Day 1: Reykjavík – Kulusuk
A midday flight to Kulusuk or Kap Dan, “capital” of the island of Kulusuk and arrival at the same time: two hour´s flight and two hours’ time difference! Kulusuk is actually a small village clinging to the rocky coast. In front of it the bay is littered with icebergs behind bold rocky peaks. And the local cemetery is a fascinating place! We explore the village and surroundings. Night at a hostel in Kulusuk.
Day 2: Kulusuk Island
Having a whole day to explore the island of Kulusuk, we will take a walk that will give us insight into the local history and a chance to enjoy the amazing scenery. The view on the coast is amazing and at the most western tip of the island we see out to the Atlantic. Heading back we pass the lakes in the heart of the island. The Great Northern Loon, a bird that inhabits these parts will not be worried by our visit since it is really the best fisherman around! Following the road that leads through the island we arrive back to the village. Night at a hostel in Kulusuk.
Walking: 6-7 hours
Day 3: Kulusuk – Kuummiut
Transfer by boat to the interior of the immense Ammassalik Fjord, which extends more than 50 kilometers and twists and turns between the many cliffs and islands. We reach the village of Kuummiut at situated at the end of a peninsula and there we settle down in a local house in the village.
Day 4: Fjord Tunu
We start our walk to Illitsiartik in the fjord of Tunu (which means backside). To enter the fjord, we head eastward through the Inuit village of Kuummiut. The terrain is relatively easy for Greenland, because we follow a flat strip of land wedged between the ocean and mountains, but we still have to a ford a river or two. We enjoy the vegetation which is surprisingly rich considering how isolated Greenland is. We hike back after to our accommodation full of new impressions.
Walking: 5-6 hours in total.
Day 5: Ascent of Mount Kuummiut (1050 m)
Today we climb Kuummiut Mountain that dominates the village. The altitude is modest, but we have to start from the sea level making this a good day’s hike. At the top an extraordinary view is waiting for us! To all directions we can see fjords, islands, mountains and glaciers. A perfect introduction to this world of rock, ice and water. Return to the same accommodation.
Walking: 7 hours
Day 6: Kuummiut – Tiniteqilaaq-Sermilik fjord
Today we leave Kuummiut and enjoy a boat trip between the icebergs through the Ammassalik Fjord, then a smaller sea street of Ikasartivaq before we reach another, smaller settlement of Tiniteqilaaq. We continue through the Sermilik Fjord (the Ice fjord), an impressive fjord with a lot of ice bergs breaking off several glacier tongues coming down from the main ice cap. Finally reach our hut where we stay for the next two nights. In the afternoon we explore the surroundings of the hut.
Day 7: Sermilik fjord
Today we hike for an entire day in this remote area. We hike along streams, over barren, rocky land always enjoying the fantastic views over the Sermilik fjord with its icebergs. In good weather we can see the main ice cap which covers approx. 80% of Greenland. We see the traces of the glacier, pass small lakes and enjoy the wilderness and remoteness of this country.
Walking: 6-7 hours
Day 8: Sermilik vejen to Tasiilaq
We start the day with a short boat transfer further south where we start our today´s hike. We hike along a stream and pass by a waterfall before we reach the pass of the Sermilik way. This route has been used for a long time by the locals. We descend on the other side and reach the lake 168. We hike along this bigger lake before we reach some smaller ones; finally, we arrive at the flower valley. It is lush with green and flowers, with butterflies fluttering by and a colourful cemetery with plastic flowers and white crosses. In the late afternoon we reach the biggest town of East Greenland, Tasiilaq with 1.800 habitants. Night in private house for the next 2 nights.
Walking: 6-8 hours
Day 9: Tasiilaq – Optional activities
Today the choice is yours. For those who want to go for a hike in the surroundings of Tasiilaq this will be an option. When back in Tasiilaq we can stroll around the town, possibly visit the local museum (depending on opening hours) or the local shop with artistic local products.
Day 10 Tasiilaq – Kulusuk – Reykjavík
A short walk in the morning before the boat transfer to Kulusuk Island and the return flight to Reykjavík.