Ilulissat

Summer - Things to do Winter - Things to do On Your Own - Activities

Summer in Ilulissat offers endless opportunities for adventure and exploration. The renowned Ilulissat Icefjord tours are especially popular, drawing visitors from around the world. Enjoy fishing trips, boat cruises, scenic hikes, city tours, and flightseeing—there’s something for everyone to experience in this Arctic wonderland.

Guided tour of Ilulissat City

Many say, “Well, we can walk around the city.” Yes, you can, but this guided city walk takes you far deeper into Ilulissat’s history, culture, and unique stories.
It’s a shortcut to fascinating local knowledge and tales you won’t find on your own. Founded in 1741, Ilulissat means “icebergs” and is Greenland’s third largest city with over 4,500 residents.

Duration: Approx. 2 hours
Price: DKK 250 / Euro 34

Also Available in Winter

Guided Walk to Sermermiut

Sermermiut, known as the “glacier’s place,” is a historic settlement on the edge of Ilulissat, stretching down to the ice fjord. Three major Inuit cultures lived, hunted, and fished here, beginning with the Saqqaq people from Canada about 4,500 years ago, followed by the Dorset and Thule.
Hear their stories and see traces of their challenging lives.

Duration: Approx. 2 hours
Price: DKK 295 / Euro 40

Also Available in Winter

Day Trip to Qeqertarsuaq

Take a day trip to Qeqertarsuaq, or Disko Island, traveling by boat from Ilulissat. Discover the island’s vibrant town, unique black lava beaches, and beautiful natural surroundings at your leisure. The excursion includes a delicious dinner at Hotel Disko Island before you return to Ilulissat.

Duration: All day
Price: DKK 1.995 / Euro 160

Departure times from Ilulissat may vary—check the time when you book. The boat from Qeqertarsuaq leaves at 8:00 PM for all day trips.

Kaffemik in Ilulissat

Take part in a traditional Kaffemik in Ilulissat and experience genuine Greenlandic hospitality. Savor coffee and homemade cakes prepared with local ingredients as you learn about everyday life in Greenland.
Admire the national costume and watch as traditional handicrafts are created. It’s an inviting, authentic way to connect with local people and culture.

Price: DKK 275 / Euro 37

Sled Dog Visit

On this excursion, you’ll visit a team of sled dogs—up to 20 lively dogs eager for attention. You can see, touch, and hear them as they bark excitedly.
The owner will introduce you to the sled and equipment, sharing insights into the daily life of Greenlandic sled dogs.

Duration: 2 hours
Price: DKK 300 / Euro 40

Boat trips in Greenland, especially an icefjord cruise from Ilulissat, are a highlight for many visitors. You’ll have plenty of chances to photograph massive icebergs, some grounded on a moraine 350 meters below the surface. These cruises offer close-up views of this natural wonder, insights into glaciology, and discussions about climate change. Other options include visiting settlements and whale watching. The crisp air and unique Arctic light create a memorable atmosphere—don’t forget your hat and mittens!

Icefjord Cruise – Daytime or Evening

Set out from Ilulissat harbor on one of the Ilulissat Icefjord tours to the glacier front, where enormous icebergs rest on a moraine 350 meters below the surface.
Get a close-up look at this impressive natural spectacle while learning about glaciology, the ice cap, and the calving process 65 kilometers up the fjord. The tour also covers the impact of climate change in the Arctic.

Duration: Approx. 3 hours
Price: DKK 695 / Euro 93
Also Available in Winter

Whale Watching

Many visitors are amazed by how close they can get to large whales in Greenlandic waters. Around 15 whale species are commonly spotted here.
Three—beluga, narwhal, and Greenland whale—spend the winter in these waters. Sightings of blue whales and killer whales are rare but possible.

Duration: Approx. 4 hours
Price: DKK 1.195 / Euro 160

Day Trip to Eqi - the Calving Glacier

Eqi Glacier, located 80 kilometers north of Ilulissat, is one of Greenland’s most stunning sights. You can take a boat right up to the glacier’s edge and watch as huge chunks of ice break off and crash into the fjord.
The thunderous sound of calving ice is truly unforgettable.

Duration: Approx. 10 hours
Price: DKK 2.445,- / Euro 328,-

Experience flightseeing over Kangia Icefjord by helicopter or fixed-wing airplane, offering breathtaking views of the glacier front where 43 million tons of ice break off each year. From above, watch massive icebergs travel from the glacier into the fjord. Helicopter tours include a 30-minute stop at the ice cap for an on-site talk, while fixed-wing flights follow a different route without landing. Seeing the icefjord from the air is truly unforgettable.

