Boat trip between Qeqertarsuaq, Aasiaat and Ilulissat

Sail along the coast of Greenland.

The Arctic Umiac Line and Disko Line ferries are both passenger transportation for the many small communities that periodically live in isolation, and they become a connection option for both locals and tourists who want to move around Greenland where the road network is limited.

The vessels are classified to sail in the icy waters and there is a basic understanding of safety and local conditions.

Qeqertarsuaq;

in Greenlandic “The Big Island”, is located on the southernmost point of Disko Island overlooking Disko Bay. The area stands out geologically as being younger than the Greenlandic mainland, with high, steep mountains and the impressive Lyngsmark glacier in the middle. There are plenty of opportunities to hike, see the thousands of small hot springs that provide an (almost) exotic fauna – even orchids grow here. In summer, you’ll experience the midnight sun.

Accommodation in Qeqertarsuaq.

Staying at Hotel Disko Island offers a combination of comfort and access to Qeqertarsuaq’s nature and wildlife. Humpback whales are known to find their way to the waters in front of Qeqertarsuaq during the summer months, and just south of the town you’ll find the ‘lookout’, which offers the opportunity to keep an eye out for whales.

The restaurant at Hotel Disko Island follows the season and makes use of available wild herbs, mushrooms and berries. The chefs strive to use Nordic vegetables, fresh fish and shellfish from the seas around Disko Island, as well as reindeer and musk oxen.

Aasiaat;

The city, which for some unknown reason means “spiders” in Greenlandic, is located in the southwestern corner and outermost part of Disko Bay, as a sort of “portal” to the mighty bay.

Accommodation in Aasiaat.

You’ll stay at Hotel Sømandshjemmet, also known as HOTEL SØMA, which is so close to the water that overnight guests have reported spotting humpback and fin whales from the hotel windows, as the whales benefit from the ecosystem of Disko Bay in the summer.

Illulissat;

means “icebergs” in Greenlandic and it is truly the place of icebergs – known for its UNESCO World Heritage Site, Ilulissat Icefjord.

The area offers experiences such as kayaking among icebergs and hiking with views of one of the most productive glaciers in the world in terms of calving, where large icebergs break off from the glacier and drift into the fjord. Local cultural attractions include the Ilulissat Art Museum and Knud Rasmussen House, and a boat ride away you can reach the settlement of Oqaatsut.

Accommodation in Ilulissat.

Your stay at Hotel Hvide Falk is a shared double room with a view of the city. The hotel has been – and still is today – a link between the local community in Ilulissat and visitors from all over the world.

Sermermiutdalen – Inuit – and the old settlements.

You will experience a guided hike that offers magnificent views of the Ilulissat Icefjord on the trip to Sermermiut – a ½ hour hike from Ilulissat. The Sermermiut Valley is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and has been home to various Inuit cultures over the past 4,000 years.
On the tour, you will be able to explore the remains of the ancient settlements and get an insight into how the early inhabitants lived.

Sometimes stops are made at Nakkaavik – translated into Danish; “the place where you fall”. Nakkaavik is a beautiful viewpoint over the Icefjord, but is also known for its dramatic reverberations, as it is a canyon that was used by the elders to sacrifice themselves in times of famine to ensure the survival of the younger generations.

On the tour, a guide will talk about the area’s characteristics, history and Inuit lifestyle before the arrival of Europeans. A cup of hot tea or coffee is often enjoyed at the viewpoint.

Kayaking – the clear water – and the sight of the colossal icebergs.

Kayaking “qajaat” in the Ilulissat Icefjord combines physical activity and the opportunity to connect with nature in one of the most spectacular landscapes on earth.

If the sun is shining, the water can be crystal clear, reflecting the vast blue vault of sky as you glide forward. And the only sound you hear is your paddle gently cutting through the surface of the water and the faint creaking of icebergs slowly moving in the fjord – it’s adventurous.

Ilulissat Icefjord is known for its colossal icebergs, which can be huge, some reaching heights equivalent to multi-storey buildings – majestically flowing through the fjord. Kayaking is a unique opportunity to get up close to these giant ice formations, see their incredible shapes and experience the deep blue color often found in the depths of the ice.

Thanks to well-trained kayak guides, modern equipment and a strong focus on safety, both beginners and experienced rowers have the opportunity to kayak safely between the icebergs in Ilulissat Icefjord.
An experienced guide will tell you about the area and introduce you to the history of the original kayak, which was made of sealskin and wood more than 4000 years ago.
The temperature in Ilulissat can vary and even in summer it can be chilly, especially when you are close to the ice. So dressing warmly is a must.

With the Arctic Umiac Line and Disko Line ferries, it’s possible to be part of a journey that’s not just about getting there, but also about immersing yourself in the rhythms of life along the Greenland coast. – Elise Bruun, Travel by Heart -Greenland.