About the Author
Mette Pike Barselajsen journey in tourism began with the role of assistant at NanuTravel back in 2014, but little did she know that in 2015, she unexpectedly would assume the role of director, which she has been since. Thrusting her into a world of responsibilities that ranged from managing the office to handling finances and overseeing the tourist office—a world that was entirely new and thrilling. At the helm of the operation, Mette masterfully orchestrated the intricacies of planning, ensuring the safety of every expedition, and navigating the complexities of running the business. Despite the solitary nature of being the manager, she found the key to success lies in forging strong collaborations with the local community, which is inherent to every adventure she plans for guests in Ittoqqortoormiit. Mette’s roots run deep in Ittoqqortoormiit, where she was born and raised. Her family’s connection to this land traces back generations, with her great grandparents having settled in the area as one of the first, when Ittoqqortoormiit was established as a permanent settlement. It’s from these ancestors that she learned the art of thriving in the challenging environment of Ittoqqortoormiit, drawing inspiration from their resilience and wisdom. From the rugged coastline and majestic icebergs to the enigmatic wildlife that roams the region, she finds solace in the ever-changing landscape. For Mette, the peaks of the mountains hold a special allure. Standing atop these summits, she gazes out over Scoresbysund, the expansive fjords that stretch as far as the eye can see, a privilege only bestowed upon those who venture into the Arctic wilderness during the winter months, guided by the trusty snowmobile.
In the Heart of Ittoqqortoormiit
If you seek an unparalleled Arctic adventure, our 7-day dog sledding expedition in Liverpool Land awaits you. Traverse breathtaking landscapes guided by local mushers who possess an intimate knowledge of the region. Discover the untamed beauty of the Arctic, equipped with essential gear, accompanied by enthusiastic sled dog teams. Prepare to embark on an extraordinary journey into the heart of the Arctic wilderness. Ittoqqortoormiit, nestled in the captivating landscapes of Liverpool Land, beckons you to experience the magic of dog sledding. This adventure promises a unique blend of rugged terrain, expert local guidance, and the thrill of mushing through the pristine Arctic landscape. Get ready to explore the frozen fjords, witness the Arctic’s untouched beauty, and forge unforgettable memories on a dog sledding expedition like no other.
Day 1: Commencing the Arctic Odyssey
Your Arctic journey begins at the local guesthouse in Ittoqqortoormiit, nestled in the heart of Liverpool Land. This cozy guesthouse offers all amenities you will need during your stay in this remote corner of the world. Apart from private bedrooms, shared bathroom with flushing toilet and shower, which is a luxury in this town, the guesthouse features a well-equipped kitchen for self-catering, as all meals at the guesthouse are self-prepared.
After your flight from Iceland to Nerlerit Inaat, you’ll continue your adventure via a short helicopter flight and finally arrive in Ittoqqortoormiit. A friendly representative from the guesthouse will greet you at the helipad and escort you to your accommodations. Later, we’ll meet at the tourist office to equip you for the sledge journey. Should you prefer to travel lighter, you can store your luggage at the office. Stop by the supermarket, an experience in itself, and settle in while enjoying a home cooked meal at the guesthouse.
Day 2: Embarking on the Sledge Expedition
The excitement builds as you’re transported from the guesthouse to the awaiting sledges, where expert guides will welcome you. Each sledge accommodates one or two guests alongside the musher who drives it. As your sledge journey begins, the eager sled dogs await the adventure, their enthusiasm palpable. We begin our journey on the fjord ice, heading toward Kap Hope, a deserted village located 12 kilometers from Ittoqqortoormiit. Here, a brief stopover provides the opportunity to explore the village’s unique charm. Most remaining houses are to date used as summer houses or for shelter from storms, whiteouts and unfavorable weather conditions. We then continue our journey on the ice, turning into the mouth of Hurry Fjord. The sled dogs eagerly pull the sledges as we embark on this thrilling adventure. A lunch stop at a small cabin at Dom Brava offers an opportunity to refuel while enjoying the views of this seemingly endless icy area. After a long day enjoying the scenery from the sled, we set up camp at ‘Gåsereden’ hut and prepare a delicious meal using traditional Greenlandic ingredients before spending the night in our tents.
