Disko Bay Map
Disko Bay is one of Greenland’s most iconic regions, where enormous icebergs drift majestically through the icy waters. Here, you can experience spectacular natural scenery, encounter whales up close, and explore charming coastal towns such as Ilulissat, Qeqertarsuaq, and Qasigiannguit.
In summer, the midnight sun illuminates the night sky, while winter offers northern lights and dog sledding through the Arctic landscape. Disko Bay is a destination for adventurers and nature lovers who want to experience Greenland’s wild beauty up close.
In summer, the midnight sun illuminates the night sky, while winter offers northern lights and dog sledding through the Arctic landscape. Disko Bay is a destination for adventurers and nature lovers who want to experience Greenland’s wild beauty up close.
Towns and Settlements in Disko Bay
Ilulissat
Ilulissat – Jakobshavn. There is no doubt that Ilulissat is the “center of the world” when it comes to traveling to Greenland.
Icebergs—gigantic icebergs—are synonymous with the town of Ilulissat, which actually means “icebergs” in Greenlandic. The town is located at the mouth of the Ilulissat Icefjord and boasts a fantastic backdrop of colossal icebergs that are continuously calved into the fjord from the most productive glacier in the Northern Hemisphere.
Kangia, as the fjord is called in Greenlandic, was deservedly added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2004, and since then, Ilulissat has become a “must see” for almost all travelers to Greenland. There are many good reasons for this.
The town is located about 350 km north of the Arctic Circle and has everything that characterizes Greenland for most people: Midnight sun in summer, polar darkness and northern lights in winter, whales and seals, plenty of sled dogs, historical sites from the Eskimo era at the old settlement of Sermermiut and Knud Rasmussen’s childhood home, beautiful wooden houses from the colonial period, and not least a modern and vibrant atmosphere with shops, educational institutions, sports activities, and more.
Ilulissat offers by far the largest selection of excursions for visitors in Greenland. You can also treat yourself to good food and drink at the town’s restaurants and cafés as you digest the day’s many exciting impressions from sea and mountain.
Population: 4,848
Former Danish name: Jakobshavn
Dog sledding: Yes (winter)
Midnight sun in summer: Yes
Northern lights: Yes, possible to see when it’s dark
Hotels in Ilulissat: Hotel Icefiord, Aurora Lodge and Hotel Arctic
Icebergs—gigantic icebergs—are synonymous with the town of Ilulissat, which actually means “icebergs” in Greenlandic. The town is located at the mouth of the Ilulissat Icefjord and boasts a fantastic backdrop of colossal icebergs that are continuously calved into the fjord from the most productive glacier in the Northern Hemisphere.
Kangia, as the fjord is called in Greenlandic, was deservedly added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2004, and since then, Ilulissat has become a “must see” for almost all travelers to Greenland. There are many good reasons for this.
The town is located about 350 km north of the Arctic Circle and has everything that characterizes Greenland for most people: Midnight sun in summer, polar darkness and northern lights in winter, whales and seals, plenty of sled dogs, historical sites from the Eskimo era at the old settlement of Sermermiut and Knud Rasmussen’s childhood home, beautiful wooden houses from the colonial period, and not least a modern and vibrant atmosphere with shops, educational institutions, sports activities, and more.
Ilulissat offers by far the largest selection of excursions for visitors in Greenland. You can also treat yourself to good food and drink at the town’s restaurants and cafés as you digest the day’s many exciting impressions from sea and mountain.
Population: 4,848
Former Danish name: Jakobshavn
Dog sledding: Yes (winter)
Midnight sun in summer: Yes
Northern lights: Yes, possible to see when it’s dark
Hotels in Ilulissat: Hotel Icefiord, Aurora Lodge and Hotel Arctic
Qeqertarsuaq - Disko Island
The lushness is endless, and the contrast between the lava colors, the green moss, and the sea with its icebergs makes this one of the most photogenic places in Greenland.
Qeqertarsuaq is one of our absolute favorite towns—a truly wonderful place. About 850 people live here, and the town is vibrant thanks to a very active community life.
The location is five-star—right on Disko Bay with the large icebergs and all the whales that love to stay in the area. The island has a rather different landscape with high mountains, hot springs, and basalt columns.
