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Eqi, Disko Island and Icebergs

7.7.2008 — 19.7.2008

14.7.2008 — 26.7.2008

21.7.2008 — 2.8.2008

28.7.2008 — 9.8.2008

25.8.2008 — 6.9.2008

EUR 3.422,-

Itinerary

Day 1
Copenhagen - Ilulissat

Day 2
Archaeological settlement and the first view of the Ice Fjord

Day 3
Boat from Ilulissat to the Disko Island

Day 4
Town life, walk to Kuannit and visit at the Arctic Research Station

Day 5
A walk to ‘Lyngmarksbræen’

Day 6
Back to Ilulissat by boat

Day 9
Near the calving glacier front

Day 10
Return to Ilulissat

Day 11
Day off in Ilulissat

Day 12
Ilulissat – Kangerlussuaq

Day 13
Arrival in Copenhagen, Denmark

ADVENTURE

Eqi, Disko Island and Icebergs

Ref. GLGQ

13 days in the land of sledge dogs and midnight sun. Experience Ilulissat and get close to the Greenlanders in their own country. Near the city we trek to the World heritage site Kangia Icefjord, where enormous icebergs from the largest glacier on the northern hemisphere float by. Follow the exciting path of one of the first French arctic explorers, Paul Emilie Victor, who used the area at Camp Eqi as a base for the exploration of the ice cap. Explore the Disko Island a treasure in a land where the sky seems endless.

A beautiful boat trip to the Eqip Sermia glacier
Trekking on the Disko Island in a landscape of volcanic basalt mountains
Huge icebergs in the bay just outside the hotel in Ilulissat
Stay overnight in the Greenlandic wilderness in the comfortable huts at Camp Eqi
Trek to the ice cap where the scenery is ice as far as you can see
Trek to the edge of the ancient moraine, from where its possible to see the glacier calve in immediate vicinity
Impressive treks with views of some of Greenland’s most beautiful arctic nature
Experience the midnight sun rise over the glacier Eqip Sermia
Possibility of dogsledding around and on Lyngmarksbræen and the Disko Island.
Experience the vibrant life of a Greenlandic city
Long, light evenings accompanied by huskies barking
Musk oxes at Kangerlussaq
Traditional greenlandic meals
Local accommodation in wooden huts at Ice Camp Eqi and at hotel in Ilulissat both with amazing views. On Disko Island we stay at a hotel or a hostel. All nights are spent in twin rooms.

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Itinerary

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Day 1. Copenhagen - Ilulissat

We fly from Copenhagen to Ilulissat via Kangerlussuaq. In Ilulissat you are accommodated in a hotel, beautifully placed on the shore of the Disko Bay. The afternoon is free to explore the town and get a feeling of the atmosphere of Greenland's third-largest town. You might want to visit the town museum, formerly the college of education, and later the birthplace of Knud Rasmussen. In the harbour, fishermen unload their catches of halibut from their small fragile dinghies - life as a fisherman is hard and has its dangers. At "Brættet", where hunters sell their catch, you can try out a small piece of halibut, seal and, on good days, whale and maybe even polar bear. The town is full of life, and you will often experience playing greenlandic children, challenging gravity while they jump around waterpipes, fences or fishing boats on land. -/-/-

Day 2. Archaeological settlement and the first view of the Ice Fjord

We start the day at the quarry in the south-east end of town. From here we take the path which will lead us through a stunning ravine with high rockwalls. Once arriving at the top we will see a small white stripe of the ice cap in the horizon. The hike continues to a little lake from where we will get the first view of the Icefjord and the huge icebergs floating around in it. Passing by a small stream we fill up our water bottles and find a nice place to have a picnic. Later on we will start exploring the largest of the old Greenlandic settlements, Sermermiut. During the Thule-culture period around 250 people lived and died in this remarkable rugged area. Sporadically both the early Paleo-eskimoes, the Saqqaq-culture have lived here but also the subsequent Thule-culture settled in the area that surrounds Ilulissat. We will look for remains from earlier settlements, such as kitchen middens and open graves. We continue to Holms Hill, from where we have a stunning view of the fjord, 60 km long and packed with ice. To the east, as far as the eye can see, you see ice, while looking west, we see the largest icebergs, some the size of a cathedral, separating from smaller ones as they drift into the Disko Bay. Holms Hill is the place where the Greenlanders meet in the middle of January to welcome the sun after several weeks of darkness. B/L/-

