ilulissat city tour

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• Ilulissat City Walk

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• Excursions in Greenland

Experience Ilulissat City Walk and get to know a bit more from a local guide

On this guided city walk is the ideal way to gain insightful information and amusing anecdotes about Ilulissat and Greenland as a whole.

Ilulissat has a lot of history that you just walk past without knowing it.

We as locals have many stores that you dont`t usually hear from guides and we would like to share them with you.

The tour starts from our office and it takes around 2 hours to walk thought the city.

Duration: 2 hours

Meeting point 15 Kussangajaannguaq IWS Tours office (be there 10 min before): https://maps.app.goo.gl/vXBn4f1MMjbrCqQ5A

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Ilulissat is home to the UNESCO listed Ilulissat Icefjord, where whale blows or sled dog paws echo off icebergs larger than your imagination.

Why Ilulissat

How to get there

How to get around

Where to sleep

Things to do

Eating & Drinking

Quick facts

Facts about Ilulissat

Nearby towns and settlements:.

Ilimanaq Oqaatsut Qeqertat Saqqaq

• The icebergs for which Ilulissat is famous originate at Sermeq Kujalleq, otherwise known as the Jakobshavn Glacier or the Ilulissat Glacier. It is not possible to visit this glacier from Ilulissat except on a scenic flight, which is why most people head to the Eqi Glacier.
• Knud Rasmussen (Greenland’s most famous Arctic explorer) was born in Ilulissat. His house is now part of the Ilulissat museum.
• Ilulissat means “icebergs” in the Greenlandic language – for obvious reasons. Its Danish name was Jakobshavn, which means Harbour of Jakob, when it was a colony.

Useful information

Ilulissat has two large supermarkets – Brugseni and Pisiffik – located near the Cultural Center on the way out to the Icefjord. Smaller Spar and Akiki supermarkets can be found closer to the harbour, and there are several convenience stores located in other parts of the town.

Ilulissat is one of the best places in Greenland to shop for souvenirs. You can buy direct from the artisans at the workshop near the harbour, or browse the extensive collections in The Glacier Shop, the Ilulissat Museum, the Ilulissat Art Gallery, Ilulissat Boat Tours, World of Greenland Tours, IceCap souvenirs and the three large hotels.

It is best to bring your own camping and outdoor gear with you to Greenland, but for unexpected or last minute purchases, visit Qalut Vónin, Brugseni, Pisiffik, Pilu Sport, Sportsmaster, Knud Pedersen A/S – depending on exactly what you need.

Closest ports of entry:

Ilulissat airport (JAV), Ilulissat harbour

Tourist information:

There is no dedicated tourist information office, however, information can be obtained at the any of the hotels and in the tour provider offices

Useful phone numbers:

Even if you have already seen plenty of icebergs in your travels, you have not seen them like in Ilulissat. The dynamic ice sculpture gallery located just outside of this North Greenland town is unique and has been granted the designation of a UNESCO World Heritage Listed area of outstanding value. With millions of icebergs waiting to break free of the fjord in which they calved, small chunks of ice fill every nook and cranny between the gargantuan icy skyscrapers that dwarf even the largest ships. And when a gap opens in the wall of ice blocking the mouth of the fjord, the energetic dance as these frozen artworks spill into Disko Bay is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

But Ilulissat is not only about icebergs.

It is rich in Inuit history, a favourite feeding ground for migrating whales, a paradise for outdoor adventurers both on land and at sea, and a modern and vibrant city with high-quality accommodation and some of the best gastronomy in the country.

How to get to Ilulissat

Ilulissat is one of the key tourist destinations in Greenland with direct flights from Reykjavik during the summer months. However, if you are coming from Copenhagen or arriving during winter, you will first have to fly to Kangerlussuaq or Nuuk and connect to a domestic flight. There are also direct flights to Ilulissat on certain days of the week from Aasiaat, Qeqertarsuaq, Qaarsut, Saqqaq, and Upernavik.

If you would prefer to travel by sea, Ilulissat is a major Cruise port during the summer months. It is also the northernmost port for the Sarfaq Ittuk passenger ferry for several months of the year, and is also serviced by local boat transfers to other destinations around Disko Bay.

While the enormous icebergs for which Ilulissat is named are visible all year round, the best times to visit are: January – April (dog sledding, snowmobiling, snowshoeing, skiing, northern lights), June – September (hiking, kayaking, boat tours, fishing), May and October – December for off-season conferences (Ilulissat has 5-star conference facilities). If you are an adventure racer, you may also be interested in the 3-day Kangia Race that is held every June.

How to get around in Ilulissat

Although most visitors make their way around Ilulissat by walking, it is quite spread out. Other options include hiring a bicycle or car, calling a taxi, or taking the bus that runs past each stop every 20 minutes during peak hour, and roughly every 30-40 minutes otherwise. The larger hotels in Ilulissat also offer shuttle services to the airport and to town.

For excursions in the area, the most common way to get around is with a boat or on foot (summer), and by dog sled, snowmobile, ski or snowshoe (winter).

Car Rentals

Where to sleep in Ilulissat

As Greenland's top tourist destination, Ilulissat has a large number of accommodation options, though not all of them are close to the centre of the city. Apartments, 3- and 4-star hotel rooms, B&Bs and guesthouses, and dormitory accommodation with shared facilities are all available to suit your budget.

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Hotel Icefiord

Bed & Breakfast Paa and Jannik

Hotel Arctic

Best Western Plus Hotel Ilulissat

Hotel Hvide Falk

Ilulissat Guesthouse

Glacier Lodge Eqi

Unnuisarfik Accommodation

Ilulissat Escape

Ilimanaq Lodge

Things to do in Ilulissat

The enormous icebergs for which the town is named are, justifiably, the focus of any visit to Ilulissat. Looking down on nature’s icy art gallery from one of three well-marked hiking trails, craning your neck up at the towering cliffs of ice from a boat or kayaking tour, gaining a bird’s eye view of their chiseled shapes on a scenic flight, or experiencing multiple perspectives depending on where you dog sled musher takes you, present different opportunities to grasp the full character of Ilulissat’s icebergs.

During summer, watch and listen carefully for whale blows as you hike, sail, or kayak on a day tour or multi-day tour, you can even experience this as you relax at your hotel in Ilulissat or eat your dinner. The giants of the sea are as common as international visitors during the warmer months and announce their location loudly! For the best and closest views (while still maintaining a respectful distance), join a specific whale watching tour that takes you to where they were last seen and where your guide will explain the different types of whales that frequent Disko Bay.

A whale safari near Ilulissat. Photo by Mads Pihl

The eternal summer days that culminate in the Midnight Sun are also perfect for fishing (cod and redfish – make sure you purchase a fishing license first) and exploring the Ilulissat backcountry on foot. The most popular hike is to the Ilulissat Icefjord along the boardwalk that passes through the Valley. This location has sheltered countless generations of Inuit over thousands of years, and remnants from those times can be seen on a guided tour. There are also two other well-marked loop trails that allow you to explore different aspects of the Ilulissat Icefjord, and you can even sign up to go hiking with Greenlandic sled dogs.

Two hikers on the boardwalk in Sermermiut by the Ilulissat Icefjord. Photo by Mads Pihl

The Ilulissat Icefjord takes on a different character as the snow falls and the sea freezes. Although the Sun never makes it above the horizon for 6 weeks of the year, the days are characterised by a perpetual twilight that adds an air of mystery to the landscape. Join an expert musher for an unforgettable dog sledding experience as powerful Greenlandic sled dogs pull you across the landscape around Ilulissat in this most ancient of traditions. This mode of transportation is still favoured by hunters and local families and is one of the Big Arctic 5 adventures for visitors. If you are keen to range further afield and explore other backcountry areas on a day tour around Ilulissat then snowmobiling excursions are also a possibility. While snowmobiles are not allowed near the Icefjord due to its protection by UNESCO, they are a great way to get the adrenaline pumping in the hills around Ilulissat. Other winter adventures include scenic flights, ice fishing and snowshoeing, and excursions out to the darkest sites near Ilulissat for the best views of the magical Northern Lights.

Tourists taking photos on a dogsledding trip in Ilulissat. Photo by Rebecca Gustafsson

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Top things to do in Ilulissat

Ilulissat icefjord

Northern Lights

Whale Watching

Self-guided activities in ilulissat.

While exploring many of the key attractions around Ilulissat require you to join a guided tour, there are a few options for those wanting to just do their own thing.

The Ilulissat Icefjord Centre (opening 2021) is a meeting place for both locals and visitors and a not-to-be-missed architectural gem. Explore the visitor’s centre, exhibition space, and entertainment hub before walking over its gently sloping, curved wooden roof which now forms the start of the boardwalk leading Ilulissat Icefjord. The center also includes conference and research facilities in alignment with the area’s key significance in understanding climate change. It is designed to bring together climate scientists from around the world.

An icon of Ilulissat is the beautiful wooden Zion’s Church (more typically thought of as the Ilulissat Church). Although it is not generally open except for mass, its waterfront views of the enormous icebergs floating in Disko Bay make it one of the most photographed buildings in all of Greenland.

The Ilulissat Icefjord Centre. Photo by Adam Mork

Just up from this landmark is the Ilulissat Museum. Housed within the old seminary, it features exhibitions on polar exploration (especially by its favourite son – Knud Rasmussen) and local history, including the importance of the Sermermiut Valley. An extension of this is the Ilulissat Art Museum, which is located just above the harbour in the old colony manager’s residence. Here you will find a permanent collection of works by Emanuel A. Petersen (one of the most prolific painters of Greenland), as well as local and international temporary exhibitions.

The Ilulissat Art Museum. Photo – Filip Gielda

Operators in Ilulissat

Inussuit Lodge

World of Greenland

Amazing Boat Tours - Ilulissat

Ilulissattours.com

Greenland Backcountry

Nomad Greenland

Albatros Arctic Circle

IceCap Explore

Ilulissat Adventure

Greenland Travel

Eating and Drinking in Ilulissat

With its relatively big population and large number of international guests each year, Ilulissat has a good selection of restaurants and cafes serving a wide range of meals. During summer, it is also one of the best places in Greenland to indulge in one of several Greenlandic buffets – the dates of which are announced on bus shelter posters around town.

Restaurants in Ilulissat

Cafés in Ilulissat

Fast Food in Ilulissat

Pubs & Bars in Ilulissat

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5 Day Tour of Ilulissat – The Realm of Icebergs

From 512.000  kr.

Arguably one of the most unforgettable places in the world and a must on your arctic dream bucket list!

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5 day tour of ilulissat – the realm of icebergs.

Ilulissat is the Greenlandic word for “icebergs” and because of its close proximity to the picturesque Ilulissat Icefjord, it is Greenland’s most fascinating destination on the west coast. With a population of about 4,600, the town is the seat of the municipality of Ilulissat, and also the third largest settlement in Greenland.

• Ilulissat – the city of icebergs
• Evening boat tour amongst the floating icebergs (guided in English)
• Boat trip to Oqaatsut (guided in English)
• Hike to Sermermiut village (guided in English)
• Wild nature of Greenland

Daily itinerary:

Day 1: Flight departure from Iceland to Ilulissat. Upon arrival to Ilulissat airport transfer by hotel shuttle van to the hotel where you stay during your Greenland visit.

Guided city walk in the afternoon: with the culture-historical walk you will get an enhanced understanding of the Greenlandic culture and history, which will give the other experiences in Greenland a new perspective. You will learn about the history of the city, the Greenlandic culture and the modern life 300 km north of the Arctic Circle. Among the highlights along the way are the fishing harbour and the hunters‘ trading post “Brædtet”; the church and the house where the famous explorer Knud Rasmussen was born. A 2-course dinner at the hotel.

Day 2: Breakfast at the hotel. Today we make a 2-hour guided hiking tour to the old settlement by the Icefjord: Beautiful Icebergs are the setting for the old settlement of the Sermermiut 1½ km south of Ilulissat. For 4000 years, different Inuit cultures lived in the settlement and today you can still see relics left from times gone by. Learn about the Inuit people’s way of life and traditions before the Europeans came to Greenland, see the ruins and touch the permafrost with your own hands. On this hike we will pass “kællingekløften” where you can enjoy the magnificent view of the Icefiord, before heading back to Ilulissat.

