Tours and excursions
Greenland is synonymous with magnificent nature. And the natural landscapes around Disko Island (part of the famed Disko Bay in Greenland’s northwest), is begging to be explored. Great explorations await those of you, who love to spend time in the outdoors.
Hotel Disko Island in Qeqertarsuaq organizes a series of guided tours and excursions on the Disko Island. For example, join us on a hike to Kuannit, the island’s famous paradise with springs and basalt columns. Get to know the town of Qeqertarsuaq, its population and history on our city walk. Stay overnight at the top of the Lyngmark’s glacier or join us on the water kayaking. If you are an ice swimmer, we can even offer you to visit our sauna!
Read more about our tours and excursions here. Don’t hesitate to contact us for more information.
Explore Qeqertarsuaq
Guided walking tour of town
Join our guide on a two-hour walking tour of Qeqertarsuaq and learn about the city’s cultural history and the day-to-day life of the approximately 850 inhabitants who live relatively isolated on an island the size of Crete.
Price: DKK 250 per person
Type of tour: Culture-historical city walk & storytelling
Difficulty of tour: Easy
Season: 01/06 – 30/09
Tours: Every day of the week
Time: 15:00-16:30
Minimum: 2 persons
On this guided city walk in Qeqertarsuaq you will learn about the history of Qeqertarsuaq as well as modern life above the polar circle. Qeqertarsuaq was founded in 1773 as a whaling station and today it has approx. 850 inhabitants. The city and the island, a bit confusingly, has the same name which in Greenlandic simply means ‘The big island’. The primary occupation is fishing and hunting, especially fishing for snow crabs and lumpfish is important – seeing the busy harbor is therefore always interesting. We will walk around town and the guide will tell you about the culture-history as well as the modern life above the polar circle.
- Guide
Hike - Coast, Mountains, Waterfalls
Hike to beautiful basalt columns and wild growing angelica.
Join our hike to the scenic area of Kuannit. With steep cliffs, vibrant green and brown hills and the blue ocean dotted with icebergs, this area offers breathtaking views. If we are lucky, we might even see a whale!
Price: DKK 600 per person
Type of tour: Hike
Difficulty of tour: Medium
Season: 01/06-30/09
Tours: Every day of the week
Time: 09:00-14:00
Minimum: 2 persons
Kuannit is located approximately 5 km east of Qeqertarsuaq and it is here that we find the beautiful basalt columns. Kuannit is not only beautiful but the nature is also very lush with lots of different flowers, mosses and the well tasting umbrella plant angelica. Angelica is often used in the Greenlandic kitchen and of course in our kitchen at Hotel Disko Island as well. Angelica does not grow in the area around Ilulissat and therefore the local people of Ilulissat journeys all the way to Qeqertarsuaq to harvest the plant in the summertime.
On our hike we will get out into the impressive nature that surrounds Qeqertarsuaq. We will pass the heliport, the scientific station ´Arctic station’, and we will even come by the best located soccer field in the world! We cross the ‘red river’ and enter the ‘windy valley’ were it often blows a very cold wind during the winter. On our left hand side we will have a 900 meters tall basalt mountain and on our right hand side the beautiful vistas over the Diskobay with its massive icebergs. Our guide will tell you about the formation of the basalt columns, the tempered water sources and the lush and eatable nature surrounding us. When we arrive to Kuannit we will have a break, enjoy the view and scout for whales while eating our lunch and having a cup of coffee or tea. On our way back to the hotel we might harvest some angelica for the kitchen or look for other eatables. Our guide knows all the plants and it is always fun when nature is eatable!
- Guide
- Lunch
Summit Hike - Cormorant Mountain
A more challenging day hike to the Cormorant Mountain
Those interested in a longer and more challenging day hike can join our guide on this favorite hike amongst our staff. We follow the southernmost edge of Skarvefjeldet (Cormorant Mountain) to the summit (830 m.a.s.l.).
Price: DKK 995 per person
Type of tour: Hike
Difficulty of tour: Moderate to Challenging
Season: 01/07-10/09
Tours: Mondays, tuesdays and fridays
Time: 10:00-17:00
Minimum: 2 persons
Note: Trail can be wet/snowy. Participants should wear waterproofed hiking boots, bring warm clothes and a wind- and waterproofed outer layer.
Those interested in a longer and more challenging day hike can join our guide on this favorite hike amongst our staff. We follow the southernmost edge of Skarvefjeldet (Cormorant Mountain) to the summit (830 m.a.s.l.). The views keep getting better as you ascent – of the entire Disko Bay, the coast, the island’s southern glaciers, mountain tops and culminates with a panoramic view of the wide and colorful valley, Blæsedalen, to the north. Packed lunch is included.