Day 3. Boat from Ilulissat to the Disko Island

After breakfast we leave for the harbour from where will sail to Qeqertarsuaq on the Disko Island. At first we set out between numorous icebergs, the numbers of these decrease as we aproach the fascinating peaks of the Disko Island. After the arrival in Qeqertarsuaq with check in at Island Hostal, we leave the afternoon open to go to Qaqqaliaq - the whale spotting site in order to look for fin whales, humpback whales and the greenlandic minke whales. B/-/-

Day 4. Town life, walk to Kuannit and visit at the Arctic Research Station

We start the morning with breakfast and set off with a hike to Kuannit, which is also the Greenlandic word for Angelica, ever popular plant among the locals. They use it both as a spice and as a vegetable. This place has some amazing basalt formations and you will find yourself encountering some of island's many hot springs — more than 2000 are to be found on the Disko Island. Minerals in the hot springs give the plants some dramatic green colours and can be seen from a long distance. Depending on the weather situation we have lunch outside in these remarkable surroundings. In the afternoon its possible to visit the Arctic Research Station, which was taken over by Copenhagen University in 1953 and is still used by its students. Today the Arctic Research Station accomodates students within the area of biology, zoology. botany and glaciology. An alternative to this is a visit to the town museum. B/L/-

Day 5. A walk to ‘Lyngmarksbræen’

We start the day early by trekking to 'Lyngmarksbræen'. From the top, after a climb of 900 metres, we have an outstanding view and can see distances of more than 100 km. Arrived at the glacier itself its possible to try a dog sledge ride (not included), with 2 persons per sledge. Sitting on the sledge and feeling the excitement of the dogs straining to run out into Greenland's natural wilderness is a remarkable experience. Later on we will take the same path back to Qeqertarsuaq. If you do not wish to participate on the trekking trip to ‘Lyngmarksbræen’ you have many opportunities of doing smaller walking trips in the surroundings of Qeqertarsuaq or you can just relax and enjoy the atmosphere in town. B/-/-

Day 6. Back to Ilulissat by boat

We leave the Disko Island and head back to Ilulissat. As we sail away, we get the last view of the Disko Island and its fantastic basalt formations. On the approach to Ilulissat we will see giant icebergs which are being pushed out into the Disko Bay leaving behind the 60 km long ice fjord close to the town. On arrival we are accommodated at the hotel on the shore again. B/-/-

Day 7. With boat to Ice Camp Eqi and trekking to the ice cap

Today we leave Ilulissat by boat northwards to follow the path of the greatest French arctic explorer, Paul Emilie Victor. On our way we pass by Oqaatsut, a small settlement with about 50 inhabitants. We continue through the Atâ strait with the rough cliffs of prince Ejland to the left and several big bird cliffs to the right. We are closing in at the Eqip Sermia glacier, and while we enjoy lunch on board the boat, we watch as big chunks of heavy ice break off the glacier and trembles intensely into the sea. The sound is ear-splitting — big forces of nature is at display. The boat calls at Port Victor at Ice Camp Eqi with only a short distance to the glacier. The harbour is named after the French arctic explorer who came here right after the 2nd world war to investigate the ice cap. At that time this was the only place with access to the ice cap using heavy expedition equipment. We leave the majority of our luggage in a small hut, only taking with us what is necessary for one night in a tent camp close to the ice cap. The aim for our expedition is to get up on to the ice cap, just to be there and sense this remarkable place. The ice is quite safe and offers a unique place to trek. Many people instantly think of the ice cap when they think of Greenland, but only a few persons experience to actually go there and walk on it, even fewer get to sleep right by it! B/L/D.

