X

Callback Request


Enquire now »

X

Join our newsletter

Be the first to hear of Special Offers and travel news. To receive our monthly newsletters with more information, on the Northern Lights, the Midnight Sun and all the countries Baltic Travel can take you to, and special offers, please enter your email address and press the sign up button.

We never allow third parties to use your data and we do not keep financial information. We protect your data as if it was our own, because we're people too!


Sign up
Photo by ilovegreenlandPhoto by ilovegreenland

Autumn Colours of Kangerlussuaq & Ilulissat


from £3,335 pp - 10 days/9 nights

(5/5) based on 1 review
Print this package
 
Photo by Paul Zizka - Visit Greenland

Overview:

Greenland is incredibly beautiful, no matter which season you choose to visit. The autumn is calm and peaceful after a short, hectic summer, so you will have it more or less to yourself – together with the locals of course. The autumn is also a time when nature likes to reveal all its different sides – from stunning sunny days dressing the mountains in shades of golden brown, a must-see, to violent autumn storms that mesmerize you with their harsh beauty, but also demand proper clothing.

Holiday price is from £3,335 per person based on availability and 2 persons sharing a standard double/twin room throughout. Single supplement is £ 880.

2024 Departure Dates:

Departure
 Return            
16 Sep 25 Sep
23 Sep 02 Oct
30 Sep 09 Oct
07 Oct 16 Oct
14 Oct 23 Oct
21 Oct 30 Oct
28 Oct 06 Nov
04 Nov 13 Nov
11 Nov 20 Nov
18 Nov 27 Nov

 

Tour Itinerary:

Day 1: Welcome to the Kingdom of Denmark

Arrival in Copenhagen and day at your own leisure to explore the Danish capital.

Overnight at the Park Inn Copenhagen Airport or Best western Plus Airport Hotel, Copenhagen airport.

Day 2: Arrival at Kangerlussuaq, check-in and welcome meeting

back to Copenhagen airport.

We fly with Air Greenland from Copenhagen to Kangerlussuaq. It is a 4½-hour flight. Your guide from the local tour office will welcome you upon arrival and assist you with the check-in at the Polar Lodge. The Polar Lodge is located just a stone’s throw from the airport and offers relaxed accommodation with kitchen facilities, a communal area and a souvenir shop.

Once you have checked in and unpacked in your room at the lodge, the guide will call everyone together for an information meeting. You will get practical advice about the settlement, the area, places to eat and go, and here you can confirm any excursions you have booked from home.

It is also possible to book excursions at the meeting, but we do recommend booking in advance. We have put together an excursion package which includes the best of what Kangerlussuaq and Ilulissat have to offer.

It is now time to experience the former American airbase on a guided tour by bus, giving you an insight into the area’s fascinating history and nature.

Overnight at Polar Lodge with shared facilities.

Day 3: Exploring Kangerlussuaq on your own – trips available to the Ice Cap and to see northern lights

You are free to do as you please today, and the stunning hinterland offers several excursions.

Excursion to the Ice Sheet, Point 660 (optional)

If you have purchased the Excursions Package, the first tour will take you to the Ice Sheet. Kangerlussuaq is known as the gateway to the Ice Sheet, and this is a guided tour to the immense ice sheet the size of Western Europe. We will drive in a 4×4 bus through a stunning and varied terrain.

As the road comes to an end, we will approach the Ice Sheet itself by Point 660 – a unique experience. We will spend some time in this enormous world of ice before returning to our vehicles. The trip offers great opportunities for spotting reindeer, musk oxen and, depending on the season, many different species of birds and, possibly, some hares. Go on this trip for a unique opportunity to stand on the very Ice Sheet. It is quite something to feel the extreme cold and let your eyes wander across the vast ice surface.

Northern lights trip – Aurora Borealis (Optional)

The next trip in the excursion package is a tour to see the northern lights. On cloudless evenings, you will often witness the most stunning northern lights in Kangerlussuaq. We will drive out into the landscape, where we will not be disturbed by artificial lighting, and let nature begin its light show.

Later, as we drive back, the guide will talk about the northern lights and the many Greenlandic myths associated with them throughout the ages. A cup of tasty Greenlandic coffee will also be served during the trip.

Overnight at Polar Lodge with shared facilities.

