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Ilulissat – The Ultimate Travel Guide To Greenland’s Iceberg Capital

Professional photographer and writer who loves to explore remote and unusual places

Welcome to our Ilulissat travel guide. Ilulissat is the most popular tourist destination in Greenland , home to enormous icebergs and the UNESCO World Heritage Listed Ilulissat Icefjord, and gateway to fabulous Disko Bay. The name of the town means “icebergs” in the Greenlandic language and has been an important area for several thousand years.

An Introduction

An important location for the Inuit for thousands of years, “Jakobshavn” was established by the Danes in 1741. Several buildings from this period still survive but Ilulissat (it now uses its Greenlandic name) has grown to be the third-largest town in Greenland.

While fishing and prawns are still important industries for Ilulissat, tourism has almost caught up! If you have the time, it is worth spending a few days here before your cruise to get acquainted with the area and being in the Arctic. There is plenty to see and do including guided tours, museums, or simply chilling with one of the most impressive views in all the world.

In this guide, you will find everything you need to plan your visit to Ilulissat including arrivals information, where to stay, places to eat and things to see and do, all based on our experience.

How to Get to Ilulissat

• If you are not coming on an organised cruise, the only way to get to Ilulissat is to fly from either Copenhagen or Denmark. There are no flights from North America or elsewhere in Europe at this stage, and no international ferries.
• Most flights to Ilulissat pass through Kangerlussuaq (the primary international airport for Greenland) or Nuuk (the capital). However, during Summer there are some direct flights from both Denmark and Iceland

Ilulissat Flights

Ilulissat is serviced by two airlines: Air Greenland flies to Ilulissat all year round, Icelandair flies to Ilulissat only during the peak season of Summer.  No matter where in the world you are coming from, you must get yourself to either Copenhagen or Reykjavik first and fly from there.

For indirect flights, if you are coming from Copenhagen, you will transfer through Kangerlussuaq. If you are coming through Reykjavik, you will likely transfer through Nuuk. Please check carefully which airport you are departing from in Reykjavik, as Air Iceland Connect departs from the Domestic Airport but Air Greenland departs from Keflavik. It takes at least an hour by bus to get between these two airports.

The weight limit on all flights to Greenland is 20kg. This is usually strictly enforced and excess baggage is expensive so we encourage you to stay under this limit.

It is not uncommon for flights to, from and within Greenland to be delayed due to weather. At the very least, give yourself one extra day in either Copenhagen or Reykjavik before your onward international flight. We also recommend you take out travel insurance that will cover these types of delays.

Ilulissat arrival information

Once you arrive at Ilulissat airport, you have a few options to get into town. Most hotels will actually send a shuttle to meet you (included in the price of your stay), or you can take a taxi to your accommodation (~150DKK one way, depending on which side of town it is on). Alternatively, you can hike the ~3km to town if you are on a budget. There is actually a trail that leaves the road at the first corner.

Ilulissat Cruises

From 2025 we will offer 12 Guest Expedition Micro Cruises to explore Disko Bay from Illulisat and areas to the North. To be the first to hear about these new tours please join our Secret Atlas Explorer’s Club Newsletter.

You can check out our Expedition Micro Cruises and Northern Lights Photo Tour to explore Scoresby Sund in East Greenland here.

Where to stay in Ilulissat

As the primary tourist destination in Greenland, Ilulissat has several different accommodation options to choose from, including 4-star hotels, guesthouses and hostels. During Summer, accommodation sells out several months in advance, so we encourage you to book your accommodation when you book your cruise. Don’t leave it to the last minute.

Hotel Arctic

An upmarket 4-star hotel with stunning views across Disko Bay and the option of being able to stay in an igloo-shaped room. There is an excellent quality restaurant and bar, and scheduled transfers to the center of town (though it is also walkable).

Hotel Icefiord

Another beautiful 4-star hotel with an amazing restaurant and wonderful Disko Bay views. There is a bar to relax in during the evening and they have their own smokehouse from which they offer several different products. They also offer apartment accommodation at a different location.

Hotel Hvide Falk

A comfortable and centrally located hotel with lovely views across the entrance to Ilulissat Harbour from Disko Bay. There is a great restaurant that combines Greenlandic ingredients with Asian flavours and a separate bar. They also offer apartments and guesthouse accommodation.

Hotel Avannaa

Located next door to Hotel Arctic, offers standard rooms as well as a penthouse suite with views over Disko Bay. This hotel is part of the Seamen’s Home chain where all profits go to supporting the local community, and particularly the fishermen and seafarers in Greenland.

Guesthouses

Ilulissat guesthouse.

A mixture of accommodation types, each with iceberg views. From entire houses for families and groups to individual rooms – staying here gives you access to communal kitchens and living rooms so you can cater for yourself.

Blue Trail Guesthouse

Ilulissat hostel.

By far the cheapest accommodation in town. Small, shared rooms with either two single beds or bunk beds, shared bathrooms, a communal kitchen and wonky walls are all features of this centrally located but very budget accommodation. 

Restaurants

Due to the relatively large number of tourists, there are also several different foodie options in Ilulissat

Hotel Arctic , Hotel Icefiord and Hotel Hvide Falk restaurants.

All three large hotels have fabulous restaurants with incredible views across the icebergs in Disko Bay. Their menus are varied so best to check directly, and each one offers a “Greenlandic Buffet” during the Summer months.

Restaurant Mamartut

Due to the relatively large number of tourists, there are also several different foodie options in Ilulissat.

Often touted as one of the best restaurants in Ilulissat. Home-style cooking or a Greenlandic Tapas plate make the short walk out to the restaurant well worth the effort.

Café Iluliaq

Centrally located with outdoor seating when the weather is nice. It offers a café menu with burgers, sandwiches and pizza, as well as excellent Thai dishes. It is also sells locally-made beer from Ilulissat’s Immiaq micro-brewery.

Cafénnguaq  

Centrally located and very popular, these guys make some of the best sandwiches you’ll ever taste. The interior decoration is a little eclectic and it is a great place to chill out.

Make your own picnic

Stop by either the Brugseni or Pisiffik supermarkets as you walk from the center of town to the start of the boardwalk and pick up bakery items or even cooked items from the deli. Then keep hiking to the Icefjord, decide where you want to sit, and enjoy your meal.

What to see in Ilulissat

Unesco listed ilulissat icefjord.

THE reason to come to Ilulissat. This incredible, ice-choked fjord is fed by the most active glacier in the Northern Hemisphere. Enormous icebergs become trapped on an underwater moraine before breaking free – releasing thousands of icebergs of all sizes into Disko Bay.

Eqi Glacier

Known as “the calving glacier”, Eqi is the most visited glacier in the Ilulissat region. It is a sailing trip to reach it and, once there, you are almost guaranteed to see multiple calving events (where chunks of ice break off the face of the glacier) over the 2 hours you spend watching.

Ilimanaq or Oqaatsut

Although Greenland only has a small number of towns, it has a far greater number of smaller settlements. Ilimanaq and Oqaatsut are two such places that you can visit on a day tour from Ilulissat to see a very different pace of life.

Ilulissat Museum

Otherwise known as the Knud Rasumussen museum after one of Greenland’s greatest explorers, it has a whole room dedicated to his exploits. An ideal place to spend a couple of hours getting acquainted with Greenland’s history before you start your cruise. 

Entry price: 60DKK (also includes entry to the Art Museum)

Ilulissat Art Museum

Housed in the former residence of the colony manager, the gallery has a permanent collection that features work by Emanuel A. Peterson – a Danish artist and one of the most famous painters of Greenland. Upstairs, temporary exhibitions (5 – 8 per year) rotate through, a mixture of international as well as Greenlandic artists. 

Entry price:  60DKK (also includes entry to the Ilulissat Museum)

Ilulissat Artisan Workshop

Drop by the artisan workshop to see local carvers at work creating their souvenir tupilaks. You can buy directly from the artists here, or from numerous places around town. [

Activities in Ilulissat

Ilulissat offers a wide variety of outdoor activities that cater for any level of physical fitness. We recommend that you spend a few days in town before joining our cruise to participate in some of the different activities.

If you would like to participate in one of the following activities, please contact us and we will connect you with a local tour operator who will arrange the activities for you.

Sailing amidst the enormous icebergs of the Ilulissat Icefjord is a highlight of any trip to Greenland. You can sail under the midnight sun during Summer, or in the dead of winter – they run all year round. It is a very different experience to get up close to them and see them from the water.

Whale Watching

Between June and September, Ilulissat is a fantastic location for whale watching. The playful humpbacks are the most common, though Minke and Fin whales are also often seen. Although it is possible to see whales from the shore, if you join a specific whale-watching tour, the captain knows where the whales were last seen and will take you as close as possible without disturbing the world’s largest animals.

Ilulissat has 3 main, well-marked hiking trails to the Icefjord. The easiest option is the boardwalk that goes through the historically important Sermermiut valley. You can hike this yourself or take a guided tour to learn more about why this area was key for the local Inuit.  There is also the Yellow Trail (which tracks around the end of the Icefjord) and the Blue Trail (which follows the Icefjord and then heads up into the hills), both of which can be done independently or on a tour.

To fully appreciate how enormous and awe-inspiring the icebergs of Ilulissat are, you really need to look up at them from the waterline. During Summer, there are kayaking trips available every evening – including ones that also allow you embrace the Midnight Sun.

Scenic flights

The best way to see the full extent of the Ilulissat Icefjord is to take a scenic flight over the area. It is also the only way to see the Ilulissat Glacier that feeds the Icefjord. There are several different options available and flight paths are designed to take in the most interesting features.

Greenlanders love to fish! And catching fish in Greenland is remarkably easy! In the Disko Bay area you can go fishing for capelin, cod, and trout – depending on exactly what time of year you are visiting.

Getting around Ilulissat

If you enjoy walking, it is possible to get everywhere you need to go in Ilulissat by foot. Depending on where you are staying, it may be 2-3km into the centre of town from your accommodation, so keep that in mind. The innumerable stairs you will find throughout the town often provide shortcuts (compared to the road), but if you don’t feel like walking or are in a hurry – call a taxi. Its best to order one in advance as they tend to be oversubscribed – especially during peak hours. 

Events in Ilulissat

There are a few major events that happen every year in and around Ilulissat – mostly during the Summer.

Arctic Palerfik – April

This 3-day event follows the Ilulissat Icefjord and features more dogsleds than you can count. It is the traditional “farewell to winter” and the last trip that hunters will make by dogsled for the winter. 

Greenland National Day – June 21

Greenlanders celebrate their national day on the longest day of the year. You may see some Greenlanders dressed in their National Costume and often there are choirs, BBQs and bonfires.

Arctic Midnight Orienteering – June

A 4-day orienteering extravaganza featuring 3-4 races. Organised by the local orienteering club, this event has taken place every year for the past 20 years.

Kangia Race – June

3 days. Demanding terrain. Backcountry camping. This adventure race is one for those who enjoy challenges.

Disko Arts Festival – sometime in the fall/Autumn

Annual festival for experimental musicians and artists. Emerging local and international artists come together to collaborate, explore and present new work.

Ilulissat: Your questions answered

How far is it to the ilulissat icefjord.

The Ilulissat Icefjord with its enormous icebergs is located only about 2km from the town. It is very easy to walk there, and there are 3 main hiking trails that allow you to explore it from land. The easiest and shortest trail follows a boardwalk all the way to the ice.  

Can I see the northern lights in Ilulissat?

Yes, you can see the northern lights in Ilulissat. and watching them dance over the massive icebergs is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Remember, you can only see the northern lights when it is dark, and the sun doesn’t set in Ilulissat between May and July.

For more information on viewing the Northern Lights in Greenland please check out our Ultimate Guide To Northern Lights Viewing In Greenland .

If you would like to see the Northern Lights in Greenland please check out out Northern Lights Cruises in Greenland.

When is the best time to see the northern lights in Ilulissat?

The northern lights can be seen in Ilulissat whenever it is dark.  This means you can potentially see them any time from August through to May, however, the best time of year is February – April.

What is the temperature in Ilulissat?

Over the course of the year, the temperature in Ilulissat ranges from about -19 degrees to +10 degrees Celsius. During cruising season, this reduces to a high of +11 and a low of +5 – so much milder than you were probably imagining! On a sunny day with little breeze – the strong Arctic sun can feel much, much hotter, so make sure you bring plenty of sunscreen, a sun hat and sunglasses to protect yourself from sunburn! When can I see the midnight sun in Ilulissat?

The midnight sun occurs between 20 th May and 24 th July in Ilulissat. During these dates, you can enjoy the area with 24 hours of sunlight. Don’t forget to bring your eye mask!

What is the currency in Ilulissat?

Ilulissat and all of Greenland used the Danish Krone as its currency. If you wish to use cash, you should either bring it with you or withdraw it from the ATMs in Ilulissat (found at the banks and in some supermarkets). Exchanging currency can only be done at the bank and only during certain times. Most places (but not all!) also accept Visa, Mastercard or Dankort (Eurocard, Diners and American Express less so).

Does Ilulissat have a post office?

Yes, there is a post office in Ilulissat where it is possible to post postcards and packages home. Look for the Telepost building which is located a little further along the road than the large Pisiffik and Brugseni supermarkets.  

Where do cruises depart from in Ilulissat?

All Ilulissat cruises depart from the harbour. 2 weeks before departure we will forward you a map so you can locate the expedition vessel for your voyage.

To explore Greenland with Secret Atlas in a small group of 12 guests please check out our Expedition Micro Cruises.

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9 Epic Reasons to Visit Ilulissat, Greenland

Ilulissat is one of Greenland’s most picturesque towns. It’s a place surrounded by snow-capped mountains, fields of snow, glaciers and vast ice fjords that have turned this remote settlement into a growing tourist destination.

Found north of the capital Nuuk, on the isolated western shores within the Arctic Circle, Ilulissat is the third-largest ‘city’ in Greenland. That makes it a unique center for culture, tourism, and food, but with a population of just over 4,000 inhabitants, it’s by no means a huge place.

This peace and charm though make it an appealing destination, especially when combined with the stunning natural setting.

It’s this natural setting that is the real attraction for most visitors. The name ‘Ilulissat’ is derived from the local Inuit word for Iceberg, and you will soon notice that just off the coast, can be found the unbelievable sight of thousands, upon thousands of icebergs that form one of the largest icefields in the world.

It’s a beautiful, remote and icy place to visit, and to help you to plan your trip, here’s our guide to Ilulissat, including our top tips on the best things to do in Ilulissat.

9 Things to do in Ilulissat, Greenland

Table of Contents

There are many things to do in Ilulissat, whichever season you choose to travel to the town in. It’s the perfect place for outdoor lovers to immerse themselves in the wild scenery of Greenland, and there are many activities to enjoy from hiking to kayaking.

Ilulissat is also an interesting place to experience and learn more about local culture and local ways of life in this isolated and extreme part of the world. 

Our trip of 4 days was just long enough to see the major highlights of Ilulissat but with the effort of traveling to Greenland, we would advise you spend at least a week to really experience all that the area has to offer.

1. Explore The Ilulissat Ice Fjord

Ilulissat’s biggest and best-known tourist attraction is the Ilulissat Ice Fjord. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of the world’s natural wonders and it’s right on the doorstep of the town itself.

Icebergs are formed from the Greenland Ice Cap to the north of Ilulissat, and once they break off, they float along the fjord before entering Disko Bay, which is found by the town itself.

The icebergs can be enormous, sometimes measuring a kilometer in diameter, and it’s one of the most unusual and spectacular sights to behold as the huge blocks of ice float along the water, on their way out into the open ocean.

Visiting the Ice Fjord is, of course, one of the best things to do in Ilulissat, and there are a few different ways to experience this natural spectacle. Boat and sailing trips regularly head out to navigate the mass of ice, while those that enjoy the cold can explore by kayak.

During summer, you can also hike along with parts of the fjords, to be greeted by exceptional vistas, and ice as far as the eye can see.

We explored the Ilulissat Ice Fjord 3 different ways during our visit on foot, kayak, and cruise, mainly because we wanted to look at the ice with different lighting.

Visiting during the Midnight Sun gives you the perfect opportunity to view and photography the ice with that amazing yellow and pink glow that you’ve seen in photos. This is best done on a Midnight Sun Ice Fjord cruise, like the one we did with Ilulissat Adventure .

2. Icy Whale Watching

Due to the currents and water temperatures during the summer, many whales make their way above the Arctic Circle to feed and they love the icy waters that surround Ilulissat.

We were able to pair our ice fjord cruise with some whale watching because during our visit two humpback whales took up residence within the entry of the ice fjord. It was truly a sight to behold, watching them diving near the icebergs in search of krill.

We were also told that the whale watching is particularly good around Disko Island, off the coast of Greenland adjacent to Ilulissat. There is a deep channel between the island and mainland Greenland that invites several species of whales during the summer.

Sightings are almost guaranteed and it is possible to book a day trip or several hour boat trip to take you to that area.

3. Arctic Kayaking

Invented in Greenland by the Inuit people, kayaking is can’t miss things to do in Greenland . It gives you a chance to get on the water level and up close and personal to the massive icebergs near Ilulissat.

It is a life-changing experience to be able to experience nature’s power in such an intimate way. The guided trips with PGI Greenland  are run both during the day and in the evening during Midnight Sun.

The entire tour is led by experienced local guides who provide all the proper equipment for kayaking, dry suit, thorough briefing and instructions throughout the tour. There really is nothing quite like being at the water level as you approach big ice.

Read about our Greenland kayaking experience:  Greenland Kayaking: An Adventure Like No Other

4. Take a Hike in Ilulissat

Greenland is a coveted hiking destination and exploring by foot can lead you on countless adventures from Ilulissat. Most popular are the three marked routes just outside of town, the red, yellow and blue hiking routes.

Each one offers hiking with spectacular views of both Ilulissat and the ice fjord. The route varies in distance and difficulty.

• Yellow Route – this trail is 2.7 kilometers long and takes around 1.5-2 hours to complete. This is the most popular route as it gives you fantastic views of the Ilulissat Ice Fjord without being a long nor difficult hike. The first part of the trail is completely covered with an elevated boardwalk to avoid the surrounding marshes. It’s a great path for you if you’re looking for a shorter hike or do not have the fitness to complete the longer trails.
• Blue Route – this trail is 7 kilometers long and takes around 4 hours to complete. We would recommend that you have average fitness and be comfortable walking up steep rock areas and navigating rocky ground. That said, this trail offers amazing views of the ice and surrounding area. Many people head to this area to watch the sunset, yes ever during Midnight Sun. It is possible to make the blue route a shorter hike by taking the red route back instead of making the whole blue route loop.
• Red Route – this trail is 1 kilometer long and is the only trail that does not loop, meaning you hike in for the view and that back out the same way. If you are short on time this route will take you directly to a viewpoint where you can see the ice fjord. There is not much to see and you will miss the best part of the area by using such a direct path but it’s better than nothing if it’s all you have time for.

5. Visit Old Town

While the center of town is a lively, more modern place, it is still possible to experience some of the charms from the original settlement of Ilulissat.  Here you can visit the old Knox church, original kayak club, hospital, and the Ilulissat Museum.

This museum is also the birthplace and former house of famous arctic explorer Knud Rasmussen.

The museum tells the story not only of Rasmussen’s exploits, but of Ilulissat itself, and it’s an intriguing look at the many local cultures that have either thrived or perished in this extreme part of the world.

6. Check Out Sermermiut

Sermermiut is an old Inuit settlement that is found just a kilometer or so from the modern town of Ilulissat. In summer, it’s possible to make this short hike from the center of town, and there are a few stone ruins that mark an area that has been settled on and off for almost 4000 years by locals.

The entire area has been designated as part of the Ilulissat Ice Fjord UNESCO World Heritage Site. 

The hiking routes in the area lead you through the grounds on elevated walkways to ponder the simple existence of the people that once lived there. It also offers an incomparable vantage point of the massive ice at the entrance to the Ilulissat Ice Fjord.

7. Learn About the Sled Dogs

Located just outside of Ilulissat are two large dog fields. These are designated areas for the Greenlandic mushers to house their sled dogs during the summer season and an opportunity for you to get a good look at these amazing animals.

Beloved for their hardiness, strength and work ethic, the Greenlandic Husky is the prize of any man that spends a long winter in Greenland. 

