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Uncovering East Greenland's rich Inuit culture and history - Arctic Villages of Greenland, Greenland
Uncovering East Greenland's rich Inuit culture and history
An ice-strewn bay in Greenland - Arctic Villages of Greenland, Greenland
An ice-strewn bay in Greenland
Panoramic vistas from the top of Mount Qeqqit Qaqqartivaat, Greenland - Arctic Villages of Greenland, Greenland
Panoramic vistas from the top of Mount Qeqqit Qaqqartivaat, Greenland
The magnificent Ammassalik fjord, Greenland - Arctic Villages of Greenland, Greenland
The magnificent Ammassalik fjord, Greenland

Arctic Villages of Greenland

Trek between remote Inuit villages and dramatic fjords for an authentic cultural and wilderness experience

Greenland, Iceland
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 2 reviews

10 Days from

$ 

Trip Code: GLD
View dates to Book
Essential Information
Duration
  • 10 Days
Activities
  • 7 days trekking
Accommodation
  • 9 nights dormitory hut / hostel
Meals
  • 9 Dinners
  • 9 Lunches
  • 9 Breakfasts
Difficulty Grading  
6 / 10

Moderate

Carbon Footprint  

48kg of CO2-e PP per day

(430kg of CO2-e PP entire trip)

Trip highlights

  • Immerse yourself in Inuit culture with visits to remote East Greenland villages
  • Experience the dramatic landscape and natural beauty of Greenland
  • Climb Kuummiit Mountain (1,050m / 3,445ft) for panoramic fjord and glacier views
  • Explore Ammassalik Island and the colourful capital of Tasiilaq
  • Sail among icebergs in the spectacular Sermilik Fjord
  • Stay in traditional huts and community guesthouses for an authentic Greenlandic experience

Overview

Greenland is the largest island on the planet (four times the size of France and five times the size of California) and ice cap covers 80% of its surface. The East coast where our trip takes place is cooler and more remote than Greenland's more populated west coast. This hiking trip takes you to three of the regions nicest villages as well as its capital, Tasilaq. Here we learn about the Inuit culture that has made it possible to survive the most hostile conditions one finds on Earth, for thousands of years. We climb Kuummiit mountain and Somandsfjeldet (Sailors Mountain) and enjoy incredible view of the surrounding regions. We sail among the icelbergs in Sermilik fjord and enjoy a scenic walk across Ammassalik Island and the secret spots of Kulusuk Island. This adventure offers both an incredible lesson in geography and an indepth look into Inuit culture.

Itinerary

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In the late afternoon we fly north from Keflavik (Iceland), departing around 17.30 for the 1 hour 45 minute hop to East Greenland. Please be sure to arrive at the airport at least 3 hours before your flight. Touchdown in Kulusuk (Greenland) is scheduled for 17.15 local time, and where you'll meet your guide. While a local host transfers our baggage, we follow a scenic 40-minute walk to the village and our accommodation. Kulusuk sits on an island flanked on three sides by offshore islets and rugged, snow-capped peaks. About 250 people live here, many still making their living as hunters or fishermen, giving us an authentic glimpse of everyday life in East Greenland. Dinner and overnight are in a traditional wooden house, hut-style, in the heart of the village. Walk: 40 minutes Overnight: Traditional Greenlandic house, dormitory room Please note: The luggage restrictions for the flight and trip are 15 kg (33 lbs) per person + 6 kg (13 lbs) hand luggage. We strongly recommend that you travel with a duffel bag and a 30-40 liter daypack.

Meals: D

This morning we depart to discover the beautiful landscape of Kulusuk Island. We start by walking up a nearby hill which affords us extraordinary views towards the West, where icebergs and drift ice are in abundance on the ocean. We admire the green coulouring a mountain lake before heading down to the coast to enjoy the cliffs and rock formations along the shoreline. We return to the Kulusuk house where we once again overnight. Walk: 6-7 hours Overnight: Traditional Greenlandic house, dormitory room

Meals: B,L,D

This morning bwe transfer by boat (about 1 hour) to Kuummiit, the northernmost village in the Ammassalik region. Kuummiit stands at the foot of steep granite mountains which make for a very impressive setting. After settling in at our local hut-style accommodation, we go for an afternoon walk in the village and along the shore. On a small peninsula, we might meet a couple of local boys, fishing arctic char with a rod. We have fabulous views across the fjord to the alpine-like peaks that surround the area. Walk: 2-3 hours Overnight: Local house