Day 4: Flight from Kangerlussuaq – Ilulissat, welcome meeting

We now head towards Ilulissat. It is a beautiful 45-minute flight, giving you the perfect chance to really enjoy the beautiful icy landscape, the desolate expanse, and grandeur of the Arctic. During the approach to Ilulissat, the town seemingly pops up in the middle of nowhere. The coloured houses vie for attention among the snow-covered peaks and as the aircraft lands, you can look forward to the next few days full of ice, autumn colours, and sled dog – combined with cultural highlights from a very traditional, Greenlandic town.

Information meeting upon arrival

You will be picked up at the airport and driven to your hotel. Here you will meet a guide from our local tour office, who will arrange an info meeting to tell you about the town, the area and places to eat. You can book excursions at the meeting, or you can confirm the excursions you have already booked from home.

At night, you will have a lovely welcome dinner in the hotel’s amazing restaurant (drinks not included).

Overnight at Hotel Arctic 4* with private facilities.

Day 5: Explore Ilulissat on your own - optional guided tour of the town

Disko Bay is one of Greenland’s most popular tourist destinations. People are attracted by the ice and the many cultural attractions and the fascinating mix of traditional lifestyle and modern urban life.

The excursion options are numerous in and around Ilulissat, and the information meeting may well inspire you to go on one – or perhaps you want to enjoy the amazing view across the Disko Bay and let time freeze.

Guided tour of the town (optional)

The first excursion is a guided tour of the town. You will learn about the town’s history and experience the town’s many exciting areas. Ilulissat was founded in 1741 and, today, it is the third largest town in Greenland with more than 4,500 inhabitants.

Seeing and especially hearing some of the many thousands of sled dogs living here is unavoidable. Unless out on a trip, most of the dogs are kept outside the town in large dog areas.

Overnight at Hotel Arctic 4* with private facilities.

Day 6: Explore Ilulissat on your own - optional boat trip on the Ice Fjord

Today, you are free to do as you please, and the options are plentiful. Do not miss out on a trip to the sewing workshop where souvenirs are made from sealskin, or to the craft shops selling artifacts made from teeth and bone.

Boat trip on the Ice Fjord (optional)

Almost every visitor to Ilulissat goes on this boat trip among the icebergs at least once. Every day, more than 40 million ton of ice flow out into the fjord. The floating icebergs are gigantic, sometimes measuring more than 100 meters wide – and with a height of up to 100 meters above the water surface as well. These giants gather at the end of the fjord, providing you with a great opportunity to sail among them. You should not miss out on this exceptional experience when visiting Ilulissat.

Overnight at Hotel Arctic 4* with private facilities.

Day 7: Ilulissat – optional hike

Another day filled with possibilities. If you have purchased the excursion package, you will go to Sermermiut today.

Hike to the abandoned Sermermiut settlement (optional)

Beautiful icebergs provide the setting for the old settlement of Sermermiut 1.5 kilometers south of Ilulissat. For 4,000 years, different Inuit cultures lived in the settlement. Hear the story about the life of the Inuit people and their traditions before the Europeans came to Greenland. Depending on the time of the year you arrive, you may be able to see the ruins and touch the permafrost with your own hands.

When we have finished the hike to Sermermiut, we recommend that you visit the Icefjord Centre on your own. It is beautifully situated with a view of the sled dog resting area, Sermermiut, and the Ice Fjord.

Overnight at Hotel Arctic 4* with private facilities.

Day 8: Explore Ilulissat on your own – discovering the town

Spend the last day in Ilulissat experiencing the atmosphere and life in the town. Step back in the footsteps of history and learn about the rich history at the museum that was Knud Rasmussen’s place of birth. Fishermen and hunters at the open market give you an idea of the exciting Greenlandic food products – it does not get any fresher than this.

The sight of all the fresh produce has probably made your belly rumble! At the restaurants in Ilulissat, you can try local specialties such as Greenlandic sushi, deep-fried “ammassats” (small fish), whale and seal, and the cafés offer freshly baked cakes. All your senses will get a work-out on this trip!

And you will never get tired of looking out across the Ice Fjord.

Overnight at Hotel Arctic 4* with private facilities.

Day 9: Flight Ilulissat – Kangerlussuaq - Copenhagen

Enjoy one final view of Ilulissat’s Ice Fjord and the captivating icebergs, as the small aircraft take you back to Kangerlussuaq and onwards to Copenhagen where you will arrive in the evening. Overnight at the Park Inn Copenhagen Airport or Best western Plus Airport Hotel, Copenhagen airport.

Day 10: Farewell Denmark

Breakfast at your hotel and make your way to Copenhagen Airport in time for your return flight back to the UK.

