Join me in Greenland!
This is a photography tour that will completely transform your portfolio, skills and appreciation for the natural world. Explore the environmental beauty of Greenland as we cruise amongst icebergs, watch glaciers calve, and keep our eyes peeled for whales, Arctic foxes and huskies…maybe even a Musk Ox if we’re lucky!
I’m so excited to offer this itinerary and share with you in an experience that completely took my breath away in 2019. The itinerary is based on my past experiences to ensure we’re visiting the most photogenic locations, and staying in the finest lodges. We’re in for a treat and I can’t wait to share my favourite place in the world with you this September.
GREENLAND PHOTOGRAPHY TOUR
SEPTEMBER 2ND-9TH, 2024
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ICEBERGS + ICEFJORD CRUISING
Photograph the beauty of Disko Bay and Ilulissat Icefjord. We’ll take numerous cruises to float amongst the icebergs and photograph under the setting sun. We’ll wander along the shoreline, capturing various angles, scenes and wildlife, or, you can even photograph from your room where we’ll have incredible views over the sea.
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HIKE TO THE GREENLAND ICE SHEET
Experience a true outdoor adventure with a guided hike to Eqi Glacier, the Greenland Ice Sheet and Ilulissat Icefjord. These hikes require a good level of fitness (I’m no marathon runner!), and are a wonderful way to immerse ourselves in the scenery and photograph some of the more remote landscapes of Greenland.
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REMOTE LODGES + HOTELS
The hotels and lodges included on this tour are based on my own experiences in Greenland. In Ilulissat we’re based right on the water at a beautiful hotel, at Eqi Glacier you can drift to sleep with the sound of a calving glacier nearby, then experience a Michelin Star restaurant and stunning seaside bungalows.
For anyone seeking an adventure and creative retreat in one of the most beautiful regions on earth.
Where whales dance beneath towering icebergs, where the sound of glacial rumbles fill the air, where you can completely disconnect and immerse yourself in the natural wonders of this Arctic environment.
Join me to photograph the landscapes of West Greenland as we explore Disko Bay, Ilulissat Icefjord, Eqi Glacier and Ilimanaq in a small group of like-minded people. All photography levels are suited, whether you’re just starting with your first camera, photograph with your phone, or work as a professional.
This truly unique photography tour offers a blend of luxury accommodation, outdoor experiences, cultural insights, and plenty of time to capture stunning photographs and get creative.
Having visited Ilulissat twice before, I can guarantee it’s a destination and experience that will change you as a photographer, opening your eyes to the incredible opportunities available once we explore beyond our comfort zones.
Highlights + Inclusions:
Return flights from Copenhagen
7 nights of accommodation (in hotel/remote lodges/glamping)
Photography tuition + guidance in the field
An itinerary designed to offer the best photography opportunities
Image reviews + personal advice if you’re seeking a photography career
Icefjord cruising, guided hikes + flexible adventures (if you feel like watching icebergs drift by from the balcony instead!)
See below for the full itinerary.
Tour Price: $10,880 AUD (EUR 6,611 approx.)
*Please note, as this tour includes return flights from Copenhagen-Ilulissat, this alone takes up a large portion of the tour price and aligns best with our trip to Eqi Glacier.
Greenland Tour Itinerary:
September 2nd - 9th (dep Copenhagen)
Ilulissat - Eqi Glacier - Ilimanaq
Small Group Tour, Maximum 7 Places Available
Day One: September 2nd, 2024
We’ll depart Copenhagen on Air Greenland at 9am, flying via Kangerlussuaq to Ilulissat, the town of icebergs. This flight crosses the Greenland Ice Sheet, offering incredible views from both sides of the plane!
Upon arrival to Ilulissat, we’ll check-in to our accommodation for the night at Hotel Icefjord, perched on the shores of Disko Bay, offering stunning views from your room. After a short rest, we’ll then meet to go over the itinerary and details of the adventures ahead with a local guide.