Crossed between a domestic husky and Arctic wolf, the Greenlandic Husky has the purest bloodline of any domesticated canine on earth. This is due to the strict laws in place about importing canine from other parts of the world, simply put, it’s not allowed.

They do not want to introduce anything that could weaken the lines of the dogs. Having a chance to see them up close is a gift, especially when there are puppies in late summer.

As the dogs are very loyal to their masters, nobody is allowed to enter a dog yard in Greenland without a musher. In Ilulissat, you’ll pass by one of yards as you walk towards Sermermiut and the start of the hiking trails.

This gives you a chance to observe the dogs and if you’re lucky some puppies will come over for a visit. You can also book tours that will allow you to meet a musher and meet his team of dogs. Do not ever approach an adult Greenlandic husky.

8. Take a Trip to the Oqaatsut Village

Found in Disko Bay, close to Ilulissat, Oqaatsut is one of the smallest continually inhabited settlements in the region.

During summer, there’s an excellent hiking route that leads from Ilulissat to Oqaatsut, while during winter, the best way to get here is as the locals do, by cross-country skiing, dog sled or snowmobile.

The route simply follows the coast and runs for around 20 kilometers, and although it’s a very small place, there are accommodation options available in Oqaatsut, allowing you to stay overnight before returning to Ilulissat the following day.

Popular ways to visit this settlement in the summer include boat trips to and from, boat trips to and kayak back and of course by hiking as I mentioned above.

Hiking options include hiking there and taking a water taxi back or hiking there and back with an overnight. A trip here is a visit to rural Greenland, and it’s a brilliant look at small-town life at the edge of the world.

9. Go to the Eqi Glacier

The Eqi Glacier is one of Greenland’s most incredible glaciers, and it’s located not too far from Ilulissat. It still requires a boat trip to reach this icy behemoth, but it’s well worth enduring the cold and rolling waves of the fjords to see.

This is an active glacier, and you can hear and see the ice being carved off to float on the water. There’s even a lodge that accommodates overnight visitors and is found looking directly out to the glacier. If you fancy, you can even camp out on the ice cap.

Taking a trip out to the Eqi Glacier is an incredible experience but you should know that unless you choose to stay overnight near the glacier, it is a very long day trip with unstable water conditions.

The average day trip takes 12 hours, leaving early and arriving back to Ilulissat late, of course all dependent on weather and water conditions.

Ilulissat, Greenland Travel Tips

Where to stay in ilulissat.

Compared to other towns in Greenland, Ilulissat has a surprising range of accommodation options available to travelers. However, it’s always wise to ensure that you book in advance.

Being a very small town, these options are still, of course, limited in number and in rooms, and even more so in peak season.

We stayed in two different places during our visit and found them each great for their own reasons.

Ilulissat Guesthouse – this charming guesthouse is known as the ‘blue house’ and is located right on the water offering insane views of the ice and coastline. While you have great views, this guesthouse is located quite a distance from the city center. This means when you want to dine or shop you have to walk a long distance or call a taxi. You compromise easy access for quiet sanctuary. The house is small but comfortable offering 3 bedrooms with 2 shared baths, a shared kitchen, dining room and living area. The guesthouse is owned by the same people that operate Ilulissat Adventure, so you can stay there, and also book all your tours with them.

Check prices and book your stay:   Ilulissat Guesthouse

Hotel Ilulissat Bed & Breakfast – this place was newly opened before our visit and is located right in the center area of town. You have easy access to all the dining options, shopping and departure points for tours. The rooms are cozy and fitted with cable TV. The entry system is totally keyless so arriving at any time of day or night can be accommodated. Breakfast and WIFI are included in your stay, which is a fantastic perk in Greenland. We liked staying here because of its location and would recommend to anyone visiting Ilulissat.

Check prices and book your stay:   Hotel Ilulissat Bed & Breakfast

Other popular places to stay in Ilulissat include the Hotel Arctic , one of the best rated – and most expensive – hotels in town but offers all the comforts and amenities to make sure your stay is perfect.

Hotel Icefiord is another favorite, offering great rooms at a reasonable price – for Greenland anyway!

There are a few hostels emerging in Ilulissat for budget-minded travelers and during summer there are plenty of camping options in the surrounding area, while many tours offer overnight excursions that allow you to stay out on the ice.

There are also options in nearby settlements too, with lodges available at Ilimanaq and at Oqaatsut too, if you are looking for a more rural stay amongst the locals who live in these remote parts all year round.

How to Travel to Ilulissat

Ilulissat is located on the western coast of Greenland, and in terms of transport infrastructure, it’s well connected for a Greenlandic town. With an ever-expanding tourism industry, Ilulissat is becoming easier and easier to travel to.

However, there are still only limited flight options here, at least internationally, as the small airport has only recently begun to accommodate flights from Reykjavik in Iceland .

Most travelers will need to change at the Kangerlussuaq international airport – a former US military base that handles most larger aircraft flying into Greenland.

To Kangerlussuaq, there are regular international flights to Copenhagen in Denmark, and then from Kangerlussuaq, there are regular domestic connections to Ilulissat on smaller aircraft.

There are also domestic flights to Nuuk, Greenland’s capital and largest city, as well as to other major Greenlandic towns such as Sisimiut with Air Greenland , the local air carrier.

We flew directly from Reykjavik, Iceland to Ilulissat and there were 20 people on our flight. The flight was delayed, which is something to be expected when flying to Greenland but we had the most amazing views of East Greenland from the plane thanks to the Midnight Sun season.

Greenland has few roads, and so overland travel between towns, through what is essentially one vast wilderness, is almost impossible, so if not flying into Ilulissat, the only other option to travel here is by ship.

There are regular connections during summer from towns all along the coast, while another popular method of transport is via the increasing number of arctic cruise liners that call in at Ilulissat.

Ilulissat itself is small enough to wander around on foot, and to get further afield and out into the surrounding landscapes is best done as the locals do, either on dog sled or snowmobile when winter has arrived, or by hiking or 4×4 during the summer.

The ice fjords, the highlight of any trip to Ilulissat, is best experienced by boat or kayak.

The Best Time to Visit Ilulissat

Ilulissat lies very far north and experiences extreme arctic weather conditions. The most popular time to visit is during summer, which runs from June to September.

During this short summer season, the small town can be booked full with tourists, so it’s necessary to book well in advance to secure spots on tours and to secure hotel rooms.

The summer season is when the weather is at its warmest, although it’s still very cold, and it’s when the days are longest. You can experience the midnight sun and enjoy pleasant hiking and outdoor conditions at all hours of the day and night.

We visited Ilulissat at the end of July and experienced a wide spread of weather, with average highs of 45˚F. During our 4 day stay, we experienced 2 days straight of rain and sleet. The other 2 days were sunny and very pleasant but still not warm.

You will be well above the Arctic Circle so even in summer, you should plan for a cold-weather visit.

Spring and autumn can be both be great times to visit too when Ilulissat is much less busy, however, this is when the weather is still very cold and conditions can be unpredictable. In spring, life in this remote part of the world really begins to bloom.

Winter, for those willing to experience extreme cold and almost no daylight hours, can be a really interesting time to travel to Ilulissat, particularly if you are interested in dog sledding or snowmobiling, while during this dark period of the year, the Northern Lights can be seen almost every night.

Planning A Visit to Ilulissat

Greenland is not a cheap destination. There, I said it. However, with proper planning, it is possible to do it without breaking the bank. We’ve compiled a list of useful information to help take the guesswork out of planning a trip to Ilulissat:

• Flights to Ilulissat can be booked from Reykjavik, Iceland or Copenhagen, Denmark. They typically run in excess of $1,000USD and it is advised to book them well in advance of your travel plans. The longer you wait the more expensive they will be. All flights to/from Greenland are operated by Air Greenland and they can be booked directly on their website .
• Air Greenland operates a very strict checked baggage policy. Do not bring bags that weigh more than 20kg or you will be charged and excess baggage fee. They also weigh your carry on luggage , the limit is 8kg and excess baggage fees apply here too. I know it is easy to assume they will not weigh your bags but they do. Every single one and they do charge for overweight luggage, checked or otherwise. Save yourself some money by planning ahead and streamlining your packing.
• There are no ATM’s at the airport, so if you arrive without Danish Kroner currency you will not be able to get cash until you get into town.
• All taxis, stores, hotels and restaurants take major credit cards.
• ATM’s in Ilulissat are located in the main bank, just down the street from the main square.
• Hotels in Ilulissat book out almost a year in advance. Accommodation options are very limited and with the increase in independent travelers to Ilulissat, find themselves struggling to have space during the summer months. Popular places like the Hotel Arctic and Hotel Icefjord book up first but there are plenty of smaller guesthouse options to look at. Our decision to include Ilulissat in our Greenland travel plans was last minute and we struggled to find a place to stay (literally ended up at a brand new guesthouse that hadn’t started advertising yet with luck).
• Surprisingly, the WIFI is decent in Ilulissat but never free. The prices are typically charged by time and are very expensive.
• Booking tours are easy once you arrive and does not really need to be done in advance. We were able to book everything we wanted to do in person after we arrived in town and didn’t run into any issues.
• There are several grocery stores in Ilulissat and when we were there, construction on a new mega supermarket was underway. They carry a good variety of normal staples if you’re staying at a guesthouse with a kitchen and want to save some money by cooking a few of your own meals.
• There are several restaurants in town and one bar featuring Western, European and Greenlandic options. It is expensive to eat out and you should plan for $30-$50USD per person, per meal while in Greenland.
• Remember that Ilulissat is well above the Arctic Circle and even in summer it is cold. It is essential that you pack appropriately for your visit.

Visiting Ilulissat is incredibly rewarding, a destination that is worth the extra planning and money required to make the trip happen.

More on Greenland:

• 11 Things to do in Kangerlussuaq, Greenland (Plus Travel Tips)
• Sisimiut, Greenland: 15 Things to Do & Travel Tips
• 10 Cool Things to do in Nuuk Greenland
• Kayaking in Greenland: An Adventure Like No Other
• Best Sleeping Bag for Cold Weather
• Best Travel Rain Jacket to Stay Dry on the Go
• Best Hiking Backpack for your Next Adventure

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Lina is an award-winning photographer and writer that has been exploring the world since 2001. She has traveled to 100 countries on all 7 continents. Member: SATW, NATJA, ATTA, ITWA

6 thoughts on “9 Epic Reasons to Visit Ilulissat, Greenland”

Loved this post! Greenland has been on my wish list for a while. I love to travel to cold, northern places :). I have been to Iceland, Alaska, the Yukon, Nunavut, and the Northwest Territories. You totally have me dreaming of Greenland now!

Greenland is an amazing travel destination, especially if you don’t mind the cold and are looking for something that is not so overrun with big crowds. Highly recommend you put a visit to Ilulissat on your list for 2019!

Your photos are amazing! I hope I can visit this place someday, hike the ice fjord and watch the whales.

Thank you! Greenland is extremely photogenic, we loved it!

I love your photo of the Ice Fjord. How much would a hiking trip cost? Would love to go there!

Thank you! That really depends on how much in advance you book your trip. Prices are not cheap in Greenland, even when booked well in advance BUT if you are spending a lot of time hiking and wild camping, your costs can be reduced significantly. It’s a pretty epic destination, highly recommend a visit if you like adventure travel. 🙂

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• Description

Located on the west coast of Greenland, 250 km north of the Arctic Circle, Greenland’s Ilulissat Icefjord is the sea mouth of Sermeq Kujalleq, one of the few glaciers through which the Greenland ice cap reaches the sea. Sermeq Kujalleq is one of the fastest and most active glaciers in the world. It annually calves over 35 km3 of ice, i.e. 10% of the production of all Greenland calf ice and more than any other glacier outside Antarctica. Studied for over 250 years, it has helped to develop our understanding of climate change and icecap glaciology. The combination of a huge ice-sheet and the dramatic sounds of a fast-moving glacial ice-stream calving into a fjord covered by icebergs makes for a dramatic and awe-inspiring natural phenomenon.

Description is available under license CC-BY-SA IGO 3.0

Fjord glacé d’Ilulissat

Situé sur la côte ouest du Groenland, à 250 km au nord du cercle arctique, le fjord glacé d’Ilulissat est l’embouchure maritime de Sermeq Kujalleq, un des rares glaciers à travers lesquels la glace de l’inlandsis groenlandais atteint la mer. Sermeq Kujalleq est l’un des glaciers les plus rapides et les plus actifs du monde. Son vêlage annuel de plus de 35 km3, soit 10 % de toute la glace de vêlage (les icebergs) du Groenland, dépasse celui de tous les autres glaciers du monde en dehors de l’Antarctique. Étudié depuis plus de 250 ans, le site a permis d’enrichir notre compréhension du changement climatique et de la glaciologie de la calotte glaciaire. L’immense couche de glace associée au fracas impressionnant d’une coulée de glace rapide vêlant dans un fjord couvert d’icebergs crée un phénomène naturel spectaculaire et grandiose.

خليج إيلوليسات الثلجي

يقع خليج إيلوليسات الثلجي عند الساحل الغربي لغروينلاند على مسافة250 كيلومتراً شمال المدار الشمالي وهو المنفذ البحري لسرمك كوجاليك، وهي من الخلجان الثلجيّة النادرة التي ينفذ بواسطتها ثلج المجلدة القارية في غروينلاند إلى البحر. وسرمك كوجاليك هو أحد أسرع المجلدات والأكثر نشاطاً في العالم. وينجرف منه سنويّاً أكثر من 35 كم³ أي 10% من مجموع جبال غروينلاند الثلجيّة ويتخطّى بهذه النسبة سائر المثلجات في العالم خارج القطب الجنوبي. وسمح هذا الموقع بعد مراقبة حركته مدّة 250 عام بتعزيز فهمنا للتغيّر المناخي وعلم ثلوج القطب الثلجيّة. ولا شكّ في أنّ الغطاء الثلجي المرفق بتحطّم ثلجي سريع المنجرف في خليجٍ مغطى بالجبال الجليديّة هو ظاهرة طبيعيّة رائعة وعظيمة.

source: UNESCO/CPE Description is available under license CC-BY-SA IGO 3.0

格陵兰的伊路利萨特冰湾 位于格陵兰岛西岸，北极圈以北250公里，是少数几个通过格陵兰冰冠入海的冰河之一瑟梅哥－库雅雷哥(Sermeq Kujalleq)的出海口。瑟梅哥－库雅雷哥是世界上流速最快，也是最活跃的冰川之一，每年裂冰超过35立方公里，占格陵兰岛裂冰的10%，比南极洲以外的任何其他冰河都多。人们对这条冰湾的研究超过250年，冰湾有利于我们对气候变化和冰河学的了解。巨大的冰盖，加上冰流迅速移动，在冰山覆盖的峡湾内崩裂发出的巨响，形成了令人敬畏的自然现象。

Fiordo helado de Ilulissat

Situado en la costa occidental de Groenlandia, a unos 250 km al norte del círculo polar ártico, el fiordo helado de Ilulissat es el lugar de desembocadura del Sermeq Kujalleq, uno de los pocos glaciares por los que la capa de hielo de esta inmensa isla septentrional se evacua hacia el mar. El Sermeq Kujalleq es uno de los glaciares más activos y rápidos del mundo, con una progresión de 19 metros diarios. Su volumen anual de evacuación de hielo es superior a 35 km3 y corresponde al 10% de la producida por todo el casquete de hielo de Groenlandia. De todos los glaciares existentes fuera del Antártico, el Sermeq Kujalleq es el que produce una mayor masa de icebergs. Las observaciones de que viene siendo objeto desde hace más de 250 años han permitido un mejor conocimiento de los cambios climáticos y la glaciología del casquete polar. Su inmensa masa de hielo, unida al inmenso estruendo que provoca su desplazamiento rápido hacia el mar en el fiordo lleno de icebergs, es un fenómeno de la naturaleza sobrecogedor y espectacular.

イルリサット・アイスフィヨルド

source: NFUAJ

IJsfjord Ilulissat

IJsfjord Ilulissat omvat en ligt aan de westkust van Groenland, 250 kilometer ten noorden van de poolcirkel. De fjord vormt de zeemond van Semeq Kujalleq, een van de weinige gletsjers waardoor de Groenlandse ijskap de zee bereikt. Sermeq Kujalleq is een van de snelste en actiefste gletsjers ter wereld. Meer dan 250 jaar studie naar dit gebied heeft bijgedragen aan het begrijpen van klimaatverandering en de ijskapglaciologie. De combinatie van een enorme ijskap en de dramatische geluiden van een snelle gletsjerijsstroom in een fjord van ijsbergen, maakt van dit gebied een indrukwekkend natuurverschijnsel.

Source: unesco.nl

Outstanding Universal Value

Brief synthesis

Located on the west coast of Greenland, 250 km north of the Arctic Circle, Greenland’s Ilulissat Icefjord is a tidal fjord covered with floating brash and massive ice, as it is situated where the Sermeq Kujalleq glacier calves ice into the sea. In winter, the area is frozen solid. One of the few places where ice from the Greenland ice cap enters the sea, Sermeq Kujalleq is also one of the fastest moving (40 m per day) and most active glaciers in the world. Its annual calving of over 46 cubic kilometres of ice, i.e. 10% of all Greenland calf ice, is more than any other glacier outside Antarctica, and it is still actively eroding the fjord bed. The combination of a huge ice-sheet and the dramatic sounds of a fast-moving glacial ice-stream calving into a fjord full of icebergs make for a dramatic and awe-inspiring natural phenomenon.

The Greenland ice cap is the only remnant in the Northern Hemisphere of the continental ice sheets from the Quaternary Ice Age. The oldest ice is estimated to be 250,000 years old, and provides detailed information on past climatic changes and atmospheric conditions from 250,000 to around 11,550 years ago, when climate became more stable. Studies made over the last 250 years demonstrate that during the last ice age, the climate fluctuated between extremely cold and warmer periods, while today the ice cap is being maintained by an annual accumulation of snow that matches the loss through calving and melting at the margins. This phenomenon has helped to develop our understanding of climate change and icecap glaciology. 

Criterion (vii): The combination of a huge ice sheet and a fast moving glacial ice-stream calving into a fjord covered by icebergs is a phenomenon only seen in Greenland and Antarctica. Ilulissat offers both scientists and visitors easy access for a close view of the calving glacier front as it cascades down from the ice sheet and into the ice-choked fjord. The wild and highly scenic combination of rock, ice and sea, along with the dramatic sounds produced by the moving ice, combine to present a memorable natural spectacle. 

Criterion (viii): The Ilulissat Icefjord is an outstanding example of a stage in the Earth’s history: the last ice age of the Quaternary Period. The ice-stream is one of the fastest (40 m per day) and most active in the world. Its annual calving of over 46 km 3 of ice accounts for 10% of the production of all Greenland calf ice, more than any other glacier outside Antarctica. The glacier has been the object of scientific attention for 250 years and, along with its relative ease of accessibility, has significantly added to the understanding of ice-cap glaciology, climate change and related geomorphic processes. 

The property is of sufficient size to adequately represent the geological process of the ice fjord, i.e. the fast-moving ice-stream, the relevant portion of the inland icecap, the glacial front and the fjord. The boundaries of the property are clearly defined in relation to the logical topographic criteria of the natural watershed, and the settlements of the nearby villages of Ilimanaq and Ilulissat are excluded from the property. Along with climatic limitations and the fact that no roads exist at the site, the area’s physical features retain a high degree of natural integrity.

The property has effective legal protection and a sound planning framework, including the prohibition of any mining in the protected area. However, increased management will be required as pressures from tourism and resource harvesting continue to grow. 

Protection and management requirements

The property is protected and conserved by an established framework of government legislation and protective designations and by local planning policies. The main legislative measure is the Greenland Parliament Act No. 29 of 18 December 2003 on nature protection. This act is the foundation framework for the protection of species, ecosystems and protected areas. Ilulissat itself is protected under the Greenland Home Rule Government Order No. 10 of 15 June 2007 on protection of Ilulissat Icefjord. The area bordering the property is further controlled by national regulations on waste disposal, use of snowmobiles, building constructions and landscape protection. Extensive hunting and fishing occurs in a portion of the property, and a special hunting law is enforced and monitored to ensure that the exploitation of biological resources in the area is sustainable. The property itself is managed cooperatively by a Board consisting of representatives from the Ministry of Environment and Nature and the Municipality of Ilulissat.

