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Picturesque village of Tasiilaq - Beyond the Fjords: Greenland with Eric Larsen, Greenland
Picturesque village of Tasiilaq
American polar explorer and adventurer Eric Larsen - Beyond the Fjords: Greenland with Eric Larsen, Greenland
American polar explorer and adventurer Eric Larsen  | Eric Larsen
The magnificent Ammassalik fjord, Greenland - Beyond the Fjords: Greenland with Eric Larsen, Greenland
The magnificent Ammassalik fjord, Greenland
Camping and trekking in the Ammassalik fjord system Greenland - Beyond the Fjords: Greenland with Eric Larsen, Greenland
Camping and trekking in the Ammassalik fjord system Greenland
The vast expanses of the Ammassalik fjord system, Greenland - Beyond the Fjords: Greenland with Eric Larsen, Greenland
The vast expanses of the Ammassalik fjord system, Greenland
Visiting small townships in Greenland - Beyond the Fjords: Greenland with Eric Larsen, Greenland
Visiting small townships in Greenland
Hiking in the Ammassalik fjord system Greenland - Beyond the Fjords: Greenland with Eric Larsen, Greenland
Hiking in the Ammassalik fjord system Greenland

Beyond the Fjords: Greenlandwith Eric Larsen

Explore East Greenland’s dramatic fjords and glaciers on a trek led by an expert local guide, with polar explorer Eric Larsen as your special guest host. Along the way, enjoy a welcoming home visit in Kuummiit for a glimpse of local life.

Greenland, Iceland

14 Days from

$ 

Trip Code: ELG
View dates to Book
Essential Information
Duration
  • 14 Days
Activities
  • 10 days trekking
Accommodation
  • 2 dormitory nights
  • 2 mountain hut nights
  • 9 camping nights
Meals
  • 13 Dinners
  • 13 Lunches
  • 13 Breakfasts
Difficulty Grading  
6 / 10

Moderate to Challenging

Trip highlights

  • Trek through the remote Ammassalik fjord system, from Karale Fjord to Tasiilaq Fjord.
  • Camp beside ice-filled fjords beneath towering granite peaks.
  • Cross glacier tongues and the Tunup Kuua Valley with an experienced local guide.
  • Explore the remains of the Second World War airbase at Ikatek.
  • Visit a local home in Kuummiit for a planned kaffemik-style cultural encounter.
  • Climb to the remote Tasiilaq Mountain Hut for a night above the fjord.
  • Share the journey with Eric Larsen and hear his perspectives on polar exploration, resilience and the changing Arctic.

Overview

Most travellers see East Greenland from the deck of a ship, but on this trek you walk into it. From Kulusuk, a boat carries you deep into the Ammassalik fjord system, and then you continue on foot. You'll trek from Karale Fjord towards Tasiilaq Fjord, past glaciers, along rocky shorelines, through the Tunup Kuua Valley and across short stretches of ice. Nights are spent in wilderness camps, with a stay at a remote mountain hut, before a boat brings you back to Kulusuk.

Joining this special departure as guest host is polar explorer Eric Larsen, who has built his career travelling through the planet's coldest, most remote environments. On the trail and around camp, he shares what expedition life really asks of you, how people adapt to polar conditions, and what he's seeing as the Arctic changes. This is a rare chance to walk through a polar landscape with someone who has spent his life learning to read one.

An expert local guide leads the trekking and glacier travel and makes every safety call, so you can focus on the journey. In Kuummiit, a planned visit to a local home lets you hear first-hand about life in this East Greenland community.

Itinerary

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Fly from Keflavik airport (Iceland) to Kulusuk (Greenland) (17 August 2027) We fly north from Keflavik (Iceland) 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. In Kulusuk (Greenland), 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: 30 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.

