As the flight from Copenhagen to Greenland doesn't offer any same-day connection with flights from my country, I decide to spend two nights in Copenhagen, visiting the city and the beautiful botanical garden. GO

My today's final destination is Ilulissat, with a short stop in Kangerlussuaq. Flying over Greenland with nice weather offers breathtaking views. GO

Ilulissat is a nice and charming greenlandic town, about 350km north of the arctic circle. For passengers continuing to Qaanaaq, is required to stop here for at least one night, as the flight leaves early in the morning. GO

About 50km from Ilulissat there is a dead glacier that can be climbed by dogsledge, offering the possibility to have a walk over the ancient inland ice. The trip is three days (two nights) long, with overnights in an heated hut. GO

Qaanaaq, known also as Thule, at more than 77 degrees north, represents one of the last frontier and the ideal base for polar expeditions of various lenghts and purposes. From Europe, Qaanaaq can be reached only after a very long flight, with overnight stops in Copenhagen and Ilulissat. GO

Today, we cross the Murchison sund, reaching Herbert Island, where the first night is spent in a tent near the limit of open water. GO

Because of the open water in front of us, we drive back on Murchison sund, up to the ghost town of Qeqertarsuaq on Herbert island. During the trip, the Inuit guides catch several seals, as they normally do when there are no tourists. GO

From the ghost town of Qeqertarsuaq we drive to the opposite side of Murchison sund, making a zig-zag between areas of thin ice. The following day, we continue our trip driving over Mac Cormick fjord, all the way to its end. GO

Today, we drive overland, crossing a glacial valley up to Bowdoin fjord, where the night is spent inside a refuge.

This is the last day on dogsledge, thence, the final destination is back to Qaanaaq driving over the mouth of Inglefield Bredning, along strange and fascinating rock formations. GO

The weather is still beautiful throughout the west coast Greenland, so the flight from Qaanaaq to Ilulissat via Upernavik and Qaarsut (Uummannaq), as well as the continuation to Copenhagen via Kangerlussuaq, offers unforgettable views over spectacular polar scenery. GO

Trip dossier and Greenland information page

This page contains brief information, useful if you would like to organize a trip like this. Flights from Europe, outfitters, overnights and technical equipment (including cloths and digital camera) is discussed. GO

My previous trip to Greenland and Ilulissat
August 2001, one week.

This site contains pictures and information about my previous trip to Greenland, a beautiful trekking on tundra and onto icecap from Ilulissat, made in summer 2001. GO