Optional Excursion package (Aug - Dec): £ 310 per person

  • Excursion to the ice cap with bus, point 660 (5 hours)
  • City walk in Ilulissat (2 hours)
  • Hike to Sermermiut by Ilulissat Icefjord (2 hours)
  • Sailing at Ilulissat Icefjord (2,5 hours)

Optional Excursion (Sep - Dec): £ 80 per person

  • Northern Lights tour in Kangerlussuaq (2 hours)

 

Package Includes:

  • Return flights from London to Copenhagen (other airports available upon request)
  • Return flights Copenhagen - Kangerlussuaq - Ilulissat
  • 1 piece of check-in luggage per traveler (up to 20 kg)
  • Food and beverages on the flights between Copenhagen and Kangerlussuaq
  • Airport transfers in Greenland
  • 2 nights' accommdation at 3* airport hotel in Copenhagen incl. breakfast
  • 2 nights' accommodation at Polar Lodge 2* (shared facilities), Kangerlussuaq
  • 5 nights' at Hotel Arctic 4* (private facilities), Ilulissat
  • Breakfast daily
  • Welcome dinner at Hotel Arctic
  • Sight seeing in Kangerlussuaq, about 2 hours with English-speaking local guide
  • Information meetings in both towns upon arrival with English-speaking local guide
  • Towels and bedlinen thorughout
  • 24-hour emergency service
  • ATOL protection
  • All taxes

Enquire now »
 
New photo by Hotel Arctic

Hotel Arctic

The world's northernmost 4-star hotel with 5-star conference center. The hotel is located just outside the city about 15-minutes walk from the center with an excellent view of the bay. There is a free shuttlebus to / from the hotel. All rooms have sea or city views, contemporary furnishings and décor and artwork by local artists. Similarly, flat-screen TV with cable channels, while some rooms also have a minibar.

Find out more »


This map uses Google Maps, so you can zoom and interact with it as we hope it is familiar to you.

For a larger version of this map which opens in a new window, click here

The lines shown give you an indication of our destinations and are not the exact route used.

You'll see...

  • Photo by Mads Pihl - Visit Greenland
  • Photo by Mads Pihl - Visit Greenland
  • Photo by Mads Pihl - Visit Greenland
  • Photo by Mads Pihl - Visit Greenland

April 2019
Overall rating: (5/5)

Dear Michael,

I had the most amazing time thank you.

Greenland is just wonderful.

Everything went smoothly.

My only disappointment was the Hotel Kong Arthur in Copenhagen.

Best wishes 

Amanda 

 

Will I see the Northern Lights?

Please scroll down to see the specifics for the country you wish to visit:

Iceland:
The Northern Lights are in the Northern sky from September through April but are only visible when the sky is clear and free of clouds. Like many of natures wonders, it’s ephemeral – they may be visible, they may appear for a bit and then be gone. But it’s worth it to be patient. Because they’re a winter event, you need to be prepared to wait outside, while looking for them. It’s best to dress very warmly, in layers, with good footwear, gloves, hats and whatever else will make you comfortable while you await this truly amazing event. The Northern Lights can be pretty spectacular, and for the best photos we recommend using a tripod. Much of Iceland offers a very a good chance to see the Northern Lights when conditions are right. Remember – the Northern Lights are natural phenomena, not guaranteed, but appreciated all the more for their elusive qualities.

Norway:
Northern Norway is one of the world's best places to experience the Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis). In Northern Norway, Northern Lights occur in up to 90% of every clear night in the period from late September to late March. Most Northern Lights occur in the time span from 6pm to slightly after midnight, with an absolute peak at around 10-11pm. 

In Norway, the area north of the Arctic Circle is prime aurora territory. The various destinations in the High North have a distinct personality, and are well worth exploring. Major places in Northern Norway are Tromsø, Kirkenes, Alta, Bodø, Lofoten and Vesterålen Islands and Svalbard.

Finland:
The best place to see the Northern Lights in Finland is in the Northern Lapland region, which is almost entirely located within the realm of the Arctic Circle. During the dark winter months here, when the sun rarely peaks its head over the horizon, you can expect to see the Finland Northern Lights with regularity, and other peak seasons include February through March and September through October. The most common colours of the Northern Lights are greenish-yellow and red.

The Finnish term for the Northern Lights, Revontulet, meaning fox fire, comes from an old tale where the fox was believed to swish its bushy tail on the snowy fell landscapes, throwing sparks into the air.

