Icefjord Midnight Marathon

01 June 2024

Icefjord Midnight Marathon 2024: 6-day package

Soak in all that Ilulissat has to offer with all of your nights spent near the Icefjord!
30-4 Jun
6 days
3 000 EUR

Book package

The Icefjord Midnight Marathon takes place in Ilulissat, Greenland, where the UNESCO-accredited Ilulissat Icefjord provides a spectacular backdrop to this unique race. Runners will enjoy the magic of the midnight sun as they race over rocks and roads, against the colorful backdrop of Ilulissat and the Icefjord's towering icebergs. 

English

Itinerary

The itinerary is detailed below. This is what you'll be doing during your stay!

30 May 2024Copenhagen - Kangerlussuaq - Ilulissat: Town Walk

All participants will meet at Copenhagen Airport Terminal 2.
The flight to Greenland departs in the morning and Air Greenland does not cooperate with other airlines, meaning you must claim your luggage at Copenhagen Airport, clear customs, and check in again for the flight to Greenland. As check-in closes one hour before departure, we therefore strongly recommend that you do not book a same-day connection, but instead arrive in Copenhagen one or more days in advance. 

A 4.5 hour flight will bring us to Kangerlussuaq, where we arrive in the morning at 10:40 local time (GMT –3 hours). We will receive a meal aboard the flight. Here, we will transfer to a domestic flight to Ilulissat. Due to the smaller size of domestic carriers and limited seat availability, the group will be divided into several flights. 

All flights will have landed by late afternoon, and in Ilulissat we will check into our hotels. After we have settled in, you are invited to join us for a tour of Ilulissat. We will walk around town with a local guide who will explain the history and highlight places of cultural significance. The tour will begin at the historical Hotel Hvide Falk, and wind its way past the Zion Church, the local fish market, and the colorful houses on our way toward the harbor. Along the way, enjoy interesting stories on a variety of topics, such as the origin of Ilulissat, how the city has developed over the years, and the importance of its fishing culture. The walking tour is an excellent opportunity to get your first glimpse of the fascinating culture in Ilulissat, and your guide will be happy to answer any questions you might have. 

In the evening, all participants will meet to enjoy a Greenlandic buffet.

If you still have some energy left at the end of the day, you can join an evening kayak excursion among hundreds of icebergs. 

Meals: Plane meal and dinner

31 May 2024Icefjord Boating, Sermermiut Hike, and Race Briefing

This morning, after breakfast at your hotel, you can shake off the travel stiffness with a light hike through one of the region's most acclaimed areas. We will hike to the Sermermiut Valley, which has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its exceptionally beautiful nature and unique importance to glaciological science. 

The hike is a must-do activity in the region and will take us approx. 2 kilometers south of Ilulissat, beginning at the Icefjord Visitor Center. From there, we enter the UNESCO-area on a wooden path toward the famous ruins of Sermermiut. Sermermiut is an ancient settlement that has been home to many different Inuit people for more than 4000 years. The stone ruins of old turf houses are scattered on various hilltops that we will be able to see as we walk. We continue through the old settlement to Nakkaavik, a cliff whose name means 'the place to fall.' You can ask your guide about the origin of this haunted name. From here, we are treated to a breathtaking view of the Kangia, the famous Ilulissat Icefjord with its many massive icebergs. We will follow the same wooden path back to town. 

In the afternoon and the evening, you have the chance to experience the Icefjord by boat. We will embark on a boat trip with experienced guides who will give us information as we wind our way through the icy giants. No matter the weather, the icebergs make an impressive sight - they shimmer and shine with the sun, while clouds highlight the extraordinary blue colors hidden in the ice. The experience is much more exciting in small boats, so we will be using our 12-participant boats. This means there will be departure times for this trip both before dinner and after dinner. 

In the evening, all participants will meet to enjoy a pasta dinner and get the race briefing. Please note that the race briefing will be your last chance to change distances. You can also ask race officials any questions you might have. 

Tonight, you will also have the possibility to join an evening kayak excursion.

Meals: Breakfast and dinner

01 June 2024Race Night

It's nearly time! You have the morning and afternoon to sleep, explore, and prepare yourself for the night to come.  

