The year's last dogsled trip
Take part in the year's last dogsled
trip, which can also be regarded as a three-day farewell to the
white Arctic winter. This dogsled trip is a long-standing tradition
in Ilulissat
and follows the route which Arctic explorer Knud Rasmussen used as
a training ground prior to his long expeditions in Greenland.
The harsh Arctic sun beats down for 16 hours a day during this
period, and the reflections from the ice and snow are very strong.
It is therefore no coincidence that the trip is called 'Palerfik',
which means "the place where you will get sunburnt". So do not
forget your sunglasses and plenty of sunblock!
Community on the sleds
Traditionally the dogsled drivers invite their families on this
trip to show them the fantastic beauty of the ice cap's glaciers,
which the drivers have visited time and again throughout the winter
in order to fish.
Become part of the breathtaking scenery when 100 sleds, twice as
many people and 10 times as many sled dogs head off on a three-day
trip to Ilulissat Icefjord. Tents will be pitched en route close to
the ice sheet at the so-called 'Dead glacier', where there will be
time for festivities and the chance to hear the rumblings of the
ice. The journey will then continue to one of the most active
glaciers in the world.
The dogsled trip is organised by the Arctic Palerfik association,
and all participants on the trip automatically become members of
the association. The annual general meeting in Arctic Palerfik
(usually in April) takes place in the large marquee on the frozen
ice fjord in front of the glacier.