Ilulissat Travel Guide

Explore the natural attractions, cultural landmarks, food and drink scene, and transportation options in Ilulissat, Greenland with our comprehensive travel guide.


Ilulissat is a small town situated on the west coast of Greenland, North America’s largest island. Renowned as the “Iceberg Capital of the World,” Ilulissat offers breathtaking views of the Arctic Ocean and the world-famous Ilulissat Icefjord. In this comprehensive travel guide to Ilulissat, you’ll discover everything you need to know about this unique and charming destination.

Introduction to Ilulissat

Ilulissat is a town that combines the best of natural beauty and cultural heritage. With stunning views of ice cap, icebergs, and glaciers, the town is a nature-lover’s paradise. The town’s history, culture, and way of life are also fascinating to explore, with a rich Inuit heritage evident in its museums, historical sites, and traditional practices.

List of Places to Visit in Ilulissat

Ilulissat offers visitors an array of attractions to enjoy, from cultural landmarks to natural wonders. Here are some of the must-visit places in the town:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • The Ilulissat Museum: This museum showcases the town’s history with a focus on Inuit culture, ancient hunting techniques, and the region’s relationship to the sea. It holds some of the oldest qajaq (kayak) specimens in the world.
  • The Knud Rasmussen Museum: This museum is dedicated to the life and work of Knud Rasmussen, an explorer who lived in the town during the early 20th century. The museum is housed in his old home and features a collection of his artifacts, equipment, photographs, drawings, and clothing.
  • The Inuit Cemetery: Located on a hill overlooking the town, this cemetery serves as a lasting testament to the Inuit culture and traditional practices. Each gravestone tells a unique story about the person buried there.

Natural Attractions of Ilulissat: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Ilulissat Icefjord: A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the icefjord features a stunning display of icebergs calving from the Jakobshavn Glacier. Visitors can take boat tours to get a closer look at the gigantic ice formations.
  • Eqi Glacier: Visitors can take a helicopter ride to the Eqi Glacier to witness it calving icebergs into the fjord or opt for a multi-day trek along the glacier trail.
  • Sermermiut Valley: Located near the Icefjord, this valley is a playground for nature lovers with its stunning views, hiking trails, and wildlife.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Ilulissat

Hiking and biking enthusiasts will find Ilulissat a great spot to explore trails and get closer to nature. One common trek is to hike to Sermermiut Valley where you can experience a mesmerizing view of icebergs breaking up. Another trek starts from the downtown and ends at the abandoned village in the outskirt of Ilulissat. Biking would take you places like Oqaatsut and Ilimanaq settlements, biking around 50-60 km altogether.

Best Things to Do in Ilulissat: Activities and Tours

  • Whale watching: The summer months are the best time to take a whale watching tour in Ilulissat and watch the humpback whales playfully jumping.
  • Dog sledding: A traditional Inuit mode of transportation, visitors can try dog sledding across the snow and ice-covered tundra or opt for a multi-day trip.
  • Northern Lights viewing: Visitors can experience the spectacular displays of northern lights from November to March or hire a local guide to offer additional tips to capture the best glimpse.

Week-Long Itinerary for Ilulissat

If you have a week to explore Ilulissat, you could follow this itinerary:

  • Day 1: Take a tour of the town, visiting the museums to learn about the town’s history and culture.
  • Day 2: Take a hike to the Nullatvui trail, stopping by the waterfalls and hot springs along the way.
  • Day 3: Take a boat tour to the Icefjord, watching the massive icebergs up-close.
  • Day 4: Take a helicopter tour of Eqi Glacier, watching the calving of the massive glaciers into the fjord.
  • Day 5: Experience the thrill of dog sledding.
  • Day 6: Capture the great Northern lights viewing experience.
  • Day 7: Take a day trip to the nearby settlement of Oqaatsut and Ilimanaq.

Food and Drink Scene of Ilulissat

The local cuisine in Ilulissat is primarily based on seafood. Here are some must-try dishes and beverages:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Smoked halibut and herring: Smoked fish is a local delicacy in Ilulissat, often served with flatbread.
  • Kiviaq: An Inuit dish made with auks or little auks (birds) stuffed in a seal skin and left to ferment over the winter months.
  • Suaasat: A traditional Greenlandic soup made with meat, potatoes, onions, and rice.

Local Beverages

  • Greenlandic coffee: A unique blend of local coffee with whiskey.
  • Arctic botanic tea: A tea infusion made with local herbs, like Labrador tea and Crowberry.

Where to Stay in Ilulissat: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Ilulissat offers a range of accommodation options to choose from, suiting different budgets and needs. Here are some popular options:

  • Hotel Arctic: A luxurious hotel offering stunning views of the Icefjord and the town’s harbor.
  • Hotel Icefiord: Positioned on the edge of the Icefjord, the hotel offers excellent views, warm hospitality, and comfortable rooms.
  • Hostel Ilulissat: A budget-friendly option with a relaxed ambiance and cozy atmosphere.
  • Guesthouse Paa and Pilluarit: Run by a local family, the guesthouse offers comfortable rooms and excellent service at reasonable prices.