A comprehensive management plan has been developed and the property will benefit from a monitoring programme. Particular attention was paid to the rapidly increasing tourism in the area, and in particular pressures emanating from cruise ships visiting the site and helicopter traffic. Regulations concerning visits to the property by boat, foot, helicopter and dog sledge; the management of waste and waste disposal; building constructions; exploitation of biological resources in the area, and protection of the cultural heritage sites within the property have been put into place.  Signage and visitor infrastructure have been upgraded, and a visitor centre in the town of Ilulissat is planned.

All land in the reserve is state-owned and no permanent settlements are allowed. Nearby construction is also strictly controlled. Visitor access to the area is limited by the wilderness character of the landscape, with no roads or human-made structures. Management issues such as crowding (from cruise tourism) and erosion are limited to a small area close to the town of Ilulissat. The protection of the property will be further enhanced when a planned buffer zone is adopted.

• The Official Tourism Site of Greenland
• Official website
• Protectedplanet.net

State of Conservation (SOC)

• 1 Understand
• 2.1 By plane
• 2.2 By boat
• 3 Get around
• 4.1 Museums
• 4.2 Icebergs
• 5.1 Tour companies
• 9 Stay safe

Ilulissat (lit. "City of icebergs"; Danish : Jakobshavn ) is the third largest city in Greenland , in the Disko Bay just by the icefjord, from which it got its name. Ilulissat has one of the most beautiful settings for a great Greenlandic experience.

Understand [ edit ]

Ilulissat is at the mouth of the Ilulissat Ice Fjord , which was included as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2004. The town is next to the sea filled with icebergs from the most active glacier in the world, Sermeq Kujalleq . Excavations show that people have inhabited the area for thousands of years, and it was once the largest town in Greenland. The town is also known for having almost the same number of sled dogs as people: the town is home to 4,600 people and nearly 3,500 sled dogs.

Get in [ edit ]

By plane [ edit ]

By boat [ edit ].

• Arctic Umiaq Line sails to Ilulissat from South and West Greenland if the waters are safe.
• Disko Line [dead link] sails around Disko Bay for other destinations. There are no roads outside communities. To get between communities, you have to go by air or boat. Disko Line operates scheduled boat transport among the settlements and communities on Disko Island and along the coast. They also offer a series of packaged and custom tourist boat tours.

Get around [ edit ]

You can walk around, or get a cab, if you're going to or from the airport, which is located a bit out of town. However, most hotels will pick up and drop off guests at the airport. The Hotel Arctic, which is furthest from the centre of town, offers regular van service to the city centre (it's a 20-minute walk should you prefer to go on foot.)

Watch for dogsled yield signs. Dogs are kept in many places around town, and sleds have right-of-way. They are fast and quiet, with dogs fanning out in front each on individual ropes. Pedestrians and drivers must beware.

See [ edit ]

Museums [ edit ]

There are two museums in Ilulissat. The first is the Ilulissat Museum, which features exhibitions showcasing the life and expeditions of the explorer Knud Rasmussen. The second is the Inuit Art Museum, which features many paintings from Greenland, the Faroes and Denmark, with the most notable by Emanuel A. Peterson.

• 69.2192 -51.105 2 Ilulissat Museum ( Knud Rasmussen Museum ), Nuisariannguaq 9 , ☏ +299 94 36 43 , [email protected] . Open M-F 10:00-17:00 . Local historical museum, features exhibition of Knud Rasmussen, the famous Danish explorer. Adults 35 kr , children under 15 free .  
• 69.2203 -51.0965 3 Ilulissat Art Museum , Aron Mathiesenip Aqq. 7 , ☏ +299 94 44 43 , [email protected] . Su-Th 13:00-16:00 . Features paintings by Emanuel A. Petersen and other Greenlandic, Danish and Faroese artists.  

Icebergs [ edit ]

The sea surrounding Ilulissat is full of icebergs, mainly because of the proximity of the town to the Ilulissat Ice Fjord. the most active glacier in the world. The giant icebergs can be admired from shore or in local boats. These massive icebergs slowly drift out of the mouth of the fjord on their journey to the Atlantic.

Do [ edit ]

If you walk south from the camping ground you will reach the coast at the mouth of the icefjord. West of Kællingekløften (Nakkarfik) you will be high above the water, but walking around to the east side you can climb all the way down to the water and sit and watch the nature in all its magnificence.

• Attending a kaffemik (coffee gathering) is the best way to meet some of the locals, and they will be happy to invite you to one. Ilulissat and the surrounding settlements are all great places to score an invite to one of these, and the local tourist offices can help you attend one of these local social traditions.
• The Ilulissat region is a great area to explore at sea , you can travel to either the nearby settlements or see the fjord and all of the icebergs in it. Travelers can also sail to Disko Island and see the majority of Disko Bay on the journey.
• No winter or spring trip would be complete without a dogsled ride. Tours from one hour to ten days can be arranged with tour companies in town. Each sled will hold one or two passengers, not including the driver who will sometimes run alongside, sometimes ride on the back, and sometimes jump on to sit in front of you. Lyngmarks Glacier on Disko Island is the only place in Greenland where travelers can dog sled in the summer. Many local hunters will take tourist along with them on their dog sleds. The best way to arrange this is through the local tourist offices in Ilulissat.
• There are many good hiking trails in and around Ilulissat. Travelers can hike through the mountains and around the lakes in the valley to the site where traces of the first humans in Greenland over 4,500 years ago have been found.
• The Arctic palerfik is the ceremonial last dog sled trip of the winter season in Iluissat (before the sun gets too strong and snow starts melting), and takes place in March or April. Made up of a hundred sleds, each pulled by ten dogs, it's a terrific parade to witness for many travelers.
• In the summer, Arctic midnight orienteering competitions are held in the midnight sun . This is an official Arctic championship and an unofficial Greenlandic championship held annually.
• 69.2162 -51.103 1 Sports Centre Ilulissat , Alannguasik , ☏ +299 94 78 30 , [email protected] . A health club and gym in the Danish tradition; right across from the soccer fields.  

Tour companies [ edit ]

• Greenland Tours Info , Kussangajaannguaq 18 , ☏ +299 94 44 11 , +299 54 35 11 , [email protected] . Offers many different types of excursions around Ilulissat, including helicopter tours and tours to the local settlements and the ice fjord. Child discounts are offered. Some tours are seasonal and weather dependent. Prices vary: 200-3000 kr .  
• 69.2199 -51.09785 2 World of Greenland , Kussangajaannguaq 7 , ☏ +299 94 43 00 , [email protected] . Tourist office that operates tours of varying lengths. From 1-5 hours or 2-10 days depending on the destination and method of transport. All tours are created for each group, so pricing varies. The company was founded in 2007 by experienced guides.  
• Arctic Adventure , Marralinnguaq 28 , ☏ +299 94 31 30 , [email protected] .  
• 69.22005 -51.09873 3 Ice Cap Tours , P.O. Box 1005 , ☏ +299 94 45 45 , [email protected] . Offers many different types of tours in Ilulissat and the surrounding settlements. Helicopter tours are an option. Pricing tours from 285-1500 kr .  
• 69.22024 -51.0981 4 Tourist Nature Information , Kussangajannguaq 5 , ☏ +299 94 44 20 , [email protected] . This tourist office charters many different types of tours including dog sled tours, boat tours, helicopter tours and cultural tours. There is also an option to attend a dog feeding hour with the local sled dogs. Price varies based on tour: 150-1000 kr .  

Buy [ edit ]

• 69.2195 -51.09897 1 Glacier Shop , P.O. Box 662 , ☏ +299 94 33 37 , [email protected] . Small shop in town where you can buy crafts, art and souvenirs made by local artisans.  
• 69.22013 -51.09806 2 Mersortarfik , P.O. Box 487 , ☏ +299 94 42 16 , [email protected] . A workshop in the town where you can buy different crafts that are made there, typically from fur and bone as well as stone.  

Eat [ edit ]

• 69.2172 -51.1221 1 Restaurant Icefjord , Jørgen Sverdrupip Aqq. 10 , ☏ +299 94 44 80 . Meals avg 129 kr .  
• 69.2134 -51.1035 2 Restaurant Mamartut , Sermermiut Aqq. 4 , ☏ +299 94 51 00 , [email protected] . Open M-Sa 11:30-23:00 . Offer a Greenlandic Buffet on Tuesdays and Wednesdays in the summer months, usually through September. Main courses avg 190-250 kr .  
• 69.22098 -51.10519 3 Restaurant Hvide Falk , ☏ +299 94 33 43 . Offers a Greenlandic style buffet with lots of seafood. There is also, unexpectedly, a room set aside for Thai cuisine. Take away food is available, prices start at 85 kr .  
• 69.220038 -51.099874 4 Cafe Iluliaq , Fredericiap Aqqutaa 5 , ☏ +299 94 22 42 . Cafe inside of the Cab-Inn. Breakfast is included in the hotel stay.  
• 69.2268 -51.0931 5 Cafe Ferdinand ( c/o Hotel Arctic ), Mitarfimmut Aqq. B1128 , ☏ +299 94 41 53 , [email protected] . Dinner is served from 18:30-21:00 . This cafe has views of the Disko Bay's gigantic icebergs, and serves cakes, coffee and tea during the day, and dinner in the evening. The cafe turns into a bar after 22:00. 85-275 kr .  
• 69.22668 -51.09323 6 Restaurant Ulo ( c/o Hotel Arctic ), Mitarfimmut Aqq. B1128 , ☏ +299 94 41 53 , [email protected] . Daily 05:00-10:00, 12:00-24:00, 18:00-21:00 . Restaurant with views of the Disko Bays gigantic icebergs. Serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. The restaurant serves as much local food as possible, such as musk-ox, reindeer, Greenland halibut, arctic hare, ptarmigan, wolfish, mussels, sea urchins and redfish. Herbs are collected in the fells, including sheep sorrel, knot weed, mountain sorrel, lousewort, northern marsh yellers, common mouse ear and knotted pearlwort. 75-595 kr .  

Sleep [ edit ]

Ilulissat is the place in Greenland with most accommodations/hotels, but due to the increased tourism, it is recommended to make reservations in advance.

• 69.226431 -51.088435 2 Hotel Avannaa , ☏ +299 94 40 02 , [email protected] . Hotel rooms are spacious with private bathrooms, each has its own tv. There are also some mini kitchens so that guests can cook their own food. Prices vary with the season: high season single room: 885 kr , double room 1115 kr .  
• 69.220924 -51.105765 3 Hotel Hvide Falk , Napparsimaviup Aqq. 18 , ☏ +299 94 33 43 , [email protected] . Singles from 1,015 kr .  
• 69.217099 -51.122423 4 Hotel Icefjord , Jørgen Sverdrupip Aqq. 10 , ☏ +299 94 44 80 , [email protected] . Singles from 1,050 kr in high season, considerable discounts the rest of the year .  
• 69.218546 -51.089569 5 [dead link] Ilulissat Youth Hostel ( c/o World of Greenland ), Marralinnguaq 49 , ☏ +299 94 33 77 , [email protected] . Small hostel in town. Breakfast is included, and is between 07:30 till 09:30. There are 43 twin rooms available. Single 600 kr , double 350 kr per person .  
• 69.2277 -51.0971 6 [dead link] Hotel Arctic - Igloos ( Hotel Arctic ), Mittarfimmut Aqq. B1128, P.O. Box 150 , ☏ +299 94 41 53 , [email protected] . The igloo cabins are inspired by the classic Inuit igloo in shape and design but instead of ice they have an aluminum frame to insure comfortable and modern facilities like any other hotel room - but the atmosphere is totally different. The igloos are situated on the edge of the Ilulissat ice fjord with views of the Disko Bays gigantic icebergs. The Igloos are connected to the Hotel Arctic by a boardwalk on the cliffs.  

Stay safe [ edit ]

In the summer, long trousers, long sleeves, a hat and a mosquito net are a must.

In the summer of 2007, a polar bear was seen some kilometres north of town. This was a major event as it was first time in 20 years a polar bear was seen in the area. Many of the local inhabitants surrounded the bear and it was soon decided that the bear was a threat. Consequently, the luckless bear was shot.

Go next [ edit ]

Like usual in Greenland, there aren't really any roads to anywhere. There's a hiking path to Oqaatsut , a 5-7 hour hike away, or a little less by kayak. Other than this, you can take the plane or boat to available destinations.

• UNESCO World Heritage Sites
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13 Awesome Things to do in Ilulissat Greenland

Wondering what to do in Ilulissat?

Okay, you’ve got to accept the fact that Greenland is an emerging tourist hot spot! Yes, it sounds absurd to use the word hot in the same sentence as this arctic ice island, but trust me.

For the adventure traveler Greenland is only going to become more and more appealing.

As the biggest island on earth, Greenland is easy to locate on a map, but unfortunately most people don’t know a lot beyond that.

Want to familiarize yourself with more of the basics of the country/not country and why you should go? Read our Top Reasons to Visit Greenland post here !

The general lack of knowledge about Greenland excursions helps make it an unspoiled arctic paradise!

When you are ready to plan your trip to Greenland, you are likely to want to visit Ilulissat. Maybe you’ve seen the famous Ilulissat Icefjord , but there are so many more reasons why you should plan your next adventure there.

Read on to see why you should visit and some of the mechanics of trip planning for visiting Ilulissat.

Interesting Facts about Ilulissat

• Ilulissat literally means “icebergs”.
• Approximately 85% of Greenland is covered in a humongous ice sheet. Even though climate change is melting the island, it is still over a mile and a half thick in most places.
• Greenland is far enough north that in the summer (roughly May 21-July 24) the sun will not set – i.e. you will get to experience the midnight sun.
• Some people mistakenly say that there aren’t hotels in Ilulissat, but that is definitely not the case now. While they are likely to be more expensive than other destinations, there are a good number of fairly decent hotels.

Where is Ilulissat Greenland?

Ilulissat is located on the west coast of Greenland, 150 miles (250 km) north of the Arctic Circle.

How to get there

There are starting to be more and more commercial flights to Greenland. Most flights take off from Iceland or mainland Denmark, but there are also a few cruise ships that make stops at various places along the island.

Ilulissat has an international airport with direct flights to Iceland and Denmark, but also to the other main towns in Greenland.

Flights are expensive due to the lack of competition. Hopefully this will change in the future.

When to go to Ilulissat

You can go at almost any time of year, but be aware of the drastic differences.

Summer is a season of the midnight sun , while winter is for dog sledding , northern lights and star gazing.

Obviously the winter is going to be freezing cold and feature almost no or no sunlight at all.

Ilulissat Weather: What to Expect

Ilulissat is located about 220 mi (350 km) north of the arctic circle.

No surprise here, but in Ilulissat even the summers are cold. Also not suprisingly the winters are frigid, snowy, and windy. You can expect clouds and gusts of wind year round.

Throughout the year the temperature typically varies from  -3°F to 52°F . It is rarely below -24°F or above 58°F.

July is the hottest month with temperatures in the 40’s and 50’s.

How to get around

Do not expect to rent a car and cruise around on interstates. Most of the cities don’t even have roads that connect them.

Instead, locals get around by boats, helicopters, airplanes, and dog sleds. A unique network of transportation options are represented in Greenland.

When in Ilulissat try and stay at a hotel that offers shuttle service ( Like these here ) into town to save you walking time. The town is walkable but it is still fairly big.

The airport is located about 3 miles outside of town so you will need to arrange a shuttle to take you to your hotel. A lot of hotels in Ilulissat offer free airport transfers. Make sure to check for this when booking your hotel.

Read my Ilulissat hotel guide here.

Where to stay in Ilulissat

There are a few hotels in town, but as the area increases in popularity they are getting booked up earlier and earlier. Make sure to book one when you book your flights so you don’t get stuck without one.

A perk of the town being so small is that most of the hotels are really close. All within walking distance to the town center.

The best Ilulissat hotels I recommend are listed below.

Hotel Arctic Ilulissat

Most rooms at the Hotel Arctic include a picturesque view over the Icefjord.

Hotel Arctic is Ilulissat’s nicest hotel (4-star).

It is located just out of town, and features the nicest “conference center” in Greenland. How awesome would it be if your work booked a conference for you to attend there? Even if you don’t stay here the hotel bar and restaurant are a spectacular place to hang out.

While the location is not directly in the city center it is still easily walkable to get there.

Hotel Icefjord

All rooms at Icefiord Hotel feature views of Disko Bay and its icebergs. What more can you ask for in a hotel room?

Eqi glacier and lodge cabins

Want to be a little more on your own?

You can go to Camp Eqi at Eqip Sermia Glacier. It is one of the best places to stay in Ilulissat. Eqi glacier is also called Jakobshavn Glacier. The glacier itself is one of the top tourist destinations in the country. Climate change continues to transfom this glacier.

13 Amazing Things to do in Ilulissat

Take a boat tour of disko bay.

How does an evening boat ride while enjoying the glow of the midnight sun sound? Boat tours give you the opportunity to explore glaciers and ice fields up close and personal.

Zion Church In Ilulissat Greenland

Even if you aren’t religious you might want to take in a service. Can you imagine going to church every week with these views!

Whale Watching

I’m sure you aren’t surprised to learn that Greenland is one of the best places on earth to go whale watching. You can see up to seven different species of whales in the area.

The Ilulissat Ice Fjord

Aren’t shots of this icefield breathtaking?

Pictures like the one above single handedly made me decide that I had to visit. I’m not the only one as the Ilulissat Icefjord was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2004.

Make sure you bring proper hiking boots to Greenland. These Colombia boots are my favorite. They are waterproof, affordable, stylish (IMO) and most of all comfortable.

Read our full guide on visiting the Ilulissat Icefjord here .

Travel tip – Make sure you bring a steady tripod that won’t blow over with windy conditions. I recommend the Peak Design travel tripod . You can hang your bag on a hook to keep your tripod from blowing over! I have used many different travel tripods and this one is the only one I have ever not hated.

Arctic Kayaking in Greenland

No trip to Greenland would be complete without kayaking through icebergs, glaciers, and the wildlife present in the sea.

Must know – Kayaking is only available in the summer. (June through September)

Marvel at the Northern Lights

Seeing the Northern Lights in person has to be on everyone’s bucket list. The enchanting colors of the aurora borealis will never get old to me.

The phenomenon of the Northern Lights occurs above Greenland all times of year. The problem is that you can’t see them if the sun is up. This is especially frustrating in the summer when the sun doesn’t really set. The best times to see them in Greenland begins in the fall and goes until spring.

There are a number of popular tours available that will take you to the best viewing spots.

Check out the Glaciers

You don’t really have to “go check out” the glaciers. By simply being in Ilulissat you are not going to be able to avoid taking them in.

Taste the local cuisine

I have never eaten whale meat and likely never will, but I include it because many visitors want to experience what the locals do. The national dish of Greenland is often said to be suaasat. It is a soup made out of whale, reindeer, or local birds, as well as rice and onions.

Meet the Greenlandic Husky

These are the huskies that are used as sled dogs. They are incredibly important to the locals, though now they are often replaced with snowmobiles. They are supposed to have been brought to Greenland over 1,000 years ago.

Dog Sledding

Dog sledding has been on my bucket list for years! Can you think of a more epic place than Greenland to go dog sledding? It is a once in a lifetime experience that can’t be missed and is perfect with the Greenland Husky!

In order to go dog sledding in Greenland you have to go on a guided tour. I highly recommend this one here .

Take an Ilulissat walking tour

It may sound silly to go on a walking tour of a town so small, but trust me, there is no way you can pick up on everything going on in the town without.

Living in the arctic is likely completely different than where you are from. The extreme weather conditions caused locals to make all sorts of unique adjustments and develop with a fascinating history.

In the best of Ilulissat walking tour a local guide will cover the history of the town as well as taking you to all the best photo spots and view points.

The tour lasts about 2 hours so you will still be left with time to fit in everything on your itinerary. Book your tour here.

Traveling to Greenland as a couple? Why not make a stop at the most romantic places in Ilulissat. Book here. Once again, you may not realize that without help you may pass up some of the best places and attractions in the city.

Book your tour: Romantic tour in Ilulissat

Marvel at Eqi Glacier

Eqi glacier is another specific glacier that is famous around the world. The ever changing face of the glacier offers the perfect place to explore.

