic climate. The Inuit saying “A man is what his wife makes him” shows the great deal of responsibility the women carried by carefully choosing the skins and perfectly processing them into clothes that protected people in the harsh arctic winter. You will come to know how these skilled and talented artists were creating the traditional Inuit clothing as well as the festive national dress and also enjoy coffee and cake together. By joining this tour you support the local women community and contribute to the preservation of Greenlandic handcraft.

Further information

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Portrait of a dog musher on his sled near Oqaatsut in Greenland
Equipment list Hearts of the Inuit

7 days during winter in Disko Bay with Inuit settlement visit
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Equipment list Hearts of the Inuit

7 days during winter in Disko Bay with Inuit settlement visit

Below is an equipment list with items we highly recommend you bring on the journey. To enjoy the trip to the fullest, comfortable and good equipment is essential. So be a bit picky about what you bring on our trip, make sure it is adequate for arctic conditions.

Remember when dressing up for your dog sledding trip, that you will mostly sit on the sledge enjoying the great arctic winter landscape without moving much. It is therefore from utmost importance that you dress very warm, especially protecting feet, hands and head.

Clothing & Footwear

  • Non-cotton, wool long sleeves and tights (base layer)

    Base layers are designed to keep you warm despite they might be wet from sweating, for example - therefore they must not be cotton but instead a mid-weight wool or other fast-drying fibre.If there’s one thing to stress over and over and over, it is that having several layers to choose from, or use in combination with each other. It is far more valuable for regulating body temperature than having only one or two very heavy layers that might make you too hot and never just right.It is recommended to bring a selection of warm long-sleeves and warm tights as base layers, so you have a few extras.

  • Wool sweater, fleece or PrimaLoft jacket (mid layer)

    A wool layer is always nice to have as additional warmth. Pick your favourite woollen winter sweater keeping youwarm and cosy. If you are not too much into woollen sweaters you can also bring a warm fleece or PrimaLoft jacket instead.

  • insulated or fleece pants (mid layer)

    It is recommended to bring a pair of insulated hiking pants as a sort of all-purpose pants. Fleece pants can be useful, too. Jeans are strongly discouraged. If you do not own insulated hiking pants, wear a thick base layer underneath your standard hiking pants.

  • down jacket (outer layer)

    Well, you are heading to Greenland in winter. So get prepared for cold! We recommend to bring a nice warm down jacket or the warmest winter jacket you find in your wardrobe. You will always need this jacket when you are outside but not moving so much, like on a boat or dog sledding trip, gazing at the Northern Lights or wandering through the settlements.

  • skiing pants (outer layer)

    Stay snug and warm and bring a pair of skiing pants to Greenland.They keep you warm from blowing cold winds so you can fully enjoy the arctic winter landscapes you came to explore.

  • windproof & waterproof jacket and pants (outer layer)

    Whether it is to protect you from wind and snow on land or from ocean spray while sailing, having good outer layers to protect against the elements will make the difference between a pleasant and unpleasant trip. It is recommended to bring both a windproof/waterproof jacket and a pair of windproof/waterproof pants. Gore Tex is a leading manufacturer of breathable and waterproof layers.As most wind- and waterproof gear does not keep you very warm, you will need to wear one or two warm mid layers below.

  • warm hat, scarf and warm (fleece) gloves

    Now that you are all dressed up don’t forget your head and hands. Half of our body heat we lose through or heads.Therefore we recommend to bring two pairs of warm hats and gloves as well as a pair of warm mittens.

  • warm and supportive footwear

    Footwear is of the utmost importance in Greenland. It must be comfortable, warm, yet supportive, as it is what protects your feet and will keep you going all day long. It is recommended to bring burly and warm winter boots for this winter trip, plus several pairs of super warm wool socks. The best warm & comfortable footwear is: • insulated and warm • waterproof or water-resistant • offering high ankle support • non-skid / has a sole with good traction. (Good for both icy terrain and slippery boat decks.) • worn-in. (It is not ideal to break in brand new shoes and have blisters on the first day.)

Other gear

  • 60-80 litre backpack or duffle bag

    It is recommended to pack your gear in a backpack. Many of the towns have simple dirt- or rocky roads covered in ice and snow in winter which are not exactly ideal for pulling luggage with wheels. If you do not own a backpack, prefer a duffle bag over a hard shell suitcase.

  • 20-30 liter daypack

    For maximum versatility, it is recommended to also bring a small foldable daypack to hold an extra layer or two and a thermos during short excursions.

  • sunscreen, lip balm

    Even though you are visiting Greenland during winter, we advise to bring sun screen and lip balm. If sun shines, the reflection off water, snow and nearby icebergs can cause some fierce sun exposure.

  • sunglasses

    As sun stays quite low during winter time, it is good to have a pair of sunglasses along.

