PRE-TOURS

With the country’s largest ice-free area and an enormous backcountry to explore, Destination Arctic Circle is Greenland’s adventure capital.

Whether it’s dogsledding, skiing, or snowmobiling during the winter, or hiking, sailing, fishing, or whale watching during summer – we invite everyone to embrace their inner #naturebeing and join us in the great outdoors.

In this pre-tour, you’ll experience both Kangerlussuaq and Sisimiut – the two towns located at either end of Greenland’s newest UNESCO site: Assivisuit – Nipisat: Inuit hunting ground between ice and sea, and the end points for the famous Arctic Circle Trail.  But you’ll also spend a night in the wilderness – camping upon the Ice Sheet itself!

If your clients love the outdoors and adventure, the Arctic Circle region should be part of your Vestnorden experience. Our trip itinerary is below, and we’d love it if you would follow us on Facebook and Instagram at @destinationarcticcircle

Date: 15 September
Time: 10:00 from Copenhagen
Location: Kangerlussuaq and Sisimiut

Day: 19 September
Time: 18:15
Location: Nuuk

Min: 6
Max: 10

DKK: 3500
EUR: 470

• Flight/transport to the region
• Transfers
• Fully guided tours
• Accommodation
• Breakfast, Lunch and dinner all days

All luggage you need for Vestnorden

• Hiking boots (note: sneakers are not sufficient)
• Windproof / waterproof jacket
• Windproof / waterproof pants
• Lightweight thermal pants (long underwear) – no cotton!
• Lightweight thermal shirt – no cotton!
• Loose fitting hiking pants
• Lightweight wool sweater
• Wool socks – plan to use 2 pairs per day
• Hat
• Gloves
• Backpack (minimum 40L in size)
• Water bottle
• Sunscreen
• Sunglasses

Kangerlussuaq from Thursday 15 September-17 September
Staying at: Hotel Kangerlussuaq & Camp Ice Cap
Activities provided by: Air Zafari and Albatros Arctic Circle

Thursday 15 September
Upon arrival in Kangerlussuaq, we will take off again for an unforgettable scenic flight over the Greenland Ice Sheet. Keep an eye out for musk oxen as you fly from Kangerlussuaq as this is one of the few areas in Greenland where you can see them. Then imagine yourself as Fridtjof Nansen making the first crossing this vast expanse of ice in 1888 as you look down on the intricate crevasse patterns and strikingly blue meltwater lakes. (note: if the scenic flight does not occur on this day, it will the next)

Once you’re back on the ground, we’ll drive you to the end of the Ice Road to experience the unique frozen world that covers 80% of Greenland for yourself. We’ll hike up onto the ice sheet and set up camp in one of the world’s most surreal locations with nothing but ice as far as the eye can see. Dinner will be hot but necessarily simple, and if we are lucky – the Northern Lights will dance above us once it is dark.

Friday 16 September
We explore more of our frozen surroundings before hiking back to the edge of the ice sheet and the normal world. As we drive back to Kangerlussuaq, try to spot more of the area’s wildlife – not just musk oxen, but reindeer, arctic hare and arctic fox. If we were not able to fly the day before, we will enjoy our bird’s eye view of the ice sheet during the afternoon, before indulging in a feast featuring dishes made with local Greenlandic ingredients.

Sisimiut from Saturday 17 September – Monday 19 September
Staying at: Hotel Sisimiut
Activities provided by: Hotel Sisimiut and Tours

Saturday 17 September
The flight between Kangerlussuaq and Sisimiut is short but with unparalleled views of the Arctic tundra. After checking in, we embark on a day-tour to Greenland’s most remote lodge – Erfalik – about 50km/31mi south of the town. We’ll spend the afternoon hiking and exploring the wilderness before enjoying an open-air dinner and hot tub. Make sure you bring your bathing suit!

Sunday 18 September
Today we’ll visit several of the most important sites within the Assivisuit – Nipisat UNESCO area. We’ll call in at Assaqutaq – an abandoned settlement that has been partially restored and from which there is a 10km hiking trail back to Sisimiut; Sarfannguit – a still-functioning small settlement known as “the living UNESCO site” and home to the architecturally stunning, award-winning, crystal igloo; and Nipisat Island with its clearly visible archaeological remains. You can also channel your inner local and try your hand at jig-fishing.

Monday 19 September
This morning we’ll take a short ATV excursion through the backcountry near Sisimiut and visit “dogville” where most of the Greenlandic Sled Dogs are kept. Here you have the opportunity to get close to these working dogs, learn about the cultural significance of dog sledding in Greenland, and the challenges faced in keeping this traditional practice alive.

After a final lunch spent together out in nature we say “Takuss” for the moment as you board your flight to Nuuk.

This outdoors and adventure-focused pre-tour is only possible due to our local providers: Air Zafari, Albatros Arctic Circle, Hotel Sisimiut and Tours.

Name: Lisa Germany
Email: lisa@acb.gl
Phone: +299 863500