As mentioned, Lapland is the best place to see the Finland Aurora Borealis, with the Kilpisjarvi area offering the most abundant opportunities. The best time of the day to see the Finland Northern Lights is between 9 pm and 11:30 pm, though they are certainly not restricted to this time frame.

Sweden:
In Northern Sweden, the Northern Lights usually occur during the winter months through late March or early April, but they can be spotted as early as September in the Northernmost parts. Your best chance of catching a glimpse of the Northern Lights is on cold winter nights when the sky is clear and cloudless. You need to be away from city lights, which dilute the effects of these natural phenomena, so head out into the countryside. On clear nights, the Northern Lights can be visible from most locations in Swedish Lapland, occurring between 6 pm to and 2 am, with the strongest shows happening between 10 pm and 11 pm. For those willing to brave the cold on winter nights, here are some of the best locations in Swedish Lapland for viewing these phenomena:

Abisko National Park
Abisko National Park, a couple of kilometers north of Kiruna, is a prime location for viewing the Northen Lights. The scientifically proven “blue hole” — a patch of sky over the Torneträsk lake that usually remains clear despite overcast weather in surrounding areas — gives Abisko its own micro-climate, which is suitable for catching the lights.

Jukkasjärvi and the Torne Valley
Not only does the village of Jukkasjärvi (population roughly 541) boast the world’s first ice hotel (rebuilt ever year from Torne River ice), it’s also one of the best regions to view the Northern Lights. ICEHOTEL organizes guided tours for guests which takes the to the Esrange Space Center located 30 minutes from Kiruna. You can dine at a wilderness camp and get the chance to scan the Arctic winter sky for aurora borealis.

Other regions in Swedish Lapland
As mentioned earlier, if weather conditions are just right (clear, dark, cold, and cloudless), you might catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights from any location within subarctic and arctic Sweden — even close to larger towns such as Luleå, Jokkmokk, Arvidsjaur, and Gällivare.

Greenland:
The northern lights - or Aurora Borealis as it is officially known - actually occur all year round, but cannot be seen during the summer months in Greenland due to the midnight sun. The phenomenon is often seen around midnight and is best experienced on a dark, clear night in the period from September to the beginning of April. If you are travelling during this period, you can see the Northern Lights from anywhere in the country, whilst in South Greenland the northern lights can be seen from as early as the end of August.

 

Enquiry form

Your holiday requirements

Our trips are flexible so if you would like any specific requirements, please let us know here.

We aim to be in contact with you within 24 hours of receiving this form.


Your details

 

When do you want to travel?

 

Budget guide incl. flights per person (NOT compulsory): Any

£700
£10,000

Drag slider to adjust your budget

 

 



We never allow third parties to use your data and we do not keep financial information. We protect your data as if it was our own, because we’re people too!

Enquire now »

This tour is in Greenland and Denmark and is a Group Tour, Autumn Holiday, Activity Holiday, Walking/Trekking, Northern Lights, Coastal Holiday and Girls Trip


Similar holidays:

active
nature
holiday
 Image by Nellim Wilderness Hotels and Safaris
4 days / 3 nights
from £ 1,695 pp

Autumn Aurora in Lapland

Venture to the far North of Finnish Lapland and enjoy this mid-season Northern Lights programme filled with the autumnal colours of nature. You will enjoy a guided hike, lunch made over an open fire and an overnight stay in the world famous Aurora  cabin. Spend time enjoying the quietness of the Lappish autumn filled wtih the excitement of scouting for the magical Aurora Borealis or Northern Lights.

Enquire now
Find out more
exclusive
offer Photo by Treehotel
6 days / 5 nights
from £ 1,655 pp

Treehotel & Autumn Auroras

Combining beautiful Stockholm and an overnight train ride to Swedish Lapland with the world famous Treehotel and Brittas Pensionat, you will be in for a treat like no other this autumn! Enjoy a few days in the hip Swedish capital, Stockholm, with its beautiful old town and many islands before you venture on the overnight train to Harads, where, deep in the wilderness, you will hopefully experience the magical Northern Lights at the Treehotel.

Enquire now
Find out more

Join our newsletter

Be the first to hear of Special Offers and travel news. To receive our monthly newsletters with more information, on the Northern Lights, the Midnight Sun and all the countries Baltic Travel can take you to, and special offers, please enter your email address and press the sign up button.

We never allow third parties to use your data and we do not keep financial information. We protect your data as if it was our own, because we're people too!


Sign up