7 Days • 6 Nights
Greenland Family Adventure: Icebergs, Musk Oxen & Sled Dogs
Tour Includes
About the Trip
Trip Highlights
- Cruising among towering icebergs on the Ilulissat Icefjord is a thrilling highlight for the whole family. The UNESCO-listed Ilulissat Icefjord is one of the most spectacular sights on earth, and to sail among its vast icebergs is pure wonder for all ages. Together you cruise by boat among floating mountains of ice, some the size of buildings, glowing white and electric blue and carved into fantastic shapes, spotting faces, castles and animals in the ice and keeping watch for seals popping up between the bergs. Children and grown-ups gaze in amazement at the scale and beauty. It is an adventure to remember forever.
- Watching humpback whales leap and dive in Disko Bay is a magical family wildlife highlight. The rich waters of Disko Bay are among the best places on earth to see whales, and there are few thrills to match a child's first sight of a giant whale. Together you head out by boat to watch humpback whales surface, blow and dive among the drifting icebergs, their enormous tails lifting slowly against the shimmering ice, and sometimes breaching clear of the water with a great splash. Your guide helps everyone spot the whales and shares their amazing story. The wonder on young faces is priceless.
- Meeting the musk oxen and standing at the edge of the great Ice Sheet is an awe-inspiring family highlight. Near Kangerlussuaq, the tundra is home to shaggy musk oxen, extraordinary Ice Age survivors that look like something from a storybook, along with reindeer and Arctic hares. Together you journey out across the wild country to spot these amazing animals, then continue to the very edge of the great Greenland Ice Sheet, standing before a wall of ancient blue and white ice stretching to the horizon, a frozen world that covers most of the island. The wildlife and the scale amaze all ages.
- Meeting the sled dogs and puppies of Ilulissat is a heart-warming family highlight. Dog sledding is the ancient heart of Greenlandic culture, and Ilulissat is a great sledding town, home to hundreds of powerful, friendly Greenland huskies and, in summer, adorable puppies. Together you meet a local hunter and his team, learn how the dogs live, work and pull the sled across the winter ice, and, in the right season, meet and gently play with the puppies, an experience children adore. You learn about the special bond between the hunter and his dogs. It is joyful and memorable for all.
- Hiking to a tiny fishing village and learning about Inuit life is a rewarding family highlight. Greenland brings Inuit culture and Arctic nature vividly to life for children. Together you take an easy, beautiful hike along the coast or the Icefjord trails to a tiny, colourful fishing settlement, watching for whales and seals offshore, spotting Arctic plants and birds, and learning about how people have lived by hunting and fishing here for thousands of years. You taste fresh Greenlandic food, meet friendly local people, and discover a way of life utterly different from home. It is fun, active and eye-opening for all ages.
- Above all, this journey offers a safe, exciting and awe-inspiring Arctic adventure for all ages. Greenland is one of the most exciting and awe-inspiring destinations on earth for families, and this journey is designed to thrill and delight everyone. Over seven days you cruise among towering icebergs, watch whales leap in Disko Bay, meet musk oxen and the great Ice Sheet, play with sled-dog puppies, and hike to a fishing village, all guided by expert local guides who love sharing Greenland with young explorers. The combination of giant icebergs, whales, musk oxen, sled dogs and Inuit culture makes this a real-life adventure children will never forget.
Day by Day
A detailed day-by-day plan for this 7-day journey.
Your family's Arctic adventure begins as your flight arrives at Kangerlussuaq, the main air gateway to Greenland, set deep in the tundra. You are met by your friendly guide and transferred to your hotel, settling in to this remote outpost surrounded by low mountains, tundra and, on the horizon, the great white Ice Sheet. Greenland is one of the most exciting places on earth for young explorers, and the sense of arriving somewhere truly wild is immediate. If time and energy allow, you might take a first short walk onto the tundra to look for Arctic hares and birds. This evening, over a family dinner, your guide gets everyone excited about the adventures ahead, musk oxen, icebergs, whales and sled dogs. Rest well amid the Arctic wilderness, ready to spot the amazing musk oxen and stand on the edge of the Ice Sheet tomorrow.