Helicopter Trip: Kangia Classic

This helicopter tour is one of two ways to fly over the UNESCO-listed area. The remote glacial front, unreachable by boat or on foot, is where the Ilulissat (Kangia) Glacier calves 43 million tons of ice each year, moving at 50 meters per day.
Spanning seven kilometers wide and over a kilometer thick, the glacier’s relentless movement and immense power are truly awe-inspiring.

Duration: Approx. 2 hours (the journey takes about 1½ hours, of which 50 min is flight time and 30 min at the glacier)
Price: DKK 3.995 / Euro 535 (summer)
Price: DKK 4.995 / Euro 670 (winter)

Airzafari – Unesco Icefiord & blue lakes

Aboard an Airzafari passenger plane, you’ll experience the best of Greenland in just one hour. The flight takes you over the northern glacier Sermeq Avangnardleq, Ilulissat’s glacier Sermeq Kujalleq, striking blue meltwater lakes on the ice cap, the Ilulissat Icefjord, and the small settlement of Ilimanaq.

Duration: 1 hour

Price: DKK 2895 / Euro 389

About Ilulissat

Icebergs. Giant icebergs. These are synonymous with the city of Ilulissat, which also means "icebergs" in Greenlandic. The town is located at the mouth of Ilulissat Icefjord, with the most amazing scenery in the form of colossal icebergs. These icebergs continually calve into the icefjord from the most active calving glacier in the northern hemisphere.

Kangia, as the fjord is known in Greenlandic, was admitted to UNESCO's World Heritage List in 2004. Ilulissat is a must see destination, even for Greenlanders.

Ilulissat is located 350 km north of the Arctic Circle and has everything that represents Greenland for most visitors: Midnight sun in summer, northern lights in winter, whales & seals, lots of sled dogs, historical sites from the first Inuit cultures at Sermermiut, beautiful wooden houses from the colonial era, educational institutions, sports activities, etc.

Ilulissat has undeniably the largest variety of excursion opportunities for visitors to Greenland. In addition, you can indulge yourself with good food and drink at the city's lively restaurants and cafés, while you digest each day’s exciting impressions.

Dog sledding: Yes (winter)
Midnight sun in the summer: Yes
Northern Lights: Yes, in a dark sky and with suitable atmospheric conditions
How to pronounce Ilulissat? Ilulissat is pronounced “ee-LOO-lee-sat,” with the emphasis on the second syllable.
Former Danish Name: Jakobshavn

Why visit Ilulissat in Greenland?

Ilulissat in Greenland offers a truly unique Arctic experience, with its dramatic landscapes, vibrant culture, and the world-famous Icefjord tours. The changing weather adds to the adventure, from midnight sun to snowy winters. With increasingly easy flights and a range of activities, Ilulissat is an unforgettable destination for any traveler.

Ilulissat on the Map

Where is Ilulissat located? Ilulissat sits on Greenland’s west coast by Disko Bay, near the dramatic Disko Island, and is close to Qeqertarsuaq, Ilimanaq, and the breathtaking Eqi Glacier.

Weather in Ilulissat

Ilulissat has an Arctic climate, with cold, snowy winters and cool, short summers. Winter temperatures often drop well below freezing, while summer temperatures are usually mild, rarely rising above 10°C.

The weather can be unpredictable, with sudden changes in wind and visibility, so it’s important to be prepared with warm, layered clothing throughout the year.

Flights to Ilulissat

Ilulissat is accessible by flights from Nuuk, other Greenlandic towns, and Copenhagen via Kangerlussuaq. A new international airport opening in 2026 will enable direct international flights, making travel even easier.

How to get from Nuuk to Ilulissat? The easiest way is by direct flight, as there are no roads between the two towns. Boat travel is possible in summer but takes much longer.

Hotels in Ilulissat

Among the popular places to stay in Ilulissat are our own Hotel Icefiord, featuring a terrace with breathtaking views of gigantic icebergs and passing whales.

For a more immersive experience, consider our new Aurora Lodge, offering an exclusive three-day backcountry tour.

