Greenland Extension

Please note our Lynch Family abbreviated 2018 Kiattua Camp snapshot extension from our Iceland Nature Immersion Private Tour.

Overview

Being only 890 miles from nearby Iceland, Greenland is an ideal Arctic extension from an Iceland eco-lux private tour. A part of the North American continent, Greenland is an autonomous country within the Kingdom of Denmark, having limited self-government and its own parliament. Situated between the Atlantic and the Arctic Ocean, Greenland is the largest island in the world with a population of 55,847 (2016). Greenlander’s call their country by their native Inuit language, Kalaallit Nunaat, meaning “Land of the People.” Most Greenland natives live near the ice-free coast in the southwest near incredibly dramatic fjords. With a quaint road infrastructure, you may venture by air or boat to see glaciers, polar bears, whales, and seals in this unique natural environment. Norse ruins, isolated settlements, and contemporary Inuit life add to the esoteric feeling of this place. Travel in the summer for the midnight sun or the winter to see the ephemeral Northern Lights. Whatever your choice, your day can end in one of Greenland’s fishing villages dotted with multi-colored cottages, making this a warm and inviting experience.

Four Day Sample Itinerary

Day 1

  • A leisure cruise through the ice fjord on a slow, boat tour to camp, experiencing the nature at first hand
  • A full briefing at camp before a late afternoon hike
  • Locally-sourced dinner prepared by a private chef
  • Watch the stars by the campfire or use the hot tub
  • Overnight at camp

Day 2

  • A scenic hike to the Icefjord to the very top, with a stunning view of the Icefjord
  • Delicious barbecue lunch prepared by a private chef
  • Hike back and visit a small settlement and meet a local family, where you will be offered coffee and local cakes, learning about their distinct and traditional lives
  • A locally-sourced dinner prepared by a private chef
  • Watch the stars by the campfire or use the hot tub
  • Overnight at camp

Day 3

  • A fun, fast boat ride, getting into special military designed suits, and swim among the giant icebergs
  • Back on shore, your private chef will prepare a well-deserved scrumptious lunch
  • For those who have energy left, a kayak experience awaits
  • A locally-sourced dinner will be prepared by a private chef
  • Watch the stars by the campfire or use the hot tub
  • Overnight at camp

Day 4

  • Last breakfast at camp and take the boat back along the Icefjord to Nuuk
  • Depart Nuuk 3:00 p.m.
  • Arrive Reykjavik 6:30 p.m.
  • Transfer to Hotel Alda in a Mercedes S Class vehicle
  • Overnight at Hotel Alda
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Kiattua Hike

Kiattua Eco-Lux Camp

Located 50 miles from civilization, the exclusive Kiattua Camp’s secluded spot in the Amitsuarsuk fjord is only accessible by boat (two hours from Nuuk) or helicopter from Greenland’s capital, Nuuk. The well-protected inlet sits among some of the oldest mountains in the world, Kiinaasaq, and Pisissarfik, and offers stunning natural views over the ice-covered water and a waterfall in one of the oldest fjords in the world. The goal of the camp is to provide a luxurious, all-inclusive experience and to take in the incredible surroundings without leaving a trace.

Camp amenities include hiking, kayaking, and fishing for avid fishermen. This area is considered among the world’s best pristine fishing spots for Arctic char. With three to seven-night camping options, both a covered boat and a zodiac boat are used for your Arctic explorations. Reindeer, arctic fox, and musk ox are among the land-based wildlife to see here. Close to the camp are Viking ruins, once inhabiting Greenland from 985 to 1500 A.D.

Each large tent comes with one double or two single beds, along with a table and chairs and a wood stove to keep you toasty all night. They also include a private and separate bathroom, complete with a hot-water shower and eco-toilet. Meals are prepared each day by the camp’s on-site chef. We also love the outdoor hot tub experience! Guests are free to enjoy the views and amenities of the camp by themselves or intermingle around the community fire to share stories about their daily adventures.

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Kiattua Tent

Each large tent comes with one double or two single beds, along with a table and chairs and a wood stove to keep you toasty all night. They also include a private and separate bathroom, complete with a hot-water shower and eco-toilet. Meals are prepared each day by the camp’s on-site chef. We also love the outdoor hot tub experience! Guests are free to enjoy the views and amenities of the camp by themselves or intermingle around the community fire to share stories about their daily adventures.

Greenlandic multistorey living buildings with mountains in the background, Nuuk, Greenland
Multi-storey apartment buildings in Nuuk

Nuuk, Greenland

With over 30% of Greenland’s population residing in its capital, Nuuk, pictures of this seaside town often show the little colorful houses by the harbor, but this city’s history is much more interesting and apparent once you stay there. Nuuk and “Modern Greenland” was founded by Hans Egede, a Norwegian/Danish, in 1728 (his house is still standing and functional!) but the history of Greenland as a whaling and mining town goes back far further. At the national museum, you will see artifacts (and even mummified bodies) dating back centuries and nearly perfectly preserved by the cold. Just a short walk from the coast, you will find the multi-story housing buildings built in the mid-century, where most of Nuuk’s inhabitants live. Here, you will find a shopping center and wonderful art, including urban graffiti. Though the city might not come close to the size of our beloved Chicago, the culture of Greenland’s 17,000-people-strong, the frontier city is indisputable and one must admire them for their perseverance to thrive in this cold and stark land.

Kamiks on the balcony
Kamiks (boots made with animal hyde and fur) hanging off the balcony of an apartment building in Nuuk

Average July & August Weather

Average High: 58° F

Average Low: 46° F

Sunrise: 3:10 a.m. (!)

Sunset: 11:50 p.m. (!)

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