  • water bottle

    Make sure you stay hydrated. It is recommended to bring your own water bottle or thermos to fill up with the freshest, cleanest, tastiest water you can find.

  • camera/binoculars

    There’s going to be no less than 10,000 amazing things to see and remember - icebergs that look different from every angle, small colourful houses perched at the edge of the hill and of course those cute sled dogs. It is recommended to bring whatever camera or looking device you wish, whether that’s a smartphone, snazzy camera, or selfie stick.

What we provide

  • equipment for snowmobile activity

    snowmobile, helmet, extra warm jacket and pants, mittens and boots

  • equipment for dogsledding in Oqaatsut

    sled, dogs, musher, extra warm jacket and pants, mittens and boots

In case you have any further questions regarding the equipment to bring to the tour please do not hesitate to contact us.

Portrait of a dog musher on his sled near Oqaatsut in Greenland
FAQ Hearts of the Inuit

7 days during winter in Disko Bay with Inuit settlement visit
FAQ Hearts of the Inuit

7 days during winter in Disko Bay with Inuit settlement visit

General questions

When best to travel

  • What is the best time to travel to Greenland?
  • What is not a good time for travelling in Greenland?
  • How is the climate in Greenland?
  • What are typical activities in summer or in winter?
  • Where and when can I best witness the midnight sun?
  • Where and when can I best witness the northern lights?
  • How is the daylight during winter in Greenland?

Entering Greenland

  • Which entry requirements apply to Greenland?
  • What are the customs regulations entering Greenland?

Getting there and around

  • How can I get to Greenland?
  • Do I need to stopover in Copenhagen or Reykjavik before or after travelling to Greenland?
  • How long are flight durations to Greenland?
  • What is the baggage allowance on flights to Greenland?
  • How can I get around in Greenland?

Booking your adventure

  • How do I book a tour with Greenland Tours?
  • How far in advance do you recommend to book?
  • Should I book activities in advance or can I book them on the spot?
  • When and in what format do I receive my travel documents?
  • What if I have to cancel my trip?

Being safe and sound

  • Do I need travel insurance?
  • Are vaccinations required when travelling to Greenland?
  • Do I need to meet certain requirements when taking part in your tours?
  • What about medical care in Greenland?
  • Can I travel with children in Greenland?

Money matters

  • What is the currency in Greenland?
  • How much Danish krone (DKK) in cash should I bring to Greenland?
  • Where can I withdraw money in Greenland?
  • How is the acceptance for credit cards in Greenland?
  • What are the approximate costs for meals?
  • Is tipping common in Greenland?

Having a chat

  • What is the official language in Greenland?
  • Can I get by with English in Greenland?

Staying connected

  • How is mobile phone reception in Greenland?
  • How is internet and mobile internet connection in Greenland?
  • How will Greenland Tours contact you once in Greenland?
  • Do I need a power plug adapter or voltage converter?

Sleeping and eating

  • What types of accommodation are there in Greenland?
  • What is the Greenlandic cuisine like?
  • What choice of restaurants is there in Greenland?
  • How can I cater for myself in Greenland?
  • Is there vegetarian or vegan food in Greenland?
  • What are the approximate costs for meals?

Facts and figures

  • How many people live in Greenland?
  • What is the capital city of Greenland?
  • What religions are there in Greenland?
  • Are there UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Greenland?

Traditions and culture

  • How to immerse into Greenlandic culture?
  • What is a kaffemik?
  • What is a Tupilak?
  • How does the traditional dress in Greenland look like?

Encountering wildlife

  • Which animals are there in Greenland?
  • How likely is it to encounter a polar bear in Greenland?
  • How are the chances for whale watching?
  • Are there mosquitoes in Greenland?
  • Beware of sled dogs!

Being stuck in Greenland

  • How about the risk of flight delays and cancellations in Greenland?
  • What happens when my flight is delayed or cancelled?
  • How can I best use my extra time when being stuck?
  • How can I best use a stopover in Kangerlussuaq?
  • What if an individual activity is cancelled by the local provider due to bad weather?

What’s more...

  • Are the trips you are offering group or individual trips?
  • Can you send us a printed brochure or catalogue?
  • Where can I find good maps and city maps?
  • Where can I find literature about Greenland?
Visit Greenland - Mads Pihl
Individual tour

Hearts of the Inuit

7 days during winter in Disko Bay with Inuit settlement visit

Difficulty level: Easy-Moderate from 1,365.00 €
Request a quote

Come and join us on an authentic journey to the very soul of Greenland, where winters are cold but the hearts of people are warm. Wander over deep frozen sea, float across the endless white joining a local musher with his dogs and experience the true culture of a tucked away settlement way, way beyond the Arctic Circle.

