Ilulissat

Greenland, Europe

Ilulissat, known for its stunning ice fjords and vibrant culture, is a spectacular gateway to the natural wonders of Greenland. The Ilulissat Icefjord, a UNESCO World Heritage site, showcases cascading icebergs that calve dramatically from the Sermeq Kujalleq glacier. Visitors can embark on dog sledding or boat tours, witness the midnight sun, and immerse themselves in local Inuit culture. Unique artisan craft shops and whale-watching opportunities further enrich the experience, making it a must-visit for adventure seekers and nature lovers alike.

Quick facts

Target stay

4-7 days

Type

Town

Vibe

Active

Airport

Jacobshavn

Known for

Beach

Hiking

Leisure

Wildlife

Best time to visit
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

8 Best Things to Do in Ilulissat

1

Est. 2 hrs

Year round

Family-friendly

See the Ilulissat Icefjord

Witness breathtaking glaciers calving into the sea.

No booking required
2

Est. 3 hrs

Seasonal

Family-friendly

Kayak among icebergs

Paddle through stunning ice formations and landscapes.

Booking required
3

Est. 1.5 hrs

Year round

Family-friendly

Visit the Ilulissat Museum

Explore local history and culture in a quaint setting.

No booking required
4

Est. 3 hrs

Seasonal

Family-friendly

Take a boat tour to the Icebergs

Get up close to massive icebergs on a boat.

Booking required
5

Est. 2 hrs

Year round

Family-friendly

Hike the Sermermiut Trail

Enjoy panoramic views of the Icefjord on foot.

No booking required
6

Est. 1 hr

Seasonal

Family-friendly

Experience the Midnight Sun

Witness the sun stay up all night in summer.

No booking required
7

Est. 2.5 hrs

Year round

Family-friendly

Join a cultural tour

Learn about Inuit culture from local guides.

Booking required
8

Est. 1 hr

Seasonal

Family-friendly

Watch the Northern Lights

Marvel at the auroras dancing in the polar sky.

No booking required

Need to know, before you go

Country info

Tipping

No data

Tapwater

Generally safe to drink

Safety

No data

LGBTQ+ safety score

8 (#21 globally)

Cost

Very Expensive

Currency

Danish Krone

Majority religion

Christian

Language

Kalaallisut

(<20% speak English)

Best dishes to try

Suaasat

Traditional Greenlandic soup with meat. (National dish)

Mattak

Whale skin with blubber, a delicacy.

Kiviak

Fermented seabird, a unique dish.

Ammassat

Small fish, often served dried or fried.

Musk Ox Steak

Tender steak from the musk ox.

Phrases to learn

English

Kalaallisut

Hello

Aluu

(Ah-loo)

Yes/No

Aap / Naamik

(Aap / Naah-mik)

Thank you

Qujanaq

(Koo-ya-nahk)

Excuse me

Utoqqatsigit

(Oo-toh-kaht-see-git)

How much?

Qasseriarpa?

(Kah-seh-ree-ar-pah)