About Glacier Lodge Eqi
Boat trip to Glacier Lodge Eqi:
Your Greenland adventure starts here
The Eqi Glacier is located approximately 80 km north of Ilulissat in the northernmost part of Disko Bay, and is only accessible by boat. When you book a stay at Glacier Lodge Eqi, your experience begins with a unique boat trip that is far from just about transportation – it is very much where your exclusive stay in Eqi begins.
On the way we pass small settlements, steep mountain sides, beautiful waterfalls and icebergs in incredible shapes and colors. And that's before two glaciers and the enormous ice cap appear on the horizon. If we're lucky, we'll be joined by seals and whales.
- The boat trip lasts approximately 3.5 hours each way.
- A 2-hour lunch stop in front of the glacier front is included on the way up to Eqi.
- The boat departs from Ilulissat in the morning at 09:30.
- The boat arrives at Eqi in the afternoon at 3:00 PM.
- Arrival in Ilulissat is around 6:30 PM.
- On the way to Eqi, lunch, coffee/tea and a lecture about the area are included.
- On the way back to Ilulissat there will be coffee/tea and an afternoon cake on the boat.
- Round-trip transfer from the meeting point at Hotel Arctic to the boat.
Follow in the footsteps of polar explorers
The area around Glacier Lodge Eqi offers world-class hiking and a strong polar history. Paul-Émile Victor was based here, and his expedition hut, the French Hut, still stands.
On the route towards the Ice Sheet we follow his tracks with visible marks from tracked vehicles and remains of cable cars before we reach the ice edge. Hiking tours are offered in several lengths and degrees of difficulty; on guided tours you will get hot coffee and stories about the history, flora and fauna of the area. For relaxation there is a sauna with a glacier view and the opportunity to relax on the terrace.
We recommend at least two nights to get everything in. The staff is ready to help and creates a cozy setting for a true wilderness experience.
Good reasons to visit Glacier Lodge Eqi
Our electricity supply comes from green energy
The electricity we use to cook your food, heat water for your tea and coffee, cool your white wine and charge your camera so you are ready for the next day's adventure comes mainly from solar cells. So we produce our own energy as green as possible. Should the system fail, we also have an emergency generator that we can turn on to maintain your comfort and safety. In other words, the cold shower at Glacier Lodge Eqi is completely optional.
We predominantly use Greenlandic raw materials and natural resources.
We do this for the sake of our guests - the good taste will help complete your stay. But we also choose Greenlandic ingredients as often as we can, to reduce the need for transportation to the lodge and at the same time contribute as much as possible to local economic growth.
Our drinking water is filtered meltwater from the ice sheet.
There is no need to transport water many kilometers to Eqi when we can get drinking water of the highest quality directly from the source. Of course, we purify the water through both UV filters and mechanical filters, and we regularly send tests to Nuuk to ensure the quality. Meltwater from the Greenland Ice Sheet also contains a myriad of healthy minerals. In other words, at Glacier Lodge Eqi you get some of the world's healthiest and purest drinking water.
We have marked paths and hiking routes in the area.
Greenland's nature is vulnerable and slowly healing, but a sustainable holiday and wild experiences can still go hand in hand. In addition to having built a nature-protective walkway in the lodge area, we have marked paths and hiking routes around the Eqi glacier, ensuring our guests spectacular views. We strongly encourage our guests to stay on the marked paths and hiking routes – both for their own safety and to ensure that we leave the smallest possible footprint on nature.
We contribute to local economic growth
Strong partnerships are crucial when it comes to tourism and its development. At World of Greenland, we are very aware that partnerships with other local companies not only contribute to unity, skill development and economic growth locally. It also brings value to our guests, who care about the starting point they set for their trip to Greenland.
All taxes are paid locally
At World of Greenland, all employees pay taxes locally - regardless of nationality and regardless of the length of employment.
FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get to Glacier Lodge Eqi?
You can only travel to Glacier Lodge Eqi from Ilulissat. The transport from Ilulissat to Eqi is by boat, and this boat trip is included in all stays. The meeting point is at Hotel Arctic. From here there will be check-in and transfer to the boat.
When does the boat depart and arrive in Ilulissat?
The length of the boat trip and departure time may vary depending on the type of boat used that day. The boat will always depart in the morning, dock in Eqi at 3:00 PM, and be back in Ilulissat between 4:30 PM and 6:30 PM. The exact time will be stated on your ticket.
Disko Line Explorer alone determines which boat type is used. If your departure time changes after you have booked your stay, you will be informed of this.
I have difficulty walking - can I visit Eqi?
When you arrive, you have to carry your luggage about 100 meters up the mountain.
The terrain is uneven and consists of natural rocks, so general good physical fitness is necessary.
The gangway is not handicap-friendly, and the stay is therefore not possible for those with walking difficulties.
If you have more luggage to bring to Greenland, most hotels in Ilulissat will be able to store luggage for you.
What should I bring when visiting Glacier Lodge Eqi?
It is recommended that you pack as lightly as possible when going to Eqi, as you will have to carry your bag 100 meters up the mountain to the landing strip.
You can find our packing list for Glacier Lodge Eqi here.
If you have more luggage to bring to Greenland, most hotels in Ilulissat will be able to store luggage for you.
What is included in my stay in Eqi?
All stays at Glacier Lodge Eqi include the following:
Transfer from Hotel Arctic to the boat.
Boat trip from Ilulissat to Eqi and return
Lunch in front of the glacier before arriving at Eqi
Full board during your stay and on the boat trip.
Hike to the viewpoint at the moraine on the day of departure.
Towels and sheets.
Can I bring children to Glacier Lodge Eqi?
Children are welcome at Glacier Lodge Eqi. Please note that there is no children's menu, high chairs, changing tables, etc.
What should I do if I am delayed on my way to Ilulissat?
If you are delayed on the way to Ilulissat, please let us know as soon as possible via email or phone.
We will always try to reschedule your stay to another day in the same season, but there is no guarantee that this will be possible. In the event that this is not possible, the matter must be handled through your travel insurance.
Air traffic in Greenland can be unstable, and we therefore strongly recommend that you have travel insurance that covers delays and that you plan at least one buffer day in Ilulissat before your stay at the lodge.
What can I experience during my stay at the lodge?
During your stay at Glacier Lodge Eqi, you can enjoy the view of the glacier from your terrace and take part in the included hike to the moraine edge. In addition, you can purchase a hiking tour to a delta area, a longer hike all the way to the Ice Sheet (requires a minimum of two nights) and access to the sauna with panoramic window.
How many days should I stay at Glacier Lodge Eqi?
The moraine hike, which is included in your stay, takes place on the day of departure, so even with one night's stay you can still purchase the trip to the delta and enjoy your stay and the area at the same time.
If you want to hike all the way to the Ice Sheet, you will need a minimum of two nights.
In general, we recommend two nights if you want time for both experiences, peace and to fully enjoy the lodge's unique surroundings.
