Things to do in Ilimanaq
Ilimanaq offers unique experiences for visitors looking to explore Greenland’s nature and culture. From guided village tours and scenic tundra hikes to exciting glacier adventures, there’s something for everyone. Enjoy stunning views, learn about local traditions, and discover the beauty of this small settlement by Disko Bay.
Stay at Ilimanaq Lodge
Wake up to stunning views of icebergs and whales at Ilimanaq Lodge, where every cabin faces Disko Bay. This peaceful, car-free Greenlandic settlement features 15 modern, Nordic-style cabins with private bathrooms and panoramic windows. Sustainability is central, with solar-powered cabins and restored historic buildings now serving as a restaurant and museum.
Ilimanaq Lodge blends tradition, luxury, and eco-friendly tourism. In summer, enjoy world-class dining at Restaurant Egede, led by the Michelin-starred KOKS team.
Tour of Ilimanaq
Ilimanaq means "expectation" or "probably" in Greenlandic. On this trip you can expect a lot of tales about the hunting culture, which is an important part of everyday life in Greenland.
Duration: Approx. 2 hours
Price: DKK 295 / Euro 40
Tundra Hike
Meet your guide in front of the restaurant. The tour starts with a little information about the walk and programme of the day. We have some good hours of hiking in front of us and will start by walking up to the hilltop, north of the city. You’ll be blessed with magnificent views over Disko Bay and Ilimanaq's colourful village houses.
It will not take long before the guide shows you remnants of the old Thule culture, as you stand next to one of the many hidden graves where there are still skulls and bone pieces hidden between the stones.
Duration: Approx. 4 hours
Price: DKK 500 / Euro 67
Ilimanaq Glacier Adventure - all day excursion
This tour can also be booked from Ilulissat.
This full day excursion into the wilderness combines a great fjord cruise, ATV (all terrain vehicle) tour over hills and mountains, amazing fjord views, huge icebergs, and to top it off, its almost certain we won’t encounter another soul when out and about.
At the end of Tasiusaq fjord, we’ll go ashore near a glacier, with the possibility to approach and walk on the glacier without any special skills or climbing experience.
During the tour, your guide will explain about local fishing culture from the past, and what you would have caught here. Nowadays there are still plenty of seals, a variety of birds, musk oxen and reindeer. An amazingly beautiful way to spend the day.
Duration: Approx. 8 hoursPrice: DKK 2.495
Includes: Lunch, coffee / tea, English / Danish speaking guide, departure from Ilimanaq, ATV driving and fjord cruise to Saqqarliup Glacier.
About Ilimanaq
With only 53 inhabitants, a tour of such a small settlement is quickly over. However, the surrounding hinterland is a lovely natural area, ideal for walks along the coast.
You can also enter the Tasiusaq fjord system, which is located between Ilimanaq and the Inland Ice, where one of the two ‘Døde Bræer’ can be reached.
The sailing from Ilulissat to Ilimanaq takes approx. 1 hour (depending on the ice quantity in the fjord) and is an outstanding trip. The boat cruises past the fjord of Kangia - Ilulissat Icefjord, so you sail quite close by the icebergs which made the place world famous, and secured a deserved place on UNESCO's World Heritage List.
Dog sledding: Yes (winter)
Midnight sun in the summer: Yes
Northern Lights: Yes, in a dark sky and with suitable atmospheric conditions