What to Buy in Ilulissat: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Ilulissat offers visitors a range of souvenirs and local products to take home as mementos of their trip. Here are some popular options:

  • Qiviut: Made from the soft underbelly fur of muskoxen, qiviut is a rare and expensive woolen yarn, unique to Canada and Greenland.
  • Tupilak: A trinket carved from bone, soapstone, or walrus tusk, a mix of local mythology and folk-art.
  • Ulu knife: The ulu knife is a traditional Inuit knife made with a curved blade and an indigenous design.
  • Arctic gemstones: Greenland is known for its rare gem materials such as tugtupite, basalt, and agate, making souvenirs and jewelry.

Local Culture and Customs of Ilulissat

Ilulissat has a rich Inuit culture, and visitors should respect local customs and traditions. It is customary to ask for permission before taking photographs of locals and their homes. Visitors are also encouraged to support local businesses and artisans and partake in traditional festivals like the Kaffemik, a gathering with coffee, cake, and conversation.

Best Time to Visit Ilulissat

The best time to visit Ilulissat depends on your preferred activities. If you want to witness the Northern Lights, visit between November and March. The summer months, between June to August, offer warmer temperatures and 24-hour daylight, making it the best time for outdoor activities and hikes. The winter months of October to April are ideal for experiencing dog sledding, skiing, and snowboarding.

Do’s and Don’ts of Ilulissat

Do:

  • Respect the local culture and traditions.
  • Ask permission before taking photographs.
  • Dress in layers, and warm fabrics, as the weather can be unpredictable.

Don’t:

  • Litter or disturb wildlife and their habitats.
  • Ignore safety precautions when traveling in remote locations.
  • Travel alone without proper permits or guidance.

Safety and Health

Safety in Ilulissat

Even though Ilulissat is a small town, it’s still an isolated location with unpredictable weather conditions. Visitors are advised to follow directions and advice from their hotel or tour guides. It’s also essential to pack adequate clothing and equipment for traveling in remote locations.

Health in Ilulissat

Greenland has excellent medical facilities available, and visitors should ensure that they have comprehensive travel insurance. Visitors should also be mindful of altitude sickness and respiratory illnesses and speak to their local health providers for personalized advice.

Getting to Ilulissat: Transportation Options and Logistics

Ilulissat is located on the west coast of Greenland and can be reached by airfare only. Visitors should take an overnight flight to Kangerlussuaq from Copenhagen, which is the entry point to Greenland. From here, they can either hop onto another flight or take a helicopter ride to reach Ilulissat.

Airports Near Ilulissat

Ilulissat Airport serves as the primary gateway to the town. Daily flights connect the town to other cities like Kangerlussuaq, Nuuk, and Reykjavik, making it a convenient destination to plan a trip.

Bus Stations Near Ilulissat

There are no bus stations in Ilulissat. However, visitors can use taxis, hire a bike or sled, or walk to explore the town.

Other Options

While flights are the only way to reach Ilulissat, visitors can also travel by sea via cruise ships or private yachts.

How to Get Around in Ilulissat

Ilulissat town is relatively small, and visitors can easily choose to walk, bike, or use local transportation like taxis to explore the town. Most hiking and biking trails are accessible from the town center.

Where to Go Next from Ilulissat: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Ilulissat is in an ideal location to embark on further excursions and explore nearby destinations in Greenland. Some of the popular destinations include:

  • Disko Island: An uninhabited island famous for its rugged terrain, glaciers, and wildlife.
  • Qeqertarsuaq: Known for its hot springs and hiking trails, the island is a popular spot for outdoor activities and adventures.
  • Kangerlussuaq: The gateway to Greenlandic ice cap and situated on the outskirts of the vast wilderness, the town offers several exciting hiking trails, snowmobiling, or even a day tour of the ice cap.

Conclusion

Ilulissat is a stunning destination that blends natural wonders with rich cultural heritage. Its unique and untouched beauty promises an unforgettable experience that visitors will cherish. We hope this comprehensive guide can help you make the most of your trip to Ilulissat and explore its fantastic culture, food, and outdoor activities.

Ilulissat with the ice fjord in the background Ilulissat with the ice fjord in the background Ilulissat Ilulissat Icebergs in Disko bay, excursion Icebergs in Disko bay, excursion Whale watching in Ilulissat Bay, Disko Bay Whale watching in Ilulissat Bay, Disko Bay The trekking route that starts from Ilulissat The trekking route that starts from Ilulissat Beware of dogsled Beware of dogsled Fishing boats in the harbour Fishing boats in the harbour View of the ice fjord View of the ice fjord Sled dogs in the town of Ilulissat Sled dogs in the town of Ilulissat Melting ice can cause large and small tsunamis Melting ice can cause large and small tsunamis