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Settlements and Icebergs of the Diskobay

18.7.2008 — 29.7.2008

1.8.2008 — 12.8.2008

15.8.2008 — 26.8.2008

29.8.2008 — 9.9.2008

EUR 2.600,-

Itinerary

Day 1
Copenhagen - Ilulissat

Day 2
Sermermiut - Archaeological settlement and the first view of the Icefjord

Day 3
Daytrip to the Disko Island

Day 4
By boat to Qasigiannguit

Day 5
Qasigiannguit

Day 6
Qasigiannguit and by boat to Ilimanaq

Day 7
Icebergs and trekking around Ilimanaq

Day 8
Ilimanaq

Day 9
Sailing between icebergs to Ilulissat

Day 10
Ilulissat, day off.

Day 11
Ilulissat – Kangerlussuaq

Day 12
Arrival in Copenhagen, Denmark

ADVENTURE

Settlements and Icebergs of the Disko Bay

Ref. GLGI

12 days with endless skies. Trekking along the Kangia glacier — of all the glaciers in Greenland the Kangia produces the largest amount of ice. An experience that includes light northern summer nights due to the midnight sun, huge icebergs, baying huskies and trekking in some of Greenland’s most spectacular landscapes. All of this while staying in small settlements along the coast.

4 boat transfers sailing between the giant icebergs deriving from the Kangia glacier and the 60 km long icefjord
Experience Ilulissat. The Greenlandic name for this place is "The place with Icebergs".
Day trip to the Disko Island with a unique opportunity to experience the island with its dramatic geological past.
Icebergs the size of cathedrals
Stay overnight in the picturesque settlement of Ilimanaq
Excellent opportunities to see humpback- and fin whales just outside the hotel in Ilulissat or the house in Ilimanaq
Impressive trekking trips to some of Greenland’s most beautiful arctic landscapes - designated a Unesco World Heritage site in 2004
Long, light evenings accompanied by huskies barking around feeding time.
Meals based on Greenlandic production.
Short walks around Ilulissat, Qasigiannguit and Ilimanaq
The accommodation is a combination of local houses and hotel, all with twin rooms.

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Itinerary

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Day 1. Copenhagen - Ilulissat

Flight from Denmark to Ilulissat via Kangerlussuaq. On arrival at Ilulissat we check in at the hotel, which is beautifully situated right next to the shore of the Disko Bay. The afternoon is free to take a stroll and absorb the atmosphere of the town. Besides the famous Kangia Icefjord, the town is also known for the Ilulisat museum, the birthplace of Knud Rasmussen. The Zion's Church and the art museum are also worth a visit. At the habour its possible to see the fishermen return after a long day of longline fishing in the icefjord or seal hunting in the Disko Bay. A good idea is to enter “Brættet", the local fishmarket centrally situated in town. Here the hunters sell their catch, and it's often possible to taste a bit of mattak (whale blubber). In the evening we have dinner in one of the restaurants in town and enjoy our first meal made from Greenland products -/-/-

Day 2. Sermermiut - Archaeological settlement and the first view of the Icefjord

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 our lunch picnic. The rest of the day we wander along the icefjord, experiencing the ice with all our senses. The noise from the icebergs is overwhelming, you can even smell the ice, as far as the eye can go there is only ice, ice and ice. We move towards "Holms bakke", the place where the people from Ilulisat gather every year to welcome the sun after a long arctic winter in the dark. 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. Late afternoon we return to Ilulissat. B/L/-

Day 3. Daytrip to the Disko Island

We leave Ilulissat early in the morning. After a beautiful boat trip across the Disko Bay we arrive at Qeqertarsuaq, the only town on the Disko Island with about 1,100 people. Despite being quite close to the mainland, the Disko Island is completely different. A landscape dominated by high basalt mountains, evidence of a much younger and more dramatic geological past than the surrounding mainland, where the ice cap has eroded and polished the ground over thousands of years. The day on the Disko Island is free to trek through some of the unique surroundings, visit the town museum, the arctic station or just stay in the town and observe the way of life. We return to Ilulissat by boat and arrive late in the evening filled with new impressions from the Disko Island. B/L/-

Day 4. By boat to Qasigiannguit

We take the boat across the Disko Bay and enjoy the fresh air from the sea while the icebergs calmly drift by. We eat our packed lunch on board the ship and arrive to Qasigiannguit, Greenland’s second oldest town, founded by the Danish merchant Jacob Severin in 1734. Qasigiannguit is a small pearl right next to Qarqassuak - "The big rock". In Qasigiannguit you can do a city walk or visit the local museum, definitely worth seeing. The museum has a very well conserved collection of items dating back to the Saqqaq culture, a culture that immigrated to Greenland 4,500 years ago. An entire settlement, Qeqertasussuk, was excavated in the south eastern part of the Disko Bay, south of Qasigiannguit, and objects from Qeqertasussuk are displayed at the museum. B/L/-

