Icefjords and Remote villages - GRL71

You will learn that remote doesn’t always mean lifeless when you join us to explore the remote Inuit villages of Greenland. Dive back into time as you learn about the culture of these villagers, how they have survived for generations despite being so isolated. Get a taste of the traditional Inuit hunter’s life, see the pioneering spirit in the colorful houses and the friendly villagers, and meet the famous howling sled dogs that you’ve heard about. This hike lasts 10 days and will expose you to the raw beauty of Greenland and its people. Behold the unforgettable landscape as you hike by high peaks and ice-filled fjords and sail among spectacular icebergs. Immerse yourself in the untouched wilderness of this country and you will see that life is everywhere, whether it’s birds in the sky, whales coming up for air, or the Inuit people welcoming you to their village with open arms.

Photo: Lisa Germany
Photo: Lisa Germany
Photo: Lisa Germany
Photo: Lisa Germany
Photo: Lisa Germany
Photo: Lisa Germany
Photo: Lisa Germany
Photo: Lisa Germany
Photo: Lisa Germany
Photo: Lisa Germany
Photo: Lisa Germany
Photo: Stefán Páll Magnússon
Photo: Lisa Germany
Photo: Lisa Germany
Photo: Lisa Germany
Photo: Lisa Germany
Photo: Lisa Germany
Photo: Lisa Germany
Photo: Lisa Germany
Photo: Lisa Germany
Photo: Lisa Germany
Photo: Thomas Fiebig
Photo: Thomas Fiebig
Photo: Thomas Fiebig
Photo: Lisa Germany
Photo: Lisa Germany
Photo: Lisa Germany
Photo: Lisa Germany
"I wanted to say that the trip was incredible! I was absolutely blown away by the places we explored and by your company's professionalism. Our guide was constantly going the extra mile to see that we were all very happy and having the time of our lives out here in the beautiful wilds of Greenland. I will definitely tell all my friends and family about Icelandic Mountain Guides. This was one of the best weeks of my entire life."

- Julia Rigby, USA -

Tour type: Hiking tour

Difficulty:

EASY

HARD

Price from:  

Adult: 444000

  • JAN
  • FEB
  • MAR
  • APR
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  • JUN
  • JUL
  • AUG
  • SEP
  • OCT
  • NOV
  • DEC

What's included: Guide, Food for 10 days, boat transfers and accommodation in hostel & hut

Departures: July and August

Duration: 10 days

Accommodation: Hut, Hostel, Cabins and Guesthouse

Meeting point: Reykjavík Domestic Airport

Group size: 5-12

Language: English and French

Walking per day: 5-7 hours

  • Tour Description

    Highlights of the Tour

    • Hiking by High Peaks and Ice-filled Fjords
    • Visit Remote Inuit Villages and get a Taste of the Traditional Hunters life
    • Sailing among Spectacular Icebergs and Arctic Wildlife

    Between alpine like peaks and spires, surrounded by ocean that is frozen more than half of the year, lies one of the most isolated inhabited region of the planet. The people as they refer to themselves, survived through ages by seal hunting and fishing. These are the Inuit of the Ammassalik region. This fantastic hiking trip takes us to 3 of their highly isolated villages and to a mountain hut in the most incredible ice fjord. Mountains, icebergs, huge glaciers and rivers form the landscape. Add to that small colorful houses, friendly people, howling sled dogs, smiling kids and a pioneering spirit. This is an unforgettable tour for those who seek a different and unique experience and a true outdoor adventure, but prefer inside accommodation to camping in this wild and fascinating nature.

    Total distance: 70 kilometers (44 miles)
    Altitude: 0 – 1050 meters (0 - 3450 feet)
    Maximum ascent: 1050 meters (3450 feet)

    Read about Lisa's Icefjords and Remote Villages experience with us in 2018

    Included: Guide, food for 10 days (from lunch day 1 to lunch day 10), boat transfers, accommodation in basic hut/hostel/guesthouses plus two nights in cabins in the newly open Camp Qatoo at the Sermilik Icefjord. 

    Not included: Flight from Reykjavík - Kulusuk - Reykjavik (can be added on the first and last day of the trip, please choose when booking), Personal equipment, insurance and expenses.

    Flights for Reykjavik-Kulusuk-Reykjavik are from 585 Euros + taxes. The price depends on the available flight seat on the concerned date. 

    Accommodation in Reykjavík can be added before and/or after tour.