The marathon begins at 21:00, and the half-marathon will begin at 22:30 - all races will be done by 4:00 at the latest.

This Saturday we also have our optional excursion: Meet the Sled Dogs

Meals: Breakfast 

02 June 2024Ilulissat Day - Optional Excursions & Celebration Dinner

Today is a justified relaxation and recovery day. Most of us will likely sleep the morning away.  You may also use the day to explore on your own, or join one of the optional excursions. On this day we will run a sail excursion to the Oqaatsut, a tiny, authentic settlement 20 kilometers north of Ilulissat. Otherwise, we also offer a day trip by boat to the immense Eqi Glacier. It is also possible to join our Kayak among Icebergs Excursion after breakfast.

In the evening, all participants will gather for the celebration dinner. Together, we will revel in the prior night's victory, share stories, and enjoy a good meal together. 

Meals: Breakfast and dinner 

03 June 2024Ilulissat Day - Optional Excursions

We have one final day to enjoy the charm of Ilulissat and its surroundings. Again, you may choose to explore on your own, or if you haven't been kayaking yet, we highly recommend it! 

Today there is also our final optional sail-excursion to the Oqaatsut settlement or the Eqi Glacier , in case you haven't been able to join the previous day. 

Meals: Breakfast

04 June 2024Farewell Greenland

Sadly, it is time to say farewell to Ilulissat. We will fly first to Kangerlussuaq in the morning. Once in Kangerlussuaq, we will board a flight back to Copenhagen that will arrive around 21:00. There will be a meal served aboard the flight. 

Guests are responsible for their own flights home from Copenhagen. Keep in mind that you will need time to collect your bags and check in for your new flights, and thus we don't recommend booking flights within three hours of arrival. Given the late time of our arrival, we strongly recommend booking a night in a hotel in Copenhagen and flying out the next day. 

Meals: Breakfast and plane meal 

Excursions

Running Copenhagen

29 May | 1.5 hours | 50 EUR
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We've arranged a specially-crafted running tour for Icefjord Midnight Marathon participants that you can book if you would like some sightseeing in Copenhagen and to stretch your legs before heading off to Greenland. The relatively short distances, the fantastic sights, and the vibe of the city makes it perfect for sightseeing while running. The tour departs at 15:30 from Rådhuspladsen (City Hall Square). From the statue of world famous storyteller H.C. Andersen, we will head towards the main sights in Copenhagen including the Parliament, the Queen’s castle and the Little Mermaid.

The route has been planned with the beautiful scenery of Copenhagen in mind and we will be running along the canals and the harbour as well as through some of Copenhagen’s many parks. We keep our tours very informal and run only in smaller groups, so there is plenty of time to ask questions about the sights, places, or people that we pass, or any other questions that you may have during the tour. The pace will be adjusted according to overall level of the participants, but you should expect between 5-6 minutes per kilometer. 

  • The old stock exchange (center) sits on one of Copenhagen's canals
  • Bridge outside Christiansborg Castle
  • Outside Christiansborg - Denmark's parliamentary building
  • About the Tour

    Duration: Approximately 1.5 hours (starting at 15:30)

    Distance: Approximately 8km (starting at the H.C. Andersen statue at City Hall Square)

    Inclusions: 

    - Local running guide 

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Sail to the Oqaatsut Settlement

2 Jun, 3 Jun | 5 hours | 250 EUR
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We start the tour by boat from Ilulissat to Oqaatsut; a 30-minute boat tour where we sail among the gigantic icebergs from the Ilulissat Icefjord on their path north of Ilulissat. After we arrive in Oqaatsut our guide will take you on a tour of the settlement where you, among other things, will see the school, church, and fish factory of Oqaatsut. Our guide will tell you all about living in a small settlement-community and the history of Oqaatsut.

The settlement tour ends at Restaurant H8 Explorer where we will be serving lunch made from local ingredients. After lunch you will have time on your own to hike in the area or simply enjoy a peaceful hour or two with a cup of coffee and unforgettable views before the boat sails us back to Ilulissat.