Meals: B,L,D

Our goal today is to climb Qeqqit Qaqqartivaat, or Kuummiit mountain. At almost 1100m high we start our ascent by climbing the ridge just above the village, which has a fabulous view of what the locals call Dunu or Tunu, a beautiful small fjord surrounded by steep mountains. From here we turn left to climb a second ridge up to the edge of a hanging valley, before continuing on for another 200m climb to the summit. The view from this mountain is breathtaking. Mountains, glaciers, fjords, and valleys as far as the eye can see. 6 to 7 hours walk. Ascent 1050 m. Walk: 6-7 hours - Ascent 1050 m. Overnight: Local house

Meals: B,L,D

This morning we enjoy the picturesque sailing from Kuummiit to Tiniteqilaaq, which takes approximately 3 hours, and travels through the Ikaasatsivaq strait. The strait has towering granite peaks pointing to the sky on each side. Arriving in Tiniteqilaq we come to the edge of the Sermilik ice fjord. Tinit, as it is sometimes called, is a tiny hunter’s village at the edge of the Sermilik fjord. The Sermilik fjord has one of the most productive glacier systems in the world, moving over 30 meters per day and constantly calving icebergs. We bring our luggage to a comfortable house in the village and after a refreshment, go for a walk, enjoying the fantastic view. Walk: 3 hours Overnight: Local house

Meals: B,L,D

Today we enjoy a day hike, doing a loop over to a small river where we are likely to find the national flower of Greenland the Niviarsiaq (young girl) in west Greenlandic. This beautiful purple flower is called Dwarf Fireweed or Arctic River Beauty in English. We climb a long and broad ridge to a 420m high point to get a view over the Sermilik Fjord. The 360° view, affords panoramas to the East of pyramid-shaped mountains and endless ridges and peaks, and to the West, the enormous Greenland Ice Cap. This afternoon we return to Tiniteqilaq. Walk: 6-7 hours - Ascent 420m Overnight: Local house

Meals: B,L,D

Early morning, we take a short boat transfer to a place sometimes called the Golden Beach. From here we follow the trail that climbs the hills to the east. We pass a small lake, then a second and third until we arrive at a small mountain pass located about 350m above sea level. From here we hike along side several much bigger lakes until we hit Tasiilaq fjord. We follow the trail along the coastline until we come into Tasiilaq, the largest town of East Greenland with approximately 2000 inhabitants. Walk: 6-7 hours - Ascent 350m Overnight: Guesthouse

Meals: B,L,D

Just behind town lies Somandsfjeldet (Sailors Mountain) our goal for today. We begin our walk and follow a steep ridge until we get to the lower summit of the mountain where we enjoy incredible views! We continue on to the higher summit to savour more of the panorama which includes mountains, glaciers and icebergs, before descending into a valley on the north side. Here we walk along a lake to the Flower valley where we can see several arctic plants in bloom (July and early August). We return to Tasilaq and overnight in the same guesthouse. Walk: 5-6 hours - Ascent 650m Overnight: Guesthouse

Meals: B,L,D

Today we have a free day in Tasiilaq, where it is possible to visit the local museum, the local handcraft store, or the heart of town which is the harbour. In the afternoon we transfer by boat back to Kulusuk (approximately 1 hour) where we stay in the same house as at the beginning of the trip. Overnight: Traditional Greenlandic house, dormitory room

Meals: B,L,D

This morning we discover Kulusuk, including a walk to a nearby viewpoint overlooking the island’s dramatic landscapes. After lunch in our house, we visit a small local museum to gain further insight into Greenlandic culture. In the late afternoon we transfer to the airport (4:30pm) for our evening flight to Keflavik, departing at 7:00pm and arriving at 9:45pm local time. The trip concludes on arrival in Iceland. Please speak to us about accommodation options or extensions if you wish to continue your adventure.

Meals: B,L

Ready to start your adventure?

6 scheduled departures between 16 Jun 2027 and 11 Aug 2027.

  • Departs 16 Jun 2027 – ends 25 Jun 2027 (10 days)
  • Departs 30 Jun 2027 – ends 9 Jul 2027 (10 days)
  • Departs 14 Jul 2027 – ends 23 Jul 2027 (10 days)
  • Departs 26 Jul 2027 – ends 4 Aug 2027 (10 days)
  • Departs 4 Aug 2027 – ends 13 Aug 2027 (10 days)
  • Departs 11 Aug 2027 – ends 20 Aug 2027 (10 days)
View dates to Book

What's included?