On our first evening in Ilulissat, we’ll cruise the Icefjord to capture your first iceberg images and begin the journey with sunset over the sea. The icebergs we’ll see on this boat trip have broken off the largest glacier in the northern hemisphere - "Sermeq Kujalleq", which is located approx. 70 km inland from Ilulissat.
Accommodation: Hotel - Twin Share
*If you’d like me to assist in arranging Copenhagen accommodation for September 1st, I can recommend places to stay, or book you into the same hotel and we can meet the night prior.
Day Two: September 3rd, 2024
After a delicious breakfast, we’ll be checking out of the hotel at 8am to depart for Eqi Glacier.
Boarding our boat at 9am, we can settle in and watch as the views pass us by. On the way, we pass small settlements, steep mountains, beautiful waterfalls, and icebergs in various shapes and shades. And all of this is before two glaciers and the massive inland ice sheet come into view. If you keep a close eye, there are also good chances of spotting seals and whales along the way.
The boat trip to Eqi Glacier takes about 4 hours depending on the type of boat used, this includes lunch on board and a cruise beneath the glacial front of the glacier, an incredible experience that highlights how truly immense it is. We’ll then be dropped off at our accommodation for the next two nights, Glacier Lodge Eqi.
Once we arrive here, it feels like an instant breath of fresh air. No signal, no crowds, just stunning scenes and sounds to absorb. We’ll be glamping here, in beautifully appointed tents that feel more like hotel rooms.
Just to note, I’m not someone who enjoys camping, but this is on an entirely different level of comfort. They’re spacious tents on a wooden platform with real beds, snuggly duvets, pillows, fresh towels and even a deck to photograph from, it’s such a special experience to sleep in there and listen to the glacier. There are communal showers and bathrooms in the main building beside the cafe, and all meals are supplied here.
Accommodation: Glamping - Twin Share - Communal Bathrooms - All Meals Provided
Day Three: September 4th, 2024
Today we’ll venture to the Greenland Ice Sheet and take a long hike to experience the landscapes and wilderness of this remote region. The entire journey will take 10 hours, and while it’s not technically difficult, does require decent fitness. You’re welcome to opt-out and explore closer to the lodge too, there’s no pressure to participate as it’s your holiday!
We will encounter many different types of landscapes, from lush lowlands to windswept highlands, moraines and of course the ice sheet with its cracks, streams and glacier wells. On the trip, we follow the polar explorer Paul-Emile Victor's trail all the way to the ice sheet. In the late 1940s and early 1950s, supplies were transported by trailed vehicles for the famous ice sheet expeditions, and we can still see the remains of these machines, as well as an old cable car, today. Half-way through the day, we take a break in a beautiful valley with a view of a dead glacier and eat our lunch before we begin the hike across the moraine and into the ice sheet. This is the absolute highlight of the trip where you, among other things, get to experience the ice edge zone. We then head back to the lodge, where a well-deserved dinner awaits us.
Our guides are specially trained to take us on this trip on the ice, and they always bring safety equipment such as satellite phones, GPS, avalanche sticks and first aid equipment. The hike is demanding, but it does not require special training or equipment. This is not a technically difficult hike, but since we walk 20 km and climb about 1,000 meters, you need to be in good shape. We can discuss which lenses + gear is best, as you may not need to carry everything.
Accommodation: Glamping - Twin Share - Communal Bathrooms - All Meals Provided
Day Four: September 5th, 2024
Before returning by boat to Ilulissat, we can take a guided hike to another view of Eqi Glacier. Not as intense as the ice sheet hike, this will be a lovely wander along the shores of the fjord to see the glacier a little closer from the moraine where we’ll stop for tea.
Once we return to the lodge, we’ll be met by the boat to take us back to Ilulissat. All the walking we’ve done will be replaced by 4 hours of putting our feet up and photographing from the boat as icebergs drift by.
Settling back into Hotel Icefjord in Ilulissat, the evening is yours to relax, reset and explore the town of Ilulissat. If the group is interested, I can also host a short editing evening in the hotel lobby.
