Greenland: An Expedition Cruise and Trekking Adventure

Our adventure begins with a flight from Prague, and excitement is already building as we look forward to the incredible Greenlandic experience ahead. After landing in Copenhagen, we’ll check into a modern, cosy hotel where we can relax after the journey. In the evening, we’ll enjoy dinner together, go over the adventure that awaits us, and get ready for tomorrow — when we’ll take our first steps into Greenland’s world of ice, silence and endless wilderness.

Did you know? Copenhagen is famous for being one of the most bike-friendly cities in the world — more people commute by bike here each day than by car! The city has dedicated cycle superhighways connecting the centre with the surrounding areas and coastline. It’s also home to bridges designed exclusively for cyclists and pedestrians, including the famous Cykelslangen, or “Bicycle Snake”, an elegant elevated cycle bridge that winds its way above the water.

In the morning, we’ll fly via Nuuk to Ilulissat, a town widely regarded as the heart of western Greenland. After arriving, we’ll check into accommodation in a peaceful part of town, with beautiful views over the fjord — a place we’ve personally visited and selected as the perfect setting for our first evening in Greenland.

Ilulissat means “icebergs” in Greenlandic, and this enchanting town lies on the shores of the Ilulissat Icefjord, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here, enormous chunks of ice slowly break away from the mighty Sermeq Kujalleq Glacier and drift majestically out to sea. It’s a truly breathtaking sight.

In the evening, we’ll experience our first true taste of the Arctic: the midnight sun. From May until the end of July, the sun never sets here. Instead, it lingers above the horizon, bathing the landscape in beautiful shades of gold and pink. Sitting by the shore, listening to the silence and watching the light dance across enormous icebergs is an experience you’ll never forget.

In the morning, we’ll set off along the Blue Trail, one of the most beautiful hiking routes around Ilulissat. The path winds through tundra dotted with small lakes, past wooden boardwalks and rocky viewpoints, until the Ilulissat Icefjord opens up before us. The silence here feels almost otherworldly, broken only by the distant sounds of cracking ice as enormous icebergs break away from the mighty Sermeq Kujalleq Glacier. It’s a place that inspires a deep sense of awe and humility before the power of nature and the ice that has been shaping this landscape for thousands of years.

In the evening, we’ll enjoy a completely different, yet equally unforgettable experience: a cruise among the icebergs aboard the Disko Line Explorer. Our small boat will glide quietly between enormous chunks of ice, shimmering in the glow of the midnight sun. Each iceberg has its own unique shape and colour, ranging from snow-white to icy blue, with some appearing as transparent as glass.

Gulls and skuas often appear between the icebergs, and with a little luck, we may even spot seals or whales surfacing for air. Sitting on deck with a warm cup of tea in our hands, watching the sunlight dance across the ice as silence envelops the entire fjord — this is the kind of moment that makes you understand why Greenland feels like a land where the ice itself speaks.

Did you know? All the icebergs here originate from the Sermeq Kujalleq Glacier, one of the most productive glaciers in the world. It flows at an astonishing speed of 20–35 metres per day, releasing around 19 billion tonnes of ice into the fjord every year.

We’ll spend the morning and most of the day at a relaxed pace, with time to prepare our meals and enjoy some downtime. But in the evening, an unforgettable adventure awaits: kayaking among towering icebergs in the Ilulissat Icefjord.

This approximately three-hour excursion, including around two hours on the water, will take us right into the heart of a world of giant icebergs, where the silence and majesty of nature come together to create a truly unique experience.

Why go kayaking?

Kayaking offers a rare opportunity to explore the fjord from sea level, gliding through a landscape of floating icebergs. Moving quietly across the water allows us to experience the surrounding wilderness up close while minimising our disturbance to the natural environment. In summer, especially during the midnight sun season, golden sunlight reflects off the ice and water, creating a magical atmosphere unlike anything else.

What can we look forward to?

1. Paddling among icebergs: We’ll navigate through a landscape of enormous icebergs that have broken away from the mighty Sermeq Kujalleq Glacier.
2. Wildlife watching: With a little luck, we may spot seals, whales or some of the many bird species that inhabit this region.
3. The midnight sun: From May until the end of July, the sun remains above the horizon, creating spectacular lighting conditions for photography and taking in the breathtaking scenery.

The morning brings another unforgettable experience: a whale-watching cruise in Disko Bay. This region is renowned as one of the world’s best places to spot whales, especially during the summer months. As we sail through these Arctic waters, we’ll have the chance to encounter some of the whale species that inhabit the area. Along the way, our guide will share fascinating insights into these magnificent creatures and the environment they call home.

After returning to shore, we’ll set off on a shorter section of the Yellow Trail, heading towards the Icefjord. This scenic route rewards us with beautiful views of the fjord and the surrounding landscape.

Along the way, we can stop at Asimut Café, a small café kiosk housed in a traditional turf-roofed building. It’s the perfect place to take a break and enjoy a hot drink. Popular with both visitors and locals, it offers a cosy spot to pause and soak up the atmosphere.

The Yellow Trail is moderately challenging and follows the coastline, offering spectacular views of floating icebergs and the rugged Arctic scenery. It’s an ideal route for anyone who wants to experience Greenland’s natural beauty while enjoying a peaceful, leisurely walk.

What to Expect on Our Trip to the Eqi Glacier

1. A scenic boat trip: We’ll depart from Ilulissat and spend around two hours on the water, surrounded by spectacular views of floating icebergs. Keep your eyes peeled — with a little luck, we might spot whales or seals swimming nearby. Our captain knows what to look out for and may stop the boat whenever there’s a chance to witness one of these incredible wildlife encounters up close. Just sit back, relax and enjoy nature at its finest.
2. Up close with the glacier: Once we reach Eqi, we’ll spend around two hours observing one of Greenland’s most active glaciers. We’ll watch as enormous chunks of ice break away, accompanied by deep cracks and thunderous crashes that form the soundtrack of the Arctic wilderness. For photography enthusiasts, this place is an absolute paradise. And then there’s the silence, the crisp air and the sheer power of nature — some things simply have to be experienced to be understood.
3. Lunch on board: While taking in the spectacular scenery, we’ll enjoy a simple lunch on the boat, with sandwiches, coffee or tea. It’s the perfect chance to recharge without taking our eyes off the incredible landscape surrounding us.

Our flexible day in Ilulissat is all about relaxing and enjoying the freedom to spend the day however you like — whether that means going for a leisurely walk, taking some time to unwind or exploring the surrounding area at your own pace.

If bad weather has prevented us from completing any of the planned activities on previous days, we’ll use this day as an opportunity to catch up. This way, our itinerary remains flexible and can adapt to the ever-changing Arctic conditions.

We’ll be up early to say goodbye to Ilulissat and catch our return flight to Copenhagen. After several days filled with adventure and breathtaking experiences, it’s time to begin our journey home. As we travel, we’ll have plenty of time to reflect on the incredible landscapes, unforgettable moments and wild beauty of Greenland that we’ve been lucky enough to experience.

Today, we say our final goodbye to this incredible part of the world and board our flight back, taking home unforgettable memories of our Greenland adventure.