Day 1: Welcome to the Kingdom of Denmark
Arrival in Copenhagen and day at your own leisure to explore the Danish capital.
Overnight at Quality Airport Hotel Dan, Copenhagen.
Day 2: Arrival at Kangerlussuaq, check-in and welcome meeting
We fly with Air Greenland from Copenhagen to Kangerlussuaq. Ahead awaits a 4.5-hour flight and an 8-day winter adventure. A guide from our local tour office World of Greenland Arctic Circle will welcome you upon arrival and assist you with the check-in at the Polar Lodge. The Polar Lodge is located just a stone's throw from the airport and offers relaxed accommodation with kitchen facilities, a ‘living room’ and a souvenir shop. Once you have checked in and unpacked in your room at the lodge, the guide will call everyone together for an information meeting. You will get practical advice about the town, the area, places to eat and go, and here you can confirm any excursions you have booked from home. It is also possible to book excursions at the meeting, but we recommend to book in advance. We have put together a trip we think best covers what Kangerlussuaq and Ilulissat have to offer. After the meeting, you can take things at your own pace getting to know Kangerlussuaq and deciding what you want to do the following day.
Overnight at Polar Lodge with shared facilities.
Day 3: Exploring Kangerlussuaq on your own – trips available to the Ice Cap and to see northern lights
You are free to do as you please today, and the stunning hinterland offers several excursions.
Excursion to the Ice Cap (optional)
If you have purchased the Excursions Package, the first trip will take you to the Ice Cap, which is point 660 on the programme. Kangerlussuaq is known as the gateway to the Ice Cap and this is a guided tour to the immense ice sheet the size of Western Europe. We will drive in four-wheel driven cars through a stunning and varied terrain. As the road comes to an end, we will approach the Ice Cap itself - a unique experience. We will spend some time in this enormous world of ice before returning to our vehicles. The trip offers great opportunities for spotting reindeer, musk oxen and – depending on the season – many different species of bird and flowers. Join this trip for a unique opportunity to climb the Ice Cap. It is quite something to feel the extreme cold and let your eyes wander across the vast ice surface.
Northern lights trip - Aurora Borealis (optional)
The next stop on the Excursion Package programme is a trip to see the northern lights. On cloudless evenings we often witness the most stunning northern lights in Kangerlussuaq.
We will drive out into the landscape, where we will not be disturbed by artificial lighting, and let nature begin its own light show.
Later, as we drive back, the guide will talk about the northern lights and the many Greenlandic myths associated with them throughout the ages. A cup of tasty Greenlandic coffee will also be served during the trip.
Please note that on departures in September, the northern lights tour is replaced by a full-day tour by boat to the Glacier Eqi near Ilulissat (day 6) - because september is too early to see northern lights.
Overnight at Polar Lodge with shared facilities.
Day 4: Flight from Kangerlussuaq – Ilulissat, welcome meeting
We now head towards Ilulissat. It is a beautiful 45-minute flight giving you a perfect chance of really enjoying the beautiful icy landscape, the desolate expanse and grandeur. During the approach to Ilulissat, the town seemingly pops up in the middle of nowhere. The coloured houses vie for attention among the snow-covered peaks and at the bump of the Dash aircraft landing, you can look forward to the next few days full of ice, winter and dogsleds - combined with cultural highlights from a very traditional Greenlandic town. Information meeting upon arrival. You will be picked up at the airport and driven to your hotel. Here you will meet a guide from our local tour office, who will arrange an information meeting to tell you about the town, the area and places to eat. You can book excursions at the meeting, or you can confirm the excursions you have already booked from home. In the evening a delicious welcome dinner will be served at the hotel.
Overnight at Hotel Arctic 4* with private facilities.
Day 5: Explore Ilulissat on your own - optional guided tour of the town
The Disco Bay is one of Greenland’s most popular tourist destinations. Firstly, because of the ice – and secondly, because of the sheer beauty of the area. But also the many cultural attractions and the interaction between the traditional lifestyle and modern urban life attract people. Racks with kayaks jostle for space with satellite dishes. The tour options are numerous in and around Ilulissat, and perhaps the information meeting has inspired you to go on one – or perhaps you simply want to enjoy the amazing view across the Disco Bay and let time freeze.