Day 5. Qasigiannguit

After breakfast we go on a small hike. With its gentle, rolling hills, Qasigiannguit is an excellent area for hiking. We soon leave the city and enter open country as we walk towards Flyversøen, which serves as the town‘s water source in the winter. This is also the track favoured by the hunters when they take their sledges to the icefjord to fish and hunt. We follow the track to the left of Flyversøen, passing through the hilly country and enjoying the clean, clear arctic air. The scent of the beautiful arctic flora, the view and the wide open spaces give a feeling of being in a place completely untouched by civilization. We continue to Strømstedet, located by Laksefjorden, and enjoy the view of the mouth of the bay, which, in wintertime, is the way to Ilulissat. We leave the track and follow the coast line back towards the city. Along the way we might spot some of the many whales and/or seals seen in the area. B/L/-

Day 6. Qasigiannguit and by boat to Ilimanaq

Today its possible to take a shorter walk along the coast with the possability of seeing whales: often they come looking for food around Qasigiannguit, so there should be a good chance of spotting them breaching nearby. Another option for a short walk is “The Harbour of the Englishman" where you might see the most common orchid in Greenland — “the Greenlandic Cuckoos Lilly".
Next to the fish factory you find the oldest houses in town. The yellow building dates back to 1734, which makes it the oldest wooden building in all of Greenland. This house is part of the museum - an option to visit today if you didn’t make it the first day. In the evening we take the boat from Qasigiannguit to Ilimanaq, which is situated south of the the mouth of the Kangia icefjord. This settlement is rarely visited by tourists and is a very relaxed place compared to some of the other settlements in the Disko Bay. All though Ilimanaq is one of the oldest villages in Greenland, it is a modern and well-functioning village with about 96 inhabitants. Everyday life in the village seems in many ways simple and the majority of the inhabitants still uphold a living by means of fishing and hunting. Today the mainstay of the economy is fishing for mainly halibut as well as production of dried fish. The hunting here is also of big importance, seals, whales, reindeer are all hunted in the season. Some of the settlements' hunters also go to Kangarlussuaq to hunt the musk ox. We stay in two houses which have a beautiful view of the entire bay. B/L/D

Day 7. Icebergs and trekking around Ilimanaq

After breakfast we begin our trek northwards along the coast to the mouth of the icefjord. Along our route are fantastic views of the magnificent coastline and the enormous icebergs glittering in the sun as they turn and twist in the deep blue waters of the fjord. If an iceberg breaks up we see massive somersaults followed by an incredible noise. We follow a path called the old settlement road as it used to lead to two former settlements north of Ilimanaq. However, these settlements where abandoned in the 1950s. Some old Inuit graves that lie along this path give us the sense of walking in the footprints of the old Inuits. This is where they gave birth to and raised their children and lived a somewhat strenuous life long before any Europeans came here. At lunchtime we arrive to the old graveyard. A handful of white crosses in the middle of the wilderness. We have picnic lunch with a view of the fabulous icebergs. Back in Ilimanaq a typically Greenlandic home cooked dinner is waiting, served in a Greenlandic home. We enjoy the evening in this little idyllic settlement, where you often see the whales romp about in the midnight sun. B/L/D

Day 8. Ilimanaq

After breakfast we begin our walk southwards along the coastal line. We turn towards a large freshwater lake that lies further inland. This lake is the freshwater supply of Ilimanaq in summertime. The beautifully rocky landscape vary and many arctic flowers are to be found here such as the mountian poppy, the arctic buttercup and the dwarf willow. Mid and late summer you might be lucky to find crowberries. We have plenty of time to enjoy this impressive and interesting landscape. We return to Ilimanaq after a fabulous day in the mountains. We stay overnight in the local houses. B/L/D

Day 9. Sailing between icebergs to Ilulissat

In the morning you can enjoy the atmosphere in the settlement one last time. When wandering along the small paths between the houses, you feel like time somehow has stopped here. Maybe you would like to enjoy a little refreshment bought at the local store, all together with the tremendous view to the bay and the little harbour. After lunch we leave towards the north by boat. This is an incredibly beautiful trip as we pass the mouth of the Kangia icefjord and once again see the massive icebergs the size of small towns drifting away from the ice cap. Nowhere in the northern hemisphere can icebergs be found larger than these — this is the “real" Greenland! During the boat trip we once again have a good opportunity to see several different species of whales - humpback whales and fin whales are often visiting this area. As we come closer to Ilulissat the colourful houses appear as a nice contrast to the sky and the grey and green hills behind the town. After arrival we check in at the hotel. B/-/-

Day 10. Ilulissat, day off.

