The picturesque town of Ilulissat provides a colourful backdrop as the Icefjord Midnight Marathon winds its way to the UNESCO-accredited Ilulissat Icefjord. With ice stretching out as far as the eye can see, embark on a true trail run over rocky terrain and past impressive icebergs that glitter under nocturnal sunlight. The Icefjord Midnight Marathon offers the full marathon distance of 42.195 kilometres and a half marathon of 21.097 kilometres.
The picturesque town of Ilulissat provides a colourful backdrop as the Icefjord Midnight Marathon winds its way to the UNESCO-accredited Ilulissat Icefjord. With ice stretching out as far as the eye can see, embark on a true trail run over rocky terrain and past impressive icebergs that glitter under nocturnal sunlight.
The Icefjord Midnight Marathon offers the full marathon distance of 42.195 kilometres and a half marathon of 21.097 kilometres.
Hotel Hvide Falk
Hotel Hvide Falk is a charming hotel located in the centre of Ilulissat. It has a spellbinding view of the spectacular Icefjord from all of its rooms and apartment facilities, which are equally equipped to the upmost comfort. We offer three types of accommodation: Standard rooms, Bay View rooms and private apartments.
Standard rooms - sold out
Hotel Icefiord
Hotel Icefiord is a beautiful harbour hotel located in the centre of Ilulissat, Greenland. It offers a spectacular view over the panorama of the UNESCO world heritage site of Disko Bay and its crystal-white glaciers. We offer comfortable single or double rooms, equipped with modern facilities.
5 NIGHT (6 Day) PACKAGE
28 May 2026 - Your Greenland Journey begins!
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 18:20 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 two 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 colourful houses on our way toward the harbour. 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.
Meals: Plane meal
29 May 2026 - Explore Sermermiut and the Icefjord valley
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 kilometres 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. While you explore the enchanting surroundings, your guide will prepare hot coffee and tea to keep you warm in the arctic wind. 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 colours hidden in the ice. The experience is much more exciting in small boats, so we will be using two 12-participant boats. This means there will be four departure times for this trip: two before dinner and two 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.
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: Breakfast and Pasta dinner
30 May 2026 - Race Night
It's nearly time! You have the morning and afternoon to sleep, explore, and prepare yourself for the night to come.
For those who would like to get a taste of the local culture, a limited number of guests can join a "Meet the Sled Dogs" excursion.
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.
Friends and family can cheer by the starting line at the Zion Church, and by the finish line at Hotel Hvide Falk. The more the merrier!
Meals: Breakfast
31 May 2026 - Relaxation, 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 kilometres north of Ilulissat. Otherwise, we also offer a day trip by boat to the immense Eqi Glacier.
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 Celebration dinner
01 June 2026 - Optional Excursions & Farewell Dinner
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, Eqi Glacier or Kayak among Iceburgs in case you haven't been able to join the previous day.
In the evening, we will enjoy a farewell Greenlandic Buffet at Hotel Hvide Falk.
Meals: Breakfast and Farewell Dinner
02 June 2026 - Farewell Greenland
Sadly it's time to say goodbye to Ilulissat.
Some of us will have a layover in Kangerlussuaq and others in Nuuk, from where we will fly back to Copenhagen.
If you are flying via Nuuk, we estimate your arrival in Copenhagen to be around 22:00 in the evening. If you are flying via Kangerlussuaq, arrival time is expected to be around 17:00. There will be a meal served on board.
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 to your next flight - thus we don't recommend booking flights within three hours of arrival in Copenhagen. Due to swift weather changes in Greenland, flight delays can be expected.
Given the late time of our arrival, we strongly recommend booking a night in a hotel in Copenhagen and flying out the next day.
Thank you for a fantastic race week!
Meals: Breakfast and plane meal
Optional Excursions
Running Copenhagen - 29 May
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 kilometre.
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
Sail to the Oqaatsut Settlement - 31st May, 01 June
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.
About the Tour:
Duration: 5 hours
Time: 11:00
Inclusions:
- Boat trip to and from Oqaatsut
- Restaurant lunch
- Local guide
Kayak among Icebergs - 29,31 May; 01, June
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 colour 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.