Meet the warm-hearted community of Oqaatsut and experience how the Inuit live a modern life while keeping traditions alive. Come to sing and play along with the Inuit as the mystic northern lights paint another work of art into the Arctic sky. A free day in Ilulissat with optional activities provides the opportunity to refine this journey making it your very own Greenland adventure.

Rough summary

Day 01:

Arrival in Ilulissat

Day 02:

Day at leisure in Ilulissat with optional activities

Day 03:

Snowmobiling to Oqaatsut - Meeting the Locals

Day 04:

Dog sledding from Oqaatsut

Day 05:

Snowmobiling back to Ilulissat

Day 06:

Day at leisure in Ilulissat with optional activities

Day 07: Departure

Prices and dates

Price per person:

Package based on: Double Single
Guesthouse 1365 1625
3* hotel 1455 1720
3* hotel with sea view 1525 1865
4* hotel 1685 2020
4* hotel with sea view 1775 2295

Dates:

February 04, 2020 – February 10, 2020 (available)
February 11, 2020 – February 17, 2020 (guaranteed)
February 18, 2020 – February 24, 2020 (guaranteed)
February 25, 2020 – March 02, 2020 (available)
March 03, 2020 – March 09, 2020 (guaranteed)
March 10, 2020 – March 16, 2020 (available)
March 17, 2020 – March 23, 2020 (available)
March 24, 2020 – March 30, 2020 (available)
March 31, 2020 – April 06, 2020 (available)
April 07, 2020 – April 13, 2020 (guaranteed)

Further details

Price includes:

  • equipment for snowmobile activity (snowmobile, helmet, extra warm jacket and pants, mittens and boots)
  • equipment for dogsledding (sled, dogs, musher, extra warm jacket and pants, mittens and boots)
  • 2 nights at a local accommodation in Oqaatsut incl. breakfast
  • 3 meals with local food in Oqaatsut
  • guided tour from day 3 to day 5 with English speaking guide (Local guide)
  • 4 nights in Ilulissat, breakfast included when staying in hotel
  • airport transfer in Ilulissat (not included when staying at guesthouse)

Type of trip:

This pre-arranged adventure is an individual trip, meaning you are discovering Greenland on your own but joining selected guided group activities during your stay. You will receive comprehensive travel information such as where and when to meet for the activities.

Minimum age:

16 years (minors should always be accompanied by one adult and cannot drive).

Note:

Please note that due to unpredictable weather and conditions during winter, the itinerary of this tour is subject to change. While it is our goal to deliver the best tour experience possible, the safety of our clients is always our first priority

Options

Feel free to add one or more of our tour options to make them part of your request.

Today you will head out by boat into Disko Bay and visit the gigantic floating icebergs, so have your cameras locked and loaded. These frozen giants have calved from the most productive glacier of the Northern Hemisphere, the Sermeq Kujalleq. It annually calves 35 km³ of ice into the UNESCO Icefjord - a sheer unimaginable amount. If we are lucky we might even spot a whale or two.

It is a big day today. You came here to see glaciers and icebergs. And you do not mean the small ones, you mean the massive ones. Well, we promise - this is what you are going to see. Standing in front of the enormous Ilulissat Icefjord will make you feel small and humble. An endless amount of ice pushing down from the glacier Sermeq Kujalleq towards the sea, where ice is calving constantly creating those majestic icebergs floating in Disko Bay. Here, at the Ilulissat Icefjord World Heritage Site, we also stop at Sermermiut, an abandoned Inuit settlement, which had been used by Saqqaq, early Dorset and Thule cultures. Our guide will provide you with insights into the Inuit culture.

On winter evenings with clear sky, the beautiful northern lights often appear in Ilulissat. Going out to experience that natural phenomenon is a welcome break in your holiday which you shouldn't miss. Are you worried about the cold temperatures? We are mindful that in winter the conditions can be demanding. Because of that our exclusive and heated hut is only 10 minutes away from town from where we can enjoy the northern lights into the wilderness. No previous experience is required. Led by our guide and provided with a headlight and snowshoes you walk next to the gigantic icebergs, distanced enough from the city lights to enjoy the magic wonder of the northern lights. The tour follows the Ilulissat Icefjord until it meets the Disko Bay. It takes 1,5 hours including an indoor and heated break in a hut drinking coffee or tea. Once there, we also scout the northern light through the window or from outside. After the magnificent show and before the cold invades our astonished souls, we walk 10 minutes to reach the shuttle that drives us back to the center of Ilulissat.

On a city walk through Ilulissat your guide will show you the most important sites of this charming little town located next to the UNESCO Icefjord for instance the old part of town where the houses of the first Danish settlers are situated at the harbour as well as the Knud Rasmussen Museum and the old wooden church Zion. He will provide us with valuable insight into the history of Ilulissat and the Greenlandic culture.

