Summer - things to do...
Guided tour of Ilulissat City
Many say, "Well, we can walk around the city". Yes, you can, but on this guided city walk we delve much deeper into the history, culture and stories of Ilulissat. Our guided city tour is an easy shortcut to good knowledge and precious stories only locals can tell.
Ilulissat was founded in 1741 and is today Greenland's third largest city with over 4,500 inhabitants. The name 'Ilulissat' means 'icebergs'.
Duration: Approx. 2 hours
Price: DKK 250 / Euro 34
Guided Walk to Sermermiut
Sermermiut or the "glacier's place" is an historic settlement located on the outskirts of Ilulissat, reaching right down to the ice fjord. The 3 main Inuit cultures lived, hunted and fished at this location, with the first migration from Canada being the Saqqaq people approx. 4,500 years ago. They were followed by the Dorset and Thule people.
You’ll hear fascinating stories of these people and see evidence of where they lived their harsh lives.
Duration: Approx. 2 hours
Price: DKK 295 / Euro 40
Hike along the Icefjord
This is a beautiful guided hike along the Kangia Icefjord. Here we combine all our Sermermiut tours and add an extra dimension when the guide tells about flora, fauna, geology and of course the story of the ubiquitous ice. We find that many guests feel more confident of having a tour guide accompany them for their first walk in the Greenlandic mountains.
Duration: Approx. 5 hours
Price: DKK 495 / Euro 66
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Ice Fjord Kayak excursion, Ilulissat
Anyone can join – including beginners! (A small exception is people with serious back or shoulder problems.)
Rowing in the cold deep water sounds dangerous, but on this excursion, safety is the top priority. Your kayak guide will ensure the trip is safe and exciting. You’ll have the possibility to view the giant icebergs from a unique perspective, at water level, and as close as safety regulations permit. If you’re lucky, you might meet a whale or two – an unforgettable experience. This raw nature excursion is sure to create lifetime memories.
Participants will share a double kayak. Single kayaks are not offered on this excursion.
Requirements: Participants must be over 150 cm tall.
Duration: 4 hours - of which approx. 2 hours on the fjord
Price: DKK 1.250,- / 168,- EURO per person
Sled Dog Visit
On this excursion we invite you to visit a team of sled dogs. You can see, touch, smell and especially, hear the up to 20 excited dogs barking for attention. The dog owner will show you their sled and equipment, while telling a bit about the life of a Greenlandic sled dog.
Duration: 2 hours
Price: DKK 250 / Euro 34
Excursions by Boat
Boat trips in Greenland and experiencing an icefjord cruise from Ilulissat is a must. You’ll have countless opportunities to take amazing pictures of the huge icebergs during your icefjord cruise, where the largest icebergs lay grounded on the underwater moraine at a depth of 350 metres. Experience this natural phenomenon from close proximity while gaining insight into the fascinating world of glaciology. You’ll learn about ice in its many forms and the effects of climate change in the Arctic are also discussed.
Other boat trips to settlements and whale watching cruises are also wonderful. The fresh air and unique light provide a special ambience. Remember your hat and mittens!
Icefjord Cruise – Daytime or Evening
Cruise from Ilulissat harbour to the glacier front, where the largest icebergs lay grounded on the underwater moraine at a depth of 350 metres. Observe this natural phenomenon from close up while gaining insight into the fascinating world of glaciology, in the form of ice on the ice cap and its calving at the glacial front approx. 65 kilometres away in the fjord. The effects of climate change here in the Arctic are also explained.
Duration: Approx. 3 hours
Price: DKK 695,- / Euro 93,-
Whale Watching
Visitors are surprised at how close the big animals such as whales can be seen. In Greenlandic waters there are about 15 species of whale commonly seen. Three of these spend winter here, namely the beluga whale, the narwhal and the Greenland whale. The blue whale and killer whale are rarely seen.
Duration: Approx. 4 hours
Price: DKK 1.195 / Euro 160
Day Trip to Eqi - the Calving Glacier
Few places in Greenland are as beautiful as Eqi Glacier, which flows into the fjord 80 kilometres north of Ilulissat. By boat it’s possible to navigate right to the edge of the glacier front and observe ice calving into the fjord. The resounding crash as ice falls into the water is breathtaking.
Duration: Approx. 10 hours
Price: DKK 2.445,- / Euro 328,-
Excursions by Air
Flightseeing by helicopter or fixed-wing airplanes over Kangia Icefjord to the glacier front.
If you’d like to see where 43 million tons of ice annually break from the ice cap, these flightseeing tours are perfect for you! Flying over the icefjord you’ll see the massive icebergs on their journey from the glacial front into the fjord, and beyond.
The helicopter stops for 30 minutes at the edge of the ice cap, where passengers receive an on-the-spot lecture about the ice.
The fixed-wing aircraft fly a slightly different route, but there is no mid-tour landing.
It’s an amazing experience to see the icefjord region from the air.