About the Tour:
Duration: 3 hours total - 2 hours paddling time
Whatever the weather, night or day, the icebergs are a spectacular sight!
Over a three hour journey, we will smoothly slice our way through the glittering icebergs of Disko Bay while keeping our eyes open for whales. Up to 15 species regularly inhabit Greenlandic waters in the summertime!
Your guides will provide information throughout the journey, and keep everyone on a safe track. We take pride in providing a safe and comfortable experience, whether you're a master peddler or a complete novice.
Don't miss out on the magic of Kayaking in the capital of icebergs!
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
Eqi Glacier Express - 31 May, 01 June
Only a few places in Greenland are as beautiful as the Eqi Glacier, which ends in the fjord 80 kilometres 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: TBC
Inclusions:
Meet the Sled Dogs - 30 May
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: TBC
Inclusions:
Extensions:
Pre-Tour Ice Camp - 25-28 May 26
Day 1 - 25 May - Welcome to Kangerlussuaq!
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 check into the Polar Lodge, our accommodation for the night.
Dinner will be served at a local restaurant.
Meals: Flight Meal and dinner
Day 2 - 26 May - Building the Ice Camp - Kangerlussuaq
After breakfast, our exhibition guide will give an important briefing on safety and the upcoming activities. Please bring a backpack for the items you will need while on the ice camp, the rest of the your luggage will be kept in a storage room at the Polar Lodge - waiting for you upon return.
Next up is the ice camp! With all-terrain vehicles, we will drive apx. an hour toward our destination of Point 660, where we will gear up and start our exploration.
After reaching our destination, our first priority will be to set up camp in the same way one would when crossing the full ice sheet from West to East.
Lunch will be served, and a breathtaking hike follows in the afternoon.
In the evening, we will relax with a warm beverage and enjoy the total silence the environment imposes.
Please note:
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Expedition Dinner
Day 3 - 27 May - Russel Glacier
Following a night spent snuggled in our warm sleeping bags, we will head out on another hike on the Ice Cap.
As our adventure concludes, we will pack up our camp, making sure only our footprints are left behind.
We will drive towards Kangerlussuaq, with a BBQ lunch stop on the way by the magnificent Russel Glacier. Upon arrival, we will settle in at the Polar Lodge and prepare for our festive dinner at Roklubben.
Meals: Breakfast, BBQ Lunch and Dinner
Day 4 - 28 May - The adventure continues!
After an early breakfast, we will board our domestic flight to Ilulissat and start our next adventure: The Icefjord Midnight Marathon!
Price Information
Shared double room: £842
Single room (at Polar Lodge) supplement: £85
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
Exclusions
What to Bring
PRICES ARE PER PERSON.
IF YOU ARE TRAVELLING ALONE THE SINGLE PRICE APPLIES.
5 NIGHT PACKAGE - All prices are per person
Hotel Hvide Falk
| Double / Twin | Single price | |
| Standard Room |
£2619 | £3049 |
| Bay View Room | £2789 | £3249 |
| Bay View Apartment | £2799 | £3429 |
Hotel Icefiord
| Double / Twin | Single price | |
|
Standard Room Explorer Room |
£2879 £3089 |
£3339 £3749 |
Extra nights in Copenhagen
| Double / Twin | Single price | |
| Standard Room | £105 | £198 |
Marathon or Half-Marathon: £250
Race entry includes:
| EXCURSION | PRICE |
|
|
|
| Sail to Oqaatsut Settlement | £210 |
| Kayak among Icebergs | £145 |
|
Meet the Sled Dogs |
£40 |
| Eqi Glacier Express | £299 |
| Ice Camp | £839 |
WE STRONGLY ADVISE YOU TO TAKE OUT TRAVEL INSURANCE. TRAVEL INSURANCE SHOULD PROTECT YOUR DEPOSIT OR ANY OTHER PAYMENTS IF YOU CANCEL THE TRIP DUE TO INJURY, ILLNESS OR UNFORSEEN CIRCUMSTANCES. WE DO NOT REFUND DEPOSITS AND WE ARE NOT RESPONSIBLE IF YOU DECIDE TO CANCEL YOUR TRIP AFTER IT IS CONFIRMED.
For further information email 2:09 Events on info@209events.com
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