    All departures are in English/French 

    Private groups & tailor-made tours
    Create the ultimate Greenlandic adventure for your group. You can choose to make one of our pre-existing intineraries a private tour or our travel experts can help you design a completely customized adventure from scratch to meet your group’s wants and needs. Our knowledgeable and friendly guides will ensure that your group has a fun and unique experience during your time in Greenland. Please send your group’s size, preferred dates and desired activities to [email protected]. We look forward to helping you create an adventure of a lifetime.


    If you have questions, please check our FAQs. If you do not find the answer please contact us: [email protected]

  • Tour Itinerary

    Day 1: Reykjavík - Kulusuk
    A midday flight to Kulusuk or Kap Dan, "capital" of the island of Kulusuk and arrival at the same time: two hours flight and two hours time difference!  
    Kulusuk is actually a small village clinging to the rocky coast. In front of it the bay is littered with icebergs behind bold rocky peaks. And the local cemetery is a fascinating place! We explore the village and surroundings. Night at a hostel in Kulusuk.

    Distance : 2 km (1,2 miles)  Accom: Kulusuk Hostel, sleeping bag accommodation in dorm loft in

    Day 2: Kulusuk Island
    Having a whole day to explore the island of Kulusuk, we will take a walk that will give us insight into the local history and a chance to enjoy the amazing scenery. The view on the coast is amazing and at the most western tip of the island we see out to the Atlantic. Heading back we pass the lakes in the heart of the island. The Great Northern Loon, a bird that inhabits these parts will not be worried by our visit since it is really the best fisherman around! Following the road that leads through the island we arrive back to the village. Night at a hostel in Kulusuk.

    Walking: 16 km (10 miles) 6-7 hours Ascent/descent : 300 m (1000 feet)  Accom. Kulusuk Hostel

    Day 3: Kulusuk - Kuummiut
    Transfer by boat to the interior of the immense Ammassalik Fjord, which extends more than 50 kilometers and twists and turns between the many cliffs and islands. We reach the village of Kuummiut at situated at the end of a peninsula and there we settle down in a local house in the village.

    Boat ride : 1,5 hours      Accommodation : Cabin in Kuummiut

    Day 4: Fjord Tunu
    We start our walk to Ilitsiartik in the fjord of Tunu (which means backside). To enter the fjord, we head eastward through the Inuit village of Kuummiut. The terrain is relatively easy for Greenland, because we follow a flat strip of land wedged between the ocean and mountains, but we still have to a ford a river or two. We enjoy the vegetation which is surprisingly rich considering how isolated Greenland is. We hike back after to our accommodation full of new impressions.

    Walking: 16 km (10 miles) 5-6 hours Accommodation : Cabin in Kuummiut  

    Day 5: Ascent of Mount Kuummiut (1050 m)
    Today we climb Kuummiut Mountain that dominates the village. The altitude is modest, but we have to start from the sea level making this a good day’s hike. At the top an extraordinary view is waiting for us! To all directions we can see fjords, islands, mountains and glaciers. A perfect introduction to this world of rock, ice and water. Return to the same accommodation.

    Walking: 13 km (8,3 miles) 7 hours Ascent/descent : 1000 m (3280 feet) Accommodation : Cabin in Kuummiut  

    Day 6: Kuummiut – Tiniteqilaaq - Camp Qaattu
    Today we leave Kuummiut and enjoy a boat trip between the icebergs through the Ammassalik Fjord, then a smaller sea street of Ikasartivaq before we reach another, smaller settlement of Tiniteqilaaq. From here we will have an incredible view over Sermilik Icefjord. After the visit in the settlement, we continue to the beautiful Camp Qaattu where we stay for the next two nights. Camp Qaattu is a constellation of five small cabins and a collective cabin with a fully equipped kitchen, dining area and a lounge. Additionally there is a service cabin where we have access to a hot shower. The cabins are rustic and cosy, and very comfortable. The camp is located by the marvelous Icefjord Sermilik and each cabin has an icefjord view.
    In the afternoon we explore the surroundings of the camp.

    Boat ride: 3 hours   Walking 6km (3,7 miles) / 1+3 hours    Accommodation : Cabin, dbl occupancy

    Day 7: Sermilik Fjord
    Today we hike for an entire day in this remote area. We hike along streams, over barren, rocky land always enjoying the fantastic views over the Sermilik icefjord with its icebergs. In good weather we can see the main ice cap which covers approx. 80% of Greenland. We see the traces of the glacier, pass small lakes and enjoy the wilderness and remoteness of this country. Night at Camp Qaattu.