Accommodation: Hotel - Twin Share - Breakfast Included
Day Five: September 6th, 2024
Today we’ll be exploring the UNESCO World Heritage area and will take a short guided casual walk (not strenuous) to the old settlement of Sermermiut.
Located one and a half kilometers south of Ilulissat, for 4000 years, different Inuit cultures lived in this settlement, and today you can still see remains that indicate their presence. Our guide will tell stories about Inuit people's life and traditions before the Europeans came to Greenland.
We’ll also be treated to stunning views over the Ilulissat Icefjord.
The afternoon is free to enjoy a wander along one of the two main hiking trails in Ilulissat, taking photographs of humpback whales and icebergs beside the Icefjord, or if you like, I can look into options of kayaking, an additional Icefjord cruise, or we can check availability for a scenic flight. Note any additional activities this afternoon will be an additional expense (excluding the hike). You’re also welcome to relax, read a book on the hotel deck as you enjoy views over Disko Bay, or take a walk through town.
Accommodation: Hotel - Twin Share - Breakfast Included
Day Six: September 7th, 2024
Today we’re checking out and going somewhere very special! We’ll pack an overnight bag and jump on a boat to venture south, across the Icefjord to the small settlement of Ilimanaq. Here, colourful cabins and welcoming locals will greet us and we’ll spend the night in stunning bungalows, nestled on the rocks above the water. On my last stay here, I could sit on the deck and listen to whales, watch the towering icebergs float by in the distance and listen to the sweet sounds of silence. It’s an experience only a few get to have when visiting Greenland as the location can only be accessed by boat, and availability is limited.
There’s also a 2 x Michelin Star restaurant and we’ll be treated to a 3-course meal at KOKS which opened in the lodge's restaurant in 2022. Greenlandic gastronomy has been at the forefront of Ilimanaq Lodge and Greenlandic ingredients are served in new and creative interpretations.
This evening, we can photograph sunset from our bungalows, or take a gentle wander together in search of some great angles.
Accommodation: Luxury Bungalow - Twin Share - Breakfast + Dinner Included
Day Seven: September 8th, 2024
A lazy morning, enjoying the views from our bungalow, we’ll then be treated to a delicious breakfast and check-out, storing our overnight luggage to leave the day free to explore until our boat transfer back to Ilulissat.
Join me for a wander through the small village and enjoy a Settlement Walk with a local guide, then you’ll be welcome to relax in the sunshine, or take a wander on the southern side of the Ilulissat Icefjord. This walk was one of my favourites from my previous visit, there are no crowds, no boats, just natural wonders, whales and wilderness. Plenty to photograph and we can go at a slow pace, taking the chance to soak up the beauty of this location.
We’ll likely be the last guests of the season in Ilimanaq Lodge, making it a special moment to see the area just before the seasons change and winter nears.
At 3pm, we’ll be collected for our transfer back across the Icefjord to Ilulissat. As it’s our last day, we’ll enjoy this crossing to photograph icebergs, and will then check-in to Hotel Icefjord once again, before venturing out for our last sunset together, for more iceberg beauties and hopefully a few whales to wave us goodbye.
Accommodation: Hotel - Twin Share - Breakfast Included
Day Eight: September 9th, 2024
You may wish to get up for a morning wander and sunrise for our final day, then after enjoying our breakfast with views over Disko Bay, it’s time to check out and farewell Ilulissat. We’ll board our flight at 10:45am and will again fly via Kangerlussuaq to Copenhagen, meaning more ice sheet and Icefjord views from the plane!
Arrival time back into Copenhagen airport is 8:25pm and that’s where we’ll say our farewells and pencil in our next adventure together :)
RESERVE YOUR PLACE -
To book your spot on this tour, please email hello@thewanderinglens.com for deposit instructions + payment details.
I can’t wait to meet you soon if you decide to join me on this adventure in Greenland :)
*See further details, FAQ’s and information below.
Take your camera on the adventure of a lifetime.