Afterwards we will board our boat which will take us speedily back to Ilulissat. On the route back there is plenty of scenery to enjoy. The 70 million year old volcanic Disko Island to the west and the green mainland to the east. We will pass Ilulissat Airport and the popular bay Bredebugt, which is surrounded by small cabins owned by locals.

Note: the option to do this excursion on June 03 is only available for the 6 day package.
 

About the Tour: 

Duration: 5 hours

Time:  11:00

Inclusions: 

- Boat trip to and from Oqaatsut 
- Restaurant lunch 
- Local guide

  • Restaurant H8 Explorer
  • View of Oqaatsut
  • Oqaatsut
  • Oqaatsut
  • Oqaatsut
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Kayak among Icebergs

30 May, 31 May, 1 Jun, 2 Jun, 3 Jun | 3 hours | 170 EUR
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Ilulissat is known as the capital of icebergs, and you will see why as we paddle our way through the gigantic ice fjord just south of the city. You can smoothly slice your way through the water while keeping your eyes open for whales - 15 species regularly inhabit Greenlandic waters in the summertime!

There will be morning guided kayak groups on several days. In the evenings, you can experience the serenity of the landscape as we calmly paddle our way among the “floating mountains under the extraordinary midnight sun.

Whether it is sunny or cloudy, the icebergs offer beautiful reflections – the sun will emphasize their sparkle, while clouds evoke the deep blue color of the ice. Your guides will provide information on the ice sheet and its glaciers, as well as the story of the original kayak that was made from sealskin and wood and will answer any other questions you may have. 

Thanks to our certified kayak guides, modern equipment, and safety protocols, it is possible for you to paddle through this remarkable landscape. The tours are open to all levels, whether you are a master paddler or it’s your first time in a kayak. We take pride in providing a safe and comfortable experience for everybody, and want everyone to be able to experience the magic of floating among the largest collection of icebergs in Greenland. 

Note: the option to do this excursion on June 03 is only available for the 6 day package.
 

About the Tour: 

Duration: 3 hours total - 2 hours paddling time 

Departures: The excursion will start at 20:00 on 30, 31 May and 03 June. On 01 and 02 June the excursion will be a morning tour and start after breakfast. Please pick the day and time you prefer when booking, but please note that due to participant limitations and various excursion schedules, we cannot guarantee a specific day or time. 

Inclusions: 

- Certified guide  
- Kayaking gear (double sea kayak, paddle, thermal suit, dry suit, life-jacket, boots, and gloves)
- Pictures from the tour which can be downloaded 
- A bottle of water and a chocolate bar 

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Meet the Sled Dogs

1 Jun | 1,5 hours | 50 EUR
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We'll begin our excursion at Arctic Living the place of Flemming, a local musher who will meet us outside next to his dogs. He will tell us about raising the pups, the expeditions he has been on, and mushing itself. We'll also be able to observe the dogs, but please remember that these are working animals and not pets - they are not meant for cuddling. 

Please note that only 12 people can join each group in this excursion at one time so first come first served! 

About the Tour: 

Duration: 1,5 hours 

Time: 10:00

Inclusions: 

- Sled dog lecture 
 

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Eqi Glacier Express

2 Jun, 3 Jun | 6 hours | 350 EUR
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Only a few places in Greenland are as beautiful as the Eqi Glacier, which ends in the fjord 80 kilometers north of Ilulissat. By boat, it is possible to get very close to the glacier and experience huge pieces of ice breaking off (called 'calving'). The sounds are enormous and the sight of icebergs crashing into the water is breathtaking. 

We will sail on modern boats that will get us quickly to the glacier. The route heads north along the coast, passing Bredebugt, the settlement of Oqaatsut, and the big fjord system called Pakitsoq, where whales and seals are often seen. Further along we will pass through the Ataa Strait, which is surrounded by steep mountains and boasts waterfalls and a rich bird life. 

Upon reaching Eqi, we will anchor at a safe distance and idle for approximately an hour in front of the glacier. While we wait for the ice to calve, we will enjoy a packed lunch that we've brought with us from the hotel. After we've thoroughly enjoyed the sight of the glacier, we'll head back to Ilulissat. 