- Guide
- Lunch
Kayaking to Kuannit
Paddle among icebergs to Disko Islands famous basalt columns
Join us for a beautiful kayaking excursion along the Disko Island Coast towards the volcanic basalt columns known as ‘Kuannit’. This is nature at its very best – showcasing floating icebergs, gnarly basalt columns and cascading springs on lush mountainsides.
Price: DKK 1,250 per person
Type of excursion: Kayaking trip (2-person kayak) with guide and support boat
Difficulty: Medium
Season: June 15 – Sep. 10th
Departs: Every day of the week (in favorable conditions)
Meeting point & time: Meeting point is at Black Sand Beach at 09:00
Minimum: Is 2 participants (to run the tour)
Note: It’s a requirement that all participants can swim
It is something truly exceptional to explore the Disko Island from the sea. To silently slide through the water under an open, endless sky – surrounded by icebergs, seabirds, and rocky shores. Maybe we are lucky to spot sea mammals or catch a glimpse of local fishermen fishing from their dinghies?
We set out in the morning from the town’s famous black-sand beach and paddle along the coast towards Kuannit. Springs drizzle down the rocky mountainsides and solidified basalt columns turn and twist in all directions.
The duration of this excursion is 4-5 hours with 2-3 hours of paddling time. As an extra safety, our support boat will be close by.
Note: In case of unsafe conditions on the water, we reserve the right to cancel the kayaking activity. If we must cancel, participants will be refunded the full amount.
Excursion in a doble (2-person) kayak, kayaking guide, safety briefing, support boat, dry suit, neoprene boots, and safety vest.
Important: We recommend you wear woolen underwear underneath the dry suit, and that you leave your valuables at home.
Black sand beach
Ice swimming & sauna
Immerse yourself in the ultimate exploration of Greenland’s only black sand beach with an ice-cold (literally!) dip in the dark blue and iceberg-dotted Disko Bay, followed by a visit to our warm and comfortable wooden ‘barrel sauna’. Ice baths and saunas go hand in hand and the surroundings for this life-affirming combination doesn’t get much better than right here on Disko Island, where the red, flat-topped basalt mountains rise vertically above the beach.
Price sauna:
DKK 200, – per person (adults)
Price sauna:
DKK 100, – per person (children under 12 years)
Private rental:
DKK 1250, – per hour
Type of excursion: Sauna visit
Difficulty: Easy
Maximum: Max 10 guests per hour
Season: June 1 – Sep 30
Open: Every day of the week
Hours:
Sauna I – 17:00 – 18:00
Sauna II – 18:00 – 19:00
Sauna III – 19:00 – 20:00
Sauna IV – 20:00 – 21:00
We encourage you to add a dip in the Disko Bay’s icy sea waters to your Greenland adventure! Disko Island’s lovely beach, Siorarsuit, on the outskirts of town, is the obvious place in Greenland to go swimming. Forged by fire and sunk by ice during the island’s volcanic history, Siorarsuit Beach (translates into black sand beach) is the only black, volcanic sand beach in the country. Large chunks of ice, originating from the floating icebergs in the bay, often wash up on the beach, and you are welcome to haul your own lump of ice ashore!
Once out of the water, our warm and cozy sauna is awaiting you. The sauna comfortably seats 10 people and is open every day during the summer, mornings and nights.
If you would like to use the sauna outside normal opening hours, it can be rented for DKK 995,- per hour.
Information on access to the sauna is available at the hotel reception.
- Free access to the sauna within the booked hour
- Towel
Disko Mountain Lodge
Hiking to the Lyngmark glacier & wilderness lodge
The symmetrical, flat-topped and reddish Lyngmark mountain raise almost 1,000 meters above the city of Qeqertarsuaq. On its top, you will find one of the permanent glaciers on Disko Island, Uunartuarsuup Sermia, better known as the Lyngmark Glacier. During the summer you can hike up to the glacier, from where you have the most phenomenal view over mountains and valleys to the south and the entire Disko Bay to the north.
Our cozy Disko Mountain Lodge is located close to the edge of the glacier, with a 360-degree view of the surrounding glacier landscape. Staying overnight at our lodge, is the perfect way to fully explore this unique environment – perhaps even with a guided hike on the glacier?
At night you will enjoy a tasty dinner at the lodge, followed by fun indoor activities such as board games or listening to Greenlandic folk tales in the company of the guide and the other guests, before you head to bed. The next morning you will hike back to Qeqertarsuaq just after breakfast.
Price: DKK 1,695 per person
Type of excursion: Hiking and overnight stay in wilderness lodge
Difficulty: Medium-hard (Each way = 7 km / 4 T / 900 meters altitude gain/loss)
Season: July 1st – Sep 15th
Departs: Twice a week – Saturday to Sunday & Wednesday to Thursday
Meeting point & time: Departure at 11:00 am from our reception – return approx. at 12:00 pm the following day
Minimum: 2 participants (to run the tour)
Winter: March 15 – May 15th (minimum of six participants needed to run the tour)
Contact us for dates, program, and costs.
