Ilulissat is more than just ice and nature. It’s a city with a strong soul, where people have lived side by side with the icefjord for millennia. There’s something special about walking through the town and feeling how life here is shaped by the sea and the ice – the fishermen landing the day’s catch, the sled dogs resting in the snow and the small wooden houses that light up in the winter darkness.
Ilulissat has a special calmness about it, but also a power. The town is both quiet and wild, a combination that many people who visit Ilulissat never really forget. It’s as if the ice and the fjord leave an imprint on you.
There is also a special pride among the people of Ilulissat. They live with the ice, they know the vagaries of the fjord and they have grown up with a nature that the rest of the world can only dream of experiencing.
Many here have a strong connection to the hunting and fishing culture, but Ilulissat is also a modern town with cafés, artists and an international atmosphere – especially when tourists flock to see the famous icebergs.
Ilulissat is a place that makes you feel small – but in a good way. It reminds you how big the world is and how incredible it is that humans have lived in harmony with this wild nature for so many generations.
Photo; Ilulissat Icefjord, Enrico Pescantini, Visit Greenland.
Ilulissat Icefjord.
The Icefjord is one of Greenland’s incredible natural experiences and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The fjord is home to Sermeq Kujalleq, one of the world’s fastest moving glaciers, which throws huge icebergs into the sea. You can experience the Icefjord from land, go on boat trips or even helicopter tours to experience the natural phenomenon from above. Read more about Ilulissat Icefjord.
Photo; Hike to the Sermermiut Valley.
Sermermiut Valley.
For those who want to combine history and nature experiences, a hike to Sermermiut is a must. Located right by the Ilulissat Icefjord, the ancient Inuit settlement area offers impressive views and insights into Greenland’s early inhabitants. The site has informative signs explaining the historical significance of the area.
Photo; Boat trip Ilulissat, Louise Fruekilde.
Boat trips among the Icebergs
A boat trip on the Ilulissat Icefjord is an unforgettable experience. The icebergs drifting out of the fjord make a spectacular sight, especially at sunrise and sunset when they change color in the Arctic light. Many tours also include the opportunity to spot whales, which are often seen in the waters around Ilulissat.
Photo; Ilulissat Art Museum, Filip Gielda; Visit Greenland.
Ilulissat Art Museum.
The museum is housed in the former colony manager’s residence, designed by architect Helge B. Since opening in 1995, the museum has housed a permanent exhibition on the ground floor with around 50 works by Danish artist Emanuel A. Petersen. On the first floor, changing exhibitions by both national and international contemporary artists are presented. The museum also offers a creative workshop for local youth and has an extensive collection of literature on Greenlandic art. In addition, visitors can buy original, signed Greenlandic artworks in the museum shop.
Dog sledding.
In winter and early spring, you can go dog sledding and experience the traditional mode of transportation still used by local hunters. The tours take you through the snow-covered landscape where you can enjoy the silence and magnificent nature. And, experience the interaction between dog and handler – it’s magical! Read more about the Greenlandic sled dogs.
Photo; Dog sledding in Ilulissat, Trevor Traynor, Visit Greenland.
Kayaking between icebergs.
Ilulissat is a great destination for kayaking. Gliding silently through the Arctic waters between giant icebergs is a unique experience that gives a feeling of being one with nature. This activity also offers the opportunity to see whales and seals up close.
Photo; Kayaking in Ilulissat.
Experience the Northern Lights.
From September to April you can experience the Northern Lights dancing across the sky. Ilulissat’s dark skies and arctic climate make it the perfect place to admire this spectacular natural phenomenon.
Photo; Nordlys.
Ilulissat Isfjordscenter.
The Ilulissat Icefjord Center is an impressive cultural and experience center dedicated to sharing knowledge about ice, climate and Inuit culture. Located by the Ilulissat Icefjord, the center offers a unique insight into the Arctic environment and the impact of climate change on Greenland.
Photo; Ilulissat Icefjord Center, Alex Savu, Visit Greenland.