Disko Island is Greenland’s largest island, located in Disko Bay. The island is about the size of Zealand and, with a little imagination, shaped like a discus—hence the name. In Greenlandic, the island is called Qeqertarsuaq, which means “The Big Island.” The island has only one town, Qeqertarsuaq (Godhavn), on the south side, and a smaller settlement, Kangerluk (Diskofjord), 35 km to the northwest.
Many travelers to Greenland know Disko Island from a distance, where the island’s characteristic basalt mountains of volcanic origin rise almost 1,000 meters into the air. The southern peak is covered year-round by ice and snow in the form of the Lyngmark Glacier.
Disko Island is interesting for many reasons, not least because of its great diversity of flora. The island is located between the low and high Arctic, and together with the presence of many hot springs, this gives it richer vegetation compared to other locations at the same latitude. For example, the angelica plant thrives greatly on the island. The sea around Disko Island is also very rich, generally resulting in large numbers of whales. In spring, the area is one of the world’s best places to observe the bowhead whale. In Greenlandic, it has the very descriptive name “Arfivik,” meaning “the barrel-shaped one.” In summer, humpback whales are often seen very close to the coast.
Qeqertarsuaq was founded in 1773, originally as a kind of whaling station. The town is beautifully situated with basalt mountains as a backdrop. You can travel to Qeqertarsuaq from both Ilulissat and Aasiaat.
Population: 1,037
Former Danish name: Godhavn
Dog sledding: Yes (winter)
Midnight sun in summer: Yes
Northern lights: Yes, possible to see when it’s dark
Hotels in Qeqertarsuaq: Hotel Disko Island
Qeqertarsuaq is one of our absolute favorite towns—a truly wonderful place. About 850 people live here, and the town is vibrant thanks to a very active community life.
The location is five-star—right on Disko Bay with the large icebergs and all the whales that love to stay in the area. The island has a rather different landscape with high mountains, hot springs, and basalt columns.
Disko Island is Greenland’s largest island, located in Disko Bay. The island is about the size of Zealand and, with a little imagination, shaped like a discus—hence the name. In Greenlandic, the island is called Qeqertarsuaq, which means “The Big Island.” The island has only one town, Qeqertarsuaq (Godhavn), on the south side, and a smaller settlement, Kangerluk (Diskofjord), 35 km to the northwest.
Many travelers to Greenland know Disko Island from a distance, where the island’s characteristic basalt mountains of volcanic origin rise almost 1,000 meters into the air. The southern peak is covered year-round by ice and snow in the form of the Lyngmark Glacier.
Disko Island is interesting for many reasons, not least because of its great diversity of flora. The island is located between the low and high Arctic, and together with the presence of many hot springs, this gives it richer vegetation compared to other locations at the same latitude. For example, the angelica plant thrives greatly on the island. The sea around Disko Island is also very rich, generally resulting in large numbers of whales. In spring, the area is one of the world’s best places to observe the bowhead whale. In Greenlandic, it has the very descriptive name “Arfivik,” meaning “the barrel-shaped one.” In summer, humpback whales are often seen very close to the coast.
Qeqertarsuaq was founded in 1773, originally as a kind of whaling station. The town is beautifully situated with basalt mountains as a backdrop. You can travel to Qeqertarsuaq from both Ilulissat and Aasiaat.
Population: 1,037
Former Danish name: Godhavn
Dog sledding: Yes (winter)
Midnight sun in summer: Yes
Northern lights: Yes, possible to see when it’s dark
Hotels in Qeqertarsuaq: Hotel Disko Island
Qeqertarsuaq - things to do...
Qeqertarsuaq was founded in 1773 as a whaling station. The city has 850 inhabitants and is beautifully situated overlooking Disko Bay. You can travel to Qeqertarsuaq from both Ilulissat and Aasiaat.
Qasigiannguit
In Qasigiannguit, the midnight sun shines around the clock in summer, and in winter, the northern lights—Aurora Borealis—dance in the night sky.