During the winter season, transportation is provided by snowmobile.
The hike between Qeqertarsuaq and Disko Mountain Lodge takes about four hours each way to complete. The route is quite steep in places and almost 900 meters of altitude must be climbed. The terrain is uneven and there are passages along the way with scree, why hiking poles are strongly recommended to alleviate your balance. As a participant, we expect you to wear sturdy hiking boots, that you are familiar with hiking and generally is in good physical shape.
The trail is incredibly beautiful and the surrounding landscapes very diverse. We’ll take several breaks along the route to enjoy the volcanic mountain environment and the endless views over the Disko Bay. On a clear day you can see all the way to Ilulissat! We’ll find a spot for savoring our lunch box along the trail or upon arrival at the lodge.
Disko Mountain Lodge is a blue wooden cabin, located on top of the Lyngmark mountain in the middle of nothing – or everything, if you fancy raw nature environments. The lodge, which is both cozy and comfortable despite its remote location, is divided into several bedrooms with bunk beds (four beds in each room) in two wings. Each room has a window and view to either the south or north. In the center of the lodge there’s a kitchen, a living room with a large dining table and panoramic view over Disko Bay and two separate dry claw toilets. A ship’s oven provides heating. Showers are not available nor is it possible to charge mobile phones, cameras etc. There is no mobile coverage around the lodge, but the guide will bring a satellite phone for emergency use only. Alas, an overnight stay in Disko Mountain Lodge is a great opportunity for you to just chill out and enjoy the wilderness while being present in the moment.
Depending on the weather, the conditions on the glacier and the composition of the group, the guide will plan joint activities for the afternoon and evening. There are various options from indoor entertainment, to hiking, either towards Blæsedalen (windy valley) or the Apostle Mountain, to a hike on the glacier with snowshoes. We kindly ask you to follow the guide’s recommendations of activities.
The dinner served at the lodge is simple but tasty and we’ll bring some sweets to accompany your after-dinner coffee or tea. It is recommended that you bring your own snack for the hike.
- Guide on the hike to and from Disko Mountain Lodge as well as on the glacier
- Packed lunch
- Dinner (day 1)
- Breakfast (day 2)
- Overnight stay in the cabin
Daypack (25-35L), hiking boots, hiking poles, warm clothes (fleece, cap/beanie, light mittens), wind and waterproof jacket and pants, toiletries, change of clothes (e.g. sweater, underwear, socks, indoor shoes), snack.
You will receive your personal pillow cover and fleece liner as well as a packed lunch before departure from the hotel.
Sheets, pillows, and warm sleeping bags are provided in the lodge
Meet the Greenlandic Sled Dog
Dive into the rich heritage of Greenlandic sled dogs on our captivating one-and-a-half-hour tour, “Meet the Greenlandic Sled Dog.”
Our adventure begins with a visit to a local mushers sled dog camp, where the robust and resilient Greenlandic sled dogs, direct descendants of those brought by the Thule culture, eagerly await to share their story with you.
Price: DKK 250 per person
Type of excursion: Culture
Difficulty: Easy
Season: All year around
Guided Exploration: Our knowledgeable guide will immerse you in the fascinating world of dog sledding in Greenland. Learn about the historical significance, cultural stories, and the unique lifestyle of these incredible dogs and their mushers.
Hands-On Experience: Discover the essential equipment used in dog sledding and understand the crucial tasks and responsibilities of owning and caring for these magnificent animals.
Feeding Time: If you’re lucky and the timing is right, witness the excitement of feeding time! Watch as our guide demonstrates how we nourish our sled dogs, an experience that’s both educational and entertaining.
- Local guide
- Sunglasses
Hike to Qorlortorsuaq, waterfall of the red river
Embark on a serene hiking adventure to Qorlortorsuaq, a captivating waterfall nestled in the untouched backcountry near Qeqertarsuaq. Join us on this serene hiking adventure and encounter nature’s beauty along the way. We will take a moment to refill your water bottles from a pure, freshwater river, ensuring a refreshing journey. And don’t forget to bring your camera and binoculars, as we may be fortunate enough to spot a graceful whale in the distance!
Price: DKK 400 per person
Type of excursion: Hike
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Season: June 1st – september 30th
Our adventure begins at the meeting point in front of the hotel. The same spot will serve as our endpoint upon returning. To ensure a comfortable journey, please bring your own water bottle, which you can conveniently refill at the rivers along the path to Qorlortorsuaq.