About the Tour: 

Duration: 6 hours

Time: 10:00

Inclusions: 

- Packed lunch from Hotel Hvide Falk/Hotel Icefiord
- Boat trip to and from Eqi Glacier 

Price info:

The price Sunday 02 June is EUR 350 
The price Monday 03 June is EUR 350 (this tour will only be for guests on the 6-day tour package)

  • Glacier Lodge overlooking Eqi Glacier
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Extensions

Ice Camp (SOLD OUT)

28-30 May | 3 days | 600 EUR
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  • Day 1 - 28 May: Copenhagen - Kangerlussuaq - Ice Camp

    We will meet at Copenhagen airport where a 4.5 hour flight will bring us to Kangerlussuaq. We arrive in Kangerlussuaq in the early afternoon. Upon arrival, we will depart for the Ice Camp. With all-terrain vehicles, we will drive about an hour toward our destination: Point 660 on the edge of the ice cap. Here, we will have an important briefing on safety and the coming activities. 

    Following our experienced guide, we will then venture onto the Greenland Ice Sheet, following in the footsteps of legendary explorers. We will hike a few kilometers to our destination, where our first priority is setting up camp. After our accommodations are in order, it is time to relax with a warm beverage and enjoy the total silence that the ice sheet imposes. 

    Dinner will be wholesome, simple, and warm, consisting of freeze-dried food that is easy to carry on such an expedition. In an environment where no other food sources are availabe, this humble meal will feel like even more of a gift. 

    Meals: Breakfast and dinner

  • Day 2 - 29 May: Ice Camp - Kangerlussuaq

    Following a night spent snuggled in our warm sleeping bags and an energy-packed breakfast, we will head out on our hike. We will proceed with care over seemingly eternal fields of ice, following our guide and always being careful of any potential ice fissures. Throughout the duration of this expedition, we will maintain a safe distance from danger and plot a route across secure terrain. Crampons and trekking poles will provide each guest with extra stability. Ropes will not be used. 

    Please note: As a participant on this trip, we expect you are willing to pull a sled with your own/group equipment from the ice edge to the camp. This effort is considered by the majority of participants to be a fairly easy and natural task to perform, but be aware it is expected. 

    Depending on weather conditions, we will either enjoy our packed lunch whilst hiking or back at base camp. As our adventure concludes, we will break camp, pack up our goods and leave only our footprints behind. 

    We will then drive back to Kangerlussuaq to check into the Polar Lodge, where we will stay for the evening. Dinner will be at Roklubben. 

    Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner

  • Day 3 - 30 May: Kangerlussuaq - Ilulissat

    Today we will make our way from Kangerlussuaq to Ilulissat, our final destination. 

    Meals: Breakfast.

  • Price Information

    Shared double room: 600 EUR
    Single room (at Polar Lodge) supplement: +100 EUR

    NB. This is a shared camping expedition. If you are a solo traveler you will be paired in a tent with a person of your own gender. 

  • Inclusions
    • 1 night accommodation at the Ice Camp 
    • 1 night accommodation in Kangerlussuaq 
    • Meals as stated in the itinerary 
    • Transportation to/from Point 660
    • Guided Ice Cap hike 
    • Safety gear (crampons and trekking poles)
    • Camping gear incl. a warm sleeping bag
  • Exclusions
    • Personal Expenses 
    • Meals not mentioned in the itinerary 
    • Beverages 
    • Travel and health insurance 
    • Anything else not mentioned in "Inclusions"
  • What to Bring
    • Practical clothing incl. a warm jacket
    • Hiking boots
    • Sunscreen
    • Sunglasses
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Price information

Have a look at package prices below. Please note that prices do not include the race package.

Optional Copenhagen Stay

You can choose to stay at a 3-star Hotel in Copenhagen before or after the race, and enjoy an evening in the modern capital of Denmark.

Dates: May 27 (if you have booked an extension), May 29 and 04 June. If additional nights are desired, they can be requested. 

3-star Hotel in Copenhagen, Comfort Hotel Vesterbro or similar

Just beyond the entrance to the hotel is the heart of Copenhagen and all that it has to offer: Nearby attractions include the world-famous Tivoli Gardens, shopping galore, an array of inspiring museums, and a wide variety of internationally renowned restaurants.