Today the whole family sets off on a real Arctic safari across the tundra near Kangerlussuaq. You travel by rugged vehicle through wild country in search of the shaggy musk oxen that graze here, extraordinary Ice Age survivors that look like something from a storybook, along with reindeer and Arctic hares, with your guide helping everyone spot the wildlife. You continue to the very edge of the great Greenland Ice Sheet, standing together before a wall of ancient blue and white ice stretching to the horizon, a frozen world that covers most of the island, and learn how it was formed. The animals and the scale amaze all ages. This evening, back in Kangerlussuaq, enjoy a family dinner and swap stories of the day. Rest well, ready to fly to the land of giant icebergs tomorrow.
This morning the family flies north to Ilulissat, the beautiful town beside the famous Icefjord, over a dazzling landscape of ice and water, an exciting flight in itself. You are met and settle into your hotel, then set out together to walk the boardwalk trails to the mouth of the Icefjord, where a sea of towering icebergs glows in the Arctic light. From the ancient Sermermiut settlement you gaze over the ice-choked fjord, spotting shapes in the glowing bergs and keeping watch for seals. Children and grown-ups gaze in amazement at the giant floating mountains of ice. This evening, savour fresh Greenlandic food in the colourful town, with its sled dogs and busy harbour. Rest well in beautiful Ilulissat, beside the greatest icebergs on earth, ready to sail among them tomorrow.
Today the whole family sets sail among the towering icebergs of the Ilulissat Icefjord, a thrill for all ages. You cruise by boat among floating mountains of ice, some the size of buildings, glowing white and electric blue and carved into fantastic shapes, spotting faces, castles and animals in the ice and keeping watch for seals popping up between the bergs. Your guide makes it fun and fascinating, sharing how the icebergs are born from the fastest glacier in the world and drift out to sea. The scale and beauty amaze everyone. Back in Ilulissat, there is time to explore the colourful town and its harbour. This evening, savour a family dinner of fresh Arctic food. Rest well in beautiful Ilulissat, the giant icebergs still vivid in everyone's imagination, ready to look for whales tomorrow.
Today the family heads out into the rich waters of Disko Bay to look for the great whales of the Arctic summer, one of the most exciting adventures of the trip. The bay is among the best places on earth to see humpback whales, and together you watch these giants surface, blow and dive among the drifting icebergs, their enormous tails lifting slowly against the shimmering ice, sometimes breaching clear of the water with a great splash. Your guide helps everyone spot the whales and shares their amazing story, and you keep watch for seals and seabirds too. The wonder on young faces is priceless. Back in Ilulissat, there is time to relax and explore. This evening, savour a family dinner, swapping tales of the whales. Rest well beside the beautiful bay, ready to meet the sled dogs tomorrow.
Today the family enjoys two of the great joys of Greenland, the sled dogs and an easy Arctic hike. You meet a local hunter and his team of powerful, friendly Greenland huskies, learning how the dogs live, work and pull the sled across the winter ice, and, in the right season, meeting and gently playing with the adorable puppies, which children love. You then take an easy, beautiful hike along the coast or the Icefjord trails to a tiny, colourful fishing settlement, watching for whales and seals offshore and learning about Inuit life, hunting and fishing along the way. It is joyful, active and eye-opening for all ages. This evening, savour a final family dinner of fresh Greenlandic food, reflecting on your amazing Arctic adventures. Rest well in beautiful Ilulissat, full of wonderful memories.
After a final morning in beautiful Ilulissat, perhaps a last look at the icebergs or the sled dogs, or some souvenir shopping for Greenlandic craft, the family is transferred to the airport for the flights home via Kangerlussuaq. You leave having shared a real-life Arctic adventure, cruising among towering icebergs on the Ilulissat Icefjord, watching humpback whales leap in Disko Bay, meeting shaggy musk oxen and the great Ice Sheet, playing with sled-dog puppies, and hiking to a colourful fishing village. The images stay vivid long after you land, the giant floating icebergs, the whales among the ice, the musk oxen on the tundra, and the friendly huskies. Greenland offers wonder, wildlife and active adventure for all ages in abundance, and the whole family departs already dreaming of a return to the amazing land of ice.
