Things to Do in Ilulissat, Greenland: Ilulissat Travel Guide
Things to Do in Ilulissat, Greenland: Ilulissat Travel Guide
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Looking for things to do in Ilulissat?
Greenland's third-largest town sits on Disko Bay, right next to the Ilulissat Icefjord, a UNESCO World Heritage Site where giant icebergs break off one of the fastest-moving glaciers in the world. The town is small, colorful, and easy to explore on foot, with museums, statues of famous explorers, and views of icebergs from almost every street.
Add whale watching, dog sledding, and the midnight sun or the northern lights, and Ilulissat is one of the Arctic's great adventures.
Top Things to Do
1. Take Ilulissat's Heritage Walking Tour—A self-guided audio walk through town, from the oldest building to the art museum.
2. Hike to the Ilulissat Icefjord—Follow the boardwalk and trails to see huge icebergs up close.
3. Visit the Ilulissat Icefjord Centre—Learn the story of the ice in a striking building at the start of the boardwalk.
4. Explore the Ilulissat Museum—See the house where explorer Knud Rasmussen was born.
5. Take an iceberg boat tour—Sail among the icebergs in Disko Bay, especially beautiful at midnight in summer.
6. Go whale watching—Look for humpback whales in Disko Bay in summer.
7. Try dog sledding—Ride with local mushers in winter and spring.
8. Climb Juuliap Qaqqaq—Hike the small hill for views over town and the icefjord.
Download the Complete Travel Guide
Includes:
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✓ Complete travel guide
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✓ Printable map
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✓ One-day itinerary
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✓ Hidden gems
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✓ Travel tips
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✓ Offline access
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✓ Bonus recommendations not included on this page
Our Self Guided Tour
Ilulissat's Heritage Walking Tour is a GPS-triggered audio tour that starts at the Tourist Information Center next to Det Sorte Pakhus, the town's oldest building. Along the way, it visits the Town Hall, the Knud Rasmussen sculpture, the Ilulissat History Museum, and the Jørgen Brønlund Memorial, and ends at the Ilulissat Kunstmuseum. The walk takes about 45 minutes.
Free Things to Do
1. Icefjord boardwalk and trails—Walk to the edge of the icefjord.
2. Det Sorte Pakhus—See the Black Warehouse, built in 1784.
3. Knud Rasmussen sculpture—Climb the hill for views over town.
4. Juuliap Qaqqaq—Hike up for sweeping views.
5. The harbor—Watch fishing boats and icebergs drift past.
THINGS WITH ADMISSION FEES:
1. Ilulissat Museum—Explore local history and Knud Rasmussen's birthplace (~60 DKK adult).
2. Ilulissat Kunstmuseum—See Emanuel A. Petersen's Greenland paintings (~60 DKK adult).
3. Ilulissat Icefjord Centre—Check current exhibition prices.
4. Boat, whale watching, and dog sled tours—Prices vary by tour and season.
Food!
Brasserie Ulo
The restaurant at Hotel Arctic, known for top-quality Greenlandic ingredients and views over Disko Bay.
Restaurant Icefiord
At Hotel Icefiord, known for local fish, reindeer, and musk ox.
Hotel Hvide Falk Restaurant
A restaurant overlooking the bay, known for local Greenlandic produce with Asian-inspired flavors.
Where to Stay
Luxury
Hotel Arctic—Ilulissat's best-known hotel, with views of the icebergs and igloo-style cabins. Roughly 350-600/night.
Moderate
Hotel Icefiord, Hotel Hvide Falk—comfortable hotels with views over Disko Bay. Roughly 200-350/night.
Budget
Guesthouses and apartment rentals—simple stays around town. Roughly 120-200/night.
1 Day Itinerary
1-DAY ITINERARY:
Morning: Take Ilulissat's Heritage Walking Tour, starting at the Tourist Information Center.
Afternoon: Visit the Ilulissat Icefjord Centre, then hike the trails to the icefjord.
Evening: Dinner at Brasserie Ulo, then an evening iceberg boat tour in summer.
2-DAY ITINERARY:
Day 2: Go whale watching in Disko Bay, then visit the Ilulissat Museum and the Kunstmuseum.
Extra Time: Try dog sledding in winter and spring, or take a day trip to the Eqi Glacier.
FAQ's
1. How do I get to Ilulissat?
By plane or by ship. There are no roads between towns in Greenland.
2. Should I book anything ahead of time?
Yes. Book hotels, boat tours, and whale watching early, especially in summer.
3. Can I walk to the icefjord from town?
Yes. The Icefjord Centre and boardwalk are a short walk or taxi ride from the center of town.
4. What should I bring?
Warm layers, a windproof jacket, gloves, a hat, and sturdy shoes, even in summer.
5. When can I see the midnight sun?
In summer, the sun stays up all night for weeks around June.
6. When can I see the northern lights?
From about September to April, on clear, dark nights.
7. What currency is used in Ilulissat?
The Danish krone (DKK). Cards are widely accepted.
8. When is the best time to visit Ilulissat?
Summer for hiking, boat tours, and whales. Winter and spring for dog sledding and the northern lights.
9. Is Ilulissat walkable?
Yes. The town is small, though some streets are steep and paths can be gravel or icy.
10. How much time should I spend in Ilulissat?
Two or three days lets you see the town, the icefjord, and take a boat or whale tour.
Recommended Tours
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