Add this option to stay overnight at Igloo Lodge, a camp consisting of six traditional igloos and a wooden hut. We get there by snowmobile and once at the base we continue to explore the area by snowshoe enjoying fantastic views of the UNESCO Icefjord. Lunch, dinner, breakfast and a high-performance winter sleeping bag are included. With a bit of luck Northern Lights as well (Feb-Mar). Choosing this option will extend your program by one day.

You will visit a local handcrafts woman at her house where she is revealing glimpse into her traditional skills. In the past the Inuit only wore clothes made from animal skin or fur since these were warm and hard-wearing and ideally adapted for Arctic climate. The Inuit saying “A man is what his wife makes him” shows the great deal of responsibility the women carried by carefully choosing the skins and perfectly processing them into clothes that protected people in the harsh arctic winter. You will come to know how these skilled and talented artists were creating the traditional Inuit clothing as well as the festive national dress and also enjoy coffee and cake together. By joining this tour you support the local women community and contribute to the preservation of Greenlandic handcraft.

Flight connections

Flights to Greenland are not included.
Fly to Ilulissat via Reykjavík/Iceland or Copenhagen/Denmark.
Return flight from 1090 EUR per person can be added to your package.

Open map

Detailed itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Ilulissat

Today you arrive in Ilulissat, far beyond the Arctic Circle. Make yourself comfortable and get a first glimpse of life in Greenland. Head out for a first stroll through the colourful houses of Ilulissat and feel the omnipresence of the icebergs surrounding Ilulissat. And keep your eyes open, as Northern Lights might be dancing above you in the Arctic sky. Night in Ilulissat. Night in Ilulissat.

Day 2: Day at leisure in Ilulissat

Start this adventure in Greenland by making it yours. Choose from optional activities on this free day in the town of icebergs - Ilulissat. This name promises a lot - and it does surely deliver. Use your chance to join our local guide on an optional walk to Ilulissat Icefjord World Heritage Site and Sermermiut. Standing in front of the enormous Ilulissat Icefjord with its massive icebergs will make you feel small and humble. Another recommendation instead is to follow our experienced captains on an optional boat trip out into Disko Bay, getting you as close as safe to the fascinating and gigantic icebergs. Please find details and further options below. Night in Ilulissat.

Day 3: From Ilulissat to Oqaatsut

In the morning we leave Ilulissat and head deeper into the Arctic. By snowmobile we drive north over the thick sea ice to experience the remote settlement of Oqaatsut, where roughly 35 locals live the traditional Greenlandic way. We will stay at a local accommodation in Oqaatsut. The surroundings offer amazing views of the frozen sea and mountains in the back. The meals are cooked by local families living in Oqaatsut and our guide will be assisting with translations so you can talk to your hosts and learn about their way of life in the Arctic.

After tonight's Greenlandic dinner we head out from our cozy shelter onto the frozen sea, becoming one with the Arctic night hopefully observing the natural phenomena of the Northern Lights (February - March). Night in Oqaatsut.

Day 4: Dog sledding around Oqaatsut

We spend the day in and around Oqaatsut. A local musher will take you dog sledding through the untouched surroundings of Oqaatsut. To witness the team play of man and dog working together in nature is a fascinating experience to be part of. To observe Greenland’s majestic landscapes this way feels weightless. Maybe it is the slower pace that gives plenty of time to take in all the impressions or maybe it is the combination of sled dogs panting plus the rhythmic beat of their large paws, a sound that is suddenly magnified against a backdrop of pure silence.

The evening we spend indoors and join the Inuit for a warm evening observing their traditions and participating with singing, dancing and playing as the Inuit have been doing for thousands of years. Night in Oqaatsut.

Day 5: Back to Ilulissat

Today we depart from Oqaatsut, saying goodbye to these cold and beautiful surroundings and its warm and welcoming inhabitants. We ride back with our snowmobiles to Ilulissat, a journey with great scenery, ideal as a farewell for these authentic days in the settlement. Night in Ilulissat.

Day 6: Day at leisure in Ilulissat

Choose from optional activities on this free day in Ilulissat. Please find details and further options below. Night in Ilulissat.

Day 7: Leaving Greenland

Today you will leave Greenland having met many warm hearts beating to the rhythm of life in the Arctic.

Remark

The Northern Lights are a natural phenomenon, thus we cannot guarantee that you will see them during your trip. However, if you are traveling in Greenland from end of August to end of March, chances are good that you will be able to observe them, but best deep in the winter (from mid November to mid March). If you travel in April it is unlikely to see the Northern Lights as days are already to bright.

What our customers say

All adventure trips are undertaken on the responsibility of its participants. Greenland Tours does not assume any responsibility for accidents which are caused by its customers or can be traced to their own actions. Participants have to sign a waiver before undertaking all trips stating that they realise that all outdoor activities carry an inherent risk.