Qasigiannguit, “the place with the spotted seals,” is beautifully located in the southeastern part of Disko Bay—about 200 kilometers north of the Arctic Circle. The midnight sun shines here around the clock in summer, and in winter, the northern lights—Aurora Borealis—dance in the night sky. The Arctic setting consists of a fantastic mountain landscape to the east towards the Ice Cap, and to the west lies the mighty Disko Bay. The winter landscape is explored by dog sled and snowmobile, and in summer, you can hike in the mountains and sail in Disko Bay.
The primary occupation is still hunting and fishing, as it always has been. At sea, halibut, cod, crabs, and shrimp are caught, and in the mountain landscapes towards the Ice Cap, you’ll find reindeer and musk oxen. The town’s more recent history began with its founding in 1734, and the name was “Christianshåb.” Today, about 1,200 people and a larger number of Greenlandic sled dogs live in Qasigiannguit. A holiday stay in Qasigiannguit gives travelers a unique insight into modern Greenland, with authentic experiences in both culture and nature. Qasigiannguit is very much a lively town with a school, boarding school, Royal Greenland factory, and more. You can travel to Qasigiannguit from both Ilulissat and Aasiaat.
Population: 1,037
Former Danish name: Christianshåb
Dog sledding: Yes (winter)
Midnight sun in summer: Yes
Northern lights: Yes, possible to see when it’s dark
Hotels in Qasigiannguit: Hotel Diskobay
Qasigiannguit, “the place with the spotted seals,” is beautifully located in the southeastern part of Disko Bay—about 200 kilometers north of the Arctic Circle. The midnight sun shines here around the clock in summer, and in winter, the northern lights—Aurora Borealis—dance in the night sky. The Arctic setting consists of a fantastic mountain landscape to the east towards the Ice Cap, and to the west lies the mighty Disko Bay. The winter landscape is explored by dog sled and snowmobile, and in summer, you can hike in the mountains and sail in Disko Bay.
The primary occupation is still hunting and fishing, as it always has been. At sea, halibut, cod, crabs, and shrimp are caught, and in the mountain landscapes towards the Ice Cap, you’ll find reindeer and musk oxen. The town’s more recent history began with its founding in 1734, and the name was “Christianshåb.” Today, about 1,200 people and a larger number of Greenlandic sled dogs live in Qasigiannguit. A holiday stay in Qasigiannguit gives travelers a unique insight into modern Greenland, with authentic experiences in both culture and nature. Qasigiannguit is very much a lively town with a school, boarding school, Royal Greenland factory, and more. You can travel to Qasigiannguit from both Ilulissat and Aasiaat.
Population: 1,037
Former Danish name: Christianshåb
Dog sledding: Yes (winter)
Midnight sun in summer: Yes
Northern lights: Yes, possible to see when it’s dark
Hotels in Qasigiannguit: Hotel Diskobay
Qasigiannguit - things to do...
The small town of Qasigiannguit offers great opportunities for whale safaris, dog sledding, and, if you’ve packed your hiking boots, you can explore the area on foot.
Eqip Sermia
Imagine total silence interrupted by thunder. You look up and think: Is it thundering? It’s just the Eqi Glacier calving. Small or large pieces of ice break off, hit the water with a splash, and create bigger or smaller waves.
80 km north of Ilulissat lies Eqip Sermia. To get here, you first need a 3–5 hour boat trip through beautiful waters, where whales and many types of ice are often seen. In front of the glacier, the captain turns off the engine, and you can enjoy the roaring silence.
Looking south, you can see some red houses facing the glacier. Here, a camp called Glacier Lodge Eqi has been built.
The camp has 15 cabins divided into standard, comfort, comfort deluxe, and luxury wilderness tents. There is a restaurant, “Café Victor”—named after the world-famous polar explorer Paul-Émile Victor—which also serves as a common house with bath/toilet.
The cabin village is, for good reason, a very popular place to stay overnight. There is no mobile network or internet. Instead, there is peace and you are completely cut off from the outside world. It is beautiful and relaxing, and despite the not-so-cheap price, many people return to the camp. Eqi is often the highlight of a round trip where Glacier Lodge Eqi is included.
