Come aboard and photograph Greenland's incomparable scenery: the ice fjord, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that impresses with its natural beauty and incredible light. Together, we will discover the landscapes and sea panoramas of Disko Bay on our private red sailboat. Here, we will sail under the magical light of the midnight sun and the long golden hour, always on the lookout for the perfect reflection on the world's largest icebergs. At the beginning of September, there is even the chance to experience one of the most amazing spectacles the north has to offer: the Northern Lights!
The villages of Greenland are poorly connected by land routes. Here, the natural waterways offer the best routes. For this reason, we will charter a private sailboat for our entire adventure. The combination of bright red sails and the icy surroundings creates a strong visual focus. On our journey, we will visit several Greenlandic settlements, including Qasigiannguit, Aasiaat, and Oqaatsut.
Much of our journey along the imposing icebergs and glaciers of Ilulissat Icefjord takes place at night, when the midnight sun provides golden light and the photographic conditions are incomparable. We usually set sail late in the evening and travel through the night in search of the best light and the most spectacular motifs. In early September, there is even the chance to experience one of the most amazing spectacles the north has to offer: the northern lights!
On our daily excursions in Disko Bay, we will have the opportunity to photograph the typical animals of the Arctic. Disko Bay is known for its whales and seals, and our time on the calm waters of the ice fjord will be a permanent whale safari, so to speak. We will spend several hours at sea every day and expect to encounter numerous whales on our journey through the water.
The trip is aimed at all photography enthusiasts and lovers of the region around the Arctic Circle. The trip is easy and requires a low to moderate level of fitness. It is a photography-focused trip, so we need to be flexible in order to capture the best light. You will visit and photograph the most beautiful places in Disko Bay in West Greenland. During the trip, you will learn the basics of image capture, from planning to post-processing. We will start with the theoretical and technical basics and apply them in one of the most beautiful places on earth. We will then learn about the workflows involved in post-processing (on site or as a video).
The goal of the trip is to return home with grandiose memories and captivating landscape shots.
Day 1
arrival Ilulissat
We recommend the flight that lands in Ilulissat around 1:00 p.m. Please check ticket availability with AirGreenland. Flights via Copenhagen usually have a stopover in Nuuk or Kangerlussuaq. You can also check Iceland Air flights. They offer regular direct flights from Keflavik Airport. It might be a great idea to combine summer trips to Greenland and Iceland with a stopover in Iceland (optionally available if interested). The arrival time in Ilulissat is flexible, but should be before 5:00 p.m. Our hotel offers an airport transfer—please let us know your arrival flight number.
After the group meeting, we board our ship and sail to the Ice Fjord. Tonight, you will encounter the largest icebergs in the world! The magical light usually lasts about 2-3 hours. The sun gently touches the horizon, creating incredible colors and rolling over the distant mountains. During these 3 magical hours, we photograph icebergs and navigate through the fjord.
Day 2
Post-processing & Evening Iceberg Expedition
After breakfast, we will meet for a special post-processing session. After a night of incredible shots, this is the perfect time to discuss images, ask questions, and learn techniques. The afternoon will be more relaxed—ideal for recharging your batteries, preparing your equipment, and planning the evening.
After dinner, we set sail once again into the majestic Ice Fjord. On our return journey, we focus our attention on icebergs in open water – from small floating sculptures to towering giants in the shape of castles, archways, and towers. Bathed in the golden light of the midnight sun, we have plenty of time to capture these breathtaking natural formations in all their glory.
Day 3
Short hike & night sailing
After returning late the night before, we take it easy in the morning and take time to rest and recharge after breakfast.
During the day, we set off on a scenic hike to one of the most famous viewpoints of the region's glaciers. Our route begins just outside the city and follows a well-maintained wooden path across gentle slopes and open landscapes. Along the way, we pass the spot where locals traditionally gather to welcome the first rays of sunshine of the year.
In the evening, we take the boat back to the ice fjord for another night photo session.