Meals: D

Morning boat trip to Karale fjord. Sailing north by the Aputsiak Island and several other islands before hitting the Ikatek strait with its pointed summits and snow-capped mountains. Ice is everywhere in the water. When arriving at Karale fjord the spectacle is breathtaking - the front of the Knud Rasmussen glacier and the high mountains are reflected in the still water of the fjord. We put up our camp for three nights. In the afternoon we stroll off for a nice walk to a good viewpoint. Walk: 4 hours. Overnight: Tent

Meals: B,L,D

Today we head towards the Karale glacier along the coast of the Karale fjord. To get there we might have to cross a small glacier tongue to avoid rivers of meltwater from the ice. The view to the other side of the fjord is breathtaking, huge glaciers and mountains like the Rytterknægten tower over the fjord. At a safe distance from the Karale glacier front, we learn about climate change as we discover the changes in the landscape that have been happening in recent decades and are still going on. Late afternoon we return to the same camp where we spend the night. On this special departure, our local guide will lead a more focused field discussion about the changing glacier environment. Walking: approximately 6–7 hours. Overnight: the same wilderness camp at Karale Fjord, or similar.

Meals: B,L,D

Climb the slopes above camp towards a viewpoint on a mountain around 850 m high. From the high ground, take in the Karale and Knud Rasmussen glaciers, the fjord below and peaks extending across the horizon. Return to the same camp for a third night. The guide will choose the route and turnaround point according to conditions. Walk: 6-7 hours. Overnight: Tent at Karale Fjord.

Meals: B,L,D

We leave the camp and start walking east along the coast to the Nuuaartik point, where the Karale fjord opens to the outer fjord system. At this point we see the front of the Knud Rasmusen glacier floating in the ocean straight to the north, breaking off pieces of ice, every now and then. We turn to the south and start to climb to a small mountain pass while new mountains start to come into view. We slowly descend to a valley called Nunartivaq. We arrive at the shore in an area full of boulders, where we put up the camp for the night. Walk: 6-7 hours. Overnight: Tent.

Meals: B,L,D

We follow the coastline as we enter the Ikatek strait. At times we have to avoid steep parts by walking higher on the slope, until we arrive at a tiny inlet with a creek. We then follow the coast, which at this time is less steep, until we arrive at a valley that opens to the west. We follow the banks of a large river and find a suitable place to ford it near the lake outflow. We have arrived at Ikatek, also known as Bluie East Two, the former WWII airfield and small military base. We visit the former WWII base. What they left behind is still visible, including machines, cars, equipment and fuel drums. These remains remind us of the role Greenland played in WWII. We camp for the night close to the old docks of Ikatek. Walk: 6-7 hours. Overnight: Tent.

Meals: B,L,D

We walk the old 5000 feet runway to the southwest, until we come to the small peninsula of Suunigajik. From there we turn around the corner and head northeast, into Tunu (Dunu), a breathtaking fjord surrounded by mountains. Here on the shores the Common Ringed Plover plays hide and seek with those who enter its territory. Arriving at the fjord we have to cross a couple of rivers before putting up our camp. Here we might meet the Arctic fox and the Ptarmigan that nests in the tiny arctic willow bushes found around the campsite. Walk: 6 hours. Overnight: Tent.

Meals: B,L,D

Visit to the hunters village Kuummiit, where we resupply in the local grocery store. Kuummiit is situated at the Ammassalik fjord where the water never freezes. Surrounded by high peaks in all directions it is the home to about 250 people who mostly depend on fishing in the fjords around. In the afternoon we return to the same camp. Before returning to camp, we will spend around two hours visiting a local home in Kuummiit for a kaffemik and conversation with a resident about life in the village. Walk: 6 hours. Overnight: Tent.

Meals: B,L,D

Today we cross from the Tunu fjord over to Tasiilaq fjord through the narrow valley of Tunup Kuua. We follow the narrow valley with mountain peaks on both sides and a peak or two already showing themselves at the other side of the pass. After passing a few lakes, we arrive at a glacier that crawls into the valley from the north. We cross the glacier eventually putting on our crampons depending on the ice conditions. At the highest point which is only at 300m altitude we see the valley on the other side descending to the fjord. The view in Tasiilaq fjord is breathtaking. The fjord is very narrow and sheltered with up to 1500m high granite peaks on each side and over 2000m above the bottom of the fjord. One can’t help thinking that this compares with Patagonia. We put up our camp at the sea on the north bank of the river we have been following since we crossed the glacier. Walk: approximately 7 hours. Overnight: Tent.