Hotels at Eqip Sermia: Glacier Lodge Eqi
80 km north of Ilulissat lies Eqip Sermia. To get here, you first need a 3–5 hour boat trip through beautiful waters, where whales and many types of ice are often seen. In front of the glacier, the captain turns off the engine, and you can enjoy the roaring silence.
Looking south, you can see some red houses facing the glacier. Here, a camp called Glacier Lodge Eqi has been built.
The camp has 15 cabins divided into standard, comfort, comfort deluxe, and luxury wilderness tents. There is a restaurant, “Café Victor”—named after the world-famous polar explorer Paul-Émile Victor—which also serves as a common house with bath/toilet.
The cabin village is, for good reason, a very popular place to stay overnight. There is no mobile network or internet. Instead, there is peace and you are completely cut off from the outside world. It is beautiful and relaxing, and despite the not-so-cheap price, many people return to the camp. Eqi is often the highlight of a round trip where Glacier Lodge Eqi is included.
Hotels at Eqip Sermia: Glacier Lodge Eqi
Eqip Sermia – Eqi Glacier, things to do...
Imagine total silence being interrupted by thunder. But was that really thunder? No, that was the rumble and splash of ice calving from Eqi Glacier into the sea and making waves.
Ilimanaq
Ilimanaq is one of the most beautiful settlements in Greenland. Located south of the Ilulissat Icefjord and overlooking Disko Bay, there is a fantastic view, and you often have the chance to see whales.
There are only 53 inhabitants, and a walk around the settlement to see the historic houses is quickly done. But the nature in the hinterland is a lovely area, and there are great opportunities for beautiful hikes along the coast. You can also venture into the Tasiusaq fjord system, which lies between Ilimanaq and the Ice Cap, where you can reach one of the two “Dead Glaciers.”
The boat trip from Ilulissat to Ilimanaq takes about 1 hour (depending on the amount of ice in front of the fjord) and is an experience in itself. The trip passes the mouth of Kangia—Ilulissat Icefjord—and you pass close by the gigantic icebergs that have made the place world-famous and earned it a well-deserved spot on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
Dog sledding: Yes (winter)
Midnight sun in summer: Yes
Northern lights: Yes, possible to see when it’s dark
Hotels in Ilimanaq: Ilimanaq Lodge
There are only 53 inhabitants, and a walk around the settlement to see the historic houses is quickly done. But the nature in the hinterland is a lovely area, and there are great opportunities for beautiful hikes along the coast. You can also venture into the Tasiusaq fjord system, which lies between Ilimanaq and the Ice Cap, where you can reach one of the two “Dead Glaciers.”
The boat trip from Ilulissat to Ilimanaq takes about 1 hour (depending on the amount of ice in front of the fjord) and is an experience in itself. The trip passes the mouth of Kangia—Ilulissat Icefjord—and you pass close by the gigantic icebergs that have made the place world-famous and earned it a well-deserved spot on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
Dog sledding: Yes (winter)
Midnight sun in summer: Yes
Northern lights: Yes, possible to see when it’s dark
Hotels in Ilimanaq: Ilimanaq Lodge
Ilimanaq - things to do...
Ilimanaq is one of the most beautiful villages in Greenland. Situated south of Ilulissat Icefjord and overlooking Disko Bay, the fantastic view is often enhanced with pods of whales.
Aasiaat
Beautifully located in the archipelago on the edge of Disko Bay lies Greenland’s 5th largest town.
Aasiaat is located in the southwestern corner of Disko Bay on Greenland’s west coast and, with about 3,100 inhabitants, is Greenland’s 5th largest town. The town is actually on an island, separated from the Greenlandic mainland by “Langesund.” Aasiaat was founded in 1763 by Niels Rasch Egede, who named the town “Egedesminde” in memory of his father—the priest Hans Egede, who founded Nuuk in 1721 and is known as Greenland’s apostle.
Fishing is the primary occupation, but Aasiaat also has some educational institutions, including a high school and a school for the disabled. Aasiaat also has a shipyard, container port, airport, and finally, Aasiaat Radio is the hub for the coastal radio service throughout Greenland.
In the old town, you’ll find the town’s museum, which is housed in the colonial administrator’s residence from 186. The museum is a cultural history museum and has exhibitions from Egedesminde’s colonial period and the region’s history in general.
