Hotels in Ilulissat

Ilulissat: Gateway to the Sermeq Kujalleq Glacier

Ilulissat sits on Greenland's west coast, 250 km north of the Arctic Circle, with a population of roughly 4,500 — making it the country's third-largest town. The Ilulissat Icefjord, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2004, begins just south of town. The fjord is fed by Sermeq Kujalleq, one of the fastest-moving glaciers on Earth, calving up to 46 cubic kilometres of ice per year. Icebergs the size of tower blocks drift past the wooden coloured houses of the old Zion's Church quarter, which dates to the Danish colonial period.

Where to Stay and Getting Around

Accommodation ranges from small family-run guesthouses in the historic harbour district to mid-range hotels overlooking Disko Bay. Ilulissat Airport receives daily flights from Nuuk (approx. 90 minutes) and seasonal connections from Copenhagen via Air Greenland. No roads connect Ilulissat to other towns; dog sledding and boat tours are primary modes of local travel in winter and summer respectively.

Practical Tips

• Season: Midnight sun runs mid-May to late July; the Northern Lights are visible from September to April.
• Icefjord access: The UNESCO trail to the fjord mouth is a 1.5 km walk from town centre — trail conditions vary; waterproof boots are advisable.
• Pack layers: Temperatures average −20 °C in February and +10 °C in July.
• Booking: Accommodation is limited; reserve at least two months ahead for summer.