Hotel Icefiord in Ilulissat

Aurora Lodge

Packages visiting Ilulissat

Winter in Ilulissat transforms the landscape into a breathtaking Arctic scene, offering unique experiences you won’t find elsewhere. Popular activities include snowmobile adventures, dog sledding, ice fishing, and witnessing the Northern Lights. Ilulissat Icefjord tours remain a highlight, allowing visitors to explore the dramatic frozen fjord and its towering icebergs even in the heart of winter.

Winteradventure in Ilulissat backcountry

Begin your three-day journey with a snowmobile ride through the snowy landscape to a warm cabin with views of the UNESCO-listed Ilulissat Icefjord. On the second day, travel by dogsled across the frozen fjord, meet local fishermen, and discover traditional winter life before enjoying your catch for dinner.
The final day features a scenic snowmobile ride back to Ilulissat.

Duration: 3 days including 2 overnight stays
Price: DKK 11.995 / Euro 1.607 (Double)
Price: DKK 7.995 / Euro 1.071 (Single)

See Important Information about Snowmobile Tours for details.

Dog Sledding (Difficulty: 2 out of 5)

The dog sled is one of Greenland’s most iconic symbols, representing a 2,000-year-old Inuit tradition. Few forms of transport have lasted so long. The concept remains unchanged since before the Viking Age: dogs in harness pulling a simple wooden sled. This unique experience is difficult to describe—it truly has to be tried!

Duration: Approx. 1-4 hours
Price:
Family-friendly dog sled tour, 1 hour: DKK 1,495 / Euro 200
Dog sled tour, 2 hours: DKK 1,895 / Euro 254
Dog sled tour, 4 hours: DKK 2,495 / Euro 334

Guided Snowshoe Hike

The snow-covered winter landscape can make it challenging to explore the World Heritage area during the colder months. Trail markers on longer hikes are often hidden beneath the snow. However, joining a local guide with snowshoes makes the journey not only easier and safer but also adds to the enjoyment of the experience.

Duration: Approx. 2-3 hours
Price: DKK 425,- / Euro 57,-

Iglo Lodge - overnight stay in Iglo

Igloo Lodge sits 15 km into the snowy backcountry, reached by snowmobile with chances to spot sled dogs along the way. It’s the perfect base for winter hikes and snowshoe walks to stunning views of Kangia Icefjord’s massive icebergs. Enjoy hearty meals, snacks, and hot drinks, and sleep warmly in a thermal sleeping bag or the communal cabin.

Duration: 24 hours including overnight stay
Price: 3.625 DKK / 486 Euro

See Important Information about Snowmobile Tours for details.

Includes: Return transport by snow groomer, full board and all equipment (except your own appropriately warm clothes).

Icefishing on Sikuiuitsoq

Enjoy a true Greenlandic ice fishing adventure. Begin with a snowmobile ride through the beautiful Ilulissat backcountry, then travel by dog sled across the frozen Kangia Icefjord to meet local fishermen.
Take in the spectacular Arctic scenery, experience the thrill of dog sledding, and try your luck at catching a fresh fish to bring home.

Duration: Day tour, 7 hours

See Important Information about Snowmobile Tours for details.

Kangia Viewpoint Snowmobile

Discover the beautiful wilderness around Ilulissat and the Kangia Icefjord on a snowmobile tour. Travel across diverse landscapes, passing mountains and frozen lakes, while enjoying spectacular Arctic scenery.
Stop at the frozen Kangia fjord for a hot drink and snack before heading back to town, bringing home lasting memories of your adventure.

Duration: Day tour, 3 hours
Price: DKK 1.495 / Euro 200

See Important Information about Snowmobile Tours for details.

Northern Lights hunt on Snowmobile

Embark on an enchanting snowmobile trip beyond the city lights to chase the spectacular Northern Lights. Guided through the darkness, you’ll venture deep into Ilulissat’s pristine wilderness, pausing on scenic ridges and frozen lakes.
With engines silent, gaze up at the sky’s brilliant show, sipping warm drinks and soaking in the magic of the Arctic night.

Duration: Night tour, 3 hours

See Important Information about Snowmobile Tours for details.

Important Information about Snowmobile Tours

Routes may change with weather and snow conditions.
Snowmobiles are shared in pairs; solo travelers may be paired up.
Not suitable for those with neck or back issues.
Minimum age is 12; under 18s must be with an adult.
Drivers need a valid license.
Warm overalls and boots provided; bring your own gloves and hat, and wear two layers underneath.

About Ilulissat

Kangia, as the fjord is known in Greenlandic, was admitted to UNESCO's World Heritage List in 2004. Ilulissat is a must see destination, even for Greenlanders.