FAQs
Is there a single supplement available?
Absolutely! The tour fee is based on twin share, but if you’d rather opt for a private room, the single supplement is $1450AUD (total tour cost would then be $12,330 AUD) . This includes 4 nights at Hotel Icefiord, 2 nights at Eqi Glacier Lodge. There is no option for a private room for our one night at Ilimanaq Lodge, however, these bungalows are very spacious with lounge areas, large balconies and twin beds in a separate room. This option is limited due to the size of each lodge, so if you’d like to opt for a single room, please get in touch as soon as possible so I can reserve this for you.
Alternatively, for the twin share arrangement, you will be paired with someone of the same gender, or a friend if you’re travelling with someone.
How much luggage can I bring?
Luggage is restricted to 1 x 20kg suitcase, and a camera bag of 7kg. The weight restrictions are due to the flights we’ll be taking. For our time at Glacier Lodge Eqi and Ilimanaq Lodge, it’s best to have a small overnight bag to avoid taking our main luggage on the boats as access to the cabins and glamping tents is on unstable ground and carrying heavy luggage isn’t possible. If you pack an empty bag into your main luggage, you can then take this with you to the lodges with only the items you’ll need for the shorter stays. I’ll supply a recommended packing list for layers/outdoor wear and camera equipment :)
Can you guarantee we’ll photograph the boats with red sails?
Unfortunately, I can’t guarantee this. They’re private expedition yachts, however, we could see them sailing around as they do operate in the area over the summer months. On my previous trips, I’ve seen them twice, once on a day with stunning conditions, the second time disappearing in and out of fog.
Why start the tour in Copenhagen?
Flights to Greenland are limited (and expensive), and you can currently fly via Copenhagen or Reykjavik. To reach Ilulissat, we’ll need to transfer in Kangerlussuaq (Greenland), and due to timings, it’s best that we’re all on the same flights to ensure we can make the most of the itinerary and reach the locations we’ll be visiting without any delay. I’ve secured the best rate for our flights, but if you will already be in Greenland, please get in touch.
What camera equipment do I need?
I always suggest bringing whatever you’re comfortable using. My photo tours aren’t intensive tripod missions in which we set up everything in the same position and spend hours taking one photo. I love bringing together like-minded people to explore and photograph beautiful landscapes without the pressures of being the best photographer, or knowing difficult techniques. If you have a versatile lens that will enable you to capture various focal lengths that would be ideal. I’ll also send through a suggested gear list a few months prior to departure. I’ll be using my OM SYSTEM gear, and because of the potential for harsh conditions/snow/ice/rain, I can suggest cameras to suit if you’d like to discuss also using this brand.
Do I need a visa for Greenland?
You’ll be responsible for securing all required documentation or visas for entering Denmark and Greenland. Visitor visas are typically granted upon our arrival, however please check any requirements based upon your nationality on the Visit Greenland website here.
Do I need to know basic photography skills?
Not at all, this tour is for all levels of photography and together we’ll enjoy photographing some incredible landscapes and Arctic scenes. I’ll be on hand to share advice throughout the tour, to point out composition opportunities and to guide you towards the correct settings if you need. You can use this as a chance to build your professional portfolio, to improve your skills, and to ask me any questions you have about taking photos, working in the industry, or photographing landscapes, wildlife and travel.
Do I need to be fit and adventurous?
A general level of fitness is required simply because we’ll be outdoors in the elements. Because of the areas we’ll be visiting, there may not always be easy to access pathways, so it’s best to be comfortable on unsteady ground and have the ability to carry your camera bag and an overnight bag. In Ilulissat there are cafes, supermarkets and we’ll be staying in a beautiful hotel, however it’s not a large city. When we’re at the remote lodges, it’s all about enjoying the surroundings and switching off, there are no cafes, no wifi and we’ll be outdoors a lot of the time. For the hikes, you’re welcome to participate, or opt out, there’s no pressure to join each one! I’ve done most of the hikes we’ll be doing, and I’m not a marathon runner or elite athlete (by any means!!), but enjoy long walks and definitely still have a sore back or legs afterwards, it’s all part of the adventure.