We highly recommend wearing hiking shoes or boots for optimal traction and support. Additionally, it’s advisable to bring wind or waterproof outer layers to shield yourself from the elements and enhance your overall experience.
- Local guide
- Musquito net (july and august)
- Layered clothing
- Hiking boots
- Sunglasses
- Water bottle & snacks
- Camera & binocular
1-Hour Dog sledding
Experience dog sledding culture with Greenlandic sled dogs
This tour is perfect for first-time dog sledders, this tour offers an adrenaline rush intertwined with the cultural experience of sledding, a tradition passed down through generations. Get close to the skilled working dogs that adore pulling sleds. For those seeking a break from the noisy, bustling everyday life dominated by engines, this tour provides an escape into the serene and wondrous yet delicate natural surroundings. Along the journey, expect tranquil ascents up hills and thrilling, adrenaline-packed descents. Longer tours are also available for those seeking extended adventures.
Price: DKK 1.000 per person
Type of excursion: Dog sled
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Season: December 1st – April 30th
OBS: This tour is available as soon as the snow conditions allows it.
Meeting point: The meeting point is outside heliport and return to the same spot if there is not another agreement.
Weather Conditions: Expect temperatures ranging from 0 to -20 degrees Celsius. Dress in layered clothing to stay warm and comfortable throughout the experience.
Physical Activity: Participants will primarily be seated still on the sled, enjoying the ride while the dogs navigate the terrain. However, the musher may request participants to walk on the side of the sled if necessary, especially on uphill steep slopes, to assist the dogs.
Cold Precautions: Given the potentially cold temperatures, it’s advisable to wear insulated, waterproof outerwear, including jackets, pants, gloves, hats, and suitable footwear.
Additional info: The dogs typically maintain a steady pace without frequent stops or breaks until reaching the turning point for the return journey. Expect a continuous sled ride without many pauses along the way.
- Local musher
- Layered clothing
- Sunglasses
- Camera
2-hour dog sledding
Experience dog sledding culture
Join us on this 2-hour dogsledding tour with a local musher with Greenlandic Sled Dogs. This tour is for those who’ve had a taste of dog sledding and seek a slightly longer adventure, this tour offers an extended experience. Delve deeper into the cultural tradition of sledding, accompanied by an adrenaline rush, as you connect closely with the skilled working dogs that eagerly pull sleds. Tailored for individuals looking to expand on their initial dog sledding encounters, this short yet more extensive trip provides an escape from the bustling noise of everyday life, inviting you into serene, captivating, yet delicate natural surroundings. While this journey offers tranquil ascents up hills and heart-pounding descents, there are also longer tours available for those hungry for even more extensive adventures.
Price: DKK 1.800 per person
Type of excursion: Dog sled
Difficulty: Moderate
Season: December 1st – April 30th
OBS: This tour is available as soon as the snow conditions allows it.
Meeting point: The meeting point is outside heliport and return to the same spot if there is not another agreement.
Weather Conditions: Expect temperatures ranging from 0 to -20 degrees Celsius. Dress in layered clothing to stay warm and comfortable throughout the experience.
Physical Activity: Participants will primarily be seated still on the sled, enjoying the ride while the dogs navigate the terrain. However, the musher may request participants to walk on the side of the sled if necessary, especially on uphill steep slopes, to assist the dogs.
Cold Precautions: Given the potentially cold temperatures, it’s advisable to wear insulated, waterproof outerwear, including jackets, pants, gloves, hats, and suitable footwear.
Additional info: The dogs typically maintain a steady pace without frequent stops or breaks until reaching the turning point for the return journey. Expect a continuous sled ride without many pauses along the way.
- Local musher
- Layered clothing
- Sunglasses
- Snacks
- Camera
Snowmobile Tour to the Top of Ice Cap Lyngmarksbræen
Embark on an unforgettable snowmobile tour to the summit of Ice Cap Lyngmarksbræen. This tour is perfect for those who wish to witness breathtaking views of Disko Bay and the surrounding landscape. At over 900 meters above sea level, the summit offers a 360-degree panoramic view, allowing you to admire Disko Bay, the ocean, icebergs, and sea ice.
Your adventure begins right from your accommodation, where our experienced local guide will meet you to kick off the journey. Throughout the tour, your guide will ensure your safety and enjoyment, providing insights into the region’s natural wonders.
We provide coffee/tea and snacks so you can fully appreciate the spectacular scenery at the summit.
Price: DKK 1.250 per person
Type of excursion: Snowmobile
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Season: December 1st – April 30th
Your guide will meet you at your accommodation to begin the tour. Please be ready at the designated time.
- Local guide
- Coffee/tea and snacks
Snowmobile transportation
- Layered clothing appropriate for the weather
- Sunglasses
- Water bottle
- Lunch and snacks if desired
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