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 magnet for adventurers. We cruise into the stunning Western Fjords, walk on the vast Greenland Ice Sheet, and hike the tundra in search of musk ox. In Ilulissat, north of the Arctic Circle, we hike past icebergs on UNESCO-listed Kangia Icefjord and explore an Inuit settlement. Cruising in the golden aura of the midnight sun, we'll watch the play of light and color of the Arctic twilight reflected on towering icebergs. If you want to experience one of our planet's most jaw-droppingly beautiful settings, come to Greenland with WT!
Arrive: Nuuk, Greenland
Depart: Ilulissat, Greenland
Highlights
- Discover the pristine, glacier-carved wonder of the Western Fjords
- Hike on the Greenland Ice Sheet, cross the tundra to look for shaggy musk ox
- Learn about the Inuit, who have thrived in Greenland's extreme environment
- Walk along iceberg-strewn shores to an ancient Inuit settlement
- Cruise past towering icebergs under the long evening light of the Arctic summer
Itinerary
In Nuuk, the capital, our hike up Lille Malene gives us coastal views and 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.
Hiking poles will be a great asset in keeping your balance over uneven terrain. Much of this trip's difficulty isn't necessarily the hikes, 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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Book your trip today
Our Area Specialists know every detail about our tours. They will be happy to answer any questions and help you choose the journey that’s right for you. Contact us to learn more or book your trip today!
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—see descriptions below for explanations of each number. A plus (+) sign means the trip is a bit more strenuous than other trips of that level. The detailed explanation of each trip—below the bar with the number rating—is perhaps more important, specifying activities, altitudes, hiking, and travel conditions. The Detailed Itinerary, available by download or mail, gives further information. Our Area Managers can also answer questions and guide you to the trip that best suits your interests.
Level 1 – Easiest
Non-camping journeys, optional walks, little elevation gain or loss.
Level 2 – Easy to Moderate
Hotel nights and/or safari-style camping, hikes of two to four hours on some days. Other physical activities are sometimes included, such as optional sea kayaking.
Level 3 – Moderate
Half- to full-day hikes (3-6 hours) over rolling countryside on most days, occasional steep trails. Many of our hotel-based walking tours are in this category, as are our snorkeling adventures.
- Tuscany & the Cinque Terre
- Argentina: Hikes and Estancias of Patagonia
- Palau Snorkeling & Sea Kayaking
- Some trips with minimal hiking but rugged travel conditions or long drives, such as Tribal Ghana, Togo & Benin, are Trip Level 3.
Level 4 – Moderate to Strenuous
Full-day hikes (4-6 hours), mountainous terrain, significant elevation gains and losses (hiking up or down as much as 3,000 feet) on many days. Altitudes no greater than about 10,000 feet.
Level 5 – Strenuous
Full-day hikes (4-8 hours), mountainous, steep terrain (hiking up or down as much as 3,500 feet) on many days. Trips with hiking at average altitudes of 10,000 to 12,000 feet are in this category.
Level 6 – Very Strenuous
Full-day hikes (5-8 hours), mountainous, steep terrain (hiking up or down as much as 3,500 feet) on many days. Most hikes take place at altitudes above 10,000 feet, with some days ascending as high as 18,000 feet.