Step aboard and photograph the unparalleled scenery of Greenland: the Icefjord, a UNESCO World Heritage site that impresses with its natural beauty and incredible lighting. We will discover the landscapes and sea panoramas of Disko Bay together on our private red sailboat. Here, we sail under the magical light of the midnight sun and the long-lasting golden hour, always searching for the perfect reflection past the world's largest icebergs. In early September, there's even a chance to experience one of the most astonishing spectacles the North has to offer: the Northern Lights!
Greenland's villages 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.
A large part of our journey along the imposing icebergs and glaciers of the Ilulissat Icefjord takes place "at night", when the "midnight sun" offers golden light and the photographic conditions are unparalleled. Mostly, we set sail in the late evening and are underway all night, searching for the best light and the most spectacular subjects. In early September, there is even the chance to experience one of the most astonishing spectacles the North has to offer: the Northern Lights!
On our daily excursions in Disko Bay, we 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 icefjord virtually becomes a permanent whale safari. 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 difficulty of the trip is easy, and a low to moderate fitness level is required. This is a photography-focused trip where we need to be flexible 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 the shots. We will start with the theoretical and technical fundamentals and apply them in one of the most beautiful places on Earth. We will then learn the workflows in post-processing (on-site or via video).
The goal of the trip is to return home with magnificent memories and captivating landscape photographs.
Day 1
Arrival Ilulissat
We recommend the flight that lands in Ilulissat around 1:00 PM. Please check ticket availability with AirGreenland. Flights via Copenhagen usually have a layover in Nuuk or Kangerlussuaq. You can also check flights with Iceland Air. They offer regular direct flights from Keflavik Airport. It could be a great idea to combine summer trips to Greenland and Iceland with a stopover in Iceland (optional, available if interested). Arrival time in Ilulissat is flexible but should be before 5:00 PM. Our hotel offers airport transfers – please let us know your arrival flight number.
After the group meeting, we will 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 will 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, preparing equipment, and planning the evening.
After dinner, we will set sail again into the majestic Ice Fjord. On our return journey, we will focus on icebergs in the open water – from small floating sculptures to towering giants in the shape of castles, arches, and towers. Bathed in the golden light of the midnight sun, we will have ample time to capture these breathtaking natural formations in all their glory.
Day 3
Short Hike & Night Sailing
Having returned late the previous evening, we will take it easy in the morning after breakfast, allowing time to rest and refuel.
During the day, we will embark on a scenic hike to one of the most famous viewpoints overlooking the region's glaciers. Our route begins just outside the town and follows a well-maintained wooden path over gentle slopes and open landscapes. Along the way, we will pass the spot where locals traditionally gather to greet the first rays of sun of the year.
In the evening, we will again take the boat to the Ice Fjord for another night photo session.
Day 4
Ilulissat, Ice Fjord
After another long night session, we will return to our hotel in Ilulissat for a leisurely sleep. After breakfast, we will dedicate ourselves to image processing. In the evening, we will prepare for another night on the water. Shortly before midnight, we will set sail again and circumnavigate the Ice Fjord in search of the best image compositions and light conditions. The area is, after all, a UNESCO World Heritage site and therefore definitely worth a visit. After several hours on the calm expanse, we will return to the harbor.
Day 5
Ice Fjord
After breakfast, we will spend several hours discussing with our photography guides. The guides will do their best to satisfy your curiosity and improve your photography as much as possible. As "darkness" falls, we will set sail again to look for icebergs, wildlife, and other spectacles illuminated for us 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 round, say goodbye, and review some highlights. Transfer back to the airport is included, but you might want to plan onward travel, perhaps deeper into Greenland's interior or to Iceland's Westfjords. If you are interested, we are happy to assist with arrangements. Otherwise, you will depart with wonderful memories, thousands of incredible photos, and new camera skills.
To ensure the best care, the maximum number of participants per sailing boat has been limited to 9 people.
The minimum number of participants for the tour is 5 people.
Participation is possible with German and English language skills.
Costs include:
-Guidance by photographer
-Accommodation in 4* hotel (double room)
-Breakfast
-Private sailboat for our group
-Airport transfers
-Port fees and fuel
-Photo editing lessons
-WhatsApp group
Costs do NOT include:
- Travel insurance covering health insurance/luggage insurance (recommended)
- International flights
- Local costs
- Other meals
- Single room (surcharge: 1100 Euro)
- Anything not explicitly mentioned as "included."
The recommended photo equipment consists of a DSLR or mirrorless camera with a wide-angle lens (e.g. 16-35mm), a standard zoom (e.g. 28-70mm) and a telephoto lens (e.g. 100-400mm), as well as a tripod.
Optional recommendations: photo filters, remote release with interval function, and laptop.
- Additional batteries
- Several cloths for cleaning the lenses
- Spare memory cards
Daytime temperatures typically range from 5 °C to 10 °C, and can drop to 0 °C at night. However, due to the Arctic glacier-induced winds, it can feel colder, so windproof and warm clothing is recommended. Since we will be mostly on a boat on the water, the clothing should also be water-repellent. The layering principle, consisting of fleece and a wind/water-repellent top layer, is advantageous. Waterproof hiking boots are required.
- Passport/ID card valid for international travel
- International health insurance recommended, as is travel cancellation insurance
- The local currency is the Danish Krone.
- Credit cards are widely accepted and are the main method of payment.
- You can withdraw Danish Kroner from ATMs with an EC card.
The total price of the trip is 4600 EUR.
To book the trip, a deposit of 1700 EUR is required, and the remaining balance must be paid 30 days before the start of the trip.
The single room supplement is 1100 EUR
Cancellation & Refund
If the entire trip has to be cancelled (e.g. due to safety concerns, operational restrictions, or a change in the political situation making the trip impossible to conduct), you will receive a full refund of all payments made for the trip. Nevertheless, we recommend purchasing travel insurance that covers trip cancellation/interruption.
If a participant decides to cancel their reservation and booking, they may do so at any time. However, it should be noted that a participant's cancellation leads to administrative difficulties with bookings as well as 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, down payments/payments will be handled according to 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 before departure, it is NOT possible to receive a refund.
*Unless the customer wishing to cancel their booking finds another person willing to take their place by paying the total amount of the trip themselves.
Liability
Stefan Liebermann (www.stefanliebermann.de) acts as a companion and intermediary for the trip. The trip is organized and carried out by Iceland Photo Tours.
For further information do not hesitate to contact me.