Where You Will Travel
What's inside the package?
Inclusions
- 6 nights accommodation in carefully chosen hotels, lodges and expedition ships, with a welcome dinner and several family dinners as noted
- Daily breakfast
- All airport, helicopter, boat and land transfers as per itinerary
- Touring, sightseeing and activities with expert English-speaking guides and expedition leaders
- Boat excursions, national park permits and entrance fees as per itinerary
- the musk ox and Ice Sheet edge safari, an Ilulissat Icefjord boat cruise, a Disko Bay whale watching trip, a sled-dog visit, a guided village hike, all internal flights shown, family-friendly expert guiding, and all entrance fees
Exclusions
- International airfare
- Visa or tourist card fees where applicable
- Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
- International flights to Greenland via Copenhagen or Iceland
- Optional helicopter flights, kayaking and tips for guides
- Meals not mentioned in the itinerary or inclusions
- Drinks unless specifically stated
- Optional excursions and experiences
- Personal expenses and gratuities
- Anything not specifically mentioned under Package Inclusions
Know when to go.
- Visa & entry: Greenland is an autonomous territory within the Kingdom of Denmark, but it is not part of the European Union or the Schengen Area, so it has its own entry rules; many nationalities (including UK, US, Canadian, Australian and EU passport holders) may visit without a separate visa, while others require a Danish visa specifically endorsed for Greenland, and a passport valid for the length of stay is required. Rules can change, so we confirm the exact, current requirements for your nationality and assist with any visa or documentation where needed
- Currency: The currency is the Danish Krone (DKK); cards (including contactless) are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, shops and tour operators in the larger towns such as Nuuk, Ilulissat and Qaqortoq, so you rarely need much cash, though it is wise to carry some for small settlements, craft stalls and remote stops. ATMs are found in the main towns; tipping is not expected as service is included, though rounding up for exceptional guiding is always welcome
- Best time to visit: Greenland has two very different seasons. Summer (June to September) brings the midnight sun, open water for cruising and boat trips, calving glaciers, whales, hiking and green sheep-farming valleys in the south; winter (roughly October to April) brings the Northern Lights, dog sledding, snowshoeing and frozen fjords. July and August are peak for whales and icebergs, while late winter and early spring offer strong aurora and the best dog sledding conditions
- Language & etiquette: Greenlandic (Kalaallisut) is the official language and Danish is widely spoken, while English is spoken by most people working in tourism, so communication is easy on organised trips. Greenlanders are warm, calm and welcoming, with a deep Inuit hunting and fishing heritage and a strong respect for nature and the land; ask before photographing people or catches, and take a genuine, respectful interest in local life, which is always appreciated
- Getting around: There are almost no roads between towns in Greenland, so travel is by air (Air Greenland flights and charters via hubs such as Kangerlussuaq and Nuuk), by helicopter to smaller settlements, by coastal boat and ferry, and in winter by snowmobile and dog sled. Distances are large and schedules depend on weather, so we build realistic connections and buffer time into every itinerary and keep flexible alternatives ready
- Health & safety: Greenland is one of the safest places on earth, with negligible crime and welcoming communities; the real considerations are natural rather than human, including fast-changing Arctic weather, cold, sea ice, and remoteness from major medical facilities. Comprehensive travel insurance including medical evacuation is essential, and our guides carry safety equipment, monitor conditions closely and follow official and expedition guidance at all times, adjusting plans around the weather when needed
- Culture & food: Greenlandic culture is rooted in Inuit traditions of hunting, fishing and dog sledding, expressed in kayaking, drum dancing, tupilak carving and colourful timber towns; local food is fresh and distinctive, including halibut, cod, prawns, snow crab, reindeer, musk ox and lamb from the southern farms, alongside Danish and international dishes in town restaurants. We recommend the best local tables and cultural experiences at every stage of your journey
- Weather & packing: Arctic weather changes quickly in every season, so warm layers are essential year-round, along with a waterproof, windproof jacket, warm mid-layers, hat, gloves, and sturdy waterproof walking boots; in winter you will also want serious thermal clothing, much of which expedition operators can provide. Power is 230V with European type C and F two-pin plugs, so bring an adapter, and mobile and wifi coverage is good in towns but limited or absent in remote fjords and at sea
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Greenland suitable for children, and what ages work best?