Day 3: Into the Arctic Wilderness
New day and onto the next thrilling day on the sled. Departing from Hurry Inlet, our sledges venture through ‘Ryders elv’, leading us to the stunning ‘Store Fjord’. Here, we enter a polar bear area, as these magnificent creatures often follow the outer coast. Seals may also make an appearance on the fjord ice, and with a bit of luck, our guides may catch a seal for a delectable dinner. In May, the bird cliffs come to life with thousands of little auks, geese, and seabirds. While on the sled you are being caught in the moment, experiencing nature, gazing at the surroundings and observing the musher leading the dogs and the sled through the icy land. When settling for the night in the evening, there is time for stories of the big local hunters that accompany you as mushers on the trip, they will be sharing stories of their life in this place of the Earth, a place they call home and have learned to navigate, so they enjoy their life in such a remote place.
Day 4: Nature’s Marvels Revealed
Continuing from ‘Nørre Fjord’, we follow the outer coast southwards, mirroring the paths of polar bears. The landscape is a breathtaking tapestry of mountains, capes, and peaks, extending as far as the eye can see in the crisp Arctic air. The pristine wilderness unfolds before you, and the chances of spotting foxes, snow hares, or seals on the ice are abundant. We’ll camp in tents at ‘Kap Gregg’, spending the night in this extraordinary setting surrounded by nature’s splendor.
Day 5: The Expedition Persists
Our destination today is the two huts at Kap Høegh. En route, we’ll pass by magnificent bird cliffs and, with a stroke of luck, may even have the opportunity to observe polar bears along the way. Frequent stops during the day offer moments to stretch your legs, savor a cup of tea, and capture the breathtaking scenery with your camera. As we traverse this pristine wilderness, you’ll witness imposing mountains teeming with wildlife, providing opportunities to spot foxes, snow hares, or seals on the ice. Our night will be spend in this area, a warm meal will be served in the evening to refuel after this adventurous day out in the cold and icy winter wonderland of Ittoqqortoormiit.
Day 6: Returning Home
From Kap Høegh, our sledges cross over ‘Lille Fjord’ and circumnavigate a glacier to reach the land crossing back to Ittoqqortoormiit. At the summit, you’ll be treated to a mesmerizing view of the surrounding area, with vast expanses of capes and peaks stretching as far as the eye can see. From there, the sledges descend rapidly toward Ittoqqortoormiit, entering the town via the frozen river delta. A warm shower at the guesthouse and a restful night’s sleep in a comfortable bed await you.
Day 7: Farewell to the Arctic
As your Arctic adventure comes to a close, an employee of the guesthouse will assist with your luggage and check-in process. Shortly after, the helicopter will depart for Nerlerit Inaat, marking the beginning of your journey home. One last glimpse of the area you have just been crossing by dog sled for the past couple of days before boarding your flight back to Iceland.
About Nanu Travel
When it comes to exploring the captivating allure of Ittoqqortoormiit in East Greenland, Nanu Travel emerges as your indispensable companion. At the heart of your Arctic adventure lies the pivotal element of accommodation, and our Ittoqqortoormiit Guesthouse stands ready to welcome you. It provides the perfect haven from which to commence your Greenlandic escapades. Our meticulously crafted trips are designed to unveil the resplendent beauty of the Scoresbysund region. Whether you seek the serenity of a trek through pristine landscapes, the rhythmic exploration of undulating fjord contours by kayak, or the heart-pounding thrill of a dog sledding expedition, our offerings embody the very spirit of Greenlandic adventure. For those yearning for a deeper cultural immersion, we extend a unique opportunity to join local hunters on their expeditions. This extraordinary experience grants you invaluable insights into the time-honored traditions that have woven the tapestry of life in Ittoqqortoormiit and, by extension, in all of Greenland. With Nanu Travel as your trusted companion in Ittoqqortoormiit, your journey into the unparalleled beauty of East Greenland promises to be an unforgettable saga – a tale of discovery, exploration, and exhilaration that will remain etched in your heart forever.