For the best views of Eqi Glacier I recommend staying in the Glacier Lodge Eqi . If you want views of icebergs and glaciers I recommend Hotel Arctic . We stayed here and LOVED it.

Go Ice Fishing

Want to catch your own dinner? There are all kinds of excursions or guides that will let you ice fish and ultimately get to eat what you catch.

In order to go ice fishing in Greenland you will definitely need a guide. I recommend this tour here.

Seasonal – Ice fishing is only available in the winter.

Enjoy 24 hours of daylight with Midnight Sun Greenland

Night owl? Looking for an excuse to explore all night without the sun setting?

From May 21st to July 24, Ilulissat will experience the midnight sun. As someone with chronic sleep issues I love the idea of being able to be up all night and sleep all day.

When to see the midnight sun in Greenland?

May 21st to July 24.

Have you ever been to Greenland? What was your favorite thing to do in Ilulissat?

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Ilulissat – the place with the famous Ice Fjord

Ilulissat – the city of icebergs – is situated right next to its impressive neighbor, the world-famous Ice Fjord. It became part of the UNESCO World Heritage in 2004.

Welcome to Ilulissat

Ilulissat is Greenland’s most famous town, and when you get here, you will understand why. This thriving town is located at Ilulissat Ice Fjord, the first place in Greenland to be declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

A lot has been written about Ilulissat over the years and understandably. The area has been inhabited for 4,000 years due to the unique fishing and hunting opportunities created by the impressive Ilulissat Ice Fjord. The Ice Fjord is the focal point for your stay in the town, but also general life here. Not only is it unbelievably beautiful, but you find wide-ranging wildlife with lots of fish, seals, birds, and whales. And let’s not forget about the sled dogs!

The icebergs in the fjord are visible from almost anywhere in the town. They come all the way from the glacier Sermeq Kujalleq. Sermeq Kujalleq is the largest glacier in the northern hemisphere and at the same time, one of the fastest glaciers in the world. With its speed of 130 feet a day it is Greenland’s fastest glacier.

There are more than 4.500 inhabitants in Ilulissat, which makes it Greenland’s third largest town. And then there are the sled dogs. Word has it, that there is a sled dog for each and every person in Ilulissat – today, however, this is not quite true anymore. But there still are about 2.500 sled dogs in the area.

If you get the opportunity to visit Ilulissat, look forward to meet a friendly and forthcoming community, where old traditions live side by side with modern society.

Ilulissat is very special

Can you imagine how it was for the early residents who came to the Sermermiut area at Ilulissat Ice Fjord 4,000 years ago? Were they equally captivated by the beauty of the area, or was it more the thought of food and, thereby, survival going through their heads? Whatever motives, the place has always been popular and rightly so.

Even when approaching Ilulissat, you will understand that this is something very special. As you fly north along the coast from Kangerlussuaq, you fly above the Disco Bay, and, eventually, you will see more and more and larger icebergs in the water (a piece of advice: try to get a seat on the right side of the airplane as you board Air Greenland’s Dash-8 aircraft in Kangerlussuaq).

The Ice Fjord is a fantastic sight, and if you look towards the head of the fjord, you might see Kangia Glacier, the most productive glacier in the Northern Hemisphere.

Excursions all year round in Ilulissat

Ilulissat and its surroundings invite you to many lovely excursions.

You can get to see whales, settlements, icebergs and calving glaciers on boat trips. Hiking tours take you to the Ice Fjord and abandoned settlements in wonderful mountains. You can also jump on a helicopter and get really close to the Greenland Ice Sheet and the edge of the glacier with an incredible view. If you dream about staying overnight very comfortably and close to nature, we highly recommend you the popular Glacier Lodge Eqi and the newly built, luxury Ilimanaq Lodge south of the Ice Fjord.

Read more about  World of Greenland.

Ilulissat Ice Fjord

It is an incredibly beautiful experience to see Ilulissat Ice Fjord, and when you are here, you owe it to yourself to experience the Ice Fjord in every imaginable way. You have traveled a long way to experience this UNESCO World Heritage Site, so make the most of it while you are here.

Head out to the abandoned settlement of Sermermiut and see Nakkaavik (where, in the old days, older people would jump off the cliff in times of hunger) and see the icebergs from the shore. Walk around the town and observe the huge icebergs at the mouth of the fjord. Go on a boat trip to the mouth of the fjord and experience the huge icebergs up close. Do it again at night and experience the ice which now shines in the most beautiful golden hues under the midnight sun.

Ilulissat Ice Fjord is pure magic, and it is constantly changing. Ice comes, and ice goes, but you can always be sure that there are a lot of large icebergs that are stranded at the mouth of the fjord. The fact that they are sitting on a sandbank at the mouth of the fjord makes it safe for the boats to sail relatively close to the icebergs.

However, Ilulissat is a lot much more than ice, which you will hear several times a day as the dogs howl towards the sky.

Dog sledding

There are 2,500 sled dogs in Ilulissat, and the dog sled culture is cherished here. And it’s not just that it is cherished; it’s a necessity. The dog sleds are used by the many fishermen who, in winter, ride out on the ice fjord to fish and load their dog sleds with large halibut. It is a practical means of transportation, as it has been for over a thousand years, but fortunately, it is also possible for you to go on dog sledding trips when the fishermen are not working on the fjord.

In the winter, you can try short one-hour dog sled trips, or you may want to try longer trips, which last several days. On these longer trips, you almost get to experience life as it has been lived for centuries, though with some modern conveniences, so it’s not a survival trip, but an adventure trip.

When hiking in Greenland, expect that paths often are slightly uneven and not always marked consistently. However, there are some fine paths in Ilulissat and some well-marked routes along the Ice Fjord. We recommend two hikes: a short version and a longer day trip that you can walk on your own. It is also possible to join a guided tour with World of Greenland, where en experienced tour guide provides you with interesting information at the same time.

Easy hike to the abandoned settlement Sermermiut

This short walk is relatively easy and takes about 30 to 45 minutes by foot from the center of the town. You leave Ilulissat and walk to an incredibly beautiful place by the Ice Fjord, where there in the old days lay the settlement “Sermermiut”. The company of a tour guide can be of advantage, because they will be able to tell you more about the area and the settlement. But this hike is also suited for walking alone in the daytime or in the evening. Pack your backpack, take some lunch, your camera and maybe a good book and enjoy the amazing view. There is a footbridge all the way down to the Fjord. However, if you come here during the winter, it can be hard to find. When you get to the actual Fjord, walk up to get an even better view over the entire Ice Fjord. The last part of the route is not suited for people with difficulties to walk.

The long daytrip along the Ice Fjord

This is a day-long hike for people in an average physical condition. Start to follow the green route down to the settlement by the Ice Fjord. Continue on the blue route from here. Put water and food in your backpack. Remember warm clothing as well as sitting mats and everything else you need for a day “in the mountains”. The hike is relatively easy. The last part leads through a gorge, though, where you need to pass many stones. You have the choice to walk higher up instead of crossing the gorge. In that way, you’ll get a great view as a bonus. We recommend this tour to people that are used to hiking on uneven ground, are in average physical condition and a little experienced in hiking in the mountain areas.

Read more about Ilulissat .

Discover cultural experiences in Ilulissat

Culturally, Ilulissat is an exciting and very cultural town. It was here that the world-famous polar explorer Knud Rasmussen was born and grew up. At Knud Rasmussen’s childhood home, you can visit the town’s museum, and it is definitely worth a visit. Knud Rasmussen was born here in 1879. Right opposite his birthplace, you find the Zion Church, one of the most photographed churches in Greenland; a selfie in front of this brown wooden church with the large icebergs in the background is a favorite instamoment. You will also find an exciting art museum in Ilulissat.

When you visit Ilulissat you can take the guided tour ”Cultural and historical walk through Ilulissat”. This walk will introduce you to the town and its history. You’ll get some insight into all the sights, which you might oversee when walking by yourself. You will also get some insight into Greenlandic culture and history, while you will have the opportunity to ask the tour guide about anything on your way.

Ilulissat Museum This museum is definitely worth a visit! The Danish arctic explorer Knud Rasmussen grew up in the house that today accommodates the museum. He was born in Ilulissat in 1879. The visit takes about an hour and you can choose to spend even more time with all the interesting exhibits.

Zion church and service The church is situated right next to the museum. It is open on weekdays, and on Sundays you’ll get the chance to take part in a service, where people sing from the strength of their lungs. If you’re lucky, perhaps you can witness a christening, confirmation or a wedding.

Ilulissat Museum of Art Another wonderful place to visit is the small local art museum. It has a large exhibition with the artworks of the Danish artist Emanuel A. Petersen. In the summer, they often show exhibitions with young Greenlandic artists. The house alone is a beautiful place with a special atmosphere – you can feel the time go back hundreds of years in here.

The lovely and busy harbor A harbor is a central place in all towns in Greenland, and Ilulissat is no exception. From early morning, there is a buzz of life. Up the hill from the harbor, you will find the local fish market, the place where you can buy the catch of the hunters and fishers.

Spend some time in the harbor. Sit down, relax and get the feeling of the fishermen’s busy life. They get ready to sail out on the sea, come back with the catch of the day or sit and work with their long lines. Down here, it is lively all year round. In the harbor, there is a small and cozy booth, where you can get anything from fishing gear to hunting equipment. And coffee, of course.

”Brættet” – the local fish and meat market This is the place, where you can buy freshly caught fish and meat, smoked food and berries – in short: the storeroom of nature. The local catchers and fishermen come here with the catch of the day. It is a small market, where they sell their produce in small and large portions. “Brættet”, the bord, is located right in the center and is usually open on weekdays from 9am to 5 pm and from 9am to 1pm in the weekend.

Craft workshop Local artists make beautiful craftwork and sell it. You can simply just walk in, when their workshop is open during the week and the locals sit and work here. The craft workshop is situated very centrally on the way to the harbor and not far from the “Brættet” and the local tourist office “World of Greenland”. Walk past the Bank of Greenland on your left hand side, and you’ll find the workshop on your left. There is a sign outside.

Sewing room In the sewing room, there are many beautiful things made of seal skin and other local materials. They accept all kinds of usual credit cards, so you’ll soon be tempted. It is located centrally as well and not far from the craft workshop.

Local arts and crafts

There are many places to see and buy Greenlandic crafts, and the number of souvenir shops in Ilulissat is huge compared to all the other towns in Greenland. They sell exciting souvenirs and handicrafts, and you can get tupilaks made from bones and tusk, sealskin purses, and even locally inspired USB memory sticks. Start your visit at our daughter company, World of Greenland, and hear about all the possibilities of the area.

Eating out in Ilulissat

There is a number of restaurants and cafés in the town that offer very good food and often a fantastic view, as well. Many Greenlandic restaurants are inspired by international ways of cooking. The combination of local raw materials and international cuisine makes it a delicious and tasty experience to dine at a restaurant in Greenland. You will find, that some of Greenland’s best chefs are working right here in Ilulissat.

Greenlandic buffet Spoil yourself with a Greenlandic buffet during your stay in Ilulissat. All the larger restaurants offer a Greenlandic buffet once a week. Book a table in advance, especially in the summer season. Greenlandic buffets consist of all kinds of Greenlandic specialties and dishes based on tasty, local ingredients.

Hotel Arctic Hotel Arctic is known for its high standards in cuisine. Many of their chefs have won gastronomic prices over the years. At Restaurant Ulo in Hotel Arctic you are guaranteed a culinary experience. Moreover, the less formal Brasserie Ferdinand is located in the hotel and offers simple café-style dishes with the same great view over the Fjord.

Everybody is welcome at Hotel Arctic, so do not hesitate to come along. The view is extraordinary and the atmosphere is warm and welcoming. There is Greenlandic buffet on Mondays and BBQ on Saturdays. In the summer, the grill is often smoking on the hotel’s terrace. Hotel Arctic is placed just outside the town. You can see it from the town, it consists of a number of red buildings and you can easily walk there (20 minutes). Read more about  Hotel Arctic.

Hotel Icefiord Restaurant Icefiord at Hotel Icefiord offers Greenlandic buffet on Thursdays. There are huge panorama windows with a view to the Ice Fjord. The restaurant is open all week and offers a dinner and lunch menu. You can also order your Thai take-away from the restaurant. Read more about  Hotel Icefiord.

Hotel Hvide Falk Hotel Hvide Falk (White Hawk) is located in the center of the city with an amazing view. At Hotel Hvide Falk, you can try a Greenlandic buffet once every week. Here you get all the delicacies of the Greenlandic cuisine . Sometimes the buffet is a little Chinese-inspired with special cut vegetables in beautiful shapes. Read more about Hotel Hvide falk .

Restaurant Mamartut This small and cozy restaurant is situated on the way down to the Ice Fjord in a little house. From the outside it looks like a private house. You can take a break here on your way home from the Ice Fjord. It is only 5 to 10 minutes walk away from the center. They offer high quality food with many specialties. All dishes are based on local ingredients and even herbs from the garden by the house. They offer Greenlandic buffets at the restaurant on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from June to September. Remember to book a table in advance. Read more on Mamartuts homepage. (this page is in Danish)

Hong Kong Grill In the summer, you can enjoy a simple meal on their terrace with an Ice Fjord view, the town museum and the beautiful Zion church. The food is simple and consists of Thai-inspired dishes. They don’t serve alcohol. The grill is only a few hundred feet away from the town center.

Other places to eat in Ilulissat There are a number of small and cozy cafés in the center of Ilulissat. Here you can get traditional café-style snacks and food. Get your cup of coffee here and enjoy sitting outside in the summer.

Travel literature on Greenland

• Experience Kangia Ilulissat Icefjord – official guide to the World Heritage Site Ilulissat Icefjord – this book can be bought on på Greenlandtodays homepage.

Popular trips to Greenland

Bestseller: Summer, Sun and Huge Icebergs in Greenland

Price per person in double room from

Guaranteed departure on selected departures

Dream trip in the Disko Bay

Guaranteed departure on selected departures | incl. tour guide

Summer impressions of Greenland

How to Visit Ilulissat Icefjord: Best Hikes, Tours & Tips

By Author Jurga

Posted on Last updated: July 3, 2021

Few places in the world can compare to the majestic Ilulissat Icefjord in Greenland. It’s one of the most special natural wonders of our planet!

If you are wondering what makes the Ilulissat Icefjord so special or how to visit it, this article should give you a good idea of what to expect and how to get the most out of your visit. Find out!

Good to know: Ilulissat Icefjord is ever-changing and so you never really know what you’ll find till you get there, but one thing is for sure – it will be one of the most unique places you’ve ever seen. A place so special that no words, images, or videos can do it justice. You just have to experience it!

Kangia – Ilulissat Icefjord – Introduction

Kangia – Ilulissat Icefjord in Greenland is one of the most important glacial sites in the world . Both in terms of its staggering beauty and enormous appeal to tourists, as well as its significance in providing research opportunities and crucial information about climate change.

Covered in brash – small, floating chunks of ice – this tidal fjord is located near Ilulissat on the west coast of Greenland, 250 km north of the Arctic Circle. The fjord is 70 km long!

Its local town is Ilulissat , which means ‘ icebergs’ in the Greenlandic language. When you see the surroundings of Ilulissat, you’ll understand where the name comes from…

Ilulissat has a population of just around 5,000 people, making it the 3rd largest town in Greenland. It’s the most visited tourist destination in the country and its popularity has everything to do with Ilulissat Icefjord and the adjacent Disko Bay. Disko Bay is filled with huge floating icebergs that come from the calving glacier at Ilulissat Icefjord. A truly majestic sight!

The beauty of the region remains unspoiled, despite Ilulissat’s growing tourist numbers. Ilulissat Icefjord is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is highly protected. There are no roads in the area, mining is prohibited, and no permanent settlement is allowed. The land in the reserve is state-owned and any construction nearby is strictly controlled.

Good to know: The narrow part of the Ilulissat Icefjord , just where the glacier meets the Arctic Sea, is also called Kangia Icefjord . For the sake of simplicity, in this article, we refer to the entire area as Ilulissat Icefjord or Kangia, both meaning the same place. The word Kangia means ‘ easterly ‘. It refers to the glacier’s location in relation to the nearby settlements.

What’s So Special about Ilulissat Icefjord

Ilulissat Icefjord is the sea mouth of Sermeq Kujalleq – an outlet glacier through which Greenland’s gigantic ice cap reaches the sea . This glacier is extremely active and – at 40 meters per day – one of the fastest moving glaciers in the world.

Huge chunks of ice regularly break off from Sermeq Kujalleq in a process known as ‘calving’. 45 km³ of icebergs are produced by the glacier each year – enough to cover all the water consumption of the USA for 1 year. Some of these icebergs are so big that even a huge cruise ship looks tiny next to them…

Interesting to know: The biggest icebergs that calve from Ilulissat Icefjord can reach 2 km in length with 120 m above sea level (which is higher than the Statue of Liberty in New York (93 m) or Big Ben in London (96 m)).

Ilulissat Icefjord’s combination of a vast ice sheet and a rapidly moving glacial stream calving into the sea is truly unique. Due to this, the scenery here changes all the time. No matter how many times you’ve seen Ilulissat Icefjord, it will never be the same as before.

We were in Ilulissat twice during our trip, with just 3 days in between the visits, and the Icefjord changed so drastically in those few days that we could hardly believe it was the same place…

Greenland’s ice cap is significant as the Northern Hemisphere’s only remnant of continental ice sheets from the Quaternary Period. Experts are able to learn about changes in the climate and atmospheric conditions from the past by studying the ice in the region, some of which is believed to be around 250,000 years old. No wonder that Ilulissat Icefjord has been the focus of scientific studies into glaciology and the climate for over two centuries.

Ilulissat Icefjord is the first place in the Arctic that was added to the UNESCO World Heritage Sites list.

Why Visit Kangia Icefjord

Ilulissat Icefjord is one of the most unique places in the world! The panoramic views of the glacier, the icebergs, and the surroundings are breathtakingly beautiful. The scenery here is so vast and truly majestic that it makes you feel tiny and appreciate the power of nature even more!

Often, you can also see the ice move and also hear the dramatic sounds of the calving process, which gives rise to unique creaks, cracks, and groans.

The nearby Disko Bay attracts a variety of seals and whales. In fact, it is considered to be one of Greenland’s best places for whale-watching. Every time we went for a walk along the Icefjord, we saw whales from the shore! We also saw whales from our hotel room and hotel restaurant in Ilulissat. Simply incredible!

Where Is Ilulissat Icefjord & How to Visit

There are few other locations in the world where it is so easy to access such a spectacular natural wonder as Ilulissat Icefjord. It’s located just near Ilulissat town and you can easily walk there on your own and explore the area via several hiking trails.

Ilulissat Icefjord’s wild and rugged landscape can be admired from a distance, but you cannot walk on the ice itself. Nevertheless, there are several ways to experience the beauty of the site. In addition to hiking, you can take a boat tour, go kayaking, or see the Icefjord from the air. If possible, it is worth doing them all to truly appreciate the scenery and the majestic scale of the area.

Below, you can find more details about all the different ways to visit Ilulissat Icefjord. Take a look!

Hiking in Ilulissat + Map

There are many hiking possibilities around Ilulissat, with the most popular trails leading to the Kangia Icefjord and along its shores.

Hiking through the peaceful, untouched wilderness with so many Arctic flowers all around you – it’s a magical place! We were visiting Ilulissat in July (the busiest tourist season), but we hardly met any people when hiking near the Icefjord.

If you visit this area in winter, you’ll probably need snowshoes in order to hike here. The wooden boardwalk of the World Heritage Trail is the best-accessible trail towards the Icefjord in any season.

There is a hiking trail suitable for everyone around here, from accomplished long-distance hikers to those looking for a less demanding, low elevation route for the day. Below is an overview of the main hiking trails at the Ilulissat Icefjord.

Maps of this hiking area are available at most hotels, tour offices, and some shops. There are also informational panels with maps and practical info at the Old Heliport.

To make it somewhat easier for you to understand where everything is, I include a picture that I took with the area’s hiking trails.