Meals: B,L,D

The route follows the Tasiilaq fjord coastline and we enjoy the incredible view to the bottom of the fjord and the valley behind it. The most outstanding mountains are called the Triplets, known to some big wall climbers as interesting objectives. This day is shorter than yesterday, and we should be arriving at camp in the middle of the afternoon. Walk: 5 hours. Overnight: Tent.

Meals: B,L,D

The walk to Tasiilaq Mountain Hut. We walk for two to three hours before we arrive at a glacier tongue that descends all the way from a valley 700 m up. We climb the moraine on the north side of the glacier with a stunning view over the valley below, until we come to a steep section that leads us directly to Tasiilaq Mountain Hut at about 800 m altitude. This place is heaven-like for nature lovers. A magnificent place to sit down and enjoy silence and the calmness of the mountains. Walk: 7-8 hours. Overnight: Mountain Hut.

Meals: B,L,D

Follow the ridge above the hut towards a summit at approximately 1,250 m. From a suitable viewpoint, look down into the valley on one side and across glaciers and higher peaks on the other. The guide will decide how high it is safe to continue before returning to the hut. Enjoy a second night in the mountains. Walk: approximately 5 hours. Overnight: Tasiilaq Mountain Hut

Meals: B,L,D

We head back into the valley, down the moraine and past some beautiful boulders. This time the walk is faster and we arrive to the fjord in the middle of the afternoon, where our boat is waiting to bring us back to Kulusuk. Walk: 5-6 hours. Boat: 2 hours sailing. Overnight: Traditional Greenlandic house, dormitory room.

Meals: B,L,D

Morning discovery of Kulusuk and walk to a nearby viewpoint. Lunch in our house before visiting a small local museum in the early afternoon. We then travel to the airport for our return flight to Keflavik, where our tour concludes. Please ask us for accommodation options or other extensions in Iceland. Overnight: None (trip ends in Iceland).

Meals: B,L

Ready to start your adventure?

1 scheduled departure between 17 Aug 2027 and 17 Aug 2027.

  • Departs 17 Aug 2027 – ends 30 Aug 2027 (14 days)
View dates to Book

What's included?

Included

  • Eric Larsen as special guest host throughout the Greenland journey.
  • Experienced English-speaking local trekking guide.
  • Return flights between Keflavik and Kulusuk valued at 1200 USD
  • Boat transfers to the start of the trek and back to Kulusuk at its conclusion.
  • 13 dinners, 13 lunches, 13 breakfasts
  • Accommodation: twin share in tents; multi-share in the dormitory and mountain hut
  • Tents, camping and cooking equipment, plus luggage transfer during the trek, subject to a 15 kg per-person limit.
  • Planned kaffemik-style home visit in Kuummiit.
  • Satellite telephone, first-aid kit and other guide-carried safety equipment.

Not included

  • Travel to or from Iceland and airport transfers
  • Sleeping bag and crampons; advance rental may be available.
  • Travel insurance
  • Showers in huts, where available and payable locally.
  • Special dietary surcharge (vegan, vegetarian, gluten free) - supplement may apply
  • Pre and post accommodation
  • Any personal expenditures

About your guide

Eric Larsen’s legacy is etched in the extreme landscapes of the Earth’s poles. With over two decades devoted to exploration, he holds the distinction of completing more North and South Pole expeditions than any other American. His feats include groundbreaking accomplishments, such as the first summer expedition to the North Pole and a remarkable 365-day period where he conquered the South Pole, North Pole, and summited Mt. Everest. Notably, his 53-day unsupported journey from northern Ellesmere Island to the Geographic North Pole, alongside teammate Ryan Waters, marked a historic milestone in polar exploration. Their expedition, captured on Discovery networks, is a testament to the impact of climate change on these remote regions, a story detailed in Eric’s acclaimed book, ‘On Thin Ice: An Epic Final Quest into the Melting Arctic.

Extra trip info

FAQs
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Since Greenland is a very large island it depends on where in Greenland you are. We operate in East Greenland.

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).

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.

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.

You need to 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.

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

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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