Included

  • 9 breakfasts, 9 lunches, 9 dinners (ie all meals from dinner on day 1 to lunch on day 10)
  • 9 nights in dormitories/ local guesthouses
  • Experienced English speaking walking guide from Kulusuk
  • luggage transfer during the trip - soft duffel bag is preferable, max weight 15kg pp (excess luggage can be stored in luggage lockers in Reykjavik)
  • Return flights from Reykjavik To Kulusuk
  • Satellite telephone, first aid kit and other safety equipment.
  • Boat transfers as listed in itinerary

Not included

  • Travel to and from your home country to Iceland
  • Transport to and from the meeting point in Reykjavik
  • Items of a personal nature
  • Pre- and post- tour accommodation in Reykjavik
  • Travel insurance
  • showers in huts (payable locally)
  • Special dietary surcharge (vegan, vegetarian, gluten free) - supplement may apply

Video

Arctic Villages Greenland Trek

Reviews (2)

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The best overseas experience I've had to date! Our tour guide was spectacular, the views were astounding, and it felt like a real adventure.

Patrick|Australia
9 Jul 2025
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Stunning introduction to an amazing part of the world.

Darren Merrett|Balwyn North, VIC Australia
11 Sep 2024

Extra trip info

AccommodationWill My Trip Run?FAQs
Uncovering East Greenland's rich Inuit culture and history

Authentic Greenlandic Stays, Living Like the Locals

Accommodation on this journey offers a genuine window into East Greenland life, staying in traditional family and community houses in Kulusuk, Kuummiit and Tiniteqilaaq, where you’ll share dormitory-style rooms with mattresses on the floor, simple kitchens and dry toilets, with access to village service houses for showers. This authentic style of lodging gives you the chance to live as locals do, with heating and electricity for comfort, before finishing in Tasiilaq at a welcoming guesthouse with twin rooms and modern facilities, a balance of cultural immersion and practical comfort that few travellers experience.

Every departure date advises whether the date is confirmed, and roughly how full it is. Here is what each one means.

Is the departure confirmed?

Guaranteed to go This departure has reached its minimum number and will run.
It is the point travellers should wait for before booking any non-refundable flights.
Close to guaranteed This appears only when a date is close to reaching minimum numbers. If it shows 1 or 2 to guaranteed, book as a pair on a date needing two and it reaches its minimum. Your booking confirms the date for everybody already booked.

How full is the date I am looking at?

Space is filling or Space is filling fast This date has bookings and places are still open. Filling fast means limited spots available, so don't leave your decision too late.
Closing soon Down to its last few places, or close enough to departure that we are finalising numbers. Still bookable online.
Closed Not bookable online - either full, or inside the notice we need to arrange permits, flights and logistics. Ask us anyway, you never know!

Availability questions answered

Will this trip actually go ahead, or could it be cancelled?

If a date shows Guaranteed to go, it runs regardless of further bookings.

What does 2 to guarantee mean?

It means two travellers are enough to confirm the departure. It could be 2 more to add to the group, or the date only needs 2 people to run. Either way, if you book for two people, the date will become guaranteed to run.

What happens if my departure does not reach minimum numbers?

You will know the status before you book. Every date on this page is labelled, and dates marked “Guaranteed to go” are running regardless of further bookings. Where a date has not reached its minimum we either offer a surcharge to operate for a smaller group size so it can still run, or we cancel it. We contact you directly either way.

Will I get my money back if you cancel a departure?

If we cancel a departure due to not meeting minimum trip numbers, you receive a full refund of everything you have paid us less any non recoverable costs, where insurance may cover you. We cannot refund money committed elsewhere – additional non refundable deposits advised at the time of booking, flights, visas, vaccinations, gear - which is why it is worth waiting for “Guaranteed to go” before booking other arrangements around this trip date. Please read our Booking Terms and Conditions before you book.

Why can't I book some dates online?

Each trip closes online a set time before departure. Permits, internal flights and hut or campsite bookings all have to be arranged before we take payment. Call or enquire as it might still be possible to organise last minute places.

The date I want is closed. What are my options and why does it say to enquire?

Cancellations happen and places do open up on closed dates, so it is worth being on our list. We can also tell you which nearby date on the same trip has space, which is usually the faster route.

None of these dates suit me. Can you run this trip on another date?

