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Island hopping and trekking trip along  
WEST GREENLAND

Island hopping, fjord cruising and hiking trip along Kalaallit Nunaat, the wild west coast and the western Arctic Circle region of Greenland.

Greenland is the world's largest non-continental island, of with two-thrids of the island is north of the Artic Circle. 80% of the island covered with ice sheet and there are hundreds of glaciers flowing from the ice sheet, in some places extending all the way to the sea. The coastline has the largest fjords in the world and hughe chuncks of ice break off the glaciers creating icebergs.

A journey along the western coast of Greenland is not about ticking off sights. It is about slowing down and letting the Arctic set the pace. It is about immersion rather than speed. There are no roads between settlements, so travel is by boat and plane.

Over three unforgettable weeks, we travel north through a world of deep fjords, drifting icebergs, and small coastal communities where nature is ever-present.

Along the way, we do immense island hopping, fjord cruising, hiking and whale watching.

We enjoy the silence, feel the rhythm of coastal life, and experience one of the last truly wild regions on Earth.

 

One village, one fjord, and one iceberg at a time.

 

Location: Nuuk, the Nuuk Fjords, Maniitsoq, Kangaamiut, Sisimiut, Aasiaat, Disko Island and Ilulissat, during three weeks

 

 

Our adventure begins in Nuuk, Greenland’s vibrant capital, where modern Nordic design, Inuit culture, and dramatic nature meet. Just outside the city lies the vast Nuuk fjord system, one of the largest fjord complexes in the world. Here, towering mountains, Sermitsiaq glacier, and calm, reflective waters offer a first glimpse of Greenland’s immense scale and silence. Days are spent sailing deep into the fjords, hiking along ridgelines, and experiencing how quickly urban life fades into pure wilderness.

 

Continuing north, we arrive in Maniitsoq, a town dramatically framed by sharp peaks and open ocean. Often called the “Venice of Greenland” due to its many small islands, Maniitsoq offers a raw and authentic Arctic atmosphere. We do several hiking tours and sail deep into the fjords of Hamborgerland as well as the Eterniry Fjord.

From Maniitsoq, we board the coastal passenger ship, operated by Arctic Umiaq Line, which also enters several fjords, sheltered waters and visits the isolated villages of Kangaamiut and Itilleq, among others.

From here, the journey follows the coastline to Sisimiut, the northernmost town in Greenland with year-round access. Sisimiut is a fascinating blend of tradition and progress, where sled dogs, fishing boats, and modern cafés coexist. The surrounding landscapes invite long hikes, kayaking, and quiet moments overlooking the Davis Strait.

Further north, we visit Aasiaat, scattered across a maze of islands, where everyday life unfolds in close connection with the sea. This is a place where sunsets stretch late into the night and icebergs drift silently past the harbor.

 

From here, we venture to Disko Island, a land unlike any other in Greenland. Known for its dark basalt mountains, volcanic geology, and natural hot springs, Disko Island feels both ancient and otherworldly. The contrast between black rock, white ice, and deep blue water is striking and unforgettable. We do several hikes on the island.

 

The journey reaches its climax in Ilulissat, home to Ilulissat Icefjord. Here, colossal icebergs are born from the Greenland Ice Sheet and make their slow, majestic journey into Disko Bay. Hiking along the Icefjord’s edge, sailing among the ice, or simply watching the ever-changing sculptures from shore is a powerful reminder of nature’s scale and fragility.

Selected pics:

© Anders M. Pedersen & Jakob M. Pedersen. All photos have been taken by Anders & Jakob.

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