Guided tour of the town (optional)
The first excursion in the Excursion Package (additional purchase) is a guided tour of the town. You will learn about the town’s history and experience the town’s many exciting areas. Seeing and especially hearing some of the many thousands of sled dogs living here is unavoidable. Unless out on a trip most of the dogs gather outside the town in large dog areas.
Overnight at Hotel Arctic 4* with private facilities.
Day 6: Explore Ilulissat on your own - optional boat trip on the Ice Fjord
Today, you are free to do as you please, and the options are plentiful. Do not miss out on a trip to the sewing workshop where souvenirs are made from sealskin, or to the craft shops selling artefacts made from teeth and bone.
Boat trip on the Ice Fjord (optional)
Almost every visitor to Ilulissat chooses to go on this boat trip among the icebergs at least once. Every day, more than 40 million ton of ice flow out into the fjord. The floating icebergs are gigantic, sometimes measuring more than 100 metres wide and long – and with a height of more than 100 metres above the water surface as well. These giants gather at the end of the fjord providing you with a great opportunity to sail among them. You should not miss out on this exceptional experience when visiting Ilulissat.
Overnight at Hotel Arctic 4* with private facilities.
Day 7: Ilulissat – optional hike
Yet another day filled with possibilities. If you have purchased the Excursion Package, you will go on two trips today. These can also be bought on-site, and if you are a seasoned hiker, you can do the hike by yourself.
Hike to the deserted Sermermiut settlement (optional)
Beautiful icebergs provide the setting for the old settlement of Sermermiut 1.5 kilometres south of Ilulissat. For 4,000 years, different Inuit cultures lived in the settlement and, today, you can still see the relics, which indicate their presence. Hear the story about the life of the Inuit people and their traditions before the Europeans came to Greenland. See the ruins and touch the permafrost with your own hands. The hike lasts approx. 2 hours.
If you travel in September you will go on a boattrip to the calving Glacier Eqi:
Day tour to the Glacier Eqi (optional)
Only few places in Greenland are as beautiful as the Eqi Glacier, which ends in the fjord 80 kilometres north of Ilulissat. It is possible to get very close to the glacier by boat and experience huge pieces of ice breaking off. The sounds are thunderous, and the sight of icebergs crashing into the water is astonishing. We sail in modern and convenient boats during the excursion to Eqi. The route takes us north along the coast passing Bredebugt, the settlement of Oqaatsut and the big fjord system called Pakitsoq, where whales and seals are often spotted. Further along the route, we pass through the Ataa Strait, which is surrounded by steep mountains with bird life and waterfalls. Our boats, which are reinforced for sailing in icy waters, will remain in front of the glacier for approximately 2 hours and wait for the ice to calve. Meanwhile a delicious lunch will be served. This is an all-day excursion where you will have a good opportunity to immerse yourself in the experience and fully enjoy the boat trip in the ice-filled water.
Overnight at Hotel Arctic 4* with private facilities.
Day 8: Explore Ilulissat on your own – discovering the town
Spend the last day in Ilulissat experiencing the atmosphere and life in the town. Step back in the footsteps of history and learn about the rich history at the museum that was Knud Rasmussen's place of birth. Fishermen and hunters at the open market (brættet) give you an idea of the exciting Greenlandic food products – it does not get any fresher than this. Not only your eyes need nourishment, but also your tummy. At the restaurants in Ilulissat you can try local specialities such as Greenlandic sushi, deep-fried “ammasatts” (small salmon), whale and seal, and the cafés offer freshly-baked cakes. All your senses will get a work-out on this trip! And you will never get tired of looking out across the Ice Fjord ...
Overnight at Hotel Arctic 4* with private facilities.
Day 9: Flight Ilulissat – Kangerlussuaq - Copenhagen
Enjoy one final view of Ilulissat's Ice Fjord and the captivating icebergs, the flight will take you back to Kangerlussuaq and onwards to Copenhagen where you will arrive in the evening.