The recently deceased artist, Per Kirkeby, spent three months in the town during the summer of 1969, where he painted 22 paintings that today hang (a bit worn) in the town’s assembly hall. With a little luck, you can see them if you look through the south-facing windows.
Aasiaat is a transport hub in Disko Bay, and you can get there from Kangerlussuaq, Qeqertarsuaq, Qasigiannguit, or Ilulissat. The town is served year-round by Air Greenland’s Dash 8 aircraft, and otherwise, the season determines whether transport is by ship or helicopter
Population: 2,903
Former Danish name: Egedesminde
Dog sledding: Yes (winter)
Midnight sun in summer: Yes
Northern lights: Yes, possible to see when it’s dark
Hotels in Aasiaat: Sømandshjemmet
Aasiaat is located in the southwestern corner of Disko Bay on Greenland’s west coast and, with about 3,100 inhabitants, is Greenland’s 5th largest town. The town is actually on an island, separated from the Greenlandic mainland by “Langesund.” Aasiaat was founded in 1763 by Niels Rasch Egede, who named the town “Egedesminde” in memory of his father—the priest Hans Egede, who founded Nuuk in 1721 and is known as Greenland’s apostle.
Fishing is the primary occupation, but Aasiaat also has some educational institutions, including a high school and a school for the disabled. Aasiaat also has a shipyard, container port, airport, and finally, Aasiaat Radio is the hub for the coastal radio service throughout Greenland.
In the old town, you’ll find the town’s museum, which is housed in the colonial administrator’s residence from 186. The museum is a cultural history museum and has exhibitions from Egedesminde’s colonial period and the region’s history in general.
The recently deceased artist, Per Kirkeby, spent three months in the town during the summer of 1969, where he painted 22 paintings that today hang (a bit worn) in the town’s assembly hall. With a little luck, you can see them if you look through the south-facing windows.
Aasiaat is a transport hub in Disko Bay, and you can get there from Kangerlussuaq, Qeqertarsuaq, Qasigiannguit, or Ilulissat. The town is served year-round by Air Greenland’s Dash 8 aircraft, and otherwise, the season determines whether transport is by ship or helicopter
Population: 2,903
Former Danish name: Egedesminde
Dog sledding: Yes (winter)
Midnight sun in summer: Yes
Northern lights: Yes, possible to see when it’s dark
Hotels in Aasiaat: Sømandshjemmet
Activities in Aasiaat
Whale Safari
Aasiaat is well located “at the entrance to Disko Bay” when the large baleen whales migrate north in summer. Thus, there are really good opportunities to experience especially humpback whales, fin whales, and minke whales on whale safaris departing from the town. If you are an angler, you can also buy a version where you fish for cod on the trip.
Dog Sledding
In the winter season, dog sled tours are arranged from 1 to several hours in duration.
Kayaking
If you are a dedicated kayaker, Aasiaat’s archipelago environment with thousands of islands and bays is one of Greenland’s absolute best places to pursue your passion for kayaking—and in the homeland of the kayak, no less.
Aasiaat - things to do...
Beautifully situated in the archipelago on the edge of Disko Bay, lies Greenland's 5th largest city, Aasiaat. Aasiaat is located in the south west corner of Disko Bay on an island. With approx. 3,100 inhabitants, it’s Greenland's 5th largest city.
Disko Bay Tours
Disko Bay offers unforgettable tours year-round. Cruise among towering icebergs, join a whale watching safari, or visit the calving Eqip Sermia glacier. Enjoy fishing trips and a historic hike to Sermermiut.
In winter, chase the northern lights by snowmobile, try dog sledding, or go ice fishing. Adventurers can explore the Ilulissat backcountry on a winter expedition.
Book tours with Disko Line, your hotel, or Greenland by Topas.
Climate in Disko Bay
Disko Bay has a true Arctic climate, with cold, crisp winters and cool, refreshing summers. Winter temperatures often drop well below freezing, while summer brings long days and the magical midnight sun. Weather can change quickly, so visitors should come prepared for all conditions.
Learn more about the climate and weather in Greenland here.