Day 1.
Arrival at Kangerlussuaq west Greenland. Just above the airport sits the biggest ice cap in the world, the Greenland glacier. Check into our accommodations. Hotel Kangerlussuaq is the airport hotel for northern Greenland. The airport and the town of Kangerlussuaq lie at the end of the enormous Kangerlussuaq fjord, about 200 km away from the coast, yet just a few minutes away from the Greenlandic ice cap. This unique location, and the surrounding lush landscape, in which herds of wild reindeer and musk oxen roam; and the northern lights illuminate the night skies; make it a favorite place for tourists in the summer as well as during the winter. Kangerlussuaq lies at the base of a 160 km (100 mile) long fjord of the same name, which appropriately enough means “the long fjord”. From the mountain ridges at Kangerlussuaq you can look out over the huge ice sheet just 25 km (16 miles) away. Kangerlussuaq has a very stable climate, with warm, dry summers; and cold, clear winter days which are perfect for dogsled trips and experiencing the northern lights. Owing to this stable climate, with around 300 days a year under cloudless skies, Kangerlussuaq is one of the best places during autumn and winter to see the northern lights flickering across the night sky. Once you have got away from the illuminated buildings and streetlights, you just have to tip your head back and enjoy the spectacular shades of yellow, green and red illuminating the sky. Kangerlussuaq was originally an American airbase built in 1941 under the name Bluie West 8. However, as a result of technological development, the base lost its military importance and in the 1990s was handed over to Greenland’s Home Government. The day includes a light walk in the small arctic town, a special visit to the children’s school, and a visit to the local church. Late lunch at the hotel.
Day 2.
Musk Ox Safari; The day starts after a good breakfast on dog sleds and then we rush out for the Musk Ox Safari. We pack our things and head to the main ice cap. Experience the magnificence of nature and see the cooperation between the sled driver and the dog team. The tour brings you on farther from Kangerlussuaq, the direction depending on weather conditions. Do not miss this great experience! The dog sled driver and his dogs transport you across the thick ice on the fjord, letting you experience the true Greenland. There is plenty of wildlife around Kangerlussuaq, including one of the world’s largest populations of musk oxen – which, surprisingly, are not true oxen, but rather are related to sheep. Lunch boxes taken with us. Kangerlusssuaq is unique in many ways, but when it concerns land animals, no other place in Greenland can compare. The musk ox is especially interesting, a most impressive animal. We drive through the beautiful tundra landscape by bus, where the guide tells about the musk ox and its history in the area. The musk ox lives wild in the area around Kangerlussuaq, free to roam where it will. Sometimes the musk oxen can be approached, at other times must be observed from a distance. The guide always brings binoculars, so there is a very good chance of seeing these amazing animals and other wildlife in the area. Over night at an expedition camp on the Icecap, provisional to the guide’s advice.
Day 3.
The tour starts after breakfast. The snowmobile awaits us at camp. We drive through the varied landscape to the edge of the ice cap, where it is possible to walk on the ice itself – a unique experience. There is a good possibility of spotting reindeer en route, depending on the season. The tour goes into through tundra on its way back to the hotel in Kangerlussuaq. The estimated time of arrival is mid-afternoon. Dinner at the hotel.
Day 4.
Breakfast at Hotel Kangerlussuaq. Transfer to airport for departure by plane to Iceland. Check into our hotel in Reykjavik. Free day in Reykjavik. No service.
