Greenland & Iceland Walking & Hiking Tour
Couples, Friends & Solos
6 days
5 nights
Activity Levels 2-4
Premiere Hotels
Greenland & Iceland Walking & Hiking Tour
Couples, Friends & Solos
6 days
5 nights
Activity Levels 2-4
Premiere Hotels
2025: Jun-Sep
Arctic Wilds & Sculptured Icebergs at the Top of the World
If you gravitate toward the Earth’s hinterlands, this may be one of your bucket-list trips. Here in the vast rugged frontiers of Iceland and Greenland, the sense of unexplored wilderness is everywhere. You’ll feel it as you walk through an ancient lava bed amid steaming vents and bubbling mud pots. You’ll see it as you sail through Disko Bay and marvel at the enormity of the icebergs floating by. You’ll sense it in the otherworldly beauty of the midnight sunlight. From vibrant Reykjavík and a lively Inuit town to a remote outpost where sled dogs outnumber humans, adventure awaits at the edge of the Arctic Circle.
Highlights
- Traverse two arctic destinations in one trip, from Iceland’s dramatic lunar-like landscapes to Greenland’s World Heritage Ilulissat Icefjord
- Relax in our hotel’s luxurious Blue Lagoon spa—a classic Icelandic experience—and taste Greenlandic barbecue
- Visit the settlement of Oqaatsut and learn more about the unique Inuit fishing and hunting community
- Embark on an unforgettable cruise and behold the soft glow of the midnight sun on passing icebergs
Start/EndReykjavík
* Start/End locations may vary. Do not book flights until your trip details are confirmed.
Itinerary
Days 1-2
Hike the rugged landscape around Mount Hengill, an active volcano and important source of geothermal energy • Take a once-in-a-lifetime plunge into a thermal river • Wonder at the bubbling mud pots of the stunning Reykjadalur Valley and walk past hot springs and a steaming waterfall • Journey to the heart of the Reykjanes Peninsula and follow a hiking trail on the drift zone between the North American and Eurasian continental plates • Wonder at an enchanting kaleidoscope of surprising colors—verdant mossy mountains, cobalt-blue lakes, smoky fissures and rich orange rhyolite domes • Our hotel’s Blue Lagoon spa awaits to finish off an adventure-packed day.
Nights 1-2
This sleek and modern hotel sits amid stunning lava landscapes and has its own private Blue Lagoon. (spa)
Days 3-6
On our flight to Greenland, if the sky is clear, witness colossal icebergs floating majestically through the fjord • Take a guided walking tour and discover the fascinating culture and rich history of Ilulissat, home to more than 2,000 sled dogs • Dine on delicious Greenlandic flavors • Cruise north to Oqaatsut and learn about the small colorful Inuit community of hunters and fishermen • Hike the coastline from Oqaatsut toward Ilulissat, passing pristine rivers and a crystal-clear lake • Lunch in a secluded bay with grand views of floating icebergs • Hike along the edge of the World Heritage Ilulissat Icefjord • Keep your eyes peeled for a breaching whale! • In Sermermiut, stand among ruins of turf houses against an unforgettable backdrop of icebergs • Admire the otherworldly white nights of the midnight sun on a memorable cruise • Greet the day with an exciting “flight-seeing” trip back to Reykjavík.
Nights 3-5
View a magical world of icebergs and glaciers from this comfortable and modern hotel set near the exit of the awe-inspiring Ilulissat Icefjord.
What's Included
See moreStraight Talk
We want to make sure you're on the trip that's right for you. Every Backroads trip is unique and this one is no exception.
The combination of arctic landscapes and ocean currents makes this island like no other place in the world. Iceland and Greenland's climates can be as surprising as their terrain, with weather patterns and microclimates that can bring sun, wind, fog, sleet, rain and snow all in the same day (or hour!). Please be sure to bring warm layers and waterproof gear for every day of the trip. In addition, the fluctuating weather might result in mid-trip itinerary changes, but rest assured your Backroads Leaders are always prepared to make necessary adjustments to ensure a great trip while keeping safety the top priority.
This trip includes travel on a commercial flight so that we can explore the best of your destination. Please note that flight schedules can change with little advance warning, which may require us to adjust our activities on a travel day. Your Trip Leaders will provide more details on any changes should this occur.
In the Arctic, sled dogs are highly valued working animals and deeply integrated into the fabric of daily life. However, their care differs significantly from pets in the US, and travelers are often surprised to see that Greenlandic sled dogs spend most of the summer tethered up outdoors. This practice helps manage the large sled dog population, which in Ilulissat alone numbers over 2,000. These dogs play crucial roles in transportation, hunting and guiding tours, making them indispensable to the local way of life.
Hotels
World-Class Hotels
Our hand-selected Premiere hotels offer exceptional hospitality and experiences as special as the regions we explore.
Hotels may vary based on departure. Any variations will be displayed when selecting a departure under Dates & Prices.
Nights 1-2
Premiere Hotel
This sleek and modern hotel sits amid stunning lava landscapes and has its own private Blue Lagoon. (spa)
Nights 3-5
Premiere Hotel
View a magical world of icebergs and glaciers from this comfortable and modern hotel set near the exit of the awe-inspiring Ilulissat Icefjord.
Gallery
Dates & Prices
Dates & Prices
Click on dates for pricing, itinerary variations (if any) and to book your trip. Price is per person, double occupancy in USD.
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