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 11. Ilulissat – Kangerlussuaq

Morning can be spent on your own in Ilulissat. In the afternoon we leave for the airport and fly via Kangerlussuaq to Kastrup in 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 12. Arrival in Copenhagen, Denmark

We arrive early in the morning in Copenhagen, Denmark

Meals:

Meals included are indicated by B (breakfast), L (lunch), and D (dinner). Meals not included are marked with -

Accomodation:

All nights on this trip will be spent in local houses and hotel, all with double rooms.
Single rooms are not available on this trip. If you book as a single person you will be accommodated in a double room with another person of the same sex.

International departure:

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

Ilimanaq:

The name means "place of expectations". Ilimanaq is situated 15 km south of Ilulissat and has about 96 inhabitants. Ilimanaq was founded in 1747 by the Dutch whaler, Klaes Pieterz Torp, and named "Claushavn" in Danish because of him. Today the main income still comes from whaling and fishing. In the settlement you find a church, a village house, school and of course a local shop, where you can find almost anything you need. In Ilimanaq we will stay overnight in a house built by one of the locals in an original style with a spectacular view of the bay. The houses only have primitive sanitary facilities and you will only have access to a plain lavatory. Ilimanaq holds a service house, a characteristic that is seen in many smaller settlements in Greenland. Some of the houses might not have running water and an available shower, so Ilimanaq's service house is alternatively used and can also be used by you - a different experience.

Ilulissat - "The place with icebergs":

The third-largest town in Greenland after the capital of Nuuk and the second-largest town of Sisimiut. Ilulissat is home to an extensive fishing industry with a Royal Greenland fish factory dealing mainly with halibut and shrimps. The town was founded by Jacob Severin (hereof the name Jacobshavn in Danish) and the approximate 6,000 inhabitants are outnumbered by the number of sledge dogs in Ilulissat. The birth place of the famous arctic explorer Knud Rasmussen is in Ilulissat and today it houses the town museum.
Ilulissat is situated next to the number one tourist attraction in Greenland, Sermeq Kujalleq - the Kangia glacier, a truly spectacular sight. When the icebergs are born at the Kangia glacier, they float by Ilulisat, a stretch of 60 km in one year with the sea current, here they usually stop where they meet the bottom of the bay, in a depth of 300 meters! They stay here until the tide and the melting alow them to break free and float north to the area of Upernavik. In this area the current turns southwest and the icebergs travel towards their destiny around Labrador in Canada. An "ice-safari" in this area is an unforgettable experience.

Disko Island:

Because of its recent history the Disko Island is very different from the mainland. The island mainly 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, which is called Godhavn in Danish. Qeqertarsuaq is set against a backdrop of magnificent basalt mountains, which derive from streams of lava millions of years ago.

Qasigiannguit:

The town is beautifully situated by the Disko Bay, encircled by mountains. The name of the town directly translated is "the small gaily coulored seals", in Danish: Christianshåb, named after King Christian the 6th. Qasigiannguit is a modern town with everything you need but it still has a lot of atmosphere and everything is to be found at a walking distance. The surrounding area is very well suited for easy hiking trips.

Grading:

This trip is estimated a grade 2. Your luggage will be transferred to each destination by boat. During the treks it is only necessary to bring a small backpack with the things you need during the day.

Duration:

12 days - 6 trekking days, grade 2

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 accur byt at this time of year the weather is usually very clear, with good visibility.

Light conditions in Ilulissat:

Electricity:

Its possible to charge batteries etc. in Ilulissat, Qasigiannguit and Ilimanaq.

Mobile phones:

Its 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:

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

The trip includes:

Flight: Copenhagen - Kangerlussuaq - return
Flight: Kangerlussuaq — Ilulissat - return
Boat transfer: Ilulissat — Qeqertarsuaq - return
Boat transfer: Ilulissat - Qasigiannguit
Boat transfer: Qasigiannguit — Ilimanaq
Boat transfer: Ilimanaq - Ilulissat
Transfer in Ilulissat between airport and hotel
Danish/English-speaking tourleader
Baggage transfer between the accomodations
All accommodation
Meals according to the day program

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 museums etc.
Insurances
Rental of bikes - Kangerlussuaq

Please note: The program of the two trips, with departure 04/07/08 and 18/07/08 respectively has been amended. This means that on these two trips the village of Ilimanaq will be visited prior to the stay in Qasigiannguit.

Overall the prgram will be as follows: On day 4 you will be arriving to Ilimanaq, on day 5 you will see icebergs and be trekking around Ilimanaq, on day 6 you will go by boat to Qasigiannguit, on day 7 you will stay in Qasigiannguit and on day 8 you will be in Qasigiannguit and go by boat to Ilulissat. The amendment to the program means that you will have one day less in Ilimanaq compared to what was originally stated in the program. Instead this day will be spent in Ilulissat where you will be offered an additional hiking trip in the area of Ilulissat.

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.