In the evening we take a Boat tour amongst the floating icebergs – an exceptional experience you do not want to miss out while visiting Ilulissat. During the year, more than 46 km3 of ice flows into the fiord. The result is gigantic icebergs, which can be more than 100 metres on each side and with a height on more than 100 metres above the water surface. These giants strand at the end of the fiord, and that gives a good opportunity to sail among them. The icebergs are beautiful every kind of weather; in the sunshine the contrasts are very clear, the blue shades are very beautiful, when it is cloudy and the midnight sun casts a unique glow on the icebergs during the night. The boat trip at bright night is definitely an extraordinary experience.

Day 3: Breakfast at the hotel. Boat trip to Oqaatsut (Rodebay) settlement (duration 5 hours). The settlement Oqaatsut (Rodebay) was through several centuries the resort of the Dutch whale hunters, and whales are still drawn ashore here once in a while. Oqaatsut is beautifully situated about 15 km north of Ilulissat. Even though it only has 45 inhabitants it has got its own school, church, shop and a small restaurant called “H8”, which is one of the old buildings from the colonial time.

Day 4: Breakfast at the hotel. Free day in Ilulissat or possibility for an additional optional tour, such as day tour to Eqi glacier, whale safari, sea-kayaking etc.

Day 5: Breakfast at the hotel. In the morning you have some time to take another short hike in the area before it is time for transfer to the airport and departure to Iceland (or Copenhagen via Kangerlussuaq upon request). Night flight to Iceland and arrival in the morning of Day 6.

Dates and prices

Departures: 

June: Mondays, Fridays (extra night will be required for other departure dates) July & August: Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays (extra night(s) will be required for other departure dates)

In double room /standard Price per person: from 3.550 EUR

Single supplement: Price on request

Package price includes: * Flights Reykjavík-Ilulissat-Reykjavík * Airport taxes * Hotel accommodation in double/twin room with private facilities, including breakfast * Airport transfers in connection with flights in Ilulissat * Cultural city walk of Ilulissat * Hike to the old settlement, Sermermiut, a UNESCO World Heritage Site * Evening boat tour sailing amongst icebergs * Boat tour to Oqaatsut (Rodebay), incl. lunch in Oqaatsut

We reserve the right to change the itinerary depending on flights or weather conditions.

Passport required

Information about Ilulissat

Ilulissat is the Greenlandic word for “icebergs” and because of its close proximity to the picturesque Ilulissat Icefjord, it is Greenland’s most popular tourist destination on the west coast. With a population of about 4,600 it is the the seat of the municipality of Ilulissat, and also the third largest settlement in Greenland after Nuuk and Sisimiut.  

In Danish it has been named Jakobshavn – after the founder Jakob Severin. The town has about 3500 sled dogs, which underlines the importance of the dogsled as means of transportation even in a large modern town.

The Ilulissat Icefjord  was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2004 and is 40 km  long situated close to Ilulissat town. At its eastern end is the Jakobshavn Isbræ glacier, the most productive glacier in the Northern Hemisphere. The glacier flows at a rate of 20-35 m  per day, resulting in around 20 billion tons of icebergs calved off and passing out of the fjord every year. Icebergs breaking from the glacier are often so large that they are too tall to float down the fjord and thus lie stuck on the bottom of its shallower areas, sometimes for years, until they are broken up by the force of the glacier and icebergs further up the fjord. On breaking up, the icebergs emerge into the open sea and initially travel north with ocean currents before turning south and running into the Atlantic Ocean. Larger icebergs typically do not melt until they reach 40-45 degrees north (south of the United Kingdom and level with New York City).

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5 day tour of Ilulissat - The Realm of Icebergs

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Welcome to Ilulissat and cultural city walk

Maximize your Ilulissat experience by joining our guided city walk. This tour offers a fantastic introduction to the city, where your knowledgeable guide will lead you to the town’s key attractions. Additionally, you’ll receive recommendations for exceptional dining options and opportunities to discover local art and unique souvenirs.

Explore all our activities in the tour catalog by clicking on the logo:

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Amazing Days in Ilulissat 5 days

Adding item to wishlist requires an account, already a member, don't have an account create one., if you are looking for a trip of a lifetime then this 5-day tour from iceland is perfect.

This 5-day tour package to West Greenland includes a round trip flight from Iceland, 4 nights of hotel accommodation and 5 guided tours in Ilulissat. Visit a UNESCO world heritage site and experience the unique Disko Bay. Take a trip to the Arctic, experience untouched wilderness, and face traditional Inuit culture. Located on the west coast of Greenland, 300 kilometres above the Arctic Circle, the famous Ilulissat Icefjord is filled with icebergs from “Sermeq Kujalleq”, which is the most producing glacier in the northern hemisphere. Ilulissat town is an exciting mix of Inuit culture, modern life and thousands of sledge dogs pulsing under the magical light of the midnight sun.

Highlights & Experiences

• Ilulissat city walk
• Sunset cruise at Ilulissat Icefjord
• Rodebay - the hunters village
• Eqi - the calving glacier
• Illimanaq - fishing & hunters village
• Whale watching in the Disco Bay
• Sermermiut - Inuit settlement
• Floating Icebergs

Click on each day for more details

Day 1 Arrival in Greenland, Ilulissat city walk & Icefiod sunset cruise

A 3-hour flight from Keflavik international airport to Ilulissat. Transfer to your accommodation. After the welcome meeting with your local guide, enjoy a guided city walk of Ilulissat. Afterwards, you have some time to explore the town, visit the local museum and observe Greenlandic life at the always busy harbour. Welcome dinner (2-course) is included at your hotel in Ilulissat. Around 22:00, depart for a sunset cruise to the famous Ilulissat Icefiord, the world’s largest ice sculpture park. The experience is overwhelming; the lights and colours constantly change. Enjoy a late drink on “the real rocks”. The tour duration is about 3 hours. Dress warmly. (Note: The season for midnight sun is approx. May 22-Jul 24. Outside this season, the excursion is operated as an evening cruise with the beautiful sunset reflecting over the icebergs).

Accommodation: Hotel Ilulissat  Meals included: Welcome dinner

A 3-hour flight from Keflavik international airport to Ilulissat. Transfer to 4-star Hotel Arctic. After the welcome meeting with your local guide, enjoy a guided city walk of Ilulissat. Afterwards, you have some time to explore the town, visit the local museum and observe Greenlandic life at the always busy harbour. Welcome dinner (2-course) is included at Hotel Arctic. Around 22:00, depart for a sunset cruise to the famous Ilulissat Icefiord, the world’s largest ice sculpture park. The experience is overwhelming ; the lights and colours constantly change. Enjoy a late drink on “the real rocks”. The tour duration is about 3 hours. Dress warmly . (Note: The season for midnight sun is approx. May 22-Jul 24. Outside this season, the excursion is operated as an evening cruise with the beautiful sunset reflecting over the icebergs).

Accommodation: 4 star hotel in Ilulissat Meals included: Welcome dinner

Day 2 Inuit Settlement at the Ilulissat Icefjord

Breakfast at the hotel. By bus as far as the road goes. Guided walking tour to the old Inuit settlement Sermermiut located on the famous Ilulissat Icefiord inscribed on the UNESCO’s world heritage list in 2004. The ancient settlement of Sermermiut, 1.5 km south of the town, is surrounded by Ilulissat’s beautiful icebergs. Various Inuit cultures have lived here over the past 4,000 years, and you can still see remains from ancient times. Learn about local history and customs before Europeans arrived. See plots settled for thousands of year and admire the views across the majestic icebergs. Please wear proper boots or hiking boots. The hiking distance is about 3 km (1,9 mls) round-trip; hiking time is about 1 hour. Terrain: mainly track bridge and a bit of uneven nature and rocky trail. Tour duration: about 3 hours. After the hike you will be taken to a local family for a home visit. These are locals opening their homes to you, the latest gossip is shared over a cup of coffee. You will learn about life of the locals isolated from the rest of the world.

Accommodation: Hotel in Ilulissat. Meals included: Breakfast

Day 3 Boat Trip to hunter's settlement & whale watching tour in Disko Bay

Sail south along Ilulissat Icefiord and admire the huge icebergs and the local fishermen in their small boats. Visit the Ilimanaq settlement, still dependent on hunting and fishing. We will see wooden houses from the old Danish trading station at the pier, dated back to 1730. After a walk through the settlement, we visit a small local restaurant, where we enjoy a lunch (included) based on Greenlandic specialities. On the return, we cruise the Disko Bay to spot migrating whales before reaching Ilulissat. Tour duration: about 6 hours.

Accommodation: Hotel in Ilulissat. Meals included: Breakfast & Lunch

Day 4 Boat trip to Eqi - the calving glacier & Rodebay - hunter's village

Breakfast at the hotel. Early morning departure for the one-day boat trip to Eqi – the calving glacier. The Eqi glacier runs into the fjord 80 km north of Ilulissat and is one of the most beautiful places in Greenland. It is possible to get very close to the 5-km wide glacier front and experience huge pieces of ice breaking off. The sound of an active calving glacier is quite remarkable, while the sight of icebergs toppling into the water is breathtaking. Afterwards, we continue to the small settlement of Oqaatsut/Rodebay. The local population of about 40 people is dependent on fishing and hunting; you experience an entirely different world compared to the nearby town of Ilulissat. Guided walk through the village before enjoying a local meal at the old trading station. For hundreds of years, Oqaatsut/Rodebay was a stopover place for Dutch whalers, who dragged the huge whales onto land here in the old village. The village, which lies in a beautiful natural setting just 15 km north of Ilulissat, has its school, church, shop and a single restaurant, “H8”, which serves excellent meals in the old colonial building. Tour duration: about 7-8 hours.

Day 5 Departure from Greenland

Breakfast at the hotel. Spend some time in the morning exploring the town of Ilulissat and last-minute Greenland shopping. The short adventure has come to an end, and you return by flight to Keflavík, Iceland.

Meals included: Breakfast

Price & Details for Summer 2024

Price for summer 2024.

EUR 4.900  per person (double/twin room) EUR 615  for single room supplement (mandatory when in a single room)

Please note that flight supplements might apply depending on flight availability. GJ Travel does not offer twin shares with other solo travellers.

Inclusions / Exclusions

Price Includes • Return flight Keflavik-Ilulissat-Keflavik including airport taxes • Hotel/airport transfer in Greenland • 4 nights in 4-star hotel in Ilulissat , in a standard room with shower/wc • Daily breakfast at your hotel in Ilulissat, 1x lunch • Welcome meeting with a local guide at the hotel • 1-2 hours guided city walk Ilulissat • 3 hours sunset cruise, sailing among icebergs, incl. refreshments • 8 hours boat trip to Eqi glacier & hunters village of Rodebay, incl. lunch • 6 hours boat trip to Hunter’s settlement & whale watching, incl. lunch • 3 hours hike to old Sermermiut settlement at the Icefjord, incl. refreshments • Home visit with the locals

Price Excludes • Airport transfers • Any private expenses • Any additional services • Single supplement (mandatory when travelling in a single room) • Travel insurance (recommended) • Flight supplement (if any)

Departure & Return Location

Keflavik international airport

Departure Days

Tuesdays from June – September

Important: Trips to Greenland are always subject to weather, fog and ice conditions. Therefore the sequence of the day tours and excursions in Greenland is subject to change, or if needed, an alternative excursion will be operated if available. In addition, delays and flight cancellations between Iceland and Greenland can happen. Therefore we strongly recommend you buy travel insurance in the country of residence to cover any additional travel expenses should your flights be delayed or cancelled due to weather. Finally, we recommend not to book any international flight directly after a trip from Greenland. Ideally, we recommend staying a minimum of two nights in Iceland after the Greenland trip to avoid the risk of missing an international flight.

Cancellation & payment policies

Client from Tourradar

Great experience seeing the colorful houses of these small settlements in Greenland. We also enjoyed seeing whales, glaciers, icebergs, icefjords, and sledge puppies. Visiting with a native Inuit Greenlander in her home was so educational. There we saw narwhal tusks that her brother had given to her after he caught them. We saw all the handcrafted clothing made by her by hand out of sealskin and beads. At the end of that visit, we were able to purchase some of the crafts she had made. Our guide was very helpful at finding vegan food for us, including making the sandwiches herself for our boating days. The only downside was that sometimes neither the guide nor the hotel seemed to know which meals we had already paid for and were expecting to be part of the package. If I hadn’t spoken up, we would have paid twice for two dinners at the hotel. But all in all, I highly recommend this tour.

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Nuuk and Ilulissat, Cruise along the West Coast

See greenland's vibrant capital nuuk, sail up the west coast with locals on the ferry and experience one of the world's most beautiful bays filled with huge icebergs at ilulissat icefjord..

Tour Description

This trip combines two of Greenland’s favourite cities; Nuuk and Ilulissat. There is plenty of time for you to explore Nuuk at leisure, before sailing up the west coast on M/S Sarfaq Ittuk to Ilulissat in beautiful Disko Bay. Along the way you’ll see more towns and lots of beautiful and varied scenery. On board the ferry there is a ship guide (June to August), who conducts lectures and invites you to participate in shore excursions along the way.

• See one of the world's smallest capitals, Nuuk
• Possibility to visit to the National Museum , where you can see the Qilakitsoq mummies
• A beautiful 2-day cruise along the west coast of Greenland with M/S Sarfaq Ittuk
• UNESCO World Heritage Listed destination Ilulissat Icefjord
• Stay active and awake under the Midnight Sun
• Observe the difference between a small settlement and big ‘cities’ like Nuuk and Ilulissat
• See the towns and settlements: Nuuk, Maniitsoq, Kangaamiut, Sisimiut, Aasiaat and Ilulissat
• Possibility to see whales and seals on the sailing trip up the coast

Day 1. Copenhagen - Nuuk via Kangerlussuaq - Tuesday Fly from Copenhagen to Kangerlussuaq, where you change to a smaller aircraft heading to Nuuk. The domestic flight offers beautiful scenery in clear weather.

Day 2-3. Days on your own in Nuuk - Wednesday - Thursday Nuuk is a city amid rapid development and modernisation, however it still manages to foster traditional values and offers the feeling of a metropolis in the middle of nature.

Day 4. Nuuk - Ilulissat with M/S Sarfaq Ittuk - Friday The day in Nuuk is on your own. Evening departure on the Arctic Umiaq Line ferry M/S Sarfaq Ittuk.

Day 5. Today's Port Calls: Maniitsoq, Kangaamiut and Sisimiut - Saturday Today we call at 3 different ports which you can explore, including Greenland's second largest city Sisimiut.

Day 6. Today's Port Calls: Aasiaat and Ilulissat - Sunday Today we reach Disko Bay. First a short stop in Aasiaat, former home of world renowned Danish artist Per Kirkeby, then onwards to Greenland’s iceberg capital, Ilulissat.

Day 7-9. Ilulissat: City Tour, Sermermiut Hiking and Icefjord Cruise - Monday - Tuesday - Wednesday You have 3 excursions planned during your time in Ilulissat: a guided city tour, a walk to the UNESCO World Heritage Listed icefjord and Sermermiut settlement, and a cruise among icebergs.

Day 10. Ilulissat - Copenhagen via Kangerlussuaq - Thursday Farewell Greenland. Flight back to Copenhagen.

Click here to see the detailed daily itinerary

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1. Copenhagen - Nuuk via Kangerlussuaq - Tuesday

Fly from Copenhagen to Kangerlussuaq, with connecting flight on to Greenland’s capital city, Nuuk. As always in Greenland, a flight is a beautiful experience in clear weather, offering a different perspective of nature from above.

In Nuuk you’re on your own, but if you need help booking accommodation, transport and excursions, we’re ready to assist. If you’d like a shorter or longer stay in Nuuk, it can easily be arranged. - / L / -

Nuuk is much more than Greenland’s capital city. When you look around, you’ll see you’re surrounded by beautiful nature. Mountains and fjords share the view with manmade structures.

Day 2-3. Days on your own in Nuuk - Wednesday - Thursday

Nuuk is a city in rapid development, full of contrast and experiences you won’t find elsewhere in Greenland. The city has approx. 17,000 citizens, 5 primary and secondary schools, 1 independent school, high school, trade school, university, the home rule government, a court and the headquarters of many businesses. A visit to the picturesque old colonial harbour offers a glimpse back in time, but you’ll also find the comforts of modern life in fashion boutiques, great restaurants and cafes, a cinema, swimming pool, art museum, a micro-brewery, the Katuaq Cultural Centre and the excellent National Museum. Just a like any other ‘big city’, Nuuk also has a morning and afternoon rush hour, although the volume of traffic might be a little less than in other countries.

The town is surrounded by magnificent scenery, offering excellent excursion opportunities. See Nuuk excursions here - / - / -

Day 4. Nuuk - Ilulissat with M/S Sarfaq Ittuk - Friday

Spend your final day in Nuuk sightseeing, shopping or visiting the National Museum. This evening at 21:00 hrs (9 pm) your Arctic Umiaq Line ferry M/S Sarfaq Ittuk departs Nuuk and your sea adventure begins. Check-in opens from 20:00 hrs (8 pm). You’ll be welcomed aboard by the ship's crew. Café Sarfaq offers breakfast, lunch and dinner at fixed dining times, which are adapted to the day's port calls. Prices are reasonable. - / - / -

Day 5. Today's Ports: Maniitsoq, Kangaamiut and Sisimiut - Saturday

Arrival at 07:00 hrs (7 am) in Maniitsoq, previously called 'Sukkertoppen' in Danish. If you’re awake for a quick city tour, we recommend you sign up. You can eat breakfast later. Maniitsoq means 'the place is uneven' – an apt name considering the town’s many stairs and bridges. It’s a lovely little town with beautiful views of the archipelago and mountains.

After Maniitsoq, continue north through Hamburger Sund to Kangaamiut. Kangaamiut's port is too small for the ship to dock, so passengers board a smaller boat from the ship to shore.

After Kangaamiut (around noon), the ship sails in the open sea towards Greenland's second largest city, Sisimiut. Arrival at 19:00 hrs (7 pm) and departure at 21:00 hrs (9 pm). The ship’s guide offers a good city tour of Sisimiut.

Day 6. Today's Ports: Aasiaat and Ilulissat - Sunday

This morning you cruise into Disko Bay. While the sun is still low you can say good morning to Aasiaat at 08:00 hrs (8 am), where a half-hour stop is scheduled. You can make a quick visit to the black church and perhaps the assembly house, where Danish artist Per Kirkeby's farewell gift to the city hangs. In the summer of 1969, the artist Per Kirkeby created 24 paintings which were hung in the assembly hall. The assembly hall is closed, but you can easily view the paintings by looking through the windows.

As the cruise continues to Ilulissat, we recommend you dress in warm clothes to spend the rest of the voyage on deck. After departure from Aasiaat there are good chances to see humpback whales - the ship’s crew often make an announcement if they spot whales, so you don’t miss them.

Ilulissat Icefjord was admitted to UNESCO's World Heritage List in 2004 and was one of the first areas in the Arctic to be placed on the list. Although protected, we have special permits to sail among the icebergs and operate helicopter tours.

The approach to Ilulissat starts at around 12:00 hrs as the ship zig zags between the impressive icebergs of Ilulissat Icefjord. Remember to have an extra charged battery for your camera, because you’ll need it today.

Arrival in Ilulissat at 13:00 hrs (1 pm) and transfer by hotel bus to your comfortable accommodation at Hotel Icefiord. The rest of the day is on your own. - / - / -

Ilulissat - enourmouse icebergs

For many enthusiasts, Ilulissat (formally Jakobshavn) is considered “the Navel of the World” when discussing travel to Greenland.

Day 7. Ilulissat – City Tour and Sermermiut Hiking - Monday

This morning you have a guided city tour to learn about the city's history, important buildings and everyday life.

In the afternoon, a nice hike to Sermermiut is arranged. A visit to Sermermiut, the old Inuit settlement at the icefjord mouth, is an absolute must. Observe at close range the impressive flow of ice and the view over the fjord, filled with icebergs as far as the eye can see. B / - / -

Day 8. Ilulissat - Midnight Sun Cruise - Tuesday

Day free to relax, visit a local artisan’s studio, the museum and a sea of cosy shops.

Your Midnight Sun cruise starts at 22:00 hrs (10 pm). Be sure to dress warmly and have your camera ready with charged extra batteries and extra memory cards. From 21 May to 24 July, the sun does not set. The special evening light gives the impression of an eternal sunset, without actually setting. Icebergs are impressive in all weather, but this light gives your iceberg photos a particularly radiant appearance. B / - / -

Day 9. Ilulissat - Wednesday

Your last day in Ilulissat is free for optional excursions. The possibilities include boat trips, scenic flights or land excursions. Look here for excursion info B / - / -

Day 10. Ilulissat - Copenhagen via Kangerlussuaq - Thursday

Day 10. Ilulissat - Copenhagen via Kangerlussuaq Savour your last look at Disko Bay and the UNESCO World Heritage Listed Ilulissat Icefjord, before your short flight to Kangerlussuaq. We hope the unique impressions and memories of a lifetime will inspired you to return to Greenland.

In Kangerlussuaq you’ll board Air Greenland's Airbus for your flight back Copenhagen. B / - / D

As we say in Greenlandic, Takuss' - see you later!

NOTE! – Would you like to extend the journey?

If you’d like more days to fully explore and experience our wonderful part of the world, we have excellent knowledge of Greenland and can tailor an itinerary according to your wishes. Please contact us for information.

Click here for Price and Practical information

Price and Practical Info

Price includes.

• Flights Copenhagen (Denmark, Europe) - Kangerlussuaq (Greenland) - Nuuk (Greenland) incl. taxes
• Flights Ilulissat (Greenland) - Kangerlussuaq (Greenland) - Copenhagen (Denmark, Europe) incl. taxes
• 2 nights aboard M/S Sarfaq Ittuk in 2 person outside cabin (with private bath / toilet)
• 4 nights at Hotel Icefiord (Ilulissat) in shared double room incl. breakfast
• Guided excursions: City Tour, Sermermiut Hiking and Icefjord Cruise (Ilulissat)
• Ship guide aboard M/S Sarfaq Ittuk (June-August)
• Contribution to the Travel Guarantee Fund
• All taxes and charges

Price Excludes

• Meals, except breakfast at Hotel Icefiord and meals on the Atlantic flight
• Accommodation in Nuuk (can be arranged)
• Excursions, except those specifically mentioned in “Price Includes”
• Tour guide (this trip is on your own)
• Travel cancellation insurance
• Single room supplement (Low season: 4,625 DKK / High season: 4,125 DKK)

Please note: The price of the trip is a base-level estimate, calculated on a certain category of seat on the flights and room / cabin category of accommodation. The actual price for your travel date may differ, according to availability at the time of booking. Please confirm with us any possible surcharges at the time of making your booking.

If you need further information, please feel free to contact us.

Accommodation

Sarfaq ittuk - arctic umiaq line..

Sailing along the west coast of Greenland together with the locals can be one of the best ways to experience Greenland.

Ilulissat - Hotel Icefiord.

The hotel is located right on the Disko Bay waterfront close to the ice fjord mouth. All 30 rooms have sea views. Hotel Icefiord on the rim of Diskobay with view to huge icebergs

Included meals are marked with B (breakfast), L (lunch), D (dinner) on each day. If meals are not included, these are marked with -. On Air Greenland flights between Denmark and Greenland, free meals and drinks are served on board. On domestic flights in Greenland, a cup of coffee and a biscuit is typically served.

Access to Electricity

It’s possible to charge digital camera batteries at the hotels and at the ship (with your own charger).

Mobile Phone

Mobile phone coverage is sparse during this trip, so there will only be limited opportunities to use your phone.

IMPORTANT NOTE!

The programme is subject to change without notice. A trip like this is dependent on good weather. There may therefore be some changes in the programme. Delays and cancellations may occur, especially in air and ship transportation. No compensation is granted for the first 24 hours of delay or travel changes due to external circumstances. We will strive to reduce the disruption as much as possible and endeavour to provide an alternative programme or fill the additional waiting time.

Nuuk and Ilulissat, cruise along the West Coast - request an offer

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Travel Blog | Travel Inspiration

15 Spectacular Things To Do In Ilulissat In Summer

Summer is a great time to visit Greenland and there are plenty of things to do in Ilulissat, including spectacular Icefjord experiences, wildlife encounters and adventures in the untamed landscape. The town itself also has a lot to offer, including its iconic Zions Church and museum exhibitions.

I spent one magnificent week in Ilulissat in June 2023 – so read on for all I learned about what to do in Ilulissat, Greenland in summer.

Disclosure: This article contains affiliate links. These are links to products or experiences I recommend and if you were to buy something after clicking on them, I might earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Any earnings go towards the upkeep of this blog, which I appreciate.

Table of Contents

Is Ilulissat Worth Visiting?

Ilulissat is definitely worth visiting in my opinion. If you love dramatic landscapes, glaciers and wildlife, you will be blown away by Ilulissat. It’s one of the most spectacular places I have been to in the world. In particular, the beauty of the ice took my breath away.

My mind keeps drifting back to the stunning icebergs I saw and I have been reliving the wonder of them over and over…

What Is Ilulissat Known For?

Ilulissat’s name is a hidden clue of what it is known for. The word ‘Ilulissat’ means icebergs in Greenlandic (Kalaallisut) – and that is what Ilulissat is known for.

Ilulissat is next to a very productive glacier, Sermeq Kujalleq , from which calve huge icebergs. These drift down a fjord (Ilulissat’s Icefjord is a UNESCO World Heritage site) and out into Disko Bay, past the town of Ilulissat.  

The Sermeq Kujalleq glacier is one of the fastest moving glaciers in the world (around 40m per day!), due to the geography that sort of drains the ice sheet through a narrow channel in the mountains. It produces the most ice of any glacier in the northern hemisphere – second only to Antarctica. It is responsible for 10% of all Greenland calf ice. And Greenland has 44,000km of coastline, with many calving glaciers that flow from the huge ice sheet, so that’s really saying something!

And the icebergs are known for being BIG. In fact, based on the size, location and number of other icebergs from Ilulissat, some suspect the iceberg that hit the Titanic came from here.

Beyond the glaciers, Ilulissat is known for its teeming wildlife, including seals, birds and musk ox. If you come to Ilulissat in summer, you also have a great chance of seeing whales , especially humpback whales, which feed on plankton that thrive in the meltwater of the icebergs.

And culturally , it’s a really interesting place. For millennia, people survived here by hunting and fishing, getting around by sea and dog sled. Kayaks were used by Inuit people to hunt in the arctic waters for thousands of years. In fact, the English word kayak comes from the Greenlandic word for it: qajaq .  

And the town of Ilulissat continues to depend on fishing, with Greenlandic Halibut being the main catch.

Summer In Ilulissat: Weather

They say Greenland only has two seasons: winter and summer. Winter is characterised by sub-zero temperatures, snow and darkness. And summer is known for relatively mild temperatures and 24-hour daylight (Greenland is partially within the Arctic Circle, so it gets those real extremes of seasonal light).

According to Weatherspark , the average temperatures in Ilulissat in summer are:

I visited Ilulissat in early June, which was the start of the summer season. I would say I had slightly worse weather than I was expecting (and worse than the table above suggests) – and this was validated by some local people who complained about how unseasonably cold it was.

During my seven days in Ilulissat, I had two snowy days, with temperatures close to 0°C, two rainy days and three dry days. But don’t worry, I didn’t let a little precipitation stop me from making the most of my time there!  I did a bunch of tours in Ilulissat , as well as some independent exploring and even a little hiking.

On the upside, due to the particularly cold start to the summer that I experienced, I did manage to miss one negative of being in Greenland in summer: mosquitoes and midges . Like Scotland, Scandinavia and Iceland, in summer, around wet areas, these annoying biting insects come out to play. If you come in the peak of summer (mid-June to the end of August), you’re likely to see these guys buzzing around and you will probably want to have some strategies to repel them.

Seeing as I went so early in the summer, and the weather was still snowy, I didn’t see any midges or mosquitoes.

11 Things To Do In Ilulissat In Summer

1. icefjord boat tour.

I’ll start with one of my favourite things to do in Ilulissat: a boat tour of the Icefjord . If there’s one thing you do in Ilulissat in summer, make it this one.

Taking a boat out among the icebergs of Ilulissat is really astounding. They’re so big! And beautiful! And there are also sorts of shapes and textures in the ice: irregular, lumpy icebergs; smooth, glistening icebergs that were once underwater and then flipped; craggy, crevassed icebergs; ice arches and tunnels and even icebergs with black marks scarred through them.

The biggest icebergs congregate near the entrance to the Icefjord, where the sea is shallow. They get grounded on the bottom and stay there for a while until they melt enough to drift freely into the bay.

Many tours operate in the evening, during the midnight sun. While the sun doesn’t set in June and most of July, it does get lower in the sky and the light turns a gorgeous yellowy shade. I was expecting the icebergs to be white and blue, but I wasn’t expecting golden hues – that was such a treat!

I did two of these Icefjord boat tours and I wrote about the differences between the two tours in my post on tours in Ilulissat – so if you’re thinking of booking, check that out first.

2. Whale-Watching

If you go to Ilulissat in summer, you have a good chance of seeing whales, which appear in the waters around Greenland from late May – although some local people told me the best chance to see whales is in July.

The appearance of whales is tied to the ice: as the freshwater in the ice melts, it creates the conditions for plankton to thrive. And the whales come to feed on the plankton.

There are different kinds of whales that visit Greenland, including Greenland Whales, which are the largest, Fin Whales, Minke Whales and Humpback Whales, which I was told are most common.

There are a number of tour companies that offer whale-watching tours in Ilulissat, and these differ from Icefjord tours because they aim for clearer water. This is because even though the icy water creates their food, they don’t tend to swim around an area of densely packed icebergs. I guess this is because they’re big and need room to manoeuvre.

The boat captains talk to each other to keep track of whale sightings to give you the best chance of seeing them.

I was lucky enough to see a humpback whale twice while I was in Ilulissat – and one of them flipped its tail while diving, which was just absolutely wonderful to witness. It’s something I’ll never forget and I think whale-watching is one of the unmissable things to do in Ilulissat.

3. Eqi Glacier

While the Sermeq Kujalleq Glacier is the star at producing big icebergs, it’s hard to get to: boats won’t take you into the fjord; there are no roads there and I don’t think you can hike there, because the route is crossed by other fjords.  The only way I know is to fly over it, which, clearly, isn’t cheap.

However, it is possible to get much closer to another glacier, the Eqi Glacier , which is north of Ilulissat. This glacier is reachable by boat in about 2 hours and it’s one of the exciting things to do in Ilulissat due to the dramatic landscape you’ll pass on the boat.

It’s a smaller glacier, and its icebergs are smaller, but, in the right conditions, you can get pretty close to the blue snout of the glacier. And if you’re lucky, you might even see it calve.

I took a boat tour to the Eqi glacier when I was in Ilulissat and I was, unfortunately, not so lucky. The sea ice around Eqi was packed and the captain of the boat couldn’t get us in very close. And added to that, the weather was foggy so we couldn’t see it, even from a distance.

But you might have better conditions than me – especially later in the summer (as I said earlier, I was there in early June, and the weather was still a little wintery).

And in any case, I did enjoy the arctic scenery and we saw a humpback whale on the way out, which was amazing.

4. Zions Church

The best landmark in the town itself is, for me, Zions Church . It’s an old Lutheran church, down near a rare shallow part of the shore

The striking black wooden church has a steeple, and, like all the buildings in Ilulissat, white trim. It appears to be insulated with wool (I saw a few bits sticking out when I was there).

It was built in 1779 and then in 1931, it was relocated further up the shore to protect it from the sea (there can be tsunamis from iceberg falls). This is why it bears both dates on the front of the building.

It also has a couple of places to sit: a bench and some picnic tables on the sloping granite. It’s a great spot to look out onto the icy bay, and you might see some ice chunks washed up on the shore.

And it faces west, so while you won’t get a proper sunset, sitting here and enjoying the strange light of the midnight sun is one of the best things to do in Ilulissat in summer.

5. Hiking Around Ilulissat

Greenland is a real outdoorsy place, so obviously one of the things to do in Ilulissat is hiking .

There are various hiking trails in the area. Not necessarily paths, I stress – but trails. I did the easiest one, the Yellow Trail, which starts just beyond the power plant at the southern end of town and gives you great views of the big icebergs at the mouth of the Icefjord.

It was still a bit snowy up on the rocks, so there was occasionally a visible path: footsteps in the snow left by the hikers who came before me. But most of the time, you have to look for the daubs of yellow paint on the rocks to help you find the right route through the rocky & marshy terrain.

I’m not really a hiker… For me, even though they say it’s an easy trail, it was a bit ‘clambery’ and steep at times. And I had to pick my way over some very boggy ground quite carefully. When I saw some other hikers with hiking poles, I realised that would have been a good idea!

The Yellow Trail is only 2.7 km, but there are longer routes for those of you looking for a challenge, including the Blue Route.

There are also hiking routes around Ilimanaq and Oqaatsut, but you’ll need to take a boat from Ilulissat first. You can also do guided hikes, including the Blue Trail and hiking from the Oqaatsut settlement.

Whichever way you hike, do be careful and follow the safety guidance for hiking in the Icefjord region .

6. Ilulissat City Tour

Ilulissat is the 3 rd largest city in Greenland, but by the standards of many places, it feels like a town. It’s easy enough to explore the city on your own, but you will likely learn more from a guided tour .

I did a guided Ilulissat City Tour, which covered the harbour, the Inuit Artists’ Workshop, the Knud Rasmussen monument, Zions Church and Ilulissat Museum. My guide also shared some info on the history of the city and some of the local customs.

As I said in my post on Ilulissat tours , I didn’t think this was brilliant value-for-money in terms of the price, the time and the depth of information, but I definitely came away knowing more than I started with.  

As an alternative to a paid-for guided tour, you could follow my free self-guided Ilulissat City Tour instead !

7. Ilulissat Museum

Ilulissat Museum is actually two museums: the History Museum (also known as Knud Rasmussen’s House) and the Art Museum . When you buy a ticket for one, which costs DKK100 (£12 or US$15) and can only be paid via card, you can also get an entry for the other.

I explored the History Museum on my first full day. It has a small collection, spread over two floors. There are exhibits about Knud Rasmussen, who was a Greenlandic–Danish polar explorer and anthropologist and whose house the building was. And there are also historical exhibits about the ancient civilisations who came to Greenland millennia ago. There was also a video exhibition documenting the traditional way to make a kayak – from wood and skins.

Outside, there are some old dog sleds and a press for squeezing oil out of whale meat (moved from its original position near the harbour).

A note on opening hours: when I was in Ilulissat, the History Museum was open 12-4 pm on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. And the Art Museum, which features some works by Emanuel A. Petersen, a landscape painter, and is in the house of the old manager of the colony, was only open two days a week.

8. Ilulissat Icefjord Centre

At the end of the south-bound road in Ilulissat (literally, it goes no further; you can’t drive to any other settlement from Ilulissat), and at the confluence of the yellow, red and blue hiking trails, there’s a large modern visitor centre. Its sloping roof reminds me of skiing, and it has a wooden alpine feel.

This is the Icefjord Centre , which contains an exhibition about glaciers, a café and a shop. Visiting here is one of the most interesting things to do in Ilulissat.

It was a rough snowy day when I went, so the warm interior was a welcome relief. You must remove your boots and swap them for woollen slippers (which they provide) before going in. It made the whole experience more homey and chill, somehow.

I wasn’t able to do the multi-media exhibition, The Tale of Ice, on the day I went. I turned up late in the afternoon, and they said I didn’t have time, I think, so they suggested I come back tomorrow (but I didn’t).

Instead, I enjoyed a coffee, snug in my slippers, looking out at the snowy hillside and I browsed the gift shop, which has some nice high-end gifts including books on glaciers.

You can in theory get a view of the Icefjord from the roof of the centre – but on the day I went, it was overcast and there was nothing to be seen.

9. Sermermiut

Just beyond the Icefjord Centre is Sermermiut , which is an area of the shore next to the Icefjord where there was an old Inuit settlement. It’s believed the settlement was used for thousands of years but was abandoned in 1850 when the last occupant moved to the colony of Ilulissat (then called Jacobshaven, after the Danish founder, Jacob Severin).

There are some archaeological remains here and the site is part of the Icefjord’s UNESCO listing.

As well as the historical significance, it’s a good spot for iceberg viewing, from the shore, but also up on the hill to the side of the shore, which is made easy to access with a wooden stairway.

To get to Sermermiut, follow the boardwalk from the Icefjord Centre for 1.3km down to the shore. You can go independently or there are also a few companies in town who offer guided tours.

Now… They promote this walk as inclusive of those with pushchairs and wheelchairs. However, when I went in early June when we had what people called ‘unseasonable’ snow, the boardwalk was snowed over. I can’t imagine you could get anything with wheels through that very easily. So if you do need wheel access, best to check it’s clear first (or go in peak summer, when it is most likely to be clear).

10. Dinner With A View

One of the absolute best things to do in Ilulissat (though not one of the cheapest) is to have dinner with a view of Disko Bay.

None of the cafes in Ilulissat has views, but there are two hotel restaurants that both have dining rooms with panoramic views of the icebergs floating past

You have a couple of options. First up, is Restaurant Icefiord , in the Hotel Icefiord . It’s in the southern part of town, on the shore. Its restaurant, like its rooms, faces the bay giving you endless views of the bergs floating past. The menu is pretty good, too: strong on seasonal products and exquisite presentation.

The other option is Rooftop , the restaurant at the Best Western Plus Hotel Ilulissat . Located in the centre of town, this 6th-floor rooftop restaurant and terrace has views across Ilulissat and out to the bay. So it’s not as close to the ice as Restaurant Icefiord, but it does have a nice view of the town including Zions Church.

For more ideas on food, check out my article on where to eat in Ilulissat .

11. See Sled Dogs

Dog sledding is traditional in Greenland, but in summer, there is no dog sledding, because the snow melts. Through the summer months, the sled dogs are kept in ‘stations’ around the outskirts of the town. It’s law that the adult dogs must be chained, but the puppies will roam free.

There is a sled dog station near the hotel I stayed in, Hotel SØMA Ilulissat , and more all around the outskirts of town, including on both sides of the road out to the Icefjord Centre.

So, chances are you will see some sled dogs. But it’s important you don’t touch them . Or even approach them. They’re working dogs, not bred as pets, and they can be aggressive. Tragically, a little boy died in 2023 after being bitten by sled dogs .

I quite liked observing the sled dogs stationed behind my hotel from a distance. They’re hard as nails: even though they had kennels, they were out in the open through rain and snow. And when their food came, their howls were pretty cool to hear.

If you do want to meet them in a safe way, you could do a ‘Meet The Sled Dogs’ experience, where a dog musher tells you about dog sledding, the sled dogs and you see them get fed. World Of Greenland offers such a tour.

Other Things To Do In Ilulissat

The last few ideas of things to do in Ilulissat are ones I have not tried myself. I looked into them, but I didn’t do them. So, I can’t review them, but I can let you know they exist and why I didn’t do them – and then you can make up your own mind.

12. Kayaking / SUP

I didn’t go kayaking or stand-up pedal boarding (SUP) because I didn’t have the guts!

I have never SUP-ed before, and I didn’t fancy learning in the Arctic Circle. And, while I have kayaked before (including  Croatia ,  Greece , Montenegro and  Norway ), I still didn’t want to take the risk of doing it on such icy water.

I wasn’t worried about being out on the kayak: I have never gone under once afloat. It was the getting into the kayak part that made me feel nervous because you either launch from rocks or a boat. And while you put on a thermal, waterproof suit to do it, I still didn’t feel confident. I have stumbled getting into kayaks plenty of times launching from a beach (let along a boat or rocks) and I figured it would still be unpleasant to go face-first in the icy water of Disko Bay!

But it definitely appealed to me, and you’re possibly much braver than me! I’m sure it’s wonderful to be gliding between the icebergs in the morning light or in the midnight sun.

13. Settlement Visits

There are two much smaller settlements near Ilulissat: Oqaatsut to the north and Ilimanaq to the south. They’re reachable by boat and you could go over to hike or to have a tour of the town. Both have restaurants linked to tour companies that arrange visits.

The reason I didn’t go to either during my week in Ilulissat was because my main interest was the icebergs and the natural environment of Greenland – so I put that first in how I spent my time and money. Maybe if I go back, I’ll do one of these visits.

14. Helicopter Tour

Money was the barrier to my doing a helicopter tour ! I saw an advert for one that goes over the Icefjord and to the Sermeq Kujalleq glacier for DKK3995 (£460, US$588) – but that was out of my budget for this trip.

I have done other aerial sightseeing before: in Namibia , Peru and Iceland . They were all amazing, so I’m sure this one is, too (if you can afford the hefty price tag).

15. Kaffemik

A Kaffemik is a Greenlandic tradition of celebrating milestones or special occasions by gathering together for coffee and cake. I had read that there are some kaffemiks put on for tourists and I looked into attending one.

I wouldn’t expect a tourist version to be especially authentic (and it might even be a bit artificial and cringey) but I thought it would still be interesting to learn about local customs and taste some local cakes.

However, in the end, I just couldn’t find any happening in the Ilulissat area while I was there.

I did get one lead on these on my last day, though: I saw them mentioned in some advertising for Ilulissat Adventure, a local tour company – so you could try them if you’re interested in attending a Kaffemik.

Map: Things To Do In Ilulissat In Summer

Here’s a map with the key things I have recommended in this list of things to do in Ilulissat in summer, plus some other places of interest.

How To Use This Map : Click the tab in the top left-hand corner of the map to view the layers. If you click the icons on the map, you can get more information about each one.  If you click the star next to the map’s title, it will be added to your Google Maps account. To view it on your phone or computer, open Google Maps, click the menu, go to ‘Your Places’ or ‘Saved’, then click Maps and you will see this map in your list.

Ilulissat, Greenland FAQs

Where is ilulissat, greenland located.

Ilulissat is in the West of Greenland, on the coast of Disko Bay. It is 350km north of the boundary of the Arctic Circle.

How Many Days Do You Need In Ilulissat?

There’s no one answer… I think it depends on what you want to do there, how much you have to spend (because everything is pricey there) and how long it takes you to get there.

I chose to spend one full week in Ilulissat because whilst my interests were very zoned in on icebergs, I knew the weather could be fickle and I could easily have rainy days, which would stop me going out on boats (which I did – and snow, too!). Also, my journey from London was long: door to door, about 16 hours.

Although it is a small place, I would recommend at least four days, to give you time to see the town, do a couple of boat tours and to allow an extra day, just in case of bad weather.

What Is The Best Time Of Year To Visit Ilulissat?

This also depends on what you would prefer to experience.

For dogsledding over snow, snowmobiling on the icecap and the wonderful northern lights, you’ll need to come in winter. And some locals suggested to me that April is the best month for these winter activities.

However, summer is best for milder weather, boat trips (there is a greater choice of tour providers in summer), whale-watching and the midnight sun.

How To Get To Ilulissat, Greenland

You can get there two ways: by boat or plane. There are no roads!

There are ferries that run between settlements along Greenland’s coast, so you could catch one of those to get to Ilulissat from elsewhere in Greenland.  Disko Line runs ferries to and from many places in Greenland.

It’s also quite common for tourists to explore Greenland on cruise ships or expedition boats , moving along the coast, from place to place.  I looked into doing one of these, but it was more expensive than my trip direct to Ilulissat, even including all the day tours I did.

Currently, Ilulissat’s airport is small, with a short runway. Based on what I saw, only small propeller planes fly there – big airliners don’t go there right now.

For me, coming from Europe, I had two main options: fly to Reykjavik in Iceland and then catch a smaller flight from Reykjavik to Ilulissat with IcelandAir. Or, I could go via Copenhagen in Denmark, where you can get flights to Kangerlussuaq, the main international airport in Greenland, followed by a connecting plane from there to Ilulissat. 

However , they’re currently building a bigger airport in Ilulissat slightly further north, which will enable bigger planes to land in Ilulissat. Inevitably, this will bring in more tourists in the future!

What To Pack For Ilulissat In Summer

Even in summer in Greenland, it can be cold, especially if you take any of the boat tours. And Ilulissat is inherently an outdoorsy place – even walking around the town, you’ll come across uneven paths and the occasional granite rock you have to walk over.

So here are some packing essentials for visiting Ilulissat in summer:

• A good pair of walking boots . You’ll be walking, possibly hiking, climbing in and out of small boats etc, so you need supportive, grippy footwear. I used the same pair of  Salomons hiking boots with Goretex  that I bought for the  Inca Trail , and they were great for Greenland because they’re very waterproof, which came in handy when it rained.
• I also took walking socks  plus  liner socks . I have  Bridgedale walking socks with Merino wool  and  Bridgedale liner socks .
• Thermal under layers : when I was going out on boat trips, knowing how much colder it can be on open water, especially around icebergs, I wore thermal leggings under my hiking trousers and a thermal vest under my t-shirt and hoodie
• Non-absorbant hiking trousers – I just used the standard weight ones I already had; I didn’t buy any special heavy duty Arctic trousers (if you go in the winter, I imagine this might be necessary, though).
• A thick, waterproof coat . I have a 3-in-1 jacket that has both a fleece and waterproof layer. I can separate them or wear them together, which I did in Greenland.
• A woolly hat . I only needed this out on the water. I chose one that has a fleece lining for extra warmth, and then I put my hoodie and coat hood up over it during boat trips – even on sunny days!
• Warm gloves . I brought the gloves I use in winter in the UK: they’re leather with a cashmere lining, and they did OK. However, out on the boats, I did feel like I wanted even more insulation!
• A scarf . I wore a cashmere one I’ve had for ages – it’s nice and soft!
• An  eye mask  for sleeping  – with the midnight sun in June and July, you’ll be grateful of the extra help to block out the light at night.

And in addition to this, you might want to check my post on the travel gadgets and gear I recommend.

The Last Word

I hope I’ve inspired you with plenty of ideas about what to do in Ilulissat – it really is a special place. The icebergs left such a strong impression on me and I’m already dreaming of going back…

If you haven’t already, read my review of Hotel SØMA , the budget hotel I stayed at, plus my impressions of the other hotels in Ilulissat that I visited.  I’ve also written about the best places to eat in Ilulissat and wrote an Ilulissat city guide .

If you like this article, I'd be delighted if you shared it!

About The Author

Martha Knight

Related posts.

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Ilulissat City Tour: Free Self-Guided Walking Tour Of Ilulissat, Greenland

Where To Eat In Ilulissat, Greenland: Best Cafes & Restaurants

Review of Hotel SØMA (formerly Hotel Avannaa Ilulissat), Greenland

Best Ilulissat Tours: First-Hand Reviews

Iceland Super Jeep Tour Review: Highlands & Landmannalaugar

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Out of Your Comfort Zone

The art of backpacking & adventures to get out of your comfort zone – tips and advice, 10 things to know before visiting ilulissat, greenland’s ‘city of icebergs’.

Last Updated on February 23, 2024 by Talita

Wondering how to visit Ilulissat’s awe-inspiring giant icebergs? Curious about how to plan & get the most from your trip to Ilulissat? Then read on for 10 tips to know before you go! 

Without a doubt, Greenland is one of the most beautiful – and untouched – places on our planet. 

But out of all the incredible places to visit on this striking, boundless island, Ilulissat – with its towering icebergs and UNESCO-protected icefjord – is the most awe-inspiring of all. 

Ilulissat’s famous icefjord is truly not something you want to miss while in Greenland!

And if you’re lucky enough to have the chance to visit Ilulissat yourself, then there are a few important travel tips you should know before you go. So to help you make the most of your trip, I put together today’s article. 

But before we get to the “things to know,” let’s cover some basics.  

Where is Ilulissat and what makes it so special, anyway? 

Ilulissat is a picturesque harbor town, the third largest on the island, located in western Greenland approximately 250 kilometers (155 miles) north of the Arctic Circle. 

The town is situated in the heart of the Disko Bay area, which is famous for its massive icebergs – a product of nearby Sermeq Kujalleq, one of the world’s fastest and most active glaciers – and its stunning icefjord, a UNESCO world heritage site where the icebergs get stuck on their journey out to sea. 

Icebergs getting stuck in the icefjord on their way out to sea

In fact, the name “Ilulissat” is a Greenlandic word meaning “iceberg.” 

How can you see the icebergs in Ilulissat, Greenland? 

Honestly, you can’t really avoid them in Ilulissat 🙂 

For one, they truly are massive, with some coming in at several kilometers long and hundreds of meters high. 

You’ll see icebergs just walking through town in Ilulissat

This means you can get a spectacular view of Ilulissat’s icebergs simply by walking through the town, taking one of the coastal walking trails, or heading towards the icefjord with a boat, kayak, or even SUP excursion. 

How can you get to Ilulissat, Greenland? 

If you’re already in Greenland, you can hop on one of Air Greenland’s domestic flights. 

Otherwise, there are just two airlines that have international flights to Greenland.

View of Ilulissat’s icebergs, and icefjord (seen on the left), from the plane

Air Greenland has weekly flights from Copenhagen to Ilulissat (with a connection in Kangerlussuaq, a town home to Greenland’s largest airport). And Air Iceland has a few routes to Greenland from Reykjavik’s Keflavík airport.  

During certain parts of the year, you may also be able to get to Ilulissat by cruise ship or by western Greenland’s public ferry. 

What are the best and cheapest tour companies (and best/cheapest tours) in Ilulissat? 

While I’m sure there are many highly-rated tour companies in Ilulissat, we did all of our tours and activities with Ilulissat Adventure …and walked away very happy with them! 

While not cheap (see “thing” #3 below!), we also didn’t find any Ilulissat tour companies that were cheaper. So, it’s probably safe to say that this is one of the “cheapest” tour companies you’ll find in Ilulissat. 

Personally, we used Ilulissat Adventure for all of our tours in Ilulissat and were very happy!

As for the best tours, that’s certainly up to you and what you’re interested in! 

Here’s a quick look at what we did, though, and would highly recommend to anyone else: 

• Icefjord cruise/open-air boat tour 
• The “kayak among icebergs” tour 
• 1-day guided waterfall hike & tour to Oqaatsut settlement 

You can see more Ilulissat Adventures tours here . (And no, we didn’t receive any commission or discounts from them. We just had a really great experience!) 

(Note that we also tried to do their “SUP iceberg sightseeing” tour but it was canceled because the wind was too strong. So, we happily subbed in the “icefjord cruise” instead.) 

10 things to know before your trip to Ilulissat, Greenland 

   1. BOOK EARLY! 

Out of all the Ilulissat travel tips I’m offering up today, this one may be the most important: book your trip (flights, accommodation & excursions) as EARLY as you possibly can. 

Ilulissat’s main tourist season – AKA the summer season when most excursions and transportation options are running before everything freezes over – is quite short. Not to mention, Ilulissat itself is quite small. 

View of Ilulissat from the “yellow” trail (see below)

This means that the demand is very high for a limited supply of facilities…leading to flights, hotels, and tours that get booked out MONTHS in advance. 

For reference, we booked everything for our September trip to Ilulissat about 9 months beforehand in January of that same year. 

Which brings us to our next point… 

   2. Take some time to consider when you want to travel to Ilulissat (and consider the shoulder season, if you can). 

Just about every season in Ilulissat has something to offer. 

In summer, you’ll get more manageable weather, nearly 24 hours of daylight (which is far more impressive – and disorienting – than “just” the midnight sun :-), and a “peak” season for icebergs as the warmer weather causes them to break off from the glacier in a greater abundance than any other time of the year. 

Ilulissat’s winter, on the other hand, has its own charms (even if those charms may be a little cold and dark!) and seasonal activities, like dog sledding, to enjoy. 

Now, as I mentioned above, the vast majority of tourists come during the summer months (namely, June, July, and August) as there are far more activities operating at that time and transportation is much more reliable. 

But the problem is that these three peak months in Ilulissat can get busy . 

However, we booked our trip for the 3rd week in September and found that time of the year to be just about perfect. 

It was just late enough in the season that we could avoid most of the crowds (including the cruise-ship-season crowds). But it was still early enough that we were able to do the activities we wanted to do (like kayaking around the icebergs, which tour companies were going to stop offering at the end of the month). 

Another perk of visiting in September or the shoulder season in general? You’ll actually get the chance to see the sunset behind the icefjord

It’s worth mentioning that temperatures can drop significantly in September as we ourselves ran into wind chills of about -10 C (15 F). But nothing a bit of layering didn’t solve. Plus, we even got a bit of snow…which was a welcome surprise! 

   3. Don’t forget to add Ilulissat’s coastal walking trails to your itinerary.  

While there are many amazing tours and experiences you can take on while in Ilulissat (kayaking among the icebergs, visiting local settlements, speeding toward the icefjord by Zodiac boat, etc.), some of our favorite moments from our trip were spent looking out over the icefjord from the town’s coastal trails.  

You can choose from three main trails: the yellow, the red, and the blue. All three trails are well-marked, easy to navigate, and start from the Icefjord Center (an impressive, modern building situated at the top of a hill, just past the howling sled dog fields). 

Ilulissat trail map (note you can find this right outside the entrance to the Icejord Center!)

While each trail offers incredible views and different perspectives of the icefjord, if you can only choose one, I highly recommend the yellow trail. Bonus points if you’re there when Ilulissat isn’t experiencing 24-hour daylight so you can see the sunset 🙂 

Watching the sun dip behind the icebergs in a burst of color is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience. (In fact, it was so spectacular I made it my new phone background!)  

   4. That said…also try to venture out to the icefjord by boat to get close and personal with the icebergs. 

If you’re stuck on which tour/activity/excursion to choose during your stay in Ilulissat, then you can’t go wrong with the quintessential experience: a boat trip to the icefjord. 

While the view from the shore is impressive, there’s nothing quite like venturing deeper into the icefjord and admiring the formations of the towering icebergs from the water. 

As I mentioned above, we did our “icefjord cruise” with Ilulissat Adventure , the same tour company we chose for our other activities. Personally, we enjoyed their “cruise” style as they took us out on an open-air Zodiac boat that really let us feel the cool Greenlandic air. 

Getting up close and personal with the icefjord by boat

And don’t worry…they did provide us with thick, waterproof, Arctic-expedition-quality suits to keep us warm! 

But if you want a boat tour that’s a bit more comfortable or relaxing, you’ll find plenty of other Ilulissat tour companies offering alternatives. After all, this is one of Ilulissat’s most classic (and most popular) experiences!  

   5. On your way to Ilulissat, see if you can score a free overnight layover in Kangerlussuaq so you can visit the impressive Greenland ice sheet.

Kangerlussuaq, a town in western Greenland that’s home to the island’s largest airport, is likely to be your entry point into Greenland if you’re arriving by air. 

Conveniently, Kangerlussuaq is also known as the “gateway” to Greenland’s mighty ice sheet, as it is the only place in Greenland that has road access to it. (Albeit road access that’s a little bumpy and slow!)

So if you have to have a layover in Kangerlussuaq anyway on your way to Ilulissat…why not see about making it an overnight one, giving you the opportunity to add the ice sheet to your Ilulissat/Greenland itinerary? 

Visiting the famous ice sheet was a true highlight of our trip to Greenland

Note that you won’t be able to visit the ice sheet on your own as A) there’s no transportation, and B) it’s incredibly dangerous to navigate the ice sheet without a guide who can help you avoid meltwater-caused holes (or “moulins”).

Several companies offer Kangalussuaq ice sheet tours, but we went with Albatross Arctic Circle and were very happy with them. 

Our flight from Copenhagen arrived at 10:40 AM, allowing us to join their 11 AM ‘8-hour full-day ice sheet adventure tour’ with a pickup directly from the airport. 

If you arrive a bit later, they also have a shorter 5-hour ice sheet tour that starts at 1:00 PM. 

You can take a look at Albatross Arctic Circle’s ice sheet tours here . 

( Side note: Kangalussuaq even has a youth hostel, making it a more budget-friendly option for an overnight stay than Ilulissat is!)

   6. If possible, give yourself an extra day (or two) to accommodate delays and cancellations caused by bad weather. 

While Greenland is undeniably beautiful, it’s not known for its mild climate or calm weather…which means that weather-related flight delays and tour/activity cancellations are quite common. 

Because of this, try to build some flexibility into your trip if you can. This way, you can adapt to delays or reschedule activities as needed. 

For example, we ran into some unexpected snow & high winds during our trip (it sure made it beautiful, though!)

Thankfully, local tour and activity companies are typically very understanding when it comes to delays and will work hard with you to reschedule or find a solid alternative. But do keep in mind – most of this is well beyond their control! 

A side note: always make sure to check your email before heading to your tour or excursion departure point. As we learned the hard way, tour companies will typically contact you a few hours beforehand if there are any cancellations or changes you need to know about!

   7. No matter the time of year you visit, bring lots (and lots) of layers! 

As I said above, Greenland’s weather can be challenging. And Ilulissat, even during the summer months, can be surprisingly cold! 

So, make sure you’re prepared with all your cold-weather essentials, including a heavy-duty winter jacket, long underwear, a hat, gloves, waterproof hiking boots, and a variety of other top and bottom layers you can easily add or remove as needed. 

For reference: even during our mid-September trip to Ilulissat, wind chills were already dropping to as low as -10 C (15 F).

   8. Make sure to take off your shoes! 

In Greenland, it’s often customary to leave your shoes outside to avoid bringing in dirt and snowmelt. So do be respectful and make sure to do the same whenever you see a sign or other shoes left outside. 

Don’t forget to take off your shoes indoors!

(But don’t worry – you can leave your shoes on in places like the airport and the grocery store!) 

   9. Set aside some time to learn about the local Greenlandic Inuit culture. 

While Greenland is a Danish territory, nearly 90% of the island’s population consists of indigenous Greenlandic Inuits. 

As you might imagine, surviving for centuries in a place with conditions as harsh and inhospitable as Greenland is no small feat. So taking some time to learn about the local heritage, history, and contemporary Greenlandic culture is well worth your time. 

Our visit to a nearby settlement, Oqaatsut; pictured: qamutiks, traditional Inuit sleds still in use today built to travel across snow and ice with sledge dogs

If you’re passing through Nuuk, the Greenland National Museum and Archives is an excellent choice. Otherwise in Ilulissat, you’ll find the Ilulissat Museum. Or you could consider a trip to a nearby settlement, such as Oqaatsut, for deeper insight. 

   10. Be warned that Ilulissat (and Greenland in general) isn’t a very budget-friendly destination. 

While I loved my trip to Ilulissat and would go again in a heartbeat, it was not cheap. 

Between the flights (an average of 600+ euros roundtrip from Copenhagen, plus whatever you pay to get to Copenhagen), accommodation (100+ euros per night minimum), and the tours/excursions (ranging from 100-200 euros each), a trip to Ilulissat can really add up. 

Given the uniqueness and the once-in-a-lifetime experience of visiting a place like Ilulissat, we did find these well-above-average costs totally worth it for us. But I did want to mention it just so you have an idea of what you’re in for! 

All that said, if you’re trying to watch your budget while in Greenland, then you may be interested in our other article: 7 Tips to Visiting Greenland on a Budget . 

Concluding…

And that’s it! 

With these 10 tips, you should have all the info you need for a great trip to Ilulissat.

If you have any questions or other suggestions, please let us know in the comments area below and we’ll get back to you! 

Planning your next trip?

 Already reserved your hotel or hostel? If not, our article with The 6 Best and Cheapest Websites to Find & Reserve Accommodation can help you out. You’ll also find some promotions and discount codes .

 Still haven’t booked your plane ticket and want to save big? Take a look at our page with 16 Tips to Save on Flights where you’ll also find the 4 best websites to buy your plane tickets. 

And finally, will you need to rent a car during your trip? Then surely our page with The 5 Best and Cheapest Websites to Compare and Rent Cars Around the World will help you choose the best rental car and find a good deal.

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5 Day Ilulissat Explorer | Disko Bay

Would you like to visit the UNESCO World Heritage Listed Ilulissat Icefjord but prefer someone else to take care of all the details?

Join us on this fully-escorted 5-day tour to West Greenland that takes in all the highlights of the Ilulissat area and includes flights from and to Iceland, 4-star accommodation, local guided tours and several meals.

During your 5 days in Greenland you will experience the enormous icebergs in the world famous Ilulissat Icefjord by land and by sea, sail to Eqi Glacier to watch spectacular calving events, spot whales in the enormous Disko Bay, visit two small settle ments and enjoy lunches made with traditional ingredients, and learn about the Inuit history and current daily life in the Ilulissat area.

Book your place on this exploration of Ilulissat by selecting a date and clicking on Book Now .

Glacier Views

Iceberg Views

Midnight Sun

Settlement Visit

Attractions

Eqi Glacier

Ilulissat Icefjord

UNESCO World Heritage Site

Iceland to Ilulissat, guided city walk, welcome dinner & sunset cruise

Starting from Reykjavik domestic airport, you will fly all the way over the Great Greenland Ice Sheet to arrive in Ilulissat. Make sure you try to score a window seat, as the views flying over Greenland and on the approach to the city are incredible if you have good weather.

Once you’ve settled into your accommodation, we will head out on a guided city walk. This is a great way to get your bearings in Ilulissat and identify places you may wish to return to during your free time. Continue to explore on your own for the rest of the afternoon, or pop into one of the many cafes for coffee and cake, before returning to the hotel for a 2-course welcome dinner.

At around 22:00pm, we will board our boat for a ~2-hour sunset cruise through the world famous Ilulissat Icefjord. Enjoy a late nightcap with ancient ice-cubes as we explore the world’s largest ice sculpture exhibition.

Ilulissat Icefjord & Inuit settlement

After breakfast at the hotel, we will hike to a lookout over the UNESCO World Heritage listed Ilulissat Icefjord through the Sermermiut valley. Your guide will explain why several different Inuit cultures chose to live in this location throughout the past 4,000 years, and we will see the remnants of these ancient settlements as we walk. Following on from yes terday’s city walk, you will also hear more about the local history and customs before Europeans arrived in the area.

The rest of the day is yours to enjoy as you wish. Return to town and spend the afternoon visiting the museum and art gallery, or, if you enjoy hiking, explore more of the Icefjord along the Blue and Yellow trails.

Approximate time: 3 hours total, 1 hour hiking

Hiking distance: 1.9km round-trip, much of which is on a boardwalk

Boat trip to Ilimanaq & whale watching

Keep an eye out for local fishermen amongst the enormous icebergs as we sail across the mouth of the Ilulissat Icefjord to arrive at the settlement of Ilimanaq. One of the highlights of this small village are the wooden houses of the old Danish trading station that date back to 1730. Your guide will explain more about the history and the current everyday lif e in Ilimanaq on a walk around town before we sit down for lunch at the small local restaurant that serves delicious food based on Greenlandic specialities.

In the afternoon we will board our boat and try to spot whales as we cruise around Disko Bay on our way back to Ilulissat.

Boat trip to Eqi Glacier Oqaatsut/Rodebay

Today we will be up early for our full-day boat trip to Eqi - the calving glacier. It will take us a couple of hours to travel 80km North to reach the face of this impressive glacier and you should keep an eye out for whales along the way.

We will sail as close to the face of the glacier as possible while still maintaining a safe distance, and listen to the ice crack while waiting for a calving event. Although nothing is guaranteed, this glacier almost always delivers, and we may be lucky to witness a larger chunk of ice shear off the face of the glacier.

On our return journey to Ilulissat, we will stop to visit the small settlement of Oqaatsut/Rodebay. Most of the 40 residents who live here are dependent on fishing and hunting, and you will experience an entirely different world on your guided tour around the village.

We will have lunch here at the old trading station before returning to Ilulissat in the afternoon and our “farewell dinner” at the Hotel that evening.

Ilulissat to Iceland

The morning is yours to spend as you wish - perhaps relaxing at the hotel, going for one last wander around Ilulissat, or purchasing last minute souvenirs for your family and friends.

At an agreed time, we will transfer you to the airport and say “goodbye for now” as you catch you flight back across the enormous island of Greenland to Iceland.

• Return flight: Keflavik-Ilulissat-Keflavik
• Hotel/airport transfer in Greenland
• 4 nights in a 4-star hotel in standard rooms
• Daily breakfast at the hotel
• Welcome & farewell dinner
• Welcome meeting with local guide at the hotel
• 1-2 hours guided city walk Ilulissat
• 3 hours Boat tour among the icebergs
• 3 hours hike to the Sermermiut Valley- UNESO area
• 6 hours boat trip to Ilimanaq & whale watching tour, including lunch
• 8 hours boat trip to Eqi glacier & Oqaatsut/Rodebay, including lunch

Please note this trip has 65% non-refundable deposit if you cancel your trip at any time.

Not included

• Airport taxes and fees
• Flight supplement (if applicable)
• Travel insurance
• Unexpected expenses as a result of weather conditions (including difficulties or cancellations due to ice or weather conditions) or flight or boat delays
• Accommodation, transfers, and food in Reykjavík
• Single supplement for accommodation in Greenland (mandatory if you would like a single room)
• Optional excursions

Please note extra charges for room upgrades can accrue after the booking as the availability of accommodation is very limited. 

What to bring

• Layered clothing. Ideally, you should pack a thermal underwear layer (top and bottom), activity layer (e.g. hiking pants and shirt), insulation layer (e.g. fleece or down jacket), and outer layer of windproof clothing (top and bottom). You may not need all of this on any particular day, but you should have it available. You should always bring a windproof jacket, regardless of the weather.
• Warm hat, gloves, buff or scarf
• Sturdy shoes (e.g. hiking boots)
• Sunglasses, sunscreen & sun hat (depending on weather)
• Head net and insect repellent (in case of mosquitoes)
• Camera with extra batteries
• Water bottle
• Optional: binoculars for spotting whales

Additional Information

• Please note that the date of travel may need to change slightly depending on the availability of flights.
• Depending on the availability of flights to Greenland, a flight supp lement may apply.
• Please note : Once booking is confirmed ( and the flight tickets are issued ) and up to 10 weeks before departure: Cancellations and changes (of ANY kind) will cost 70% of the tour package price. If the reservation is cancelled within 10 weeks of departure, there will be a charge of 100% of the tour package price.
• Trips to Greenland are always subject to weather conditions. Delays and flight cancellations can happen. We therefore strongly recommend that you do not book onward international flights directly after your trip to Greenland. Give yourself at least one extra day to make an international connection. We also recommend purchasing travel insurance that will cover any expenses should your flights be delayed or canceled due to bad weather.
• The airlines that fly to Greenland only allow 20 kg of checked-in baggage. If you go over this limit, there is a fee (often strictly enforced) for the extra weight.
• If traveling alone, you must choose the single room supplement when booking this tour.
• It is important to bring cash in the form of Danish Krona to Greenland. While credit cards are accepted in larger locations (eg hotels, supermarkets), they may not be accepted elsewhere. Foreign currency is often not accepted.
• There is a 3-hour time difference between Iceland and West Greenland in the winter and a 2-hour time difference in the summer.

Our customers are the foundation of Guide to Greenland so we make great efforts to provide you with the best possible service. We are located in Greenland and cooperate with everyone involved in the Greenlandic tourism industry. We are therefore perfectly placed to quickly react to changes or new wishes you may have to ensure you have the trip of a lifetime.

BOOK EARLY The earlier you book your trip, the better the prices will be, and the more likely you will be able to book the tour you want for the dates/times you want.

Package tours can be sold out more than half a year in advance (note that Guide to Greenland does not include international flights in packages, except where indicated from Iceland or Denmark). Day trips may sell out closer to your arrival date, but for popular destinations, certain dates/times can also sell out months in advance. We recommend that you secure all of your experiences by booking them well in advance of your trip.

CANCELLATIONS All cancellations must be made via e-mail.

Although Guide to Greenland is committed to ensuring the best protection and service for our customers in the event of a cancellation, we are obliged to charge cancellation fees. This is in accordance with Greenland travel industry business practices. Details can be found in our general cancellation policy

Note:  Due to COVID-19, a temporary cancellation policy applies. You can find it in the footer of the website under the “Terms & Conditions”.

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Boat tours in Ilulissat

We offer following boat tours in ilulissat, sailing between icebergs, whale safari, kayak experience, daytour to eqi glacier, sailing tours in disko bay.

Welcome to Ilulissat – a paradise for boat tours!

Ilulissat, located on the west coast of Greenland, is a spectacular destination for adventurous visitors. One of the best ways to explore this breathtaking area is through boat tours offered by World of Greenland.

Disko Bay is known as an exotic, arctic pearl. Here you will find everything in one place – the cleanest air, the clearest cold water, the largest icebergs, the most impressive glaciers and fantastic wildlife. In Disko Bay, there are some of the world's largest species of whales, lots of seals and fish in large numbers. In other words, the framework is set for a multitude of unforgettable experiences on the water. 

There are many exciting sailing tours in the area. Due to the harsh conditions, most sailing trips only take place in the summer period from June to the end of September. We have collected the most popular boat tours departing from the activity hub of Disko Bay, Ilulissat, in the list below. 

Short about us

World of Greenland is a 100% Greenlandic company with deep roots in tourism around Ilulissat. We are part of the Air Greenland group, which means that we are owned by the Greenlandic government, and ultimately by the Greenlandic people. We are proud of that and it obliges us to be among the preferred providers to showcase our beautiful country.

At World of Greenland, we put great honor in cooperating with many different, smaller boat operators. We do this because we want to contribute to a broad tourism-related growth in Greenlandic society. 

We live for 2 things:

• We aim to deliver the most exotic and unique experiences to the discerning and quality-conscious traveler, through a sustained focus on quality, accountability and sustainable development.
• We lift Greenland.

We look forward to showing you beautiful Ilulissat from the seaside. 

World of Greenland

We are here to help you.

Phone: +299 944300 Email: [email protected]

Fredericiap Aqq. 4, BOX 109 3952, Ilulissat, Greenland

Information

• A part of World of Greenland
• Terms and conditions

World of Greenland Fredericiaip’ Aqq. 4 3952 Ilulissat

• Ilulissat City Walk All month
• Walk to Sermermiut Settlement All month
• Inuit Kalaallisuut Upon request
• Meet the sleddogs All month
• Iceberg Sightseeing All month
• Northern Lights Safari All month
• Dog Sledding Half month
• Helicopter – Kangia Classic Upon request
• Helicopter – Kangia Classic All month
• Daytour to Ilimanaq/Oqaatsut All month
• Whale Safari Half month
• Daytour to Eqi Glacier Half month
• Northern Lights Safari Half month
• Ilimanaq Lodge Half month
• Glacier Lodge Eqi Half month
• Icefjord Hike All month
• Whale Safari All month
• Kayak Experience All month
• Daytour to Eqi Glacier All month
• Ilimanaq Lodge All month
• Glacier Lodge Eqi All month
• Dog Sledding All month
• Snowmobile Half month
• Ice fishing in Oqaatsut Half month
• Igloo Lodge Half month
• Polar Night Drive Half month
• Snowmobile All month
• Ice fishing in Oqaatsut All month
• Igloo Lodge All month
• Polar Night Drive All month

An easy tour means that you must be able to walk a few kilometers in slightly hilly terrain. Like taking a walk on paths in the woods, with a little detour every now and then. You must also be mobile enough to be able to board a boat, even if it may sway a little.

Accessible to anyone with good health, who is used to off-road walking and hiking. When it comes to sledding, we call it moderate, as you may have to get off the sled and walk / run next to it. In addition, you need to have a healthy back as there will be bumps along the way.

On a challenging hike you must be able to walk up and down steep hills. You may also have to walk on loose rocks and cross streams, and walk on snow/ice. Involves hiking with a backpack. When challenging is used in connection with sledding tours, it is because we expec that you can walk / run after the sledge up hills, if this is needed. 

On a demanding hike we expect you to be in good physical shape. This means that you can hike long distances, maybe during several days, and that you can climb many altimeters during the day. Eg. our hike to the Inland Ice, where 1000 altimeters and 20 km must be climbed in one day. Demanding hikes involve hiking with your own backpack.

Expedition level. Requires considerable effort and perseverance. Only suitable for people in really good physical shape.

Glacier Lodge Eqi, er beliggende på fjeldet 100 m over vandet. Vi anbefaler derfor at bagage medbringes i en rygsæk, da stigningen ikke gør det muligt at medbringe en kuffert. Bemærk, at landgangen ikke er handikapvenlig. Alle vandreture i Eqi, samt vandring på egen hånd bør betragtes som fjeldture der går fra udfordrende til meget krævende.

Tlf: +299 94 43 00 Email: [email protected]

• Testimonials

Ilulissat - 4 days

This is a 4-day tour package to West Greenland and includes 4 guided tours. Visit a UNESCO world heritage site. Take a trip to the Arctic and experience untouched wilderness and exciting traditional Inuit culture. Located on the west coast of Greenland, 300 kilometres above the Arctic Circle, the famous Ilulissat Icefiord is filled with icebergs from “Sermeq Kujalleq” which is the most producing glacier in the northern hemisphere. Ilulissat town is an exciting mix of Inuit culture, modern life and thousands of sledge dogs pulsing under the magical light of the midnight sun.

A 3-hour flight from Reykjavik domestic airport (not Keflavik) to Ilulissat. Transfer to 4-star Hotel Arctic. After the welcome meeting with your local guide enjoy a guided city walk of Ilulissat, and afterwards, you have some time to explore the town, visit the local museum and observe Greenlandic life at the always busy harbour. Welcome dinner (2-course) is included at Hotel Arctic.

Around 22:00, we depart for a sunset cruise to the famous Ilulissat Icefiord that is the world’s largest ice sculpture park. The experience is overwhelming; lights and colours constantly change. Enjoy a late drink on “the real rocks”. Tour duration: about 3 hours. Dress warmly.

(Note: The season for midnight sun is approx. May 22-Jul 24. Outside this season the excursion is operated as an evening cruise with the beautiful sunset reflecting over the icebergs).

Accommodation: Hotel Arctic, in a standard (Puisi) room with shower/wc Meals included: Welcome dinner

Breakfast at the hotel. Early morning departure for the one-day boat trip to Eqi – the calving glacier. The Eqi glacier runs into the fjord 80 km north of Ilulissat and is one of the most beautiful places in Greenland. It is possible to get very close to the 5-km wide glacier front and experience huge pieces of ice breaking off. The sound of an active calving glacier is quite remarkable, while the sight of icebergs toppling into the water is breathtaking. Afterwards, we continue to the small settlement of Oqaatsut/Rodebay. The local population of about 40 people is dependent on fishing and hunting; you experience an entirely different world compared to the nearby town of Ilulissat. Guided walk through the village before enjoying a local meal at the old trading station. For hundreds of years, Oqaatsut/Rodebay was a stopover place for Dutch whalers, who dragged the huge whales onto land here in the old village. The village, which lies in a beautiful natural setting just 15 km north of Ilulissat, has its school, church, shop and a single restaurant “H8”, which serves excellent meals in the old colonial building. Tour duration: about 7-8 hours.

Accommodation: Hotel Arctic, in a standard (Puisi) room with shower/wc Meals included: Breakfast & lunch or dinner

Breakfast at the hotel. By bus as far as the road goes. Guided walking tour to the old Inuit settlement Sermermiut located on the famous Ilulissat Icefiord that was inscribed on the UNESCO’s world heritage list in 2004. The ancient settlement of Sermermiut, 1.5 km south of the town, is surrounded by Ilulissat’s beautiful icebergs. Various Inuit cultures have lived here over the past 4,000 years, and you can still see remains from ancient times. Learn about local history and customs before Europeans arrived. See plots settled for thousands of year and admire the views across the majestic icebergs. Please wear proper boots or hiking boots. The hiking distance is about 3 km (1,9 mls) round-trip; hiking time is about 1 hour. Terrain: mainly track bridge and a bit of uneven nature and rocky trail. Tour duration: about 3 hours. Rest of the day free at leisure to hike along the Icefiord and explore the town of Ilulissat.

Accommodation: Hotel Arctic, in a standard (Puisi) room with shower/wc Meals included: Breakfast & farewell dinner

Breakfast at the hotel. Farewell coffee at the hotel with your guide.Transfer to the airport. Flight with Air Iceland from Ilulissat to Reykjavik Domestic Airport. 

Meals included: Breakfast

Testimonials:

PER PERSON : $ 3,320.00 (double / twin occupancy) $ 3,580.00 (single occupancy)

• Return flight Reykjavik-Ilulissat-Reykjavik, including airport taxes • Hotel/airport transfer in Greenland • 3 nights in 4-star Hotel Arctic, in a standard (Puisi) room with shower/wc • Daily breakfast, welcome & farewell dinner at Hotel Arctic, 1x lunch or dinner • Welcome meeting with a local guide at the hotel • 1-2 hours guided city walk Ilulissat • 3 hours sunset cruise, sailing among icebergs, incl refreshments • 8 hours boat trip to Eqi glacier & hunters village of Rodebay, incl. lunch or dinner • 3 hours hike to old Sermermiut settlement at the Icefiord, incl. refreshments • All taxes and fees

Hotel Arctic 4*

Trips to Greenland are always subject to weather, fog and ice conditions. Therefore the sequence of the day tours and excursions in Greenland is subject to change or if needed an alternative excursion will be operated if available. Delays and flight cancellations between Iceland and Greenland can happen. Therefore we strongly recommend you to buy travel insurance in the country of residence that would cover any additional travel expenses, should your flights be delayed or cancelled due to weather. We recommend not to book any international flight directly after a trip from Greenland; ideally staying minimum two nights in Iceland after the Greenland trip to avoid the risk of missing an international flight.

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Nordic Saga Tours Division of Bridges Unlimited Inc. 18518 Bothell Way NE, Ste. # B Bothell, WA 98011

Nordic Saga Tours Europe, UAB Kranto St. 23-17 Panevezys, Lithuania EU +37068471702

[email protected] toll-free: (800)848-6449 local: 425-487-2835 (4TRAVEL)

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Accommodation

Ilulissat for 3 Days – West Greenland Holiday

• WHAT’S INCLUDED
• ACCOMMODATION

Home / Multi-Day Tours / Greenland / Ilulissat for 3 Days – West Greenland Holiday

Travel to Ilulissat ice fjord of Greenland and cruise around the giant icebergs on the fjord, 250 kilometers north of the arctic circle. Ilulissat is an amazing destination and easily reachable from Reykjavík – Iceland. The name of the village Ilulissat means: “the icebergs” in Kalaallisut, the native tongue of the Inuits and for good reason. On the fjord, you will see a maze of gigantic icebergs that have broken off the vast Sermeq Kujalleq ice sheet. This area was declared a UNESCO world heritage site in 2004, because of its uniqueness and unparalleled beauty. For an unforgettable arctic experience, it’s ideal to combine this three day Greenland holiday for example with our express Iceland in 8 days self-drive package .

We recommend booking a Greenland tour as early as possible as availability is limited and prices for flights normally raise during the year. Please note that the flights to/from Greenland are the most expensive part of this tour package. You can also add extra nights in Ilulissat to make the most out of your Greenland holiday.

If you are interested in receiving more information about this tour, please click on the “Request a quote” widget on the left side of the page. A quick form will open up where you will provide us with more information about your travel expectations. You will then be connected with your specialized travel agent who will assist you throughout the planning a provide a fully detailed quote.

Please note that this itinerary can be adjusted and customized to meet your travel needs and preferences.

3 Days / 2 Nights

West Greenland

• Accessibility

Not Recommended

• Flights Reykjavik – Ilulissat Round Trip
• Transfer from Ilulissat Airport to your hotel and back
• Accommodation for two nights with breakfast
• Two and a half hour boat cruise on the Ilulissat icefjord
• Taxes & service fee

Not Included

• Flights to/from Iceland (from abroad)
• Airport transfers to and from Reykjavík Domestic Airport
• Meals & drinks at restaurants unless previously agreed upon
• Optional activities
• Personal travel insurances

Depart from Keflavík Intentional Airport for a three hour flight to the village of Ilulissat – Greenland. Ilulissat is situated in the Disko Bay on the rugged and beautiful west coast of Greenland. A hotel representative will be waiting outside the airport to transfer you to your hotel where you will be staying for the next two nights. You’ll be assisted with booking some optional day tours such as helicopter sightseeing flights, hiking tours and kayaking to name a few. Explore the charming village in the afternoon, have a look at the colorful houses and say hello to the Greenland dogs. Enjoy the view on the icebergs just outside of the small community. In the evening, we recommend having a nice dinner at your hotel.

Highlights:

Flight from reykjavik to ilulissat.

You have a full day to explore the highlights of Ilulissat and its surroundings. After a nice breakfast, you take the two and a half hour boat cruise on the Ilulissat Icefjord, the sea mouth of Sermeq Kujalleq, one of the few glaciers through which the Greenland ice cap reaches the sea. Remember to dress very warmly as the breeze on the water can be chilly.  Other available excursions for the afternoon might include a guided Ilulissat city tour, a kayaking adventure, a sightseeing helicopter flight or trekking through the Sermermiut valley to see the spectacular landscape and investigate the archaeological remains. There are plenty of options and everyone is sure to find something exciting of interest. Overnight at the same hotel as the night before

Ilulissat Icefjörd Boat Tour

Spend the morning exploring this beautiful village with its colorful houses and don’t miss the local handcraft sold in stores around town. The friendly locals, proud of their heritage will gladly assist you. It’s then time to say goodbye to the majestic Greenland. Transfer from your hotel to the airport for the flight back to Reykjavik. After take off, be sure to enjoy the stunning view of the Icefjord. Arrive to Reykjavik in the late afternoon.

Flight from Ilulissat to Reykjavík

Reykjavík city.

Budget accommodations include shared facilities in guest houses, country hotels, farmhouses, etc. In some cases, the rooms might be equipped with a TV and a washbasin. The in-room amenities are limited and basic but they all adhere to a high standard of cleanliness. Breakfast is included.

Comfort accommodations offer access to private facilities (shower and toilet). This type of lodges belongs to the 3-star hotel category. Most of these properties have an in-house restaurant. This section offers an upgrade in comfort and service compared to the budget category. Breakfast is included.

Quality accommodations offer private rooms with en-suite shower/bath and toilet. These rooms are the best available accommodations in 4-star hotels or the highest quality lodges in each region. Luxury accommodations - the highest class of lodges, suites, and penthouses - are available upon request. Breakfast is included.

Flights to Ilulissat depart from Reykjavík airport . Flight time is 3 hours and fifteen minutes.

Please check in for your flight at least 90 minutes earlier to your flight time to avoid queues and so that the airline can keep on schedule.  Please have all required documentation at hand before checking in, your confirmation number and identification. For flights that belong to the Schengen Region, passengers can show their passport or drivers license. For flights outside Schengen only a passport is valid. Please note that Credit and Debit Cards are not a valid ID.

At the airport is a cafeteria which sells drinks, snacks and other refreshments. When traveling internationally from Reykjavík airport there is a duty free store.

Ilulissat combines all the magical elements of Greenland, the big blue icebergs, North of Arctic Circle, Greenland Dogs, and the wilderness. Sermeq Kujalleq, the the world’s fastest glacier is nearby Ilulissat. It advances 40 meters daily and creates 46 cubic kilometers of icebergs annually.

Almost every visitor in Ilulissat chooses to try this boat trip among the icebergs at least once. During one year, more than 48 km3 of ice flows into the fiord. The result is gigantic icebergs, which can be more than 100 meters on each side and with a height on more than 100 meters above the water surface. These giants strand at the end of the fiord, and that gives us the opportunity to sail among them.

The icebergs are beautiful in every kind of weather; in the sunshine the contrasts are very clear, the blue shades are seen best when it is cloudy and the midnight sun casts a unique glow on the icebergs during the night.

Midnight sun in Ilulissat lasts from May 21st to July 24th. The midnight/evening sun gives the icebergs a unique play of colors that people return to experience again and again. Sailing during the night with the sun still shining is a fantastic and unusual experience; you do not want to be without, while visiting Ilulissat.

Flights to Reykjavík depart from Ilulissat airport . Flight time is 3 hours and fifteen minutes.

Reykjavík is the capital and biggest city of Iceland with a population of approximately 124,000. It is the northernmost capital in the world. Despite its small size, you can find many attractions and museums, making Reykjavik a popular destination.

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