Good to know: You are free to hike where you please since there is no privately owned land in the area, but please be respectful to nature and warning signs. A big area next to the World Heritage Trail is a no-hiking zone. This has two reasons. First, the area is a protected archeological zone. Second, it’s located lower and there is a big tsunami risk in case a big iceberg collapses. It can happen very quickly, so obey the signs and don’t go there.

World Heritage Trail to Sermermiut

The easiest and must-do trail is the so-called World Heritage Trail . It’s a 2,6 km round trip between the new Ilulissat Icefjord Center to the Icefjord, past the Sermermiut archaeological zone.

Good to know: The Ilulissat Icefjord Center is new and was just being built when we visited. It stands at the location of the ‘Old Heliport’ indicated on the map above.

Sermermiut is a former Inuit settlement that has been inhabited by three different Inuit cultures in the period 2000 BC to 1850 AD. With about 200 inhabitants, this was one of the largest settlements in Greenland and it has a big archeological value. Nowadays, only vague outlines of peat house ruins remain. This area is protected and you are not allowed to leave the wooden boardwalk.

The hiking route to Sermermiut is indicated in a dotted light blue line on the map above and can be enjoyed via an easily accessible wooden boardwalk.

With exceptional views on the valley, glaciers, and icebergs, this is something everyone can do. Even if you only have a short amount of time to visit the Ilulissat Icefjord, don’t miss this!

Yellow Route

Our personal favorite was the 2,7km Yellow Route (1,5-2hrs). We started by the Power Plant and it was an amazing hike with jaw-dropping views the whole time.

The Icefjord had a huge iceberg stuck there that day and it was an incredible sight. We also saw many whales and had fun watching how whale-watching boats were circling around smaller icebergs trying to spot whales. It was as if they were playing hide and seek. By the time the boat got to the other side, the whales were somewhere else again…

TIP: If you do this hike, I think it’s indeed nicer to do it in the same direction as we did – starting at the Power Plant and ending by the new Ilulissat Icefjord Center (previously Old Heliport). That way you are walking towards the Icefjord and have the best views all the time. Once you reach the Icefjord Center, you should also take the earlier-mentioned World Heritage Trail to Sermermiut.

Blue Route & Red Route

In the same area, there are a couple of other somewhat longer hiking trails. The Blue Route continues past Sermermiut to Seqiniarfik (Holms Bakke) and Qoororsuaq (The Ravine).

This hiking route is the longest in this area – 6,9 km – and will take about 4-5 hours to complete. Alternatively, you can also hike part of it and take the Red Route back to Ilulissat Icefjord Center and make it somewhat shorter that way.

Due to limited time, we didn’t hike the Blue Route in its entirety. We did the part up to the Red Route and took that way back to town. It was a nice trail, but nothing compared to the Yellow Route (see below).

We met some people who did the Blue Route till the end and they said it was nice, but none of them had done the yellow route and so couldn’t compare the two. Our kayak guide also said that the Yellow Route was his favorite.

I’d say, do all the trails if you have an entire day and really like hiking. Otherwise, just do the Sermermiut hike and the Yellow Route. It’s shorter than the Blue Route, the views are amazing, and it’s really worth it!

See Ilulissat Icefjord from the Air

The birds-eye view you get from the plane as you fly into Ilulissat is the cheapest way to see the Ilulissat Icefjord from the air. It may just be one of the best views from an airplane window you’ll ever see, so try to get a window seat for your flight to or out of Ilulissat!

Nevertheless, booking a sightseeing flight on a fixed-wing plane or helicopter is a very different experience! These tours will fly right up to the glacier wall at a lower altitude and at a slower speed, giving you a true perspective of the size of the glaciers, icebergs, and mountains.

If you don’t have much time to visit the Ilulissat Icefjord, then a ‘flightseeing’ tour is a must! There simply isn’t time to experience on foot all that you can see during a short flight.

That being said, airplane and helicopter tours in Ilulissat are extremely expensive. Count 4,000 DKK (535 EUR) per person for a 2-hour helicopter tour or at least 3,000 DKK (400 EUR) for a 1,5hrs airplane tour. Per person.

There were no helicopter or airplane trips possible on the days/times that suited us when we were in Ilulissat. So that made the decision easier, but I’m just not sure if I could have justified these prices otherwise… On the other hand, it’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience and everything else is also very expensive in Ilulissat… So I’ll leave it up to you to decide whether it’s worth it…

Ilulissat Icefjord Boat Tours

Another way to truly appreciate the scale of the Icefjord’s glaciers is to book a boat tour in Ilulissat . Small boats take tourists as close to the glaciers as safely possible. You cannot help but feel dwarfed by your surroundings as your boat navigates the channels between icebergs.

This is the easiest way to explore the magical Ilulissat Icefjord from close by. It’s also the most popular and the most affordable tour that you can take in Ilulissat.

In the summer, a midnight cruise is highly recommended – after all, this is the land of the midnight sun! Late in the evening is the ‘golden hour’ when the sun hits the glaciers and their colors change from shades of blue to warm pinks, reds, and oranges.

Other, interest-specific boat tours are available, including photography, fishing, and seasonal whale-watching excursions. Just keep in mind that the more ‘special’ the tour, the more expensive it is. But you don’t necessarily get to see more. If you want to see the icebergs from close by, it’s best to just take a regular boat tour like this . They bring you closest to the ice.

Kayaking in Ilulissat

Kayak tours to Ilulissat Icefjord are also available, with no previous experience required. Kayaking beside a towering iceberg is an experience not to be missed, especially if you take part in a late evening tour when the colors are at their best.

This was my bucket-list thing to do in Ilulissat, but we were extremely unlucky with the weather. We only had one day when we could do this tour and it was raining. The only rainy evening of the month… You have to do it… Nevertheless, it was a magical experience. But I can just imagine how much more special it would have been under the midnight sun, as planned…

Good to know: Kayak tours cost 1250 – 1500 DKK (170-200 EUR) and book-up fast. Most companies have a minimum age requirement of 12 years. We found one kayak tour that allowed kids from 150cm height, despite the age, and so I could go kayaking with my 10-year old son. He loved it!

Best Time to Visit

I don’t think there is a bad time to visit Ilulissat Icefjord. It’s magical in every season and at every time of day.

That being said, the most popular time to visit Ilulissat (and so also the Kangia Icefjord) is in summer, from June to September. Because the sun never sets from mid May to mid July, you can also visit the Icefjord at night. As already mentioned, midnight boat tours are extremely popular.

TIP: If you can visit Ilulissat Icefjord several times during your trip. Go hiking, take a boat tour or go kayaking, and try to see this unique site on different days and at various times of the day. No matter how many times you’ll see it, it will be different every single time.

Practical Tips

• Follow the indicated hiking trails so that you don’t get lost in this vast area. Trails are marked with different color paint (blue, yellow, or red – depending on the route you take) on the stones and there are just very few signs.
• Take some water and snacks/ a picnic with you if you go hiking. The trails take longer than you’d expect. Also, the distance from town to the trailheads is already quite big, so anticipate that when planning your time.
• Wear sturdy hiking boots when visiting Ilulissat Icefjord.
• Make sure that you’re prepared for any weather as it can change quickly. Layers are best. A waterproof jacket is a must.
• If you want to visit the Ilulissat Icefjord Center , be sure to check their opening times and book your tickets online in advance.
• In summer, pack a mosquito head net .
• For more tips, please check our guide on what to wear in Greenland in summer .

So, this is our guide to visiting Ilulissat Icefjord. If you are looking for more information and ideas for visiting this part of Greenland, make sure to check our other articles as well. Take a look below!

More tips for your trip to Greenland:

• Where to Stay in Ilulissat
• Greenland Itinerary & Travel Tips
• Complete Guide to Qeqertarsuaq, Disko Island
• Iceland vs. Greenland

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Wednesday 13th of September 2023

I will be visiting Greenland in October...is it still possible to do the trails? Is it possible to take air tours, including helicopter rides to see the fjords? Is it possible to take a snowmobile tour this time of year? Thanks

Sunday 17th of September 2023

Hi Lynn, I honestly don't know since I haven't visited at this time of the year. I think that most trails will be inaccessible, unless on the main roads/tracks in town. For the tours, I would think that they will be running, weather permitting. Why don't you just contact tour companies directly and ask what's available in October. All the best.

Jason Silva

Tuesday 20th of June 2023

As I'll have limited time in Ilulissat, I was thinking to do the Yellow trail, but I was wondering if I would not regret to not do the Blue trail instead. And you just answered my doubt. I know that this is subjective to opinions, but this one it's good enough for me :) Besides, what made me comment the post is the Yellow route Tip. It makes totally sense!! Thanks for that! I already changed my route direction :)

Hi Jason, glad to help. Indeed, with the limited time, the Yellow Route + the boardwalks towards the icefjord (World Heritage Trail to Sermermiut) are probably the best options. You can also stop at Ilulissat Isfjordscenter if it's open. I hear they have some coffee and pastries - could be a nice way to end the hike. Have a great trip!

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Wild Junket

13 Cool Things to Do in Ilulissat, Greenland

Last Updated on March 14, 2024

Located along the west coast of Greenland , the town of Ilulissat is known as the iceberg capital of the world. So much so that the icebergs even gave its name: Ilulissat means “iceberg” in Inuit.

Thousands of icebergs fill the famous Ilulissat Icefjord all year round. The UNESCO World Heritage Site is the star of the show in this Arctic town. I too was drawn to Ilulissat because of the Icefjord, but only after visiting did I realise there is more to Ilulissat than the icebergs.

Humpback whales frolic in the waters of the fjord every summer, while Greenlandic dogs race across the slopes of Ilulissat. There are plenty of hiking trails, museums and Inuit cultural experiences. Plus epic glaciers and hunting settlements just a hop away. Ilulissat is indeed paradise for modern-day adventurers.

Table of Contents

Why Visit Ilulissat, Greenland?

How to get to ilulissat, do you need to book a tour for ilulissat .

• 1. Take an Ilulissat Icefjord Boat Trip

2. Kayak in the Ilulissat Icefjord

3. go on a whale watching safari, 4. explore the town of ilulissat, 5. visit the museums of ilulissat, 6. hike the ilulissat trails, 7. explore the old inuit settlement of sermermiut, 8. go dogsledding in ilulissat, 9. go snowmobiling to oqaatsut, 10. chase the northern lights, 11. go flightseeing over ilulissat, 12. go to a local’s home for kaffemik, 13. take a day tour to eqi glacier, best time to visit ilulissat, 5-day ilulissat itinerary, how to get around ilulissat, luxury: hotel icefiord, luxury: hotel arctic, midrange: hotel avannaa, budget: icefjord apartments, what to eat in ilulissat, restaurant icefiord, brasserie ulo, hvide falk restaurant, internet and data in ilulissat, greenland, my ilulissat packing list, planning your trip to greenland, guide to ilulissat greenland.

As compared to other towns in Greenland like Nuuk , Ilulissat has great tourism infrastructure. With the Ilulissat Icefjord drawing in travelers around the world, it definitely is the most popular town in Greenland.

Located on the edge of Disko Bay, Ilulissat is found over 220 miles (350 km) north of the Arctic Circle. That means the sun never dips below the horizon in summer, and never rises in winter!

Despite being Greenland’s third-largest city, it has a population of just 5,000 people. It has a remote, small town feel, and definitely gives you an opportunity to experience Greenland at its most authentic.

Because of its remote location, it is expensive to travel to Ilulissat, Greenland. Anyone traveling to Greenland has to fly through Reykjavik ( Iceland ) or Copenhagen ( Denmark ). 

It is a good idea to combine Iceland and Greenland in one trip , as you will fly through Iceland  to get here. Here are some tours from Iceland to Greenland .

Direct flights from Reykjavik to Ilulissat take 3h 15mins and cost around $800-$1000 return. Flights from Copenhagen to Ilulissat make a stop in Kangerlussuaq and cost around $1000-1500 return.

Search for Flights to Ilulissat

It is absolutely possible to explore Ilulissat independently. I encourage you to book your own flights, hotels, and then book day tours like boat trips or dogsledding excursions. Day tours cost around US$100-199.

Guide to Greenland is a good resource to book tours directly through an automatic booking system. Here are some Greenland tours that I have been on and highly recommend:

• Sail Amidst Icebergs in the Ilulissat Icefjord
• Dog sledding in Disko Bay
• Kayak in Ilulissat Icefjord
• Traditional Kaffemik in a Local’s Home

Best Things to Do in Ilulissat

1 . take an ilulissat icefjord boat trip.

Without a doubt, an Ilulissat icefjord boat tour is the #1 thing to do in Greenland . The Ilulissat Icefjord is listed as a UNESCO world heritage site , and for good reason! A n astronomical 35 billion tonnes (46km 3 ) of ice make its way through Disko Bay in Ilulissat every year.

Some of the icebergs in the Ilulissat Icefjord stand at 100m above the level of the water (remember this is only 7-10% of the total size!). But it is only by looking up at these icebergs from the water that you get a true sense of their massive scale.

Book this Boat Trip here!

The Inuit have been using kayaks for thousands of years. In fact, kayaks were invented by the Inuits and the word “kayak” comes from the Inuit language.

Kayaking in the Ilulissat icefjord gives new meaning to iceberg sightseeing from the water as you get up close to the sheer ice towers. It is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that shouldn’t be missed.

Guide to Greenland runs kayak tours both during the day and in the evening during Midnight Sun. Your local guides will provide all the proper equipment including a dry suit. Whale sightings are a real possibility!

Book Your Kayak Experience!

In summer (July and Aug), Disko Bay is a mecca for whale watching. Humpback whales, minke whales and fin whales frequent its nutrient-rich waters to feast on large groups of krill and small fish.

Ilulissat is a perfect place to seek them out – especially with the backdrop of the Ilulissat Icefjord and its enormous icebergs. The Ilulissat whale safari is educational and interactive, allowing you to learn all about the gentle giants in their natural habitats.

As Ilulissat is the main tourist town of Greenland, it definitely has the most interesting sights and best tourism infrastructure in Greenland. The town is located next to the sea filled with icebergs, and a stroll around town will reveal lots of beautiful viewpoints.

If you’re looking for a local guide to show you around, I highly recommend Jan Cortsen (pictured), an experienced guide born and raised in Ilulissat. He’s fun and engaging, and is passionate about Greenlandic culture and history.

Besides having lots of scenic spots for photo opps, Ilulissat also has two great museums. One of them is the Ilulissat Museum , housed in an building that dates back to 1848. The museum is centered on showcasing the history of the town and the story of explorer Knud Rasmussen.

The other is the Inuit Art Museum , which features paintings from Greenland, Faroese and Denmark, with the most notable by Emanuel A. Peterson. In summer, the museum also opens its beautiful Arctic kitchen garden for visits.

Ilulissat is one of the best places to visit in Greenland , mainly because of the range of outdoor activities you can do in the area. Hiking in Ilulissat is a great way to explore the backcountry without spending much.

There are three marked routes just outside of Ilulissat. Each one offers hiking with spectacular views of both Ilulissat and the ice fjord. Below is a hiking route map from Ilulissat Guesthouse .

• Yellow Route – 1.7 miles or 2.7 kilometers (1.5-2 hours). This is the most popular route as you get fantastic views of the Ilulissat Icefjord without doing a long or difficult hike.
• Blue Route – 4.3 miles or 7 kilometers (4 hours). A relatively challenging trail that offers amazing views of the ice and surrounding area.
• Red Route – 0.6 miles or 1 kilometer (30min). This is not a loop trail i.e. you need to walk back the same way you came from. If you are short on time, this route will take you directly to a viewpoint where you can see the icefjord.

Sermermiut is an old Inuit settlement located on the outskirts of Ilulissat. The entire area has been designated as part of the Ilulissat Icefjord UNESCO World Heritage Site.

In summer, it is possible to make this short hike from the center of town. There is not much to see here per se, just a few stone ruins to mark an area. But there are spectacular views of the Ice Fjord from Sermermiut.

Dog sledding in Greenland has been a mode of transportation and hunting for approximately 5000 years. Contrary to other Arctic locations, dog sledding in Greenland is a way of life, by choice if not by necessity.

Ilulissat is known for having almost the same number of sled dogs as people, currently the town is home to 4600 people and nearly 3500 sled dogs. This is definitely one of the best places to go dog sledding in Greenland.

During the dogsledding tour , you will first meet a local musher who introduces you to his dogs. The Greenlandic sled dog is the purest dog race, due to is isolation from other dog races. The dogs are raised as work dogs, and therefore it is not safe to approach the dogs on your own. 

Book Your Dogsledding Tour here!

The snowmobile has become a very frequent form of transport in Greenland, because it adapts to a wide variety of terrains and allows quick access to the remotest places.

On a guided snowmobile tour , you can get a taste of how Greenlanders live and also experience the backcountry of Greenland. The settlement of Oqaatsut is just 20km north of Ilulissat, but it is very remote with no road access. Only 37 Inuits live there all year round.

Originally known as Rodebay, it was established in the 18th century as a trading post for Dutch whalers. Its main industry now is fishing and tourism. It is possible to hike to Oqaatsut from Ilulissat, but I recommend hiring a guide.

Book Your Snowmobile Tour!

Thanks to its location close to the Arctic Circle, Ilulissat is one of the best places in the world to see the Northern Lights . The Aurora Borealis are visible here for over eight months a year, from early September to the end of April. I saw them in Greenland during my March trip.

For higher chances of seeing the Northern Lights, I recommend booking a Northern Lights tour . After all, these tour operators have been chasing the Northern Lights for years and know the best spots for viewing the Northern Lights.

They will take you to the outskirts of Ilulissat where your guide will explain how the Northern Lights are formed, while you watch them dancing above.  There is nothing quite like watching the ribbons and curtains of light flowing silently across the backdrop of crystal stars.

Book Your Northern Lights Tour!

There is no better way to see Ilulissat than on a scenic flight over the amazing glaciers and icebergs around Ilulissat Icefjord. Only from the sky can you truly get a sense of how massive the Ilulissat Icefjord is.

On a  flightseeing tour , the small aircraft flies slow and low, all the way to the glacier wall. And with only a handful of seats, everyone has the best view in the cabin. You might even feel the rumble of the glacier calving beneath you, and then it really feels like an adventurous ride!

When flying over the giant icebergs, you will get close to them in a different way and sometimes see azure blue lakes with melted water on the icebergs. You might also be lucky to spot a whale or other Arctic wildlife while flying around the area.

Book a Flightseeing Tour!

The Greenlanders are extremely proud of their kaffemik , a local tradition that’s a huge part of their culture. Greenlanders hold kaffemik to celebrate special events of all kinds – births and birthdays, first days of school and confirmations.

Most people start preparing days in advance and reserve fine china and decorative table linens for such occasions. When the big day comes, their home becomes a revolving door of celebration with old friends, family, and colleagues all through the day.

I was lucky to join a kaffemik — it was an incredibly fun and immersive experience going to a Greenlander’s home and talking to the family about their food and traditions. 

Book a Kaffemik Experience here!

Located 80km from Ilulissat is Eqi Glacier, one of the most active glaciers in Greenland. On this Greenland tour , you will sail north, passing the small settlement of Oqaatsut/Rodebay, the huge fjord system of Pakitsoq, and through the Ataa Strait lined with tall mountains.

This journey is beautiful in and of itself and you may be lucky and see whales and seals along the way. You will also most likely see chunks of the glacier face break off and fall into the fjord. Just make sure you are hanging onto the railing when the resulting wave reaches the boat!

Book Your Glacier Day Trip here!

The best time to visit Ilulissat is in summer (July and August), when temperatures are comfortable and conditions are good for outdoor activities.

Summer in Greenland is glorious: everything turns green, while lakes and fjords will shine under the midnight sun. The midnight sun is a natural phenomenon that Greenland experiences between May 25th to July 25th. The sun does not set at all.

If you visit Ilulissat in spring (April-June) or autumn (Sept-Nov), expect lots of snow. The temperature ranges between 5°F (-15°C) and 40°F (5°C). Ilulissat has extremely harsh winters and the sun does not rise for months. The temperature can go as low as -49°F(-45°C).

How Much Time Do You Need in Ilulissat?

I recommend spending at least 5 days in Ilulissat to have enough time to explore the town and surrounding areas.  During my winter trip, I had 4 days planned in Ilulissat but it was extended to 6 days after our return flight was cancelled due to a snow storm.

