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Before you go
Your trip to Ilulissat.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Ilulissat – Avannaata Destination Ilulissat and the Icefjord Capital
How to get there
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Ilulissat Mittarfia (JAV) 3 km
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Porto de Ilulissat 1 km
Approximate distances. Check flights and bus, train or boat schedules before you travel.
By plane, with domestic flights from Nuuk and other towns and direct flights from Copenhagen; the airport is about 3 km from town. In summer, regional boats serve other towns in Disko Bay. There are no roads out of town.
How many days
Three days allow time to hike to the viewpoints, visit the Icefjord Centre and the museum, and take a boat trip among the icebergs. A fourth day is for the boat trip to Eqi glacier, and a fifth for staying overnight on the far side of the fjord.
When to go
In summer, the sun does not set from late May to late July and boats run daily if weather permits. Late winter, from February to April, is sled-dog season. In the dark nights of autumn and winter, the northern lights can appear.
The seasons shown are the most usual ones; nature doesn't always follow the calendar.
Do you need a car?
No. The town centre, the harbour and the Icefjord Centre are within short walking distance, and there are taxis and a local bus. There is no road to other towns.
Suggested itinerary
An order that works
Built with the places on this page. No rush: it's paced so you have time to see them.
One day in Ilulissat
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Morning
Icefjord trails
Walk to the Icefjord Centre and follow the Sermermiut boardwalk to the viewpoint overlooking the fjord entrance.
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Afternoon
Town and harbour
Visit the museum in Knud Rasmussen’s house, stop by Zion Church and finish with a boat trip among the icebergs.
2 days in Ilulissat
Day 1
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All day
The fjord on foot
Walk the Sermermiut boardwalk, visit the Icefjord Centre exhibition and continue along one of the colour‑marked coastal trails.
Day 2
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All day
Eqi glacier
Leave early from the harbour on the boat trip to Eqi glacier, north of the bay, with a stop in front of the glacier face.
3 days in Ilulissat
Day 3
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All day
Ilimanaq
Cross by boat to Ilimanaq, walk through the settlement and the colonial houses, and return at the end of the day.
Check before you go. Opening hours and days change, and places may close for renovations, holidays or events. This itinerary is a suggestion from Cidade Turismo, not a commitment: plan yours by checking directly with each place you intend to visit.
Before you go
Frequently asked questions
How many days to stay in Ilulissat?
Three days cover the trails, the Icefjord Centre, the museum and a boat trip. With four or five days you can include Eqi glacier and Ilimanaq, with time to spare for weather delays.
Does Ilulissat have an international airport?
Yes. The airport receives direct flights from Copenhagen, as well as flights from Nuuk and other towns in Greenland.
How to get around in Ilulissat?
On foot for most of the time. For the airport or the Icefjord Centre there are taxis and a local bus.
Can you touch the sled dogs in Ilulissat?
No. The sled dogs are working animals, they are tethered and not accustomed to strangers. Watch from a distance and do not feed them.