Overnight at Quality Airport Hotel Dan, Copenhagen.
Day 10: Farewell Denmark
Breakfast at your hotel and make your way to Copenhagen Airport in time for your return flight back to the UK.
Visas
For your holidays to Norway, Iceland, Sweden, Denmark, Finland, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Slovakia or Ukraine, you will not need a visa if you have a valid passport from any EU country, Australia, Canada, USA, Japan (there are more, so check with us to make sure). Please note that your passport should be valid for at least six months after the date of your return.
However, if you plan to travel to Russia, you will need a visa, which we can help organise for you.
Will I see the Northern Lights?
Please scroll down to see the specifics for the country you wish to visit:
Iceland:
The Northern Lights are in the Northern sky from September through April but are only visible when the sky is clear and free of clouds. Like many of natures wonders, it’s ephemeral – they may be visible, they may appear for a bit and then be gone. But it’s worth it to be patient. Because they’re a winter event, you need to be prepared to wait outside, while looking for them. It’s best to dress very warmly, in layers, with good footwear, gloves, hats and whatever else will make you comfortable while you await this truly amazing event. The Northern Lights can be pretty spectacular, and for the best photos we recommend using a tripod. Much of Iceland offers a very a good chance to see the Northern Lights when conditions are right. Remember – the Northern Lights are natural phenomena, not guaranteed, but appreciated all the more for their elusive qualities.
Norway:
Northern Norway is one of the world's best places to experience the Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis). In Northern Norway, Northern Lights occur in up to 90% of every clear night in the period from late September to late March. Most Northern Lights occur in the time span from 6pm to slightly after midnight, with an absolute peak at around 10-11pm.
In Norway, the area north of the Arctic Circle is prime aurora territory. The various destinations in the High North have a distinct personality, and are well worth exploring. Major places in Northern Norway are Tromsø, Kirkenes, Alta, Bodø, Lofoten and Vesterålen Islands and Svalbard.
Finland:
The best place to see the Northern Lights in Finland is in the Northern Lapland region, which is almost entirely located within the realm of the Arctic Circle. During the dark winter months here, when the sun rarely peaks its head over the horizon, you can expect to see the Finland Northern Lights with regularity, and other peak seasons include February through March and September through October. The most common colours of the Northern Lights are greenish-yellow and red.
The Finnish term for the Northern Lights, Revontulet, meaning fox fire, comes from an old tale where the fox was believed to swish its bushy tail on the snowy fell landscapes, throwing sparks into the air.
As mentioned, Lapland is the best place to see the Finland Aurora Borealis, with the Kilpisjarvi area offering the most abundant opportunities. The best time of the day to see the Finland Northern Lights is between 9 pm and 11:30 pm, though they are certainly not restricted to this time frame.
Sweden:
In Northern Sweden, the Northern Lights usually occur during the winter months through late March or early April, but they can be spotted as early as September in the Northernmost parts. Your best chance of catching a glimpse of the Northern Lights is on cold winter nights when the sky is clear and cloudless. You need to be away from city lights, which dilute the effects of these natural phenomena, so head out into the countryside. On clear nights, the Northern Lights can be visible from most locations in Swedish Lapland, occurring between 6 pm to and 2 am, with the strongest shows happening between 10 pm and 11 pm. For those willing to brave the cold on winter nights, here are some of the best locations in Swedish Lapland for viewing these phenomena:
Abisko National Park
Abisko National Park, a couple of kilometers north of Kiruna, is a prime location for viewing the Northen Lights. The scientifically proven “blue hole” — a patch of sky over the Torneträsk lake that usually remains clear despite overcast weather in surrounding areas — gives Abisko its own micro-climate, which is suitable for catching the lights.
Jukkasjärvi and the Torne Valley
Not only does the village of Jukkasjärvi (population roughly 541) boast the world’s first ice hotel (rebuilt ever year from Torne River ice), it’s also one of the best regions to view the Northern Lights. ICEHOTEL organizes guided tours for guests which takes the to the Esrange Space Center located 30 minutes from Kiruna. You can dine at a wilderness camp and get the chance to scan the Arctic winter sky for aurora borealis.
