Greenland
Icebergs at midnight, Ilulissat
- When
- June to August
- How long
- Seven to ten days
- Getting there
- Via Copenhagen or Reykjavik
On Greenland's west coast, the Ilulissat Icefjord, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, carries icebergs out from one of the fastest-moving glaciers in the world. In summer the sun barely sets. After dinner, a small boat slips out among icebergs the size of city blocks, in light that feels like early evening at midnight.
Days are spent walking above the fjord, sailing north to glacier fronts that break into the sea, and eating Greenlandic food in a town of sled dogs, fishing boats and painted wooden houses.
When to go
June to August for the midnight sun and open water. September for the first northern lights and fewer visitors. March and April for dog sledding across frozen ground.
How we would plan it
Most journeys fly through Copenhagen, where we suggest a night or two, then on to Greenland with a short connection to Ilulissat.
Rooms in Ilulissat are few, so we hold the ones with the fjord view early. On a clear day, a scenic flight over the icefjord and the Sermeq Kujalleq glacier can be added. Weather sets the pace here, and we build a spare day into every plan.
Good to know
Do we need a separate visa for Greenland?
It depends on your passport. Greenland is outside the Schengen Area. For nationalities that need a visa, a Danish or Schengen visa does not by itself permit entry to Greenland. Separate permission is required, and we arrange it with the rest of the paperwork.
When can you see icebergs under the midnight sun?
From June to late July the sun hardly sets over Ilulissat, and evening boat trips among the icebergs are at their best.
How long should we spend in Greenland?
A week gives time for the icefjord, a glacier sailing and a spare day for weather. Ten days allows a second stop along the coast.
Is Greenland suitable for older travellers?
Yes, with the right pace. Boat trips and scenic flights need little walking, and we choose rooms close to the fjord.
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