Ilulissat
Country: Greenland · Region: Greenland
Ilulissat is Greenland's third-largest city located at the mouth of the UNESCO World Heritage Ilulissat Ice Fjord, famous for its icebergs from the world's most active glacier. The town offers a spectacular Arctic setting with nearly 3,500 sled dogs and is an excellent base for glacier viewing, boat tours, and experiencing Greenlandic culture.
Top sights
Ilulissat Ice Fjord, Sermeq Kujalleq glacier, Icebergs in Disko Bay, Ilulissat Museum, Inuit Art Museum, Icefjord Centre
Things to do
- Ilulissat Ice Fjord
- UNESCO World Heritage Site 35 km from the city with a glacier constantly delivering icebergs; reachable by foot or boat with impressive 20-30 m high icebergs visible.
- Ilulissat Museum
- Local historical museum featuring exhibitions of explorer Knud Rasmussen and Greenlandic life.
- Inuit Art Museum
- Features paintings by Emanuel A. Petersen and other Greenlandic, Danish and Faroese artists.
- Icefjord Centre
- Museum and visitor centre with exhibits on surrounding ice, wildlife and human history, plus marked hiking trails.
Beaches
- Ilulissat Coast at Ice Fjord Mouth
- Walking south from the camping ground reaches the coast where you can climb down to water level and watch icebergs and nature.
Where to eat
- Restaurant Ulo
- Hotel Arctic restaurant with views of Disko Bay icebergs serving local foods including musk-ox, reindeer, Greenland halibut, arctic hare, and foraged herbs.
- Restaurant Hvide Falk
- Offers Greenlandic-style seafood buffet and Thai cuisine with takeaway options available.
Bars and nightlife
- Cafe Ferdinand
- Cafe at Hotel Arctic with views of Disko Bay icebergs that transforms into a bar after 22:00.
Getting around
Walk around town or take a taxi; most hotels offer airport pickup and dropoff, and Hotel Arctic provides regular van service to the city centre.
What to eat
Local restaurants like Restaurant Ulo serve traditional Greenlandic foods including musk-ox, reindeer, Greenland halibut, and arctic hare, while Restaurant Hvide Falk offers a Greenlandic-style seafood buffet.
Tips
Watch for dogsled yield signs as dogs have right-of-way on streets; book accommodations well in advance due to increased tourism.
Best for
Icebergs, Arctic wildlife, dog sledding, hiking