Search
Brazil
Antarctica
Argentina
Bolivia
Chile
Colombia
Ecuador
Guyana
French Guiana
Falkland Islands (Malvinas)
Paraguay
Peru
Suriname
Uruguay
Venezuela
Germany
Austria
Belgium
Croatia
Denmark
Slovakia
Slovenia
Spain
Finland
France
Greece
the Netherlands
Hungary
Ireland
Iceland
Italy
Luxembourg
Norway
Poland
Portugal
the United Kingdom
the Czech Republic
Sweden
Switzerland
Turkey
Bermuda
Canada
the United StatesGreenland
Mexico
the Dominican RepublicTurkey
South Africa
Egypt
Australia
Fiji
New Zealand
Papua New Guinea
Qeqertalik · Greenland
Disko Island, of volcanic basalt mountains, with the town of Qeqertarsuaq, the Kuannit coast and dog-sledding even in summer on the Lyngmarