About Ilulissat

Ilulissat is a town of beauty for the body and soul, and is North Greenland’s centre of culture, transport and administration. It’s enterprising and inviting, traditional and modern, in addition to which the area is blessed by scenery that can take the breath away of even the most seasoned traveller.

The Kangia glacier is one of the reasons why. Every year it pushes 35 cubic kilometres of ice out into the fjord cast in nature’s own mould in sizes small, medium and large – up to 100 metres high. These icebergs sail serenely to the mouth of the fjord, shift course and head off on their final voyage out to sea.

Experiences in Ilulissat

Standing by the fjord and watching the icebergs sail majestically past lifts life up in the first division. The Icefjord is rightly included on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Special lights
Ilulissat means icebergs, and indeed the ice, the icebergs and the fjord also make up the town’s landmark. The endless whiteness and incomprehensibly huge universe generate a special light that will remain etched in your memory forever. The town is both pleasant and active: Museums, life at the harbour, the church and urban life with cafés, restaurants and a disco.

The Arctic explorer Knud Rasmussen was born and bred in Ilulissat. Visit his exhibition and get an impression of the courage and determination that characterised his perilous expeditions.

We also recommend a hike to the Sermermiut settlement and an evening walk to Knud Rasmussen’s memorial stone. From here there’s a fantastic view of the bay all the way over to Disko Island, some 75 km away on the horizon. If the weather’s clear, you’ll also be able to experience a sunset that’s really out of this world.

Dogs and sleds

Snarling and barking dogs are also a characteristic aspect of a visit to Ilulissat. In the summer the dogs are somewhat passive, almost as if they’re recharging their batteries before the snow begins to fall and the cold weather sets in for good. That’s when the dogs become alive: they have to go to work with their driver out to the hunting grounds or on trips with guests from all corners of the globe who wish to see Ilulissat. These trips range from two hours or a whole day to genuine expeditions lasting several days.

Greenland by Topas

Greenland by Topas is a partner in the Air Greenland group. They offer you a wide selection of excursions in Ilulissat. There are good facilities for meeting or conferences as well.

Unique Lodges

Experience Greenland in a new way and spend the night in the nature, in unique lodges with excellent views. There are two lodges near Ilulissat, which offer unique experiences. There is Glacier Lodge Eqi, which lies about 80 km north of Ilulissat, and Ilimanaq Lodge south of Ilulissat. If you are more into a winter adventure then Igloo Lodge is for you, who wants to experience being in total silence and cozy surroundings under the beautiful northern lights.


Experiences in Ilulissat

Standing by the fjord and watching the icebergs sail majestically past lifts life up in the first division. The Icefjord is rightly included on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

 

Special lights

Ilulissat means icebergs, and indeed the ice, the icebergs and the fjord also make up the town’s landmark. The endless whiteness and incomprehensibly huge universe generate a special light that will remain etched in your memory forever. The town is both pleasant and active: Museums, life at the harbour, the church and urban life with cafés, restaurants and a disco.

The Arctic explorer Knud Rasmussen was born and bred in Ilulissat. Visit his exhibition and get an impression of the courage and determination that characterised his perilous expeditions.

We also recommend a hike to the Sermermiut settlement and an evening walk to Knud Rasmussen’s memorial stone. From here there’s a fantastic view of the bay all the way over to Disko Island, some 75 km away on the horizon. If the weather’s clear, you’ll also be able to experience a sunset that’s really out of this world.

Dogs and sleds

Snarling and barking dogs are also a characteristic aspect of a visit to Ilulissat. In the summer the dogs are somewhat passive, almost as if they’re recharging their batteries before the snow begins to fall and the cold weather sets in for good. That’s when the dogs become alive: they have to go to work with their driver out to the hunting grounds or on trips with guests from all corners of the globe who wish to see Ilulissat. These trips range from two hours or a whole day to genuine expeditions lasting several days.

 

Greenland by Topas

Greenland by Topas is a partner in the Air Greenland group. They offer you a wide selection of excursions in Ilulissat. There are good facilities for meeting or conferences as well.

 

Unique Lodges

Experience Greenland in a new way and spend the night in the nature, in unique lodges with excellent views. There are two lodges near Ilulissat, which offer unique experiences. There is Glacier Lodge Eqi, which lies about 80 km north of Ilulissat, and Ilimanaq Lodge south of Ilulissat. If you are more into a winter adventure then Igloo Lodge is for you, who wants to experience being in total silence and cozy surroundings under the beautiful northern lights.

Experiences in Ilulissat

Welcome to the experiences of the other world. Where else can you find snow, ice, mountains, sea and whales close to green plains with potato fields? Go exploring for new exciting experiences right here.

DID YOU KNOW


Ilulissat is Greenland’s tourist centre and attractive port of call for cruise ships.
Air Greenland’s partner, ‘Greenland by Topas’, offers a range of excursions: A helicopter flight over the Icefjord, a sailing trip in the light of the midnight sun and a trip to the Eqi glacier with an overnight stay in a hut are among the summer’s highlights.
The house of culture at Sermermiut puts on both cinema and theatre performances, and often features guest performances by national and international artists.
The 4-star Hotel Arctic – with an extra star for its conference facilities – is a popular meeting place for politicians, business people and researchers from all over the world.
Famous Swiss architect Peter Zumthor has won the competition to design the visitors’ centre at Ilulissat Icefjord.
According to legend, Kællingekløften was the place at which in difficult times the elder generation used to throw themselves down into the ravine so as not to be a burden on their family’s economy.

FACTS


Greenland’s third largest town

Formerly also known as Jakobshavn

Approx. 4600 inhabitants

Founded in 1741

Has four settlements

Main town in the middle of Disko Bay

Hikers At The Ilulissat Icefjord. Photo Aningaaq R Carlsen Visit Greenland (2)

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