Dog sledding in Ilulissat
1,5 hour
Jan - april
1 person
The short dog sledding tour
* Supports local mushers in Ilulissat
On the short dog sled tour, we ride on the plain behind Ilulissat. Here we do not come up over the mountains. Therefore, the vast majority of visitors can also participate in this tour, which is a really good "introductory tour" to dog sledding.
We drive out of the city and towards the mountain Akinnaq, where we turn off and continue around a large lake. The trip then goes out past the airport and back towards the town again.
Sometimes there is a lot of snow on this tour, but since it is very windy on the plain, it can happen that there are periods without much snow. However, you can easily drive dog sleds anyway - Inuit have done it for thousands of years.
All participants must be at least 8 years old, and if you have problems with your back or neck, you cannot take part in the trip.
It's possible to add on a warm coverall from size xs to 2xl, or expedition boots from size 25 to 48.
See also the section importantinformation about dog sledding
4 hours
Feb - april
1 person
The adventorous dog sledding tour
* Supports local mushers in Ilulissat
This dog sled tour is for you who are hungry for a slightly more adventurous dog sled tour than our shorter "introductory tour".
Here it is required that you are in good physical shape, as we have to go over the mountain "Big Akinnaq" and further into the backcountry. We force 400 meters of altitude in one stretch, where you walk/run after the sled most of the way. After this, the terrain is more forgiving with shorter streches of up- and downhill, as well as large frozen lakes.
On this tour, we get further into the backcountry, and experience the large piles of snow and the beginning of the endless landscape at Ilulissat.
The final destination is the “Nalluarsuk” area.
Sitting on the sled for 4 hours requires proper outerwear and footwear. This can be purchased from us when you book the trip.
See also the section importantinformation about dog sledding
It's possible to add on a warm coverall from size xs to 2xl, or expedition boots from size 25 to 48.
The tour is operated by Wonderful Ilulissat - a local company owned by a lovely young fisherman from Ilulissat, Henrik Qvist. You can look forward to getting in touch with local fishermen who know their stuff. They are true experts in what they do, and they provide a unique insight in a world and culture so different from many others.
2 hours
Feb - april
1 person
Dog sledding "off the beaten track"
* Supports smaller, local tour operator
This dog sled tour starts from the Igloo Lodge and is only offered to guests staying at the lodge.
The tour lasts 2 hours. On part of the route, we drive outside the established dog sled track, and are therefore completely to ourselves in the harsh nature. We come out to a fantastic view point of the Icefjord, and in clear weather we can see the huge glacier "Sermeq Kujalleq" and the Ice Sheet.
The dogs stand on the frozen lake at Igloo Lodge during the winter, and on this tour you are thus there when the dogs are prepared for the ride and when they are fed afterwards.
On this trip, the terrain is predominantly flat, and therefore anyone who is over 8 years old and has a healthy back and neck can participate.
See also the section importantinformation about dog sledding
This tour is operated by Dogsled Academy - a small tour company run by Jørgen Kristensen who lives in Ilulissat. You can look forward to meeting Jørgen in his wonderful person. Jørgen is actually a dog sledding super star here in Greenland. He has won the national dogsledding race 5 times in a row, and he has many great life stories to tell. What we love about Jørgen is his fascinating and mild approach to the dogs and the strong bond he has with them. This mild and open approach also counts for guests on his tours where he loves to explain and tell stories. Jørgens dogs are very friendly and therefore we love having them as permanent residents at our lodge during the winter.
2 days
Feb - april
1 person
The extreme dog sledding tour
* Supports smaller, local tour operator
On our 2-day dog sled tour, you get far, far into the backcountry behind Ilulissat. You will experience some of the most magnificant nature the area has to offer.
We go over high mountains, rush down again, drive over large windswept lakes, pass the local fishing spot through the winter, and finally take the long stretch over the frozen fjord "Sikuiuitsoq", and all the way up to the "Dead glacier".
So we drive approx. 50-60 km in one day - and on the second day, the tour goes the same way back.
In addition to being in good physical shape to be able to participate in this trip, a good amount of endurance is also required when you have to sit on a sled in severe frost for many hours in a row.
We spend the night in a cabin near the glacier. Here you shouldn't expect much more than 4 walls that can keep the worst of the cold out. So there is no one who drives in advance and warms up the cabin for us – this tour is the real thing, where you get an insight into what it is like to be on a dog sled expedition.
The food served is local provisions, such as reindeer, musk or halibut.
See also the section importantinformation about dog sledding
The tour is operated by Wonderful Ilulissat - a local company owned by a lovely young fisherman from Ilulissat, Henrik Qvist. You can look forward to getting in touch with local fishermen who know their stuff. They are true experts in what they do, and they provide a unique insight in a world and culture so different from many others.
Dog sledding in Greenland
A dog sled tour in Ilulissat is something very special.
The dog sled is a deeply rooted symbol of Greenland, and has an incredible history that stretches over 2000 years, and is an important part of Inuit culture. This means of transport has survived through thousands of years, and has retained its basic principle, which dates back to the Viking Age. Some dogs in harnesses tied to a simply constructed wooden sled. It is remarkable that only a few means of transport can boast such a long tradition.
The image of some dogs harnessed to a simple wooden sled has become synonymous with Greenland. The whistle of the sleds against the compacted snow and the creaking ropes as the sled twists with the terrain breaks the total silence. The experience cannot be explained - it must be tried.
A dog sled tour in Greenland is not just a form of transport, but a journey into the history and culture of this unique island. It is an opportunity to enjoy nature and feel the rhythm of the dogs' paws and the cold wind that bites the cheeks. It is a chance to catch a glimpse of the heritage that has been preserved over the centuries and a reminder of the strength and endurance of the people and animals who have used this method to explore the harsh Arctic landscapes.
At World of Greenland, we use local mushers who know their stuff. If you buy a dog sled tour from us, you are at the same time helping to support local employment and help us keep this unique tradition alive.
Important information about dog sledding
- The exact route taken with the dog sled will depend on the conditions on the given day.
- Conditions can change very quickly. Sometimes there is deep snow and the dogs run slowly, while other times it will be more icy, rocky or with exposed soil and moss.
- You sit two on each sled, in addition to the musher. If you have booked the trip alone, you may have to share a sledge with another participant.
- We use local, Greenlandic mushers. It is not guaranteed that the musher speaks fluent English or Danish - but we get along with gestures and good vibes.
- The dogs run at different tempi from day to day and from team to team. The duration of the trip is estimated, but can fluctuate depending on the team, snow consitions etc.
- For the same reason, it can not be guaranteed that all the sleds are riding the same pace.
- Greenlandic sled dogs are more working animals than pets, and they are raised more hardy than many other dogs.
It occasionally happens that dogs get entangled in the lines, get under the sled, get into fights with other dogs, or similar things that can seem violent to outsiders. - If you have back or neck problems, or if you are immobile, dog sledding is not for you.
- All particpants must be at least 8 years old.