    Walking: 10 km (6,2 miles), 6 hours Ascent/descent: 300 m (985 feet) Accommodation : Cabin in double occupancy

    Day 8: Sermilik vejen to Tasiilaq
    We start the day with a short boat transfer further south where we start our today´s hike. We hike along a stream and pass by a waterfall before we reach the pass of the Sermilik way. This route has been used for a long time by the locals. We descend on the other side and reach the lake 168.  We hike along this bigger lake before we reach some smaller ones; finally, we arrive at the flower valley. It is lush with green and flowers, with butterflies fluttering by and a colourful cemetery with plastic flowers and white crosses. In the late afternoon we reach the biggest town of East Greenland, Tasiilaq with 1.800 habitants. Night in a guesthouse for the next 2 nights.

    Boat : 30 min  Walking: 21 km (13 miles) 7 hours Ascent/descent: 365 m (1200 feet) Accommodation : Guesthouse in double occupancy

    Day 9: Tasiilaq – Optional activities 
    Today the choice is yours. For those who want to go for a hike in the surroundings of Tasiilaq this will be an option. When back in Tasiilaq we can stroll around the town, possibly visit the local museum (depending on opening hours) or the local shop with artistic local products.

    Day 10 Tasiilaq - Kulusuk - Reykjavík
    A short walk in the morning before the boat transfer to Kulusuk Island and the return flight to Reykjavík.

  • Equipment List

    For your own wellbeing and safety we strongly suggest following the advice of our equipment list, this includes having good quality rain-gear, tops and bottoms! Also respect that cotton clothing is not appropriate for any strenuous outdoor activity – this includes jeans and t-shirts. Modern outdoor clothing is by far more comfortable and will greatly improve your experience. 

    Boots and Clothing:

    • Sturdy Hiking Boots – preferably waterproof with ankle support. 
    • Long sleeve shirt (thermal underwear) – Wool or synthetic. 
    • T-shirt (thermal underwear) – Wool or synthetic. 
    • Light wool or fleece sweater (2nd layer)
    • Puffy jacket (e.g. Primaloft or down)
    • Trousers – Strong and light material that dries quickly e.g. soft-shell. 
    • Jacket or an Anorak with a good hood – windproof, waterproof and breathable. 
    • Rain trousers – windproof, waterproof and breathable. Please note that full raingear is mandatory on all our tours. 
    • Gloves – Wool or synthetic. 
    • Socks – Wool or synthetic. Two or three pairs. 
    • Warm hat – Wool or synthetic.

    Other gear:

    • A waterproof duffel bag for the transport of your overnight gear between huts. Please avoid bringing a suitcase! 
    • Backpack for extra clothes and food during the day. 25 – 40L (1500 – 2500 cu in)  
    • River shoes – Walking sandals or old running shoes with a good grip are a good choice, along with a pair of warm socks or neoprene socks. Open sandals or flip-flops will not do the job. 
    • Walking pole(s)
    • Sleeping bag – A good sleeping bag for indoor accommodation
    • Towel – light weight and packable. 
    • Sunglasses & sun protection.
    • A box/container for your daily lunchs 
    • Water container – water bottle 0,5 – 1L
    • Headlamp for reading and getting around the hut
    • Change of clothes for wearing in the hut
    • Personal first aid kit – including blister care. 
    • Prescription medication and other personal health items.
    • Toiletries; Toothbrush, toothpaste, soap etc. 
    • Earplugs 
    • Protection against flies (mosquito's); such at nets, repellants, etc.

     

    Optional gear:

    • Gaiters
    • Neoprene socks – highly recommended for river crossings
    • Pen knife
    • Sun/rain Hat or a Cap
    • Thermal mat (for lunch breaks)
    • Camera, spare batteries and a memory card or films
    • Dry-bags for electronics and extra clothing
    • Power bank / Solar Phone Charger
    • Slippers for indoor use
    • Earplugs
    • Aperitif or other heart-warming spirits

     

    Should you have any questions regarding this equipment list or the equipment on our tours feel free to contact [email protected]

     

     

  • Map
  • Tour Dates Details

    2021 Departures* Availability
    26.06 - 05.07 2021 Available
    17.07 - 26.07  2021 Available
    09.08 - 18.08  2021 Available

    * The 2021 dates are published with a notice that they might change slihgthly
    based on the fligth schedule, published in October 2020.

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