Helicopter Trip: Kangia Classic
This helicopter flight is one of the 2 options to fly over the UNESCO area. The region at the extreme edge of the glacial front is inaccessible to boats and hikers. With a calving volume of 43 million tons of ice per year at a speed of 50 meters per day, the Ilulissat (Kangia) Glacier is the most active calving glacier outside Antarctica. The glacial front is seven kilometres wide and over 1 kilometre thick. The seemingly endless flow of ice and the enormous natural forces at play are an unforgettable, awe-inspiring sight.
Duration: Approx. 2 hours (the journey takes about 1½ hours, of which 50 min is flight time and 30 min at the glacier)
Price: DKK 3.795 / Euro 509 (summer) Price: DKK 4.495 / Euro 603 (winter)
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Airzafari – Unesco Icefiord & blue lakes
About Ilulissat
Icebergs. Giant icebergs. These are synonymous with the city of Ilulissat, which also means "icebergs" in Greenlandic. The town is located at the mouth of Ilulissat Icefjord, with the most amazing scenery in the form of colossal icebergs. These icebergs continually calve into the icefjord from the most active calving glacier in the northern hemisphere.
Kangia, as the fjord is known in Greenlandic, was admitted to UNESCO's World Heritage List in 2004. Ilulissat is a must see destination, even for Greenlanders.
Ilulissat is located 350 km north of the Arctic Circle and has everything that represents Greenland for most visitors: Midnight sun in summer, northern lights in winter, whales & seals, lots of sled dogs, historical sites from the first Inuit cultures at Sermermiut, beautiful wooden houses from the colonial era, educational institutions, sports activities, etc.
Ilulissat has undeniably the largest variety of excursion opportunities for visitors to Greenland. In addition, you can indulge yourself with good food and drink at the city's lively restaurants and cafés, while you digest each day’s exciting impressions.
Dog sledding: Yes (winter)
Midnight sun in the summer: Yes
Northern Lights: Yes, in a dark sky and with suitable atmospheric conditions
Packages visiting Ilulissat
Winter - things to do...
Dog Sledding (Difficulty: 2 out of 5)
The dog sled is one of the best known icons of Greenland – a 2000 year old Inuit tradition. Not many means of transport have endured over such a long period of time. The basic principle is still the same as before the Viking Age: Dogs in harness tied to a simple wooden sleigh. The experience cannot be explained — it must be tested!
Duration: Approx. 2 hours
Price: DKK 1.295,- / Euro 174,-
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Iglo Lodge - overnight stay in Iglo, transfer by snowmobile
Located 15 km along the sled track, into the wintery landscape of the back country. Along the way, we’ll likely meet some eager and hardworking sled dogs in their true element. The Igloo Lodge is the base for winter hikes, with good snowshoe walks to a hilltop overlooking Kangia Icefjord’s huge icebergs, making their way out to the iceberg bank. Tasty meals, good snacks, coffee and tea make the stay even more cosy.
The special thermal sleeping bag keeps you warm all night in the Igloo. However, if you feel too cold during the night, you have the opportunity to sleep in the communal cabin.
Duration: 24 hours including overnight stay
Price: 3.495,- DKK
Includes: Return transport by snow groomer, full board and all equipment (except your own appropriately warm clothes).
Guided Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis) Safari
On winter evenings with clear skies, the beautiful Northern Lights appear above Ilulissat. We head where the sky is darkest, away from city light pollution. The guide will explain a little about the phenomenon and give tips and tricks on how to best photograph the colours dancing across the night sky.
Duration: Approx. 2 hours
Price: DKK 295,- / Euro 40,-
Guided Snowshoe Hike
Due to the snow-bedecked winter landscape, it can be difficult to explore the World Heritage area during winter. Markings on the longer hiking routes are often covered with snow, but with a local guide and snowshoes it is not only easier, but also safer and more fun.
Duration: Approx. 4 hours
Price: DKK 695,- / Euro 93,-
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Cross country ski rental
Snowmobile and Dog Sledding
Experience authentic Greenlandic ice fishing on an unforgettable day of dog sledding and snowmobiling.
The day begins with a snowmobile ride through the magnificent hinterland of Ilulissat, heading towards the frozen side fjord "Sikuiuitsoq."
We travel through hilly terrain and over frozen lakes, covering about 20 kilometers along the Kangia Icefjord, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Upon arriving at the fishermen’s dog area, we switch to a dog sled and continue the adventure across the ice-covered fjord to visit the local fishermen at work.
The dog sledding journey lasts approximately 3 hours, and if we’re lucky, we may bring home a freshly caught fish! Afterward, we return to Ilulissat by snowmobile, filled with unforgettable experiences and lasting memories.
Important information:
• The route is adjusted according to weather and snow conditions and changes accordingly. The snowmobiles are shared in pairs, meaning two people per snowmobile. If you book the trip alone, you may be asked to share a snowmobile with another participant. The same applies to the dogsledding part.
• If you have neck or back problems, you should not sign up. All participants must be at least 12 years old.
• Participants under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. All snowmobile drivers must present a valid driver's license.
• We provide a warm overall for the ride (we recommend wearing at least two layers underneath) as well as warm boots for the trip. Participants must bring their own warm gloves and a hat.