Because of the harsh weather conditions, flights in Greenland are often cancelled/rescheduled. When booking your flights, make sure to add a buffer of 1/2 extra days to your Ilulissat itinerary before your flight home.

If you have time, I suggest spending at least 2 weeks in Greenland to get a good sense of what Greenland is all about. With 2 weeks, you will have time to explore Ilulissat, Nuuk, and Kangerlussuaq. Check out my Greenland itinerary .

• Day 1: Wander around Ilulissat town & go hiking
• Day 2: Take a boat trip into Ilulissat Icefjord
• Day 3: Go dog sledding in Ilulissat
• Day 4: Take a day tour to Eqi Glacier
• Day 5: Home!

The Ilulissat airport is slightly out of town, but most hotels will pick up and drop off guests at the airport. Hotel Arctic , a landmark hotel in Ilulissat, offers regular van service to the city center (although it’s only a 20 minute walk should you prefer to go on foot.)

Once you’re in Ilulissat, it is relatively easy to get around on foot as the town is pretty small small. Just dress warmly and be prepared to walk in the snow even in summer.

There is an Ilulissat town bus (10 DKK or $1.50), which operates like a communal taxi and has no fixed route and timetable . It runs every 10-15 minutes from 7:30am to 10pm Mon-Fri. There are plenty of taxis in Ilulissat and a taxi ride usually costs around 40-50 DKK ($6-8) each way.

Where to Stay in Ilulissat

Ilulissat hotels are the best in Greenland, and I recommend splurging on one with views of the Ilulissat Icefjord. But accommodation is still limited in Ilulissat and can get booked up a few months in advance, especially in summer. Be sure to book early to ensure availability! 

One of the best hotels in Ilulissat, Hotel Icefiord has awesome views of the ice fjords from most rooms. I loved waking up to see icebergs right outside my window. Its dining room has a great menu and excellent views. Well worth splurging to stay here! Check rates here.

This landmark hotel is probably the most famous hotel in town, because of their iconic metallic igloo suites (pictured). Despite its location outside of town, the hotel provides a free shuttle to Ilulissat centre for all guests. With the waterfront location, most of its rooms offer spectacular views of the icebergs. Check rates here.

Also offering panoramas of the Ilulissat Icefjord, Hotel Avannaa has slightly outdated interiors but its lower rates might make staying here worthwhile. Each floor of the hotel has a balcony walkway to which you can access each room. There is also a penthouse apartment with kitchen facilities. Check rates here.

One of the most affordable Ilulissat hotels, this guesthouse has modern and beautiful studio apartments with a kitchenette and a communal terrace with BBQ. Great value for money! Check the latest rates .

Because of its location, you can expect to find lots of incredibly fresh seafood in Greenland. There are quite a few good restaurants in Nuuk and Ilulissat that serve amazing fish stews and fillets.

Food is expensive in Greenland. If you’re looking for a proper fish or lamb meal in a nice restaurant, expect to fork out at least $50 for a full meal. There are cafes and Asian diners that serve more affordable options that cost $15 for a meal.

For those on a shoestring budget, check out local supermarkets like SPAR and Pisiffik for ready-made hot dogs and sandwiches. You can also get groceries to cook yourself if you’re staying at a guesthouse with a kitchen.

Where to Eat in Ilulissat

Since I stayed at the Hotel Icefiord , I ate at their in-house restaurant several times for both lunch and dinner. Their lunch menu is limited, offering just a Greenlandic snack plate (with cold cuts and cured meat). The dinner menu is impressive though, and includes grilled fish and Asian dishes. Read Tripadvisor reviews.

The in-house restaurant at Hotel Arctic is one of the most famous restaurants in Ilulissat. It serves gourmet Greenlandic food, albeit at high prices, but in a cosy setting and spectacular backdrop. Read Tripadvisor reviews.

For more traditional flavors, head to this vintage restaurant that is decorated with polar bear hide and an old kayak. On its menu are fresh out-of-the-sea food, including their signature fish soup. The crabs were the freshest I’ve ever had! Read Tripadvisor reviews.

A casual cafe and diner that serves healthy and sumptuous salads and paninis. They have excellent shakes and lunch dishes. We ended up coming here almost everyday! Read Tripadvisor reviews.

Getting connected in Greenland is sadly not easy or cheap. The harsh weather conditions often disrupts the internet network. Sometimes the internet connection in Greenland can drop for a few days, and there is no way of going online except to wait.

Most hostels charge for their WiFi service, and they can cost up to $10/hour. If getting high speed connection is essential, I suggest staying at upscale hotels to make sure you can get a stable internet connection.

Alternatively, you can get the prepaid SIM cards of Tele Greenland (called Tusass) at every post office in Ilulissat. Note that even EU SIM cards do not work in Greenland.

What to Pack for Ilulissat

Regardless of the time of year you are visiting Greenland , b e sure to bring high quality winter gear. I have been in Greenland both in summer and winter, and can assure you you’ll need proper warm gear.

For those traveling Ilulissat in summer, I advise wearing 3 layers: wool bottom, fleece and a waterproof jacket.

If you are visiting Ilulissat outside of summer, I recommend wearing 4-5 layers: thermals, wool bottom, fleece and a thick winter parka.

1.  Long Sleeve Moisture Wicking Tees : The key to staying warm in Greenland is layering. Bring some long sleeve t-shirts that are great for hiking, that you can easily remove throughout the day and night. 

2.  Fleece-lined Long Sleeve Thermal Underwear : Pack thermals even if you’re traveling in summer. Temperatures can dip below zero – and they’ll be particularly useful if you’re kayaking or dogsledding.

3.  Fleece Base : This is my favorite gear for cold climates. It’s thick but lightweight, and keeps me warm even in sub-zero temperatures. Plus most fleece are cheap and easy to find everywhere. 

4.  Soft Shell Jacket : Pack a thin waterproof, soft shell jacket regardless of the season you’re traveling. I used this almost everyday on my summer trip in Greenland.

5. Waterproof Ski Jacket : It may be heavy and a pain to travel with, but you’ll need it if you’re traveling outside of summer. Don’t skimp on a quality coat as it will keep you comfortable. 

6. Quick-Dry Pants : These pants are lightweight, thin, comfortable and waterproof. I can wear them in winter and summer, without feeling too warm or cold.

7. Fleece-lined Leggings :    For ladies, these are brilliant to keep warm and comfortable. You can use them as they are in summer, or as a base layer in winter.

8. Beanie :You’ll definitely need something warm on the top of your head in winter.

9. Ski Gloves : Bring thick ski gloves as they’re good for snow and rain. I would recommend getting a pair of gloves with touchscreen pads so you don’t need to take them off to snap photos on from your smartphone.

10. Wool Socks : Invest in some high quality wool socks that can keep your feet dry and warm when hiking in the mushy tundra of Iceland.

Practical Tips for Ilulissat, Greenland

• Because of the harsh weather conditions, flights in Greenland are often cancelled/rescheduled. Be sure to add 1/2 free days to your Greenland itinerary to compensate for flight delays. On both of my trips to Greenland, cancellations on domestic flights made me miss my  flight home.
• Air Greenland operates a very strict checked baggage policy. Excess baggage fee applies for bags that weigh more than 44 lbs (or 20kg). They also weigh your carry on luggage, the limit is 8kg and excess baggage fees apply too.
• There are no ATMs at the Ilulissat airport. Try to get Danish Kroner at the Copenhagen airport in advance or you will have to wait until you get into town to withdraw some.
• Almost every taxi, supermarket, hotel and restaurant in Ilulissat take major credit cards like VISA and Mastercard.

Are you planning a trip to Ilulissat, Greenland? I have tried my best to cover all the things to do in Ilulissat, and best Ilulissat hotels and restaurants. Let me know in the comments field below if I have missed out anything!

Here are more of my Greenland articles:

• Greenland Travel Guide
• 13 Cool Things to Do in Nuuk
• Summer in Greenland: Cruising Nuuk Fjord
• Svalbard Photo Essay
• Iceland Travel Guide

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links to companies I use and trust. I get a small commission when you click on my links, at NO EXTRA COST TO YOU.

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Nellie Huang

Nellie Huang is the founder of WildJunket. Originally from Singapore, Nellie has traveled to over 150 countries across 7 continents. She is a book author and Lonely Planet guidebook writer. As an adventure travel blogger, she has a special interest in unusual destinations and deep experiences. Follow her travels on her Facebook and Instagram .

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The Comments

LABETANT Michel

Merci pour toutes les infos . J’envisage d’aller au Groenland dans 4ans

Very helpful tips and great photos. Thank you so much. I am going in 3 days time. Can’t wait!

Thanks for all the informations and links. I hope to see Ilulissat in April/May

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LIVE A REAL EXPERIENCE IN ILULISSAT WITH A LOCAL EXPERT

Book online one of our  activities.

We propose all-year round activities in Ilulissat, from boat trips to dogsledding tours.

You can book online your activities for your next trip.

FROM 750,00 DKK

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On your way for a  unique  and  tailor-made  experience

Local expert.

Born and raised in Ilulissat, Jan is an expert on the region and will show you places off the beaten track and memorable memories

fair prices

Prices are fair and negotiated directly, without intermediaries, to local actors (fishermen, hunters). 

In love with Greenland, Jan is commited to show you his culture through real local experiences. 

flexibility

Jan is willing to make the best experience for you, and so to adapt to your special demands

YOUR LOCAL EXPERT

I'm happy to meet you! 

Born and raised in Ilulissat, I have started my own small travel agency 5 year ago. 

My goal is to promote local cultures and agents, and I think that the best way to discover the beautiful area of Ilulissat is with local people.

I don't propose activities, but experiences. 

From 2 hours to 3 days,

I arrange tour with local hunter, fishermen and with the tv-crew around the world and i am fleksible  

WhatsApp: +299 24 12 34

Michael Ligier

An influencer, Michael Ligier, visited Jan and rated some Greenlandic food, among other things. Check out his thoughts by clicking the youtube link.

Luisito Comunica

Luisito Comunica, is a Meixcan influencer. We took a tour to Oqaatsut, a village about 20 kilometers north of Ilulissat, which is approximately 14 miles away. Check out what he experienced during his tour by click the youtube link.

Contact  Me

For any special inquiries, help or information, 

I would be pleased to get in touch with you.  ​

Thank your for your message. I will come back to you within 48 hours.

Ilulissat Kangerlua

The greatest tourist attraction in all of Greenland is the astonishing Ilulissat Kangerlua (Ilulissat Icefjord), a berg-packed bay fed by the 5km (3mi) wide and 1100m (3608ft) thick glacier Sermeq Kujalleq. The glacier flows an average of 25m (82ft) daily and is the world's most prolific outside Antarctica.

A Unesco World Heritage site since 2004, the bay's mouth is filled with bergs the size of apartment blocks or whole towns. There's no sight more mesmerising than gazing upon these monsters and listening to the almighty thunderclap roars that they emit when they fissure or explode in the warmth of the summer sun. Best of all the whole spectacle can be seen without the expense and organisation of a boat or helicopter rental that you'll need to see other ice-fjords around Greenland. From November to April Ilulissat is also a possible base for organising dog-sled tours.

Here’s the best time to visit Ilulissat

The insider tips about summer, winter and a few alternative locations.

When most people consider visiting Greenland for real, a quick trawl of the internet points them to Ilulissat in Disko Bay. Practically, it is one of the easiest destinations to visit as it is where tourism is most developed. In town, there is a wide array of accommodation, restaurants, shopping and tour opportunities to choose from. It also has all of the magical nature the country has to offer in the contrasting seasons – dog sledding, northern lights, the midnight sun, whales, and of course, icebergs. Its drawcard is the UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Ilulissat Icefjord .

Summer in Ilulissat

For anyone who does further research about this place, it is clear that there are two main seasons to visit – summer and winter. Summer is by default what beckons most tourists. The lure of spouting whales, hiking and kayaking under the midnight sun are rather tantalising and, as some say, otherworldly. And it is relatively easier these days to fly in via Denmark and Iceland.

While it does not quite host the masses of Iceland, Ilulissat has its own version of a peak season during June to September. Hotel rooms book out like hotcakes when the midnight sun shines. Ilulissat in summer also means more tourists, peak season prices and maybe most surprisingly, mosquitoes in July. So if you would like to experience Greenland when the calendar is clear of mosquitoes and there are less tourists, try any other time.

Winter is calling

Here is a secret for you – Ilulissat might be even better in the winter. For one, there are less tourists. For another, there are definitely no mosquitoes or other tiny critters. The stunning silence of a thick snowy terrain, speckled by a few howls of the Greenlandic dog, is an experience everyone should try at least once in their lives. In the earlier centuries, too much ice in the sea made it risky to sail near Greenland when temperatures dropped. Planes have enabled travel during this formerly inaccessible time.

Continues further down the page...

Package Tours

Greenland by Topas

Dog Sledding and Northern Lights in Ilulissat

Sled dogs are in their element under the frosty sky, crackling snow and fluttering Aurora Borealis (Northern Lights) of the Greenlandic winter. Overnight stay in Igloo Lodge.

Greenland Tours

Frozen West

5 days exploring Disko Bay in winter incl. visit to the Greenland Ice Cap

Northern Lights & Icebergs

4 days in Ilulissat incl. dog sledding & Northern Lights tour

Arctic Umiaq Line

Discover Greenland from the sea

The coastal ship Sarfaq Ittuk sails from southern Greenland up along Greenland’s west coast to Disko Bay.

Don’t miss Hotel Arctic’s spectacular food

During summer, Hotel Arctic offers the full tasting experience that Greenland has to offer from fresh seafood to land animals like reindeer and musk ox.

• On Monday there is a Greenlandic buffet in Restaurant Ulo • On Thursday there is a Greenlandic bbq on the terrace

Try the Express Tour and see 3 highlights of Greenland in 4 days, including the Ilulissat Icefjord. Or consider a long weekend during winter with Greenland Travel.

The high season to visit is in summer from June to September.

The most popular time to visit in winter is from February to late April.

For the sake of simplicity, Greenland has two main tourist seasons. Summer in Greenland is the period when there is no thick layer of snow on the ground. This is usually from June to September. The rest of the year is defined as winter. However, there are always nuances to the seasons, and the amount of light changes constantly.

Get to Ilulissat

You can reach the Disko Bay area by plane and cruise. Air Greenland flies to Ilulissat via Copenhagen and Keflavik Airports. Cruising during summertime is also a popular method of exploring the bay!

Celebrations in Deep Winter

For those seeking something even more unique, try visiting Ilulissat in December and January. This is the darkest time of the year, but you will probably be surprised that there is still light and how everyday life can be. These events are worth experiencing:

• Celebrate the New Year overlooking the ice fjord. Greenland Travel offers a New Year package where one celebrates new beginnings overlooking the icefjord.

• The Return of the Sun in early January is also a cultural event where the locals gather to watch the first peep of the sun in many months. There is no specific tour created for this event but it is a special occasion for the locals.

The most popular time to visit Ilulissat in winter is during February to late April. Daylight returns to what most of the world would consider ‘normal’ hours, and the northern lights still brighten the night sky. After a few months of thick snowfall, the white terrain is also ideal for dog sledding and ice fishing.

Visit Disko Bay

Spread your wings in Disko Bay! Consider diversifying your trip and spending a few days in the following places:

• Ilimanaq offers a settlement experience with a touch of luxury. While you can try and live life like a local in this small community, you can also retreat to the Ilimanaq lodge .

• Oqaatsut is a typical settlement in Greenland within easy reach of Ilulissat. One can either hike 22 kilometres from town or take alternative transportation to reach this charming place.

• Eqi glacier – this huge iceberg producing glacier is worth in the very least a visit, if not an overnight stay!

• Aasiaat is a historical town that can be reached via the coastal ferry Sarfaq Ittuk, Disko Line boat transfer and Air Greenland flights. Pods of whales have been seen from the coast, and there are many sailing adventures to be had. Aasiaat becomes a cross-country skiing haven in the winter.

• Qeqertarsuaq is full of natural wonders and the only place where there is a chance of dog sledding in the summer.

Explore related articles, offers and tour providers:

• Dog Sledding
• Ilulissat Icefjord
• Midnight Sun
• North Greenland
• Northern Lights
• The Ice Sheet
• Whale Watching

By Tanny Por

Tanny Por is Head of International Relations at Visit Greenland with responsibility for international market development, press and PR. She loves building and nurturing ideas and connections that will help to contribute to the sustainable tourism future of Greenland. Her favourite experience of Greenland is one winter in East Greenland where she saw purple northern lights overlooking the icefjord one completely silent evening!

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Take an unforgettable boat trip with Ilulissat Tours

Ilulissat Tours offers boat tours where you can get on Icefiord cruise, whale watching and see the animals up close. Or experience the beautiful Midnight Sun, or a day trip to Eqi – the calving glacier. In addition, we also offer boat trips to the nearby settlements of Ilimanaq & Oqaatsut.

Ilulissat Tours is very committed to using local labor, so the guides will be local, just as the driver of the new bus will also be local.

We wish you an unforgettable experience of life in the scenic surroundings of Disko Bay’s paradise.

We offer the following tours

We offer a variety of boat trips at the iceberg paradise, Ilulissat. Where you as a guest will have memorable experiences you will never forget. And we can definitely recommend that you immortalize these with your camera or smartphone.

Icefiord Sailing

Midnight cruise, eqi – the calving glacier, whalesafari, visit ilimanaq, visit oqaatsut, what do customers say about us.

Ilulissat Tours has the following boats

Mia has room for 9 passengers

Anna has room for 10 passengers

Mala has room for 12 passengers

• Kontakt Os:
• +299 54 97 48
• [email protected]
• Kussangajaannguaq 18, 3952 Ilulissat
• GER Nr: 37485403

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• Towns and settlements /

Ilulissat is located on the northern shore of the Ilulissat Icefiord, which leads to Sermeq Kujalleq, the most productive glacier in the northern hemisphere. In Greenlandic, Ilulissat means icebergs, named after the large icebergs running aground on a submerged moraine ridge at the mouth of the Icefiord.

The settlements of Ilimanaq, Saqqaq, Qeqertaq and Oqaatsut belong to Ilulissat.

The oldest parts of the town lie to the north near the town centre, the port and the hospital. Over time, the town has expanded considerably in all directions. Looking onto the ice fiord, the western part of the town contains the large and oldest residential areas, whereas the main urban functions, such as shops, the school, institutions and industrial areas extend southwards from the town centre. The town has also extended towards Hotel Arctic and the airport to the north, the latter replacing the old helistop at Sermermiut to the south. The airport is situated approximately 3.5 km north of the town centre. A special characteristic of the town is the large cross-cutting dog areas with access to the sledge tracks leading to the ice cap.

Provisions and subareas

The general provisions apply to all subareas of the municipalities in towns, settlements and open country areas. The provisions are general and do not consider the local conditions in the subareas.

General provisions of the Town Plan

The overall provisions for each subarea are the basis for the municipality"s granting of area allotments and building permits.

Originally established in 1741 primarily for missionary purposes, the colony of Jakobshavn soon also became a trading station. The colony grew slowly, and by 1900 it had several districts. The trading houses are located on the southern side of the inner port area. From the port, the town climbs the hill and spreads into two parallel small valleys towards Disko Bay. Here the hospital, the vicarage and the schools are situated.

The trading area includes the warehouse, housing, shops, a municipal administration and a day nursery. The oldest buildings in the area are examples of the architectural heritage from colonial time from the mid-1700s up to the 1940s.

Previously, three settlements belonged to Ilulissat, all situated along Disko Bay between the ice fiord and Jakobshavn. Today, the settlements are considered suburbs. Pitoqqik was closest to the colony, sitting in the small inlet south of the indentation of the sea by the church. Illumiut was situated approximately one kilometre further to the south in a valley. Finally, approximately 1½ km from here, Kingigtoq stood on the high tongue of land overlooking the ice fiord.

Due to the short distance between the colony and Pitoqqik, Pitoqqik and Jakobshavn soon grew together, and already before 1920, Illumiut was thought of as a suburb to Ilulissat. As late as in 1952, Illumiut still had its own school. The latest separate census in 1952 showed a population of 132 in Illumiut. With time, Illumiut has been completely absorbed by Ilulissat and new residential areas have replaced the old buildings of the settlement.

Since housing standards in Illumiut were poor and outdated, a number of standard houses were built in the 1950s and 1960s to replace housing in the area towards the old part of Pitoqqik.