Yes, as a private departure. We can run this trip on a date you choose, for your own group - family, friends, a club, or in many cases, just for the two of you. Tell us when you want to travel and who is coming, and we will build it around that.

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We recommend taking the most important equipment with you as cabin luggage during your flight or carry the respective clothes/shoes on your body, notably trekking boots and trousers, fleece shirt, warm and waterproof jacket, rain gear, functional underwear, glasses, hat, gloves, and everything else you consider important. In case of baggage loss, you are thus at least able to start the tour.

The luggage restrictions for the trip are 15 kg (33 lbs) per person + 6 kg (13 lbs) hand luggage. We strongly recommend that you travel with a duffel bag and a 30-40 liter daypack.

The best route is through Keflavik International Airport in Iceland. Be there at least 3 hours before departure, for check-in. Bring your passport since it‘s needed for travel to Greenland. This also applies to citizens in the Schengen area. The flight to Kulusuk is done with a Bombardier Dash 7 200 or Dash 7 400. The 200 has 35 seats and the 400 has 70 seats so it is a relatively small aircraft. The flight takes approximately 1 hour and 50 minutes. Unpredictable weather such as wind or fog can occasionally affect flying times and cause delays.

The guide will meet the group at the airport upon arrival of the aircraft from Keflavik International Airport in Iceland. It‘s a very small airport, and the guide will make sure they are visible. It takes about 40 minutes to walk to the village and the guide will take the group there. A quad-bike with a trailer will take the larger luggage (duffel bags) to the house where you stay.

It depends on the Greenland trip you‘re going on. For trips like the Arctic Villages of Greenland trip a good sleeping bag for indoor accommodation is sufficient. For the Greenland trek: Karale and Icefjord a sleeping bag of comfort level 0° C to – 5° C (32 to 21°F) is advisable for a pleasant camping experience. If you don‘t have a suitable sleeping bag, please enquire to hire one from us (subject to availability)

Yes, boats transport all major equipment such as sleeping bags, food and duffel bags every time the group changes location. You only carry your day pack (30-40 liter backpack).

The terrain we navigate during the hikes is uneven and sometimes rocky. In certain places we have a little trodden path while in other places we are totally off the beaten track. On the Arctic Villages trip the days including boat transfer are typically shorter, 2-3 hours of active walking, while other days take 5-7 hours to complete. The walks can include exposed or steep, rocky, stoney or uneven terrain.

It is therefore very important that participants are fit and experienced hikers.

Since Greenland is a very large island it depends on where in Greenland you are. We operate in East Greenland (the Ammassalik region) and south Greenland and therefore there are two slightly different answers.

In short, the climate in East Greenland is an arctic Polar climate. The weather is calm, dry, sunny, and cool

in temperatures for most of the year. The climate in East Greenland’s Ammassalik region, where we operate, is typically Arctic Polar – calm, dry, sunny and cool for much of the year, with summer temperatures averaging around 5–10°C (41–50°F). In South Greenland, conditions are milder thanks to deep fjords, with a climate that sits between temperate and Arctic, and summer temperatures often a few degrees warmer, around 8–12°C (46–54°F).

No, the house is unlocked at times and is often used by other groups while you are on your trip. Please ensure you only bring what is required and needed, luggage storage is available in Keflavik International Airport in Iceland, before your departure to Greenland.

Responsible Travel

Regenerative Travel Project

At AMP Libearty Bear Sanctuary in Romania, rescued brown bears are given a second chance to live as they should—free to roam, forage and explore within a protected forest environment. The sanctuary provides lifelong care for bears rescued from captivity, offering a safe haven for animals that can no longer survive in the wild. Support for this project helps provide nutritious food, expert veterinary care and ongoing habitat management, ensuring every bear can live in dignity and comfort. The sanctuary also plays an important role in raising awareness about wildlife welfare, ethical tourism and the lasting impacts of animal exploitation.

Your support will help care for Jimmy, one of the sanctuary’s rescued residents. For 11 years, Jimmy was confined to a small concrete cage at a bread factory, deprived of the opportunity to behave naturally. Since his rescue, he has experienced the freedom of a natural forest habitat for the first time, feeling the earth beneath his paws and living alongside other rescued bears. By contributing to Jimmy’s ongoing care, you are helping transform the life of an individual animal while supporting the broader mission of protecting bears from cruelty and promoting compassionate wildlife conservation.

Guaranteeing A Great Greenland Trip

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