Day 8. The Ice cap and back to Ice Camp Eqi

We get up to the sound of silence and have a cup of hot coffee outside the tents. The big white surface that covers most of Greenland sparkles in the morning light. With all its virginity it is a big contrast to the tough and rocky landscape closer to the sea. Poul Emilie Victor used several 2 ton expedition vehicles to bring all his heavy equipment up to the ice. Here he constructed an ingenious cable system to help getting over the steep part of the ascent. The cable hoist does not work anymore, but a lot of his equipment is still there to bare witness of arctic expeditions in the past. We head back towards Ice Camp Eqi. After having passed several small lakes we get a magnificent view over the whole area, the glacier at Eqi and the never ending ice cap in the horizon. After arrival at Eqi, we are accommodated in the small red-painted wooden huts, where after we have dinner at “Café Victor". All the huts have a small terrace from where you can watch the rumbling glacier while drinking coffee. B/L/D.

Day 9. Near the calving glacier front

We have breakfast in the café to the sound of the glacier calving, sounds which on rare occasions are so powerful that you can feel it in your chest. After preparing a lunch box, we set off and make our way around a small lagoon to get closer to the front of the glacier. This takes us up on the edge of an old terminal moraine left behind as the glacier retreated. Since 1930 the glacier has been retreating up the hill and further out of the sea. This means that the glacier is now more than 100 meters high in some places and several times a day immense lumps of ice break off. The old terminal moraine gives us a safe view point from which we can really appreciate this 4 km wide glacier front at very close range, and we can see almost. We return to Ice Camp Eqi, where we will have a well-earned dinner at Café Victor. B/L/D

Day 10. Return to Ilulissat

Today you have the opportunity to relax in the picturesque surroundings. But if you are looking for more exertions, there are plenty of excellent hiking opportunities around Ice Camp Eqi, e.g. a trip to the south towards a glacial river, which has cut its way forcefully down to the sea and created a deep canyon whose waters are filled with brown sediment. With a little luck you will sea a seaeagle hover high above the cliffs, the area is home to the most northern seaeagle-nest in Greenland.
Alternatively, you can take a look at "French Man’s Hut", a hut constructed by Paul-Emile Victor as a base for all his expeditions. You can still see original inscriptions on the walls, and while looking around you might find interesting things from former expeditions. Later on the boat arrives to take us south again to Ilulissat. We say goodbye to Ice Camp Eqi and the glacier and head towards civilisation and a hot shower. Once back in Ilulissat there is plenty of opportunity to explore some of the city's restaurants. B/L/-

Day 11. Day off in Ilulissat

This day is at your own disposal and there is plenty of time to go shopping for various handicrafts and sealskin items such as gloves and carvings "the tupilak" in the shops in town. You could also visit the museum or take a small hike to the satellite hill from where you have a splendid view of the bay. Besides this you can choose to take a day trip in the area: a long line fishing trip, a boat trip or perhaps see the huskies beeing fed, etc. The choice is yours and the tourleader can help you book these tours.
In the evening dinner can be enjoyed in one of Ilulissats good restaurants. Later on in the evening you can choose to take a midnight boat trip. The massive icebergs glow in the sunset and the many colours in the ice create a view beyond comprehension. The icebergs, blue and white during daytime, change to all colours while the sun sets over the sea. B/-/-

Day 12. Ilulissat – Kangerlussuaq

Morning can be spent in Ilulissat, on your own. In the afternoon we leave for the airport and fly via Kangerlussuaq to Denmark. If the weather is good we will have a splendid view — from one side you can see the ice fjord, from the other side it is the Disko Bay that lies beneath. If time allows it, it is possible to take a walk in the area around Kangerlussuaq. Even close to the populated area you can see musk oxes, which makes it interesting to take a hike or even better a cycling trip in the direction of the ice cap in order to get close to these magnificent animals. (Activity in Kangerlussuaq, will be on your own). We change flights in Kangerlussuaq and continue the flight to Copenhagen with enough time to let all the great experiences settle in our minds. B/-/-

Day 13. Arrival in Copenhagen, Denmark

We arrive at Kastrup Airport, Copenhagen - Denmark early in the morning.

Meals:

Included meals are indicated each day by B (Breakfeast), L (Lunch) and D (Dinner). If a meal is not included it is marked with -

Accomodation

The nights are spent in comfortable huts at Eqi and hotel in Ilulissat. On the Disko Island we will be sleeping in a hostel. All places have double rooms. At the trek to the ice cap you sleep in a tent camp, with a field kitchen, mould-toilet an 2-persons tents. There are sleepingbags and sleeping mats in the camp.