Duration: Day tour, 7 hours
Kangia Viewpoint Snowmobile
Experience the hinterland of Ilulissat and the Kangia Icefjord on a snowmobile.
With the town behind us, the trip takes us past the quarry by the mountain just behind Ilulissat and into the varied landscape. We ride over frozen lakes and through mountainous terrain, enjoying breathtaking views along the way.
After about an hour of riding, we stop to take in the view of the frozen, ice-filled Kangia fjord, while enjoying a warm drink and a snack before heading back through the landscape towards town.
Important information:
• The route is adjusted according to weather and snow conditions and changes accordingly.
• The snowmobiles are shared in pairs, meaning two people per snowmobile. If you book the trip alone, you may be asked to share a snowmobile with another participant.
• If you have neck or back problems, you should not sign up. All participants must be at least 12 years old.
• Participants under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. All snowmobile drivers must present a valid driver's license.
• We provide a warm overall for the ride (we recommend wearing at least two layers underneath) as well as warm boots for the trip. Participants must bring their own warm gloves and a hat.
Duration: Day tour, 3 hours
Northern Lights hunt on Snowmobile
Join us on a magical journey away from the city's light pollution in search of the magnificent Northern Lights.
Our experienced guide will lead the way through the darkness on snowmobiles, deep into the untouched hinterland behind Ilulissat. The route takes us past the quarry behind the town and across frozen lakes, where we stop on ridges along the way. Here, we turn off the snowmobile lights and let nature’s own light show unfold, hoping to be mesmerized by the dancing Northern Lights in the sky.
During our stop, we’ll serve warm drinks to help you stay cozy and fully enjoy the moment.
Important information:
• The route is adjusted according to weather and snow conditions and changes accordingly. The snowmobiles are shared in pairs, meaning two people per snowmobile. If you book the trip alone, you may be asked to share a snowmobile with another participant.
• If you have neck or back problems, you should not sign up. All participants must be at least 12 years old.
• Participants under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. All snowmobile drivers must present a valid driver's license.
• We provide a warm overall for the ride (we recommend wearing at least two layers underneath) as well as warm boots for the trip. Participants must bring their own warm gloves and a hat.
Duration: Night tour, 3 hours
About Ilulissat
Icebergs. Giant icebergs. These are synonymous with the city of Ilulissat, which also means "icebergs" in Greenlandic. The town is located at the mouth of Ilulissat Icefjord, with the most amazing scenery in the form of colossal icebergs. These icebergs continually calve into the icefjord from the most active calving glacier in the northern hemisphere.
Kangia, as the fjord is known in Greenlandic, was admitted to UNESCO's World Heritage List in 2004. Ilulissat is a must see destination, even for Greenlanders.
Ilulissat is located 350 km north of the Arctic Circle and has everything that represents Greenland for most visitors: Midnight sun in summer, northern lights in winter, whales & seals, lots of sled dogs, historical sites from the first Inuit cultures at Sermermiut, beautiful wooden houses from the colonial era, educational institutions, sports activities, etc.
Ilulissat has undeniably the largest variety of excursion opportunities for visitors to Greenland. In addition, you can indulge yourself with good food and drink at the city's lively restaurants and cafés, while you digest each day’s exciting impressions.
Dog sledding: Yes (winter)
Midnight sun in the summer: Yes
Northern Lights: Yes, in a dark sky and with suitable atmospheric conditions
Packages visiting Ilulissat
On Your Own - things to do...
Ilulissat Museum
Ilulissat Art Museum
Restaurants and Eateries
Hiking
Hiking is a favourite outdoor activity in Ilulissat for both locals and visitors. There are well-signposted trails which guide the hiker safely through the mountain scenery and to fascinating vantage points over the Icefjord and Disko Bay.
Hike durations are from approx. 45 min to 3 hours.
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Cross country ski rental
About Ilulissat
Icebergs. Giant icebergs. These are synonymous with the city of Ilulissat, which also means "icebergs" in Greenlandic. The town is located at the mouth of Ilulissat Icefjord, with the most amazing scenery in the form of colossal icebergs. These icebergs continually calve into the icefjord from the most active calving glacier in the northern hemisphere.
Kangia, as the fjord is known in Greenlandic, was admitted to UNESCO's World Heritage List in 2004. Ilulissat is a must see destination, even for Greenlanders.
Ilulissat is located 350 km north of the Arctic Circle and has everything that represents Greenland for most visitors: Midnight sun in summer, northern lights in winter, whales & seals, lots of sled dogs, historical sites from the first Inuit cultures at Sermermiut, beautiful wooden houses from the colonial era, educational institutions, sports activities, etc.
Ilulissat has undeniably the largest variety of excursion opportunities for visitors to Greenland. In addition, you can indulge yourself with good food and drink at the city's lively restaurants and cafés, while you digest each day’s exciting impressions.
Dog sledding: Yes (winter)
Midnight sun in the summer: Yes
Northern Lights: Yes, in a dark sky and with suitable atmospheric conditions
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