Are dietary requirements catered for?
Where meals are provided, we will do our best to cater to all dietary requirements, provided notice is given at the time of booking. Ilulissat has a well-stocked supermarket from which we can purchase snacks, food and any additional items if need be.
Lisa Michele Burns - Your Photography Guide + Tour Leader
I’ve been working as a travel and landscape photographer for over 18 years, starting my career with Lonely Planet back in 2007 in Morocco.
In 2019 I was photographing a project that covered some of the most significant environments around the world, from the Atacama Desert of Chile to the dunes of Namibia, and Red Centre of Australia. This is how I first came to be in Greenland.
That year, Sermeq Kujalleq (one of the most active glaciers in Greenland) was experiencing record ice loss, and I travelled to Ilulissat to document the Icefjord, icebergs and the Arctic environment. It was this trip that completely took my breath away, and had me promising myself to always return to Greenland. I returned again the following winter (Jan-Feb 2020) to capture a different season, however my plans for hosting a photography tour in 2020 were squashed by the events I’m glad are now behind us.
Greenland and the landscapes we’ll be photographing transformed how I photograph. The details, ice patterns, serenity, silence and pristine environments are so special, and I’m so excited to take a small group with me to experience the beauty of Ilulissat and Disko Bay this year.
You can learn a little more about me by visiting my portfolio here, or browsing through The Wandering Lens.
In 2020, I launched Travel Photography Courses which has become a leading resource for photographers seeking to improve their skills or advance their freelance careers.
Some fun facts to help you decide if we’ll get along…
I’m quite introverted, love connecting in small groups but not large crowds or noisy environments!
Completely dog mad, I had a ginger English staffy for 17 years and now try to pat every dog I see
I love paddle boarding, being in the water, and being outdoors, but also love a comfy bed at the end of the day…camping and creepy crawlies aren’t my thing.
Will always have snacks in my bag, take ‘photo breaks’ on hikes (to catch my breath), and am more of a sunset person than sunrise.
I’m not a technical photographer, instead preferring to focus on creative composition and finding connection to a scene before pressing the shutter.
I rarely use a tripod, and love jumping around to seek out unique ways to frame a subject or scene.
I’m Australian, but have lived in France, Ireland and visit both Japan and New Zealand regularly. I speak a little French, and a little Japanese.
If you have any questions or would like to know more about me, the tour, or what you can expect, please don’t hesitate to say hello via email to hello@thewanderinglens.com or via DM on Instagram @the_wanderinglens.
Tour Inclusions:
Return flights from Copenhagen to Ilulissat via Kangerlussuaq with Air Greenland.
Airport transfers to/from Ilulissat Airport
Return boat transfers from Ilulissat - Eqi Glacier (also ideal for photographing icebergs + landscapes!)
Return boat transfers from Ilulissat - Ilimanaq (we’ll be crossing the Icefjord and have lots of photography opportunities on the way)
4 x Nights twin share hotel accommodation in Ilulissat at Hotel Icefiord
2 x Nights twin share glamping experience at Glacier Lodge Eqi
1 x Night Luxury bungalow + Michelin dining experience at Ilimanaq Lodge
1 x Guided hike to the Greenland Ice Sheet
2 x Ilulissat Icefjord Cruises at Sunset (Icebergs + Whales!) Please note, the type of boat we cruise on will depend on the size of our group, and availability of boats in Ilulissat. It could be a larger boat with other tourists, or it may be a smaller local Targa boat that we have to ourselves. I’ve travelled in all styles before, they’re all ideal to photograph from :)
1 x Guided walk to Sermermiut + UNESCO World Heritage area.
All meals are provided at Eqi + Ilimanaq
Breakfast is included at Hotel Icefiord. There will be 4 x evenings where we can dine together in Ilulissat, this is not included in the tour fee as you’ll be welcome to explore options, or take a picnic and wander with your camera.