Other regions in Swedish Lapland
As mentioned earlier, if weather conditions are just right (clear, dark, cold, and cloudless), you might catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights from any location within subarctic and arctic Sweden — even close to larger towns such as Luleå, Jokkmokk, Arvidsjaur, and Gällivare.
Greenland:
The northern lights - or Aurora Borealis as it is officially known - actually occur all year round, but cannot be seen during the summer months in Greenland due to the midnight sun. The phenomenon is often seen around midnight and is best experienced on a dark, clear night in the period from September to the beginning of April. If you are travelling during this period, you can see the Northern Lights from anywhere in the country, whilst in South Greenland the northern lights can be seen from as early as the end of August.
Insurance
Travel insurance is required and also advisable. If you do not have a valid policy, please check our Insurance link on the bottom of our homepage or http://www.baltictravelcompany.com/insurance. We can offer quotes for all nationalities.
Our recommended partner is FS Ball who are authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact us.
Language
You will be able to communicate quite well with the locals, as most people in the service industry are quite adept at speaking English. If English doesn't work, then try Russian (if you can), or German. The further you go from the major cities, the less English you will hear. However, do not let the language barrier keep you from exploring the beauty of the country side. We can always arrange English speaking guides to accompany you wherever you wish to go.
The Estonian language is similar to Finnish and is unrelated to Latvian, Lithuanian or Russian. Latvian and Lithuanian are two of the oldest languages, with roots traceable to Sanskrit. This makes them quite challenging to learn, but attempting a few words will put a smile on the local faces. Russians use the Cyrillic alphabet, so reading street signs and tube maps will be a challenge in St Petersburg .
Currency
You can get local currency from ATMs at the airport where you land or in the major cities. Be aware that your bank will charge you a service fee and exchange rate fee for the transaction, but this is likely to be less than exchanging money in the UK before you depart. Please note that in Russia exchange bureau's and banks will not except Scottish bank notes.
We suggest choosing the right credit card for spending abroad. Most credit cards will have an additional cost (about 3%) to the bank exchange rates. You can avoid it by obtaining a specialist overseas card that does not add this % and will give you good exchange rates that are better than money exchange bureau rates.
Credit cards charge you interest rates, but some debit cards (bank account cards) could have fees that could add up to £ 1.50 every time you spend.
We recommend checking with your bank what fees/interest rates will be applied to your card when using it abroad in order to make an educated decision on what card to use.
Most restaurants and shops will take credit/debit cards like Visa and Mastercard, however, many places will not accept AMEX.
Traveller's cheques are difficult to cash, so we recommend not to use them.
Airport or ferry terminals in most cases will have the worst money exchange rates, so if you must get it from the airport, pre-order money for pick-up to get a better rate.
The local currencies are (alphabetic order):
Denmark - Danish Kroner
Estonia - Euro
Finland - Euro
Greenland - Danish Kroner
Iceland - Icelandic Kroner
Latvia - Euro
Lithuania - Euro
Norway - Norwegian Kroner
Poland - Polish Zloty
Russia - Russian Ruble
Sweden - Swedish Kroner
Ukraine - Hryvnia
Mobile Phones
There are several mobile operators in each Baltic country, the Nordics ( Norway, Sweden, Denmark and Finland incl. Iceland and Greenland as well as Poland, Ukraine and Russia. If you have an international connection, there shouldn't be any problems with your incoming and outgoing calls.
In case your phone doesn't work, please check in the local mobilephone shops and you can buy Calling cards etc. or ask in your hotel, they should be able to advise you too.
Emergency Numbers
Emergency telephone number for the police, ambulance services or fire department in Norway, Iceland, Denmark, Sweden, Finland, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Russia, Ukraine and Poland - 112.
Greenland uses 911 and for mobile phones only 112.
Internet Access
Internet access is available at Internet Cafés, which mostly are located in the central part of the city. Most hotels have internet access.