Since then, the town has grown, and the area named "the middle town” (by Alanngukasiup Qaava and Kuunnguarsuup Qaava) was the first to be annexed to the town. In recent decades, the town has expanded towards the ice fiord right up to the boundaries of the UNESCO site. Lately, urban expansion has been towards the airport north of the town.

Overall development of the municipality relies on the continued status of Ilulissat as the growth centre of North Greenland. As the principal town in the municipality, Ilulissat is to pursue different development paths. Tourism is undoubtedly the sector with the greatest potential for development, Ilulissat being Greenland's leading tourist destination with a well-developed and robust tourism industry in place. Improving the appearance of urban open spaces and taking advantage of the architectural heritage are important for further developing tourism. However, to keep pace with developments, fishing and the related processing industry still need support and upgrading through zoning of new areas. Another development path is provided by the oil industry, where Ilulissat has been identified as supplementary supply base for oil exploration drilling in the licensed blocks in Disko West.

Furthermore, the town is to cement and further develop its position as a town of education for youth and higher education. The size of the town provides good opportunities for exploiting synergies across educational institutions.

Planning and development focus in particular on extending the airport and building new port facilities to accommodate secondary industries and centre areas in the northern part of Ilulissat. At the same time, areas are to be zoned for new, larger educational institutions, soft businesses, mixed residential areas. Higher building density is to be introduced through coordinated planning. Urban development to the east is restricted by a water protection zone, while the World Heritage Area constitutes a natural boundary to the south.

Finally, emphasis is placed on improving the framework for everyday life in the town, such as indoor and outdoor cultural and leisure activities in the town, not least to enhance local cultural identity and diversity in North Greenland.

The municipality’s overall vision and objectives guide the physical development along with the citizens’ wishes. Consequently, the outcome differs across towns and settlements as shown here: indsatsomraader_ilulissat_uk.pdf (973.4 KB)

Ilulissat is the biggest town in Avannaata Kommunia. In 2017, there were 4,555 inhabitants distributed on 1,736 households. 40 per cent of homes are the property of the Government of Greenland. The population has increased steadily since 1980 (3,648), but has stagnated in the last ten years.

The distribution of dwellings is as follows: 40 per cent single-family houses, 20 per cent semi-detached houses and 40 per cent apartments in multi-storey buildings. Whereas the number of single-family houses and semi-detached houses has risen sharply in the last 15 years, the number of apartments has remained constant. Since 2000, a significant number of student hostels have been built to cater for the many students in town. The average number of persons per household is 2.6.

In recent years, housing development has been concentrated in the southern part of the town and east of the town towards the ice fiord hill and in the areas between the port and Hotel Arctic, where new and larger single-family houses have cropped up. Larger, contiguous residential areas can be developed in the foreland northeast of Hotel Arctic or in areas crossing the water protection zone. Future urban development is mainly to take place to the north or within already existing subareas.

In the town plan, the remaining capacity in Ilulissat is estimated to 270 homes.

The unemployment rate in Ilulissat in 2015 was 7.7% in the town and 6.7% in the associated settlements. The Ilulissat district image is similar to the unemployment picture for the Uummannaq district (7.8% in the town and 6.7% in the settlements). The unemployment rate in Ilulissat was somewhat lower than both the municipal average (9.1%) and the national average (9.1%). In terms of jobs, the biggest trades were public administration and services (853), trade and repair (538). Transport (192) and fishing (190) are almost of the same size. In all, there were approximately 2,235 jobs in the town in 2011.

Industry is concentrated in three locations in the town – around the port, at the foot of the Telebakken to the southwest and north of the quarry southeast of the town. The areas are characterized by heavy industry. In addition, service industries are located in the main street of the town, Kusangajannguaq. The town is short of areas for small entrepreneurs and business owners.

Fishing is the biggest industry in the town. The centre of activity is the port area, which is used for multiple purposes, such as Atlantic quay, factory quay, trawler quay and tourist quay. Fishing is mainly for Greenland halibut and prawns, which are processed, among other places, at the Royal Greenland factory situated in the port area. However, all users of the port need more space, and there is a pressing need for new and contemporary facilities. Naalakkersuisut has designated a port authority area in the outermost harbour area and towards the pier.

Given that Ilulissat is the leading tourist destination in Greenland, tourism is obviously the other major industry in town. The tourism sector has a spill-over effect on the entire town, which translates into a wide range of hotels, restaurants, shops and various services, making it an obvious candidate for conferences. Situated near the main street just south of the municipal office, the tourist offices organise almost all tourist activities, including boat trips, whale safaris, hiking treks, dog sledge riding, cruises, visits to settlements etc. The future development in tourism is highly dependent on the access to modern airport and port facilities, including more international flights and an improved port of call for cruise ships. For some time, the tourism sector and international players have been calling for improved facilities to maintain Ilulissat’s position as an attractive tourist destination. With improved infrastructure and the current supply of tourism facilities, Ilulissat could become the obvious turn-around port for cruise tourism.

The derived impacts would be an increased demand for suitable areas for new hotels, services, etc. Against this background, development of a new urban area is in the pipeline, including centre functions, north of Hotel Arctic.

Another important element of the visions for tourism in the town is the establishment of an ice fiord centre, which is envisioned as a visiting and information centre near Kangia, where tourists and local people can gain knowledge about the ice cap, the Sermeq Kujalleq glacier, climate change etc. A preliminary study of the project has been completed, and work continues to further develop the plans for the centre. The project is expected to be realised based on an architectural competition, and once the detail design is in place, planning is to be supplemented by a town plan addendum with detailed provisions.

In the town plan, the remaining capacity in Ilulissat for industry and port facilities is estimated to 180,000 m².

Opened in 1983, Ilulissat Airport is a medium-sized Greenlandic airport with several daily domestic flights to Nuuk, Kangerlussuaq and Aasiaat and an international route to Reykjavik. For a number of years, discussions have been held on the possibilities for revising the airport structure of the country, including the expansion of Ilulissat and Nuuk airports, to serve as Atlantic airports. the Government of Greenland has, through Kalaallit Airport, initiated both the planning and the actual design of a new airport with the construction of a 2,200 meter runway, new terminal building and associated functions. With the improved conditions and new opportunities for flights to Ilulissat, it is assumed that more tourists will arrive in the town, which will have a positive impact on the development of the town, the municipality and the region.

Ilulissat has a well-developed road network with paved roads stretching from the airport to the north to the old heliport and the outermost residential area in the south. Moreover, the town is serviced by bus. A future extension of the system of roads is to concentrate on Ilulissat North to support the proposed extensions of the airport, port etc. In addition, a ring road is to be constructed, connecting the industrial areas in the eastern part of the town with this area. The system of roads suffers from a number of deficiencies. For example, all heavy goods vehicles have to drive through the main streets of the town and in many places, there are no or only poorly marked pavements.

The town has a network of sledge tracks, which is used for transportation by dog sledges or snowmobiles during winter. The tracks are in need of repair, and crossings need to be made safe. The road network and the sledge tracks are shown on the map of main structures.

The system of paths includes systems of paths/steps and the ordinary road network of which only limited sections have proper pavements. There is an extensive system of recreational paths with a number of marked hiking trails in the hill and along the ice fiord. The recreational hiking paths are connected at the power plant, the quarry and the old heliport.

Nukissiorfiit supplies Ilulissat with power, water and heat, whereas TELE Greenland is the provider of telecommunications based on a number of masts on Telebakken. With the upgrade of the radio line to Ilulissat and extension of the radio link from Uummannaq to Upernavik, only Qaanaaq and a few settlements are not connected to the radio link, but are covered by satellite. Part of the power supply is based on hydropower from Ilulissat’s hydro plant. The 22 MW plant has three turbines and was inaugurated in 2012. The second power plant based on diesel generators is located on the edge of the ice fiord west of the town. In addition, there is a back-up plant next to the fire station in the town centre. Other major plants include tank installations at the entrance to the port, the explosives store west of the dump and the quarry in the southern part of the town, for the time being also accommodating the asphalt plant of the town.

Water supply is based on surface water from lakes east of the town. Heat supply is mainly oil-powered and to a lesser degree powered by residual heat from the incineration plant. Part of the town is connected to the district heating network or to local boiler houses.

Refuse services include day-time refuse and night soil, with day-time refuse being incinerated at incineration plants. Non-combustible waste is deposited in the dump at Nordre Næs by the road to the airport. The dump also receives hazardous waste and metal scrap.

Some domestic sewage is led to the sewerage system and discharged into the sea without further treatment. In areas without sewerage facilities, night soil is collected from households (either bags or sludge tanks) and subsequently pumped into the sea, whereas grey wastewater is discharged onto the side of the hill where it slowly trickles into the fiord.

Public and private services are concentrated in the central part of town, stretching from the trade and administration area along the main street (Kussangajannguaq) to the TELE-POST area. This part of the town has the largest concentrations of shops, post office, cafés, restaurants, discothèques, schools, institutions and municipal offices in the municipality. In addition, there are small, local grocery shops in the individual town districts.

The hotels in town are situated directly at Disko Bay to offer guests the best possible views to the mouth of the ice fiord. Hotels here include Hotel Arctic, Hotel Icefjord and Hotel Hvide Falk. Additional hotels and holiday flats and a couple of youth hostels are dotted around the town. The police station, including the jail, and a number of small businesses are also situated on the coast.

The hospital, which is one of two regional hospitals in the municipality, sits on the outer foreland just by the entrance to the port. Forming part of the Avannaa health region, the hospital is the competent authority for planning and execution of health-care tasks in the region. The hospital has been extended several times and now has a patient hotel and a new surgical section. The town has its own retirement home – Unganartoq Plejecenter Ilulissat – and a dementia centre is in the building.

There are two elementary schools in town – Atuarfik Mathias Storch and Atuarfik Jørgen Brønlund – each covering the entire period of compulsory education from the age of six to 16. The buildings of Atuarfik Mathias Storch's were closed in 2013 and demolished due to mold damage, after which a new school was built and opened in 2017 at the same location as the old school. There are five day nurseries, five kindergartens, day-care facilities, a recreational club for children, before-and-after-school care and a vocational school (Piareersarfik). Also located in Ilulissat is Perorsaanermik Ilinniarfik, the Greenlandic College of Social Education, which offers a variety of social education programmes. Approximately 200 students are enrolled at the college.

Ilulissat has two preservation-worthy areas of special interest (section-2 areas) – the trade and administration district, and the church and museum district.

Bordering the port, the trade and administration district was the first trading district in the town. It illustrates the architectural heritage from the 1700s up to the 1950s and still plays an important role as the municipal administrative area in the town. The district has a number of old buildings dating back to colonial time – supply stall (B-15), colonial factor's residence (B-7 and B-25), clerk's residence (B-8), warehouses (B-9, B B-20 and B-26), residence of the trade manager (B-10), KNI buildings (formerly Greenland Trade) (B-11 and B-93), the present art factory (B-31) – and newer administrative buildings of uniform design by Danish architect Henning Larsen: the municipal office (B-963 and B-964) and the day nursery (B-750). Warehouses B-13 and B-20 have been dismantled and stored for later rebuilding, if feasible. Today, the previous residence of the trade manager (B-10) has been turned into an art museum. Most of the buildings are preservation-worthy; see also the map of main structures.

The church and museum area sits on the fiord directly south of the hospital. The area is an extensive valley scattered with houses, including the characteristic Zion Church (B-75) and the town museum of Ilulissat (B-78), originally the vicarage and parental home of Knud Rasmussen. The chapel (B-76), the new vicarage (B-4), the doctor's residence (B-6) with hen house (B-5) and the old school (B-79, now church office) are also located in the district together with a number of large single-family houses, including greenhouses and gardens of the types 513 and 514 (B-96, B-98 and B-99). The Zion Church (B-75), the museum (B-78) and the chapel (B-76) are listed according to the Greenland Parliament Act no. 11 of 19 May 2010 on listing and other cultural heritage preservation of cultural relics and monuments, cf. the map of main structures. The Qoorunnguaq path (vicar’s path) is an important part of the cultural heritage environment.

Outside the heritage areas, preservation interests relate to the old hospital (B-3, now patient hotel) and Naalakkatta Illua / Qullissat Church (B-987).

The cultural and leisure facilities of the town include a library, a village hall, the culture centre Sermermiut, Ilulissat sports centre and soccer field, all located in the town centre near the TELE-POST area and Pisiffik supermarket. Evening classes are organised at schools, and a wide number of clubs offers activities either at own premises, in the sports centre or in gymnasiums. Finally, Ilulissat offers cross-country skiing in track-set trails, snowmobile driving, dog sledge riding during winter and hiking in the hills almost all year round.

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Ilulissat Tours

Find the largest selection of Ilulissat tours on Guide to Greenland. Here you can find sailing tours along the famous Ilulissat Icefjord where whales often reside, experience the Eqi glacier, hiking tours to the Sermermiut UNESCO World Heritage area, or fly to the grand Sermeq Kujalleq glacier.

Showing 1–24 of 77 results

Boat Trip among the Icebergs | Ilulissat | Disko Bay

Daytour to Eqi Glacier | Ilulissat | Disko Bay

Whale Safari | Ilulissat | Disko Bay

Dogsled tour | Ilulissat | Disko bay

Witness the epic Eqi Glacier by boat | Ilulissat

Midnight Cruise To Ilulissat Icefjord | Ilulissat | Disko Bay

Evening Kayaking Among Icebergs | Ilulissat | Disko Bay

Chasing the Northern Lights | Ilulissat | Disko Bay

Sermermiut Settlement Walk | Ilulissat | Disko Bay

Morning Kayak among Icebergs | Ilulissat | Disko Bay

Ilulissat Citywalk | Ilulissat | Disko Bay

ISUA Glacier Adventure By Helicopter | Ilulissat | Disko Bay

Iceberg Safari | Ilulissat | Disko Bay

Meet Sled Dogs | Ilulissat | Disko Bay

The Arctic Sauna Experience | Ilulissat | Disko Bay

Searching for Humpback Whales among Icebergs | Ilulissat

Kayaking the Ilulissat Icefjord | Ilulissat | Disko Bay

A Taste Of Greenland | Evening in Oqaatsut | Ilulissat

Guided Settlement Tour & Wilderness Hike | Waterfalls and Arctic Tundra | Ilulissat

Snowmobile ride | Ilulissat | Disko Bay

Snowmobile tour to UNESCO viewpoint | Ilulissat

Fishing Tour | Ilulissat | Disko Bay

Spend a night in a real Igloo | Ilulissat

The Calving Glacier Eqi | Private tour | Ilulissat | Disko Bay

More about ilulissat tours, frequently asked questions, where is ilulissat.

Ilulissat is located approximately 300 km north from the Arctic circle. It is part of Disko bay, which is the largest bay in western Greenland.

What is the population of Ilulissat?

Ilulissat is the third largest town in Greenland with a population of 4737 (by January 2022)

What tours are the most popular in Ilulissat?

One of the most popular tours is sailing among the icebergs in Ilulissat icefjord and a boat tour to the calving Eqi glacier.

How is the weather in Ilulissat?

The average weather temperature in Ilulissat from October to April various from -6°C to -18°C ( 21.2 °F to -0.4°F) at this period Ilulissat is covered by snow, May (average temperature of 0.1 °C/ 32.2 °F, ) and September (average temperature +2.2 °C/ 35.9 °F ) is transitional months. Summer months in Ilulissat are June, July, and August with an average temperature of 8 °C to 10.9 °C (46.4 °F to 51.6°F)

What is the best time to visit Ilulissat?

hiking, and kayaking is the summer months June to mid-September. The best time to enjoy winter go dogsledding, snowmobiling, or snowshoeing is from February to the middle of April. The best time to see the Northern lights is from the end of September to April.

What are the main tourist attractions in Ilulissat?

The main tourist attraction is of course the world heritage site- Ilulissat icefjord. Where you can go sailing among the icebergs all year round. Another famous place to visit in Ilulissat is Semermiut which is part of the UNESCO site. It is a place with a long history, where Saqqaq Palseo Eskimo people settled about 4400 years ago. You can go there on the boar walk by yourself or have a guided tour to know more about the history of this unique place. Another tourist attraction is Eqi glacier (Eqip Sermia in Greenlandic) which is located 70 kilometers (approx 43 miles) north of Ilulissat. It is one of the most active glaciers in Greenland so you have a great possibility to see glacier calving.

How is the daylight in Ilulissat during winter?

If you want to experience 24 hours of darkness- Polar nights, come to Ilulissat from 30 November to January 12th when the sun doesn’t rise above the horizon. Plenty of time to go Northern lights hunting!

When can you experience the Midnight sun in Ilulissat?

From May 20th to July 23rd you can experience midnight sun as the sun is not set down. Even though the sun is setting down in August month you can still experience long summer days which last 15-20 hours.

Can you see the Northern lights in Ilulissat?

Yes, you can see Northern lights in Ilulissat. Usually, you can see Northern lights from the end of September to the end of April. In order to see Northern lights you need a dark sky, so in September and April months you will need to stay up late in order to be able to spot Northern lights. Autumn and winter is the perfect time to see the Northern lights as days are short and nights are long!

Can I go whale watching in Ilulissat?

Yes, you can. The best time to see whales in Ilulissat is July and August! You can see whales in June and September as well but not as high a chance as in July and August. Of course, it is nature and wild animals so we cannot guarantee that you will see whales on your trip.

When can I visit Eqi glacier in Ilulissat?

You can visit Eqi calving glacier just in the summer months from June to the middle of September. Trip to Eqi glacier is always subject of ice conditions that’s why is not available in other months of the year as a boat cannot get close to the Eqi glacier. The amount of ice is also the subject of how close you can get to the glacier and that changes every day.

Are there hiking trails in Ilulissat?

Yes, the most famous hiking trails in Ilulissat are a board walk, blue trail, and yellow trail next to Ilulissat icefjord. All the trails are marked and finished/start at Ilulissat ice fjord center. Board walk – Walk to Semermiut is an easy walk that everyone can do (it is 1,4 km long / 1,6 mile). Blue trail – starts in the city and leads you along the ice fjord. It is a bit more demanding as it is a 5,5 km long hike in uneven terrain. Yellow trails- Stars at the power plant and follows the shore (it is approximately 2.7 km / 1,7 mile ) Another popular hike you can do is from Ilulissat to Oqaatsut (a small settlement up north) or another way around. The hike is approximately 20 km (12,4 miles) hike along the coast.

When can I go dogsledding in Ilulissat?

The best time to go dogsledding in Ilulissat is from February to the middle of April. All years are different and sometimes we don’t have enough snow to go dogsledding in January or even end of April.

Can I go on helicopter tours in Ilulissat?

Yes, one of the most famous helicopter tours is to see Sermeq Kujalleq froup close and land at the edge of the Ice sheet with a view of the glacier and ice sheet.

Can I go from Ilulissat to Disko Island?

Yes, you can go to Disko island by boat in the summer. You can book a private charter, have a tour following the beautiful coast of disco island, visit an abandoned settlement- Qullissat, or book a simple transfer by Disko line.

Can I go from Ilulissat to Oqaatsut?

Yes, we even have a great day or a couple of days tours from Ilulissat to Oqaatsut on our website. You can sail to Oqaatsut go kayaking there, have a settlement walk, enjoy food inspired by Greenland specialties in the famous H8 restaurant, stay overnight and hike back the next day.

Can I go from Ilulissat to Ilimanaq?

You take a local ferry from the Disko line or book a private charter and visit Ilimanaq.

Where is Ilulissat airport?

The Ilulissat airport is located 2.8 kilometers (1,7 miles) away from the city center. It is common practice for the hotel to provide pick up and drop off at the airport. There is no bus public bus shuttle available but you can take a local taxi (you can call +299 94 49 44 or download the Ilulissat Taxa app)

Can I fly directly from Ilulissat to Iceland?

Yes, there are direct flights from Iceland to Ilulissat. However, it is a seasonal flight so that means you can do it in certain months (from the middle of February to the middle of March and from June till the end of September)

Can I fly from Ilulissat to other towns?

Yes, Ilulissat is a connected city if you would like to go up North and visit Uummannaq, Upernavik, or Qaanaaq. You could also fly to Kangerlussuaq, Aasiaat, Qasigiannguit, and Qeqertarsuaq

Can you go camping in Ilulissat?

