In the morning the ice can be blue, at sunset almost reddish, and at night the northern lights are reflected in the drifting icebergs.
You feel small here, surrounded by an endless horizon of ice, sea and mountains.
But Disko Bay isn’t just a natural experience – it’s also full of life. Ilulissat is of course the most well-known town in the bay, but there are also smaller settlements like Oqaatsut, Qeqertaq and Saqqaq, where life still follows the rhythm of nature. In these small communities you’ll find Greenlandic hospitality – a simple coffee mingle can quickly turn into an evening of stories, laughter and perhaps a taste of mattak (whale skin) or dried fish.
Qeqertarsuaq on Disko Island has a magic of its own. The island feels like another Greenland – with lush vegetation, hot springs and dramatic basalt mountains that stand out from the mainland landscape. Walking in Blæsedalen, surrounded by green meadows, while listening to the waves crashing against the black rocks is an experience you’ll never forget.
Time here feels different – with the icefjord moving, where the hunter culture is still a lifeblood and people have a deep respect for the forces of nature. Many who visit Disko Bay speak of a sense of calm, but also a sense of humility. Nature is not just beautiful here – it’s overwhelming, powerful, alive.
Photo; Hike at Kuannit, Aningaaq Rosing Carlsen, Visit Greenland.
Qeqertarsuaq – the natural pearl of Disko Island.
Qeqertarsuaq, the largest island in Disko Bay, is known for its spectacular basalt cliffs and unique vegetation that sets it apart from the rest of Greenland. The island offers great hiking opportunities, hot springs at Kuannit and the charming town of Qeqertarsuaq.
Photo; Ilulissat Icefjord.
Ilulissat Icefjord (UNESCO World Heritage Site).
Ilulissat Icefjord is one of Greenland’s most iconic natural attractions. The fjord is home to the Sermeq Kujalleq Glacier, one of the fastest moving glaciers in the world, throwing giant icebergs into Disko Bay. You can experience the Icefjord on foot via hiking trails, on boat trips or even from the air by helicopter.
Photo; Stay overnight with views of the Eqi Glacier, Enrico Pescantini, Visit Greenland.
Eqi Glacier – The Calving Glacier.
North of Ilulissat is the Eqi Glacier, one of the few glaciers where you can experience the ice calving up close. Boat trips to Eqi provide an unforgettable view of the huge masses of ice dramatically breaking off and plunging into the fjord. Many tourists also choose to stay overnight at Glacier Lodge Eqi for an even more intense nature experience.
Photo; Whales in Disko Bay.
Experience whales in Disko Bay.
Disko Bay is known as one of the best places in Greenland for whale watching. In the summer, the bay is home to humpback whales, fin whales and even the rare bowhead whale. Many local operators offer whale watching tours where visitors can experience these majestic animals in their natural habitat.
Oqaatsut – A charming village.
Oqaatsut, formerly known as Rodebay, is a small settlement north of Ilulissat with less than 50 inhabitants. The settlement offers a taste of the Greenlandic lifestyle with colorful houses, a hospitable community and the opportunity to taste freshly caught fish and seal meat at the settlement restaurant H8.
Photo; Restaurant H8 in Oqaatsut.
Kayaking among icebergs.
For the adventurous, kayaking in Disko Bay is a unique experience. The kayak was originally invented by the Inuit. And gliding silently between the massive icebergs can provide a sense of calm and awe at the grandeur of nature and what man has been able to accomplish over the ages.
Photo; Kayaking in Disko Bay, Mads Pihl, Visit Greenland.
The northern lights and the midnight sun.
Depending on the season, you can experience either the midnight sun or the Northern Lights. In summer there is daylight around the clock, while the winter months offer stunning Northern Lights dancing across the dark Arctic sky.
Photo; Looking at the midnight sun, Elise Bruun.