Photography tuition, guided composition challenges + advice in the field.
Not Included:
Flights to Copenhagen, please arrange to be in Copenhagen to meet the 7am check-in time for our flight on September 2nd.
Travel Insurance - this is a requirement and must be shown prior to departure. Note, that Greenland and outdoor activities must be covered.
Alcoholic beverages and snacks
Some lunches and dinners, we can wander to the local supermarket/cafe to gather snacks and supplies.
You’ll be required to bring your own camera gear and outdoor clothing ( I will provide a list of what’s recommended for the conditions)
Payment Schedule, Cancellation Policy and Refunds
A non-refundable deposit of $1200AUD is required at the time of booking to secure your place.
The remaining tour balance of $9,680 AUD is required by June 30th, 2024 and you’re welcome to pay via monthly installments until this date. I can send through a payment schedule if this suits, alternatively the full amount can be paid via direct deposit at any time.
If you wish to cancel your place, this must be done by June 30th, 2024 for a refund of all payments made (excluding the deposit). After this date, the full tour payment will be required.
Should you wish to cancel, I can assist in finding a replacement, or you can transfer your place to a friend/fellow photographer and a full refund of all payments will be made. If no replacement can be found by June 30th, the full payment is required.
Please note - Due to the nature of group bookings in these remote areas, the photo tour may be cancelled if fewer than 6 guests book - participants will be notified by March 30th, 2024 if this occurs (I do not recommend booking flights to Copenhagen before this date, if you do, please ensure they’re refundable).
Disclaimer
We will be exploring and photographing in remote areas, and outdoor environments. Because of this, the tour is weather dependent and as we’ll be in the Arctic region, it can be highly unpredictable.
All scheduled tours, excursions, hikes, and access to remote lodges will be possible if the conditions allow. While I’m hoping for beautiful weather and sunny skies during early September (late summer), we must also prepare for fog, sea ice, storms, or adverse weather to impact our itinerary. Should this occur, I’ll do my best to reschedule and provide an alternative activity.
As it will be late in the summer season, access to Eqi Glacier and Ilimanaq will be based upon the sea ice conditions. Previous years have shown that it shouldn’t be any problem to access these areas in early September, however, I must note that on the off chance there is a sudden cold front, we may need to adjust our plans.
If we needed to adjust the itinerary, we will spend more time exploring around Ilulissat Icefjord and photographing the immense icebergs and beauty of this region, it’s still a very photogenic plan B!
Your group leader (Lisa Michele Burns) and The Wandering Lens will not be held accountable for any locations, accommodation or photography opportunities missed on the itinerary due to adverse conditions or events.
Photography tuition and time spent with each participant will be varied and not guaranteed. I’m flexible, friendly and prefer to work together in the field with you to capture beautiful images, not work in a classroom setting with set time frames indoors. You’ll be welcome to ask as many question as you like as we’re exploring with our cameras or over meals.
A decent level of fitness is required for this tour as we will be outdoors, in the Arctic and may experience unstable trails, wind, rain, snow, rough seas and cold conditions. In my previous experience, the seas have been calm and trails are relatively easy, however you will be responsible for your own ability to participate, and as noted, are welcome to rest or opt out of hikes if needed.
It is the responsibility of each participant to ensure they have the relevant travel insurance, entry requirements for Greenland and Denmark, and any personal medication (if required) as there is limited access to medical care on this itinerary. It is the responsibility of the participant to adhere to local rules, laws and regulations both generally, and if they are to relate to Covid-19 or any unforseen circumstances, pandemics, events or evacuations.
In the event of natural disasters, adverse conditions, or pandemics, The Wandering Lens and Lisa Michele Burns cannot be held responsible for the photography tour not being able to go ahead. I will do my best to offer alternative dates, however this is not guaranteed and if a full cancellation is required, you’ll be required to contact your travel insurance provider.
By securing your place and paying a deposit, you agree to the above terms.