International departure:

This trip is sold internationally. The tour will be conducted in English by a Danish tourleader.

Eqi:

Approximately 3 hours north of Ilulissat by boat the calving glacier Eqip Sermia is situated in a scenic area. Eqip Sermia is one of the only places in Greenland, at which location it is possible to sail close to the 4 km long glacier front that calves several times per day. Ice Camp Eqi is a true pearl situated with a stunning view of the calving glacier front whether you sit in Café Victor or at the terrace of one of the huts. The constant activity of the glacier can be seen and heard several times a day. A better location to enjoy this incredible nature phenomenon is difficult to find.

Ilulissat - the place of icebergs:

The third largest town in Greenland, Ilulissat is home to an extensive fishing industry. Ilulissat is still expanding. The town is founded by Jacob Severin (therefore it is called Jacobshavn in Danish) and the approximate 6,000 inhabitants are outnumbered by the number of sled dogs in Ilulissat. Ilulissat is situated next to the number one tourist attraction in Greenland, the Kangia Glacier. More than 60 km long and a truly spectacular sight, Kangia is the birthplace of massive icebergs. An "ice-safari" in this area is a remarkable experience. The birth place of the famous arctic explorer Knud Rasmussen is in Ilulissat and today it houses the town museum.

Disko Island:

Because of its recent history Disko Island is very different from the mainland. The island mostly consists of high and steep basalt mountains that were created by volcanic activity 25-65 million years ago. Qeqertarsuaq means "the great island" and is the Greenlandic name for both the island (Disko) and the town. Qeqertarsuaq is set against a backdrop of magnificent basalt mountains, which derive from streams of lava millions of years ago.

Grading:

This trip is graded 2-3. In Greenland there are not many established trails, and we trek cross-country most of the time. You will only need to carry a small day-pack. At Camp Eqi you will need to carry your luggage a few hundred metres to the huts.

Duration:

13 days, 5 days of hiking grade 2-3.

Climate:

In the Ilulissat area the day temperature in July and August is approximately 10°C - 15°C. The nights can be colder, but during the day the sun and the dry air give the impression of warmer temperatures than is actually the case. Night temperatures sometimes come below 0°C. Rain and showers may occur but at this time of year the weather is usually very clear, with good visibility.

Light conditions in Ilulissat

Electricity:

There are good opportunities for charging batteries for your digital camera and mobile phone on this tour. Please be aware that electricity in Eqi is limited as it is produced by a generator only.

Mobile phones:

It is possible to use mobile phones in certain areas of the trip. In general we urge you not to use mobile phones when with the group in order to not interrupt the treks and excursions with conversations over the phone.

Maps:

Walking maps North Greenland, Ilulissat. 1:100.000, can be bought locally.

The price includes:

Flights: Copenhagen — Kangerlussuaq - return
Flights: Kangerlussuaq — Ilulissat - return
Boat-transfer: Ilulissat — Eqi - return
Boat transfer: Ilulissat — Qeqertarsuaq — return
Transfer in Ilulissat between airport and hotel
Luggage transfer between all the destinations
All hiking tours
English-speaking tourleader
Meals as indicated under each day
All accommodation

Not included

Personal traveling expenses for souvenirs, maps, drinks and beverages etc.
Allow approx. 140 DKK per person per meal for not included meals
Entrance fees to the Arctic Research Station, museums etc.
Dog sledge ride at ‘Lyngmarksbræen’
Midnight boat trip at the Kangia icefjord
Other optional day trips during your free time
Rental of bikes - Kangerlussuaq
Travel and cancellation insurance

Please note:

The program is subject to alteration. A trip like this is very dependent on weather conditions; such as changes concerning wind, precipitation and ice. As a consequence of this some delays or cancellations of some parts of the program may occur, especially those that concern flight or boat transportation. No compensation will be offered within the first 24 hours of delay or change of program due to circumstances that can not be influenced by Topas. Your tourleader will aim to lessen the inconveniences and fill out the time with an alternative program.

Please note: Snow and ice conditions at the glacier of “Lyngmarksbræen" in mid-August to the beginning of September determine whether or not it is possible to go dog sledgeing. As a consequence of this dog sledging can not be guaranteed on these tours.