Greenland is wonderfully suited to families with children who enjoy the outdoors, typically from around six years and up, though we tailor every trip to your family. Boat trips among icebergs and whales, musk ox safaris, sled dogs and puppies, and easy coastal hikes are all thrilling and safe with our expert guides, who love sharing the Arctic with young explorers. We choose family-friendly accommodation, keep activity days flexible with plenty of rest, and provide warm layers guidance, so the adventure is comfortable and exciting for all ages.
Is it safe, and how cold will it be for the children?
Greenland is one of the safest places on earth, with negligible crime and warm, welcoming communities, and this summer-season journey enjoys long days and relatively mild temperatures, though Arctic weather changes quickly, so warm, waterproof layers, hats and gloves are essential even in summer, especially on the water. Our guides carry safety equipment, monitor conditions closely and keep every activity appropriate for your family. We advise in detail on what to pack for children, so everyone stays warm, dry and comfortable throughout the adventure.
What meals are included?
Daily breakfast is included throughout, and on expedition cruises and at remote lodges most or all meals are included, as noted in each itinerary, often with fresh Greenlandic seafood, reindeer, musk ox and lamb alongside international dishes. In towns such as Ilulissat, Nuuk and Qaqortoq we usually leave some meals free so you can explore local restaurants, and we are always happy to recommend and reserve the best tables and cultural dining experiences at every stage of your journey.
Are the tours private or in a group?
On land, your journey is private by default, with your own expert guide, boat charters and transfers and a pace tailored entirely to you, while expedition cruises are small-group by nature aboard comfortable ice-class ships with expert expedition teams. Greenland's knowledgeable guides bring the Icefjord, the glaciers, Inuit culture, Norse history and Arctic wildlife vividly to life, reading the weather, ice and light to find the very best of the icebergs, whales and Northern Lights at exactly the right moment.
Do I need a visa for Greenland?
Greenland is part of the Kingdom of Denmark but sits outside the EU and the Schengen Area, so it has separate entry rules; many nationalities may visit without a separate visa, while others need a Danish visa specifically valid for Greenland. We confirm the exact, current requirements for your nationality, advise on documentation and passport validity, and assist with any visa where needed, so your entry is smooth. Remember that flights usually connect through Denmark or Iceland, which may have their own rules.
Is Greenland safe to visit?
Greenland is one of the safest destinations in the world, with negligible crime and warm, welcoming communities; the real considerations are natural rather than human, namely fast-changing Arctic weather, cold, sea ice and remoteness from major medical facilities. Comprehensive travel insurance including medical evacuation is essential, and our experienced guides and expedition teams carry safety equipment, monitor conditions constantly and follow official guidance, adjusting plans around the weather so you can relax and enjoy this extraordinary Arctic land.
When is the best time to visit?
It depends on what you wish to experience. Summer (June to September) brings the midnight sun, open water for cruising and boat trips among icebergs, calving glaciers, whales, hiking and the green valleys of the south; winter (roughly October to April) brings the Northern Lights, dog sledding and frozen fjords. July and August are peak for whales and icebergs, while late winter and spring are superb for the aurora and dog sledding. We advise on the best timing for your interests.
Can the itinerary be customised?
Absolutely. Every itinerary is a flexible starting point. We can adjust the balance of the Ilulissat Icefjord and Disko Bay, East Greenland and Scoresby Sund, the Norse ruins and green valleys of the south, the capital Nuuk, and the edge of the Ice Sheet, add an expedition cruise, dog sledding, kayaking, whale watching or Northern Lights nights, and tailor the pace, comfort level and focus entirely to you. Just tell us your dreams and we will craft them around the ice, wildlife and culture of Greenland.
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