With a pre night in Copenhagen, it is also possible to join our optional excursion Running Copenhagen to explore some of the highlights the Danish capital has to offer

Prices

All prices are per person in Euros. 

Hotel Hvide Falk

  • Standard room: 3000 EUR
  • Single room supplement: +450 EUR
  • Bay View room: 3225 EUR
  • Single room supplement: +525 EUR
  • Apartment (Bay View): 3100 EUR (SOLD OUT)
  • Single room supplement: +525 EUR (SOLD OUT)

 

Hotel Icefiord 

  • Standard room: 3600 EUR
  • Single room supplement: +850 EUR

 

Extra nights in Copenhagen

3-star Hotel in Copenhagen, Comfort Hotel Vesterbro or similar

  • Shared double room - EUR 120
  • Single room supplement - EUR 100

Inclusions

  • Round-trip flight from/to Copenhagen - Kangerlussuaq 
  • Domestic transfers from/to Kangerlussuaq - Ilulissat
  • 5 nights accommodation in Ilulissat
  • Meals as stated in the itinerary (incl. celebration dinner, Greenlandic buffet, pasta dinner, etc.)
  • Icefjord by Boat Tour
  • Guided Ilulissat City Walk 
  • Guided Sermermiut Hike 

Exclusions

  • Flights to/from Copenhagen
  • Accommodation in Copenhagen
  • Race entry
  • Optional excursions/extension 
  • Travel and health insurance 
  • Meals not stated in the itinerary 
  • Beverages
  • Personal expenses
  • Anything not mentioned under 'Inclusions'

Race Entry

Marathon or Half-Marathon: 300 EUR

Race entry includes: 

  • English-speaking race officials
  • English-speaking medical team from Denmark and Greenland
  • Timing and results
  • Medal
  • Exclusive Icefjord Midnight Marathon T-shirt
  • Manned water and supply stations along the route 

Booking and Payment

The booking of a trip is binding for both customer and travel agency once the deposit (25% of the total trip price) has been paid at the time of booking on the booking.albatros-adventure.com website. The remaining amount must be paid 75 days prior to departure. A payment link will be sent 7 days before due date. If the deadline for the remaining payment is exceeded, there is no guarantee against otherwise unnecessary changes. Bookings made later than 75 days prior will require full payment immediately.

The email sent to the customer upon booking a trip acts as the booking confirmation. It is therefore of vital importance that the customer provides a valid email address.

Refer to our Terms & Conditions for further information.

Important Info

Questions about Greenland?

For information on visas, currency, electricity, and more, please check our Destination Guide page.

For information on weather and clothing, please check the our Climate & Weather page. 

If you're curious about the destinations that we'll be visiting or other background information on Greenland, you can read all about it on our Travel Destination page. 

Flight information

Note: 2024 Flight times are subject to schedule changes.
Due to the smaller size of domestic carriers and limited seat availability, the group will be divided into several flights between Kangerlussuaq and Ilulissat.

 

Route: Copenhagen (CPH) - Kangerlussuaq (SFJ) - Ilulissat (JAV)

  • 30 MAY  CPH-SFJ  10:00-11:40 GL781
  • 30 MAY  SFJ-JAV   13:15-14:00  GL582 /  17:05-17:50  GL1584

 

Route: Ilulissat (JAV) - Kangerlussuaq (SFJ) - Copenhagen (CPH)

  • 04 JUN  JAV-SFJ   09:10-10:00 GL 1575 / 11:35-12:25  GL571
  • 04 JUN  SFJ-CPH  13:40-21:00  GL782

 

6 day tour package with the Ice Camp Pre-tour:

Route: Copenhagen (CPH) - Kangerlussuaq (SFJ) - Ilulissat (JAV)

  • 28 MAY  CPH-SFJ  10:00-11:40 GL781
  • 30 MAY  SFJ-JAV   09:00-09:45  GL502

 

Route:  Ilulissat (JAV) - Kangerlussuaq (SFJ) - Copenhagen (CPH)

  • 04 JUN  JAV-SFJ   11:35-12:25  GL571
  • 04 JUN  SFJ-CPH  13:40-21:00  GL782

 

 

Book this package

You will be taken to our booking site where you can complete your booking.