Day 4
Ilulissat, Ice Fjord
After another long night session, we return to our hotel in Ilulissat to get a good night's sleep. After breakfast, we devote ourselves to image editing. In the evening, we prepare for another night on the water. Shortly before midnight, we set sail again and circle the Ice Fjord in search of the best image compositions and lighting conditions. After all, the area is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is definitely worth a visit. After several hours on the wave-less expanse, we return to the harbor.
Day 5
Ice Fjord
After breakfast, we will spend several hours discussing photography with our photography guides. The guides will do their best to satisfy your curiosity and improve your photography as much as possible. At nightfall, we will set sail again to look for icebergs, wildlife, and other spectacles illuminated by the midnight sun.
Day 6
departure
The sixth day is our last day in Greenland. After a hearty breakfast, we will meet for a farewell gathering, say goodbye, and review some of the highlights. Transportation back to the airport is included, but you may wish to plan a continuation of your journey, perhaps deeper into the interior of Greenland or to the Westfjords of Iceland. If you are interested, we will be happy to assist you with the arrangements. If not, you will depart with wonderful memories, thousands of incredible photos, and new skills in using your camera.
To ensure the best possible care, the maximum number of participants per sailboat has been limited to 9.
The minimum number of participants for the tour is 5 people.
Participation is possible with German and English language skills.
The costs include:
-Support from a photographer
-Accommodation in a 4* hotel (double room)
-breakfast
-Private sailboat for our group
-Airport transfers
-Port fees and fuel
-Photo editing lessons
-WhatsApp Group
The cost does NOT include:
- Travel insurance that covers health insurance/luggage insurance (recommended)
- International flights
- Local costs
- Other meals
- Single room (surcharge: 1100 euros)
- Anything that is not specifically mentioned as "includes".
The recommended photographic equipment consists of an SLR or system camera with a wide-angle lens (e.g., 16-35mm), a standard zoom lens (e.g., 28-70mm), and a telephoto lens (e.g., 100-400mm), as well as a tripod.
Optionally recommended: photo filter, remote shutter release with interval function and laptop.
- Additional batteries
- Several wipes for cleaning the lenses
- Replacement memory cards
Daytime temperatures typically range from 5°C to 10°C, and at night it can cool down to 0°C. However, the Arctic glacier winds can make it feel colder, so windproof and warm clothing is recommended. Since we will mostly be on a boat above the water, clothing should also be water-repellent. The onion principle, consisting of fleece and wind/water-repellent top layers, is advantageous. Waterproof hiking boots are required.
- Passport / ID card valid for international travel
- International health insurance and recommended travel cancellation insurance
- The local currency is the Danish krone.
- Credit cards are widely used and are the main means of payment.
- You can withdraw Danish kroner from ATMs using an EC card.
The total price of the trip is EUR 4600.
To book the trip, a deposit of EUR 1700 is required and the balance must be paid up to 30 days before the start of the trip.
The single room supplement is EUR 1100.
Cancellation & Refund
If the entire trip has to be canceled (e.g., due to safety concerns, operational restrictions, or a change in the political situation that makes it impossible to carry out the trip), you will receive a full refund of all payments made for the trip. Nevertheless, we recommend that you take out travel insurance that covers trip cancellation/interruption.
If a participant decides to cancel their reservation and booking, they can do so at any time. However, you should bear in mind that cancellation by a participant leads to administrative difficulties with the bookings and the risk of not reaching the minimum number of participants for the trip (and consequently the need to find a new person).
In this case, advance payments/payments will be handled in accordance with the cancellation policy:
If the cancellation is submitted MORE than 3 months (before departure), you will receive a full refund.
If the cancellation is submitted LESS than 3 months prior to departure, it is NOT possible to receive a refund.
*Unless the customer who wants to cancel their booking brings another person who is willing to take their place by paying the total amount of the trip themselves.
liability
Stefan Liebermann (www.stefanliebermann.de) will act as guide and facilitator for the trip. The trip is organized and run by Iceland Photo Tours.
For more information, do not hesitate to contact me.