You can camp in Ilulissat, and we guarantee you will have the most stunning surroundings. You are allowed to camp and have an open fire in the Unesco area, but you need to move your camp after 24 hours. However, you are encouraged to camp in the official area at the old heliport. Before having an open fire make sure is not banned by authorities due to the fire risk (usually in July and August). Please make sure you leave no trace in nature.

Things to do in Ilulissat?

Besides all tours in Ilulissat, you can visit the Ilulissat icefjord center, Knud Rasmussen museum, Ilulissat art museum, Zions church, local market, Inuit artist shop, and Knud Rasmussen sculpture.

Can I see glaciers, icebergs, and inland ice from above?

Yes, you can! Make sure to take a window seat when you are flying to Ilulissat as usually, you will be able to see icebergs from above. If you want to extend your experience you can book a Helicopter tour where you land in front of the glacier or go flightseeing wind a small 5 seater plane where all the seats have a window view and you can enjoy the views of icebergs, glaciers, and ice cap!

Where to go in 2024: The best places to visit

Editor’s note: Sign up for Unlocking the World, CNN Travel’s weekly newsletter . Get news about destinations, plus the latest in aviation, food and drink, and where to stay.

So many places to see in the world. So many people eager to see them.

International tourism reached about 90% of pre-pandemic levels in 2023, and the United States issued a record number of  passports . And if you visited any popular destination over the summer, you’d probably argue it was more crowded than ever.

So maybe it’s time to look at places that are still largely undiscovered, or alluring in the offseason, or frequently overlooked for their larger first cities or neighbors. Maybe it’s time to head to places that are making it easier for tourists to visit and those that pay close attention to encouraging tourism that’s sustainable.

With those things in mind, CNN Travel chose 24 places to consider as you make your 2024 plans:

Sumba, Indonesia

For those looking for a beach destination that prioritizes community consciousness and sustainability, the Indonesian island of Sumba delivers.

With its remote villages, untouched forests, ancient rituals and world-class surf breaks, Sumba is the perfect antidote to the crowds of Bali, which is just an hour’s flight away. It might not be internationally famous yet, but that doesn’t mean it’s small. Sumba is more than 4,000 square miles in size (more than 10,000 square kilometers) – twice the size of Bali.

It was the  Nihi Sumba  resort that brought this island into luxury seekers’ sights when it first opened in 2012. More than a decade on, Sumba has welcomed several new luxury eco-resorts. These include  The Sanubari,  a series of beachfront villas that opened in 2022, and  Cap Karoso , located on the island’s southwest.  —Karla Cripps

Turkey’s Black Sea coast

Far less known than the Mediterranean yacht-magnet resorts of Turkey’s Turquoise Coast, the  Black Sea region, also known as Karadeniz,  offers a very different side of the country. Less touristed and with a cooler, damper climate that produces verdant scenery and  delicious black tea , the region has historic towns and villages as well as beaches and adrenaline-producing activities.

In summer, it’s a refreshing escape from Turkey’s more sweltering regions. Visitors can explore ancient streets that still echo to the clang of blacksmith hammers in Safranbolu, soak up beach life in Amasra and climb to where one of the world’s oldest monasteries clings to a cliff at Sumela.

For thrill-seekers, there’s white water rafting, and when winter brings heavy snowfalls, the region’s eastern Kaçkar Mountains transform into a  heli-skiing paradise .  —Barry Neild

Tartu, Estonia

Pucker up. Tartu, in southern Estonia, has been named a European Capital of Culture for 2024 — with  special attention paid to kissing . One of this university city’s most celebrated sights is its statue of two students locked in a passionate embrace, but here in the “City of Good Thoughts,” the love-in is more high-minded than carnal.

Tartu is renowned as Estonia’s intellectual center, home to its oldest university as well as the must-visit Estonian National Museum and the impressive Science Centre AHHAA, the largest science museum in the Baltics.

The Old Town is the perfect place to base yourself, but just north of the city center on the banks of the Emajõgi River, Supilinn (“Soup Town”) is also worth a visit. This historic neighborhood filled with pretty, wooden houses was formerly a slum but is now becoming one of the city’s most desirable addresses.  —Maureen O’Hare

Tainan, Taiwan

Celebrating its 400th anniversary in 2024, Tainan has become a Taiwan hotspot on the international stage. This southern city has surpassed the capital, Taipei, to boast the highest overall hotel occupancy rate in Taiwan in the past two years.

What makes it so special? Tainan is considered the street food capital of Taiwan and is loved for its beef soups and oyster omelets, otherworldly natural landscapes (check out Tsao Shan Moon World), scenic sunsets over salt farms, colorful old temples and cool new museums.

It was also listed among Booking.com’s top 10 sustainable tourism destinations in 2023.  —Maggie Hiufu Wong

Northwest Michigan

Refreshing, unsalty Lake Michigan lures boatloads of tourists in summer, but the shoreline, quaint towns and rolling countryside of Northwest Michigan have plenty to offer year-round.

On Grand Traverse Bay, Traverse City makes a great home base for exploring wineries on the Old Mission and Leelanau peninsulas or picking cherries or apples in season. Then fall’s foliage is ripe for peeping, followed by winter’s inviting blankets of snow.

From Traverse City, the scenic M-22 highway winds up the Leelanau Peninsula and hooks back down through Leland, home to a  historic fishing village  and a collection of interesting  shops and galleries .

Glen Arbor is another town worth perusing on the way to Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore , where off M-109 an all-sand, 3.5-mile hike over massive dunes to the Great Lake and back preps hardy hikers for a delicious dinner.

Farm Club , a farm-restaurant hybrid seven miles from downtown Traverse City, serves beautifully prepared dishes showcasing the region’s ingredients — many grown on site — in a minimalist, barnlike space that spills outdoors.  —Marnie Hunter

Trans Dinarica Cycle Route, Balkans

Launching in 2024, the Trans Dinarica Cycle Route will be the first and only bike route to link all eight countries of the Western Balkans. The 100-stage trail is designed for cyclists of all abilities and its 4,000 kilometers (2,485 miles) is made up of quiet asphalt roads, forest trails and bike paths.

Riders can enjoy Albania and Croatia’s spectacular coastlines, Kosovo’s national parks, Montenegro’s rugged mountains and lush woodland and sparkling rivers throughout Slovenia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, North Macedonia and Serbia.

Riders can get more information and sign up for news of route updates, maps, accommodation and services at  transdinarica.com .   —MO

Culebra, Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico is large and makes for a great island escape. But what if you want an escape from your great island escape? That’s where little Culebra comes in. It’s about 20 miles (32 kilometers) off the eastern coast of Puerto Rico and world away from  San Juan’s noisy, rum-soaked nightlife .

The emphasis here is on outdoor activities and unwinding. Be sure to check out  Flamenco Beach , curving for about a mile around a sheltered bay. It has little in the way of waves, making it a superb spot for snorkeling and swimming. And a graffitied tank — a US military relic — offers a striking photo op.

Much of the island is  a natural refuge , and you can also go hiking, snorkeling, scuba diving, kayaking and fishing. Take  a day trip  or  stay over  and make it your main destination.  —Forrest Brown

This southern African nation is trying hard to make a break on the tourism scene, having recently introduced a  quick-approval tourism e-visa . While major tourism infrastructure might not be up to speed yet, it’s a chance to explore a country still off the travel radar.

The capital of Luanda has a reputation as a pricey party city, but out in the wide-open spaces beyond, Angola has some jaw-droppingly spectacular scenery and cultural treats. Second city  Lubango  offers Portuguese colonial architecture, an impressive Rio-style Christ the King hilltop statue and access to the Tundavala Gap, a giddying plunge from cool tablelands into shimmering dusty plains.

Also worth a look: the dramatic 1,300-foot-wide (396 meters) Calendula Falls and Atlantic coastline surfing paradises such as Barra do Kwanza and Cabo Ledo.  —BN

Saint John, New Brunswick, Canada

Not to be confused with St. John’s, the capital of Newfoundland, Saint John is located in New Brunswick — also on Canada’s east coast. This charming little city is an excellent base from which to enjoy the nearby  Bay of Fundy , famed for having the world’s highest tides.

The city itself is filled with historic architecture, including the  Saint John City Market , a National Historic Site of Canada. Built from 1874 to 1876, it’s filled with shops and food venues. A five-minute walk away is the  Saint John Arts Centre . Set in the city’s historic Carnegie Building, it’s the only former Carnegie Library in eastern Canada.

In terms of accommodation, there are seaside cottages, hotels, motels, campgrounds, historic inns and B&Bs. Food here is as excellent as you’d expect from a maritime city in Canada, with a broad range from cheap eats to fine dining.  —KC

South Korea

With word that “Squid Game” — still the most-watched show on Netflix — is set to return with a new season in 2024, it’s time once again to embrace the K-wave.

Thankfully, travel to the country is easier than ever before. The government is waiving its K-ETA requirement — the electronic travel visa for South Korea — for travelers from  22 countries  till the end of 2024 as part of its Visit Korea Year campaign.

This is a country that truly has it all. After exploring futuristic cities such as Seoul and Busan, the cultural and historic side of old Korea awaits at Andong, dubbed the “Spirit of South Korea,” or the seven cemeteries of the ancient  Gaya Tumuli , newly inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2023.  —MHW

Sandwiched on the Adriatic coast between Greece and Montenegro, it’s astonishing that Albania wasn’t more popular as a beach destination before. But its wallet-friendly prices have seen tourism boom here over the past few years — so much so that in 2023, record numbers of Italians flocked across the Adriatic for their bargain summer breaks.

2024 sees the opening of a new airport at Vlorë, on the coast, which will make those beach trips easier. But there’s far more to Albania than its coast. The country has a rich culture, including Christian and Muslim history, with historical centers in towns such as Berat and Gjirokastër, as well as jaw-dropping mountain landscapes (Theth is the most popular).

In 2023, Albania got Europe’s first wild river national park, around the 168-mile (270-kilometer)  Vjosa River  — or to go really off the beaten track book a self-drive tour with  Drive Albania .  —Julia Buckley

Stretching about 2,700 miles from top to toe, long and slim Chile offers a little something for everyone.  In the north, spectacular landscapes simulate  Mars on Earth  in the Atacama Desert, where the 51-room  Our Habitas Atacama  emphasizes sustainability.  The new hotel is a good fit for the “world’s leading green destination,” a title Chile just picked up at the World Travel Awards for the second year in a row.

The natural world puts its best foot forward all over the country: Thousands of miles of Pacific coastline to the west, the towering Andes in the east and lakes, volcanoes and wild Patagonia in the south.

World-class skiing in July and August — a welcome break from the sweltering Northern Hemisphere — is two hours or less from the capital, Santiago. And the new high-altitude Parque Nacional Glaciares near the city protects land in the country’s most populous and  historically little-protected  area.  —MH

Abrolhos Islands, Western Australia

Every year there’s another installment in the soap opera surrounding the Great Barrier Reef — will it be de-listed by UNESCO? Has the coral regrowth gone well this season?

For tourists who’d rather not wade into the situation, there’s another way to experience some of Australia’s gorgeous underwater bounty. About 37 miles (60 kilometers) off the coast of Western Australia, the lesser-known  Abrolhos Islands  are home to some of the most beautiful scenery of the country’s Coral Coast, above and below the water.

Humpback whales pass through in the Southern Hemisphere’s winter, and lucky travelers may catch a glimpse of Australian Sea Lions. There are no hotels on the islands, so intrepid visitors can either overnight in the town of Geraldton or splash out for a liveaboard boat, which provides opportunities to watch brilliant sunsets over the Indian Ocean and scuba dive in the early hours when the fish are at their most active.  —Lilit Marcus

Macedonia, Greece

Athens and the islands get more crowded every year, but in northern Greece, the region of Macedonia is relatively free from overtourism. Yet it has everything visitors flock elsewhere in Greece to see: archaeological sites, history-rich towns and beaches galore.

This was the land of Alexander the Great. His father, Philip II of Macedon, is buried at Vergina, where his tomb has been turned into a world-class  subterranean museum  displaying the finds. Nearby, there are Byzantine remains in the hilltop city Veria, and superb wineries such as  Kir-Yianni  in the rolling hills around Naousa.

Thessaloniki — the region’s capital and Greece’s second city — is a gastro hub as well as a mishmash of architectural and archaeological eras. Near the city are the sandy beaches of Halkidiki; toward the border with Thrace are archaeological spots like ancient Philippi, and the city of Kavala, whose Ottoman past shows in every building . —JB

It may be most famous for the engineering marvel that is the Panama Canal, but this Central American country is so much more than a transit destination.

Not only does Panama have a vibrant capital city with a historic old quarter that’s listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, the country also holds over a dozen national parks, including Parque Nacional Volcán Barú, the highest point in Panama.

Panama City is also the only world capital with a tropical rainforest within its city limits. Visitors keen to delve further into Panama’s cultural landscape in a sustainable way can book community-based tourist adventures through a digital portal called  SOSTUR Network , which connects travelers with rural communities and tourism businesses.  —Tamara Hardingham-Gill

Galicia, Spain

Empty beaches bordered by the wild Atlantic Ocean and framed by the rugged landscape of the  Islas Atlánticas National Park . Mouth-watering seafood. And a historic city forever entwined with the famed  Camino de Santiago.  Welcome to Galicia, an autonomous region in the northwest tip of Spain.

Galicia’s regional capital city,  Santiago de Compostela , has long been on the tourist map thanks to its striking 12 th -century cathedral, which is the endpoint for the hundreds of thousands of walkers who  embark on the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage  each year. But even if you weren’t planning on packing your walking boots, bustling Santiago should be on your radar.

And for spectacular views, head to  Cabo Fisterra , a rocky peninsula home to the picturesque Finisterre lighthouse. The former lighthouse residence is the  Hotel O Semáforo de Fisterra . Lighthouses are a bit of a theme in Galicia — there are 19 in total, including the UNESCO-protected 1st-century  Tower of Hercules , believed to be the world’s oldest surviving Roman lighthouse.  —Francesca Street

Singapore’s offshore islands

The city-state of Singapore shows urbanism at its finest: biophilic skyscrapers, neon-lit supertrees and six-star hotels all outdoing each other to redefine “luxury.” But venturing off the peninsula is quickly becoming a more interesting option.

Singapore is developing some of its smaller, uninhabited islands by, well, not developing them. Just a ferry ride away from the mainland, Lazarus Island is now home to a few rentable tiny houses made with reconstituted wood and powered by solar energy. Nearby, Sisters’ Island will open the country’s first marine park — including a sea turtle hatchery and coral protection area — in 2024.

Already open for exploring is St. John’s Island, where a 1.7-mile trail highlights native plants and flowers while shining a light on the island’s colorful history, which included a period as a quarantine center during a cholera outbreak. It’s a fitting place to think about life after a pandemic.  —LM

Mérida, Mexico

The Yucatán Peninsula is best known for its tropical beaches, but venture inland, and you’re in for an unexpected urban treat.

“Mérida’s uniqueness comes from a blend of Mayan and colonial heritage,” said David Casanova, who has a  real estate YouTube channel  on Yucatán state’s capital city with his wife, Megan Sequeira Casanova. “The city’s excitement starts with its diverse cuisine and friendly locals and expands to its year-long favorable weather.”

In town, Paseo de Montejo is lined with historic mansions, museums, art galleries and local vendors. The Casanovas tout the city’s boutique hotels, including  Kuka y Naranjo . For nearby getaways, there’s Progreso Beach (less than an hour away), fascinating Mayan ruins and underground water caves called cenotes.

If you’re concerned about personal safety in Mexico, the  US State Department  rates Yucatán and Campache states as the two safest as of December.  —FB

A longtime travel favorite thanks to its diverse landscape and spectacular architecture, Morocco has bounced back determinedly after a devastating earthquake this past September.

While visitors tend to congregate in popular cities such as Marrakech, Rabat and Fes, the country certainly isn’t short of less crowded spots that are arguably just as alluring. Standouts include Tétouan, the city near the first  Regis Hotels and Resorts Morocco property , and the historic Meknes, which is among the country’s nine UNESCO World Heritage sites.

Morocco is proving to be a world leader when it comes to sustainable tourism, with the launch of various initiatives to boost its renewable energy generation. The country is also home to a number of significant eco-friendly hotels, including the Berber-run  Kasbah du Toubkal , located at the base of the spectacular High Atlas Mountains.  —THG

Florida’s freshwater springs

How would you like to immerse in water clear as gin any day of the year? You can do that in some of the 1,000 or more recognized  fresh-water springs  scattered around northern and central Florida.

These  pristine natural pools  provide stable temps and visibility for swimming, tubing, snorkeling, diving, wildlife viewing and more. Here are a few of the best:

Wakulla Springs  has a swimming area in 70 F (21 C) degree water, and the state park offers a boat ride tour. The  depth at the vent  is about 185 feet (56 meters).  Rainbow Springs  is considered one of the most beautiful in the state.  Ginnie Springs , a privately owned site, is renowned for its diving and cavern.  —FB

Texas Hill Country

In the heart of Texas, Hill Country boasts its own natural springs. One prime spot,  Krause Springs  in Spicewood, lures visitors with more than its spring-fed pool and natural swimming hole — there’s also a butterfly garden full of magical wind chimes. And the  Blue Bonnet Cafe  — home to some of the world’s most divine cream pies — is just a short drive away in Marble Falls .

Meanderers will also find rolling hills and hiking trails, winding rivers,  wineries , barbecue, music and dance halls, plus an explosion of wildflowers in March and April. And in 2024, April also brings a celestial spectacle to Hill Country — the total solar eclipse on April 8.

Gruene Hall  in New Braunfels is legendary among Texas’  historic dance halls , and Luckenbach, a tiny hamlet outside the larger German-influenced town of Fredericksburg, has a dance hall and regular pickers’ circles under the oak trees.  —MH

One of the smaller and lesser-known emirates of the United Arab Emirates, Fujairah is as mellow as it is beautiful. Filled with spectacular mountain ranges and pristine beaches, it’s significantly less developed than the likes of Dubai and Abu Dhabi, offering an authentic and tranquil vibe that’s hard to beat.

Fujairah has a cooler climate compared with the other emirates because of its mountainous setting, but the winter months are definitely the most pleasant time to visit.

Snoopy Island, a snorkeling spot that looks like the famous cartoon dog lying on his back, is a top draw thanks to its crystal-clear waters and coral reefs, while the cascading waterfalls of the Wadi Wurayah National Park are another must-see.  —THG

The jaw-dropping landscapes of Greenland — an autonomous territory of Denmark situated northeast of Canada — are set to get a little more accessible for international travelers this year.

New international airports are opening in Greenland’s capital, Nuuk, and the coastal city of Ilulissat. These aviation hubs promise longer runways that will be able to handle larger commercial aircraft. The climate crisis is a visible, real threat in Greenland, and investment in the tourism sphere is increasing as changing climates  pose roadblocks to traditional industries.

Learn more about how Greeenland is adapting, and the stories of the Inuit people who’ve lived in the region for thousands of years at the  Icefjord Centre  in Ilulissat on the West Coast. Colorful Ilulissat is also home to the UNESCO-listed Ilulissat Icefjord, which offers the staggering sight of a bay filled with floating icebergs. In general, nature is the main event in Greenland, with other highlights including whale watching, dog sledding and Aurora Borealis sightings.   —FS

Before the pandemic, Uzbekistan was poised to be the  next big thing  in travel thanks to a series of ambitious reforms to transform the country into a world-class destination.

Now, its time has finally come.

Offering visa-free access to citizens of 86 countries, Uzbekistan’s untouched landscapes and well-preserved architecture are ready and waiting to awe visitors.

For greater insights into Uzbekistan’s position at the heart of the fabled Silk Road, a historic trade route that ran from China and India to the Mediterranean, the cities of Samarkand, Bukhara and Khiva await. Meanwhile, the mountainous Uzbek village of Sentob — about 3.5 hours from Samarkand — was added to UNESCO’s list of “ Best Tourism Villages ” in 2023. It’s been cited for its commitment to sustainable development, with a focus on nature, organic food and eco and mountain tourism.

Getting around the country is easy thanks to the high-speed Afrosiyob Express train, connecting capital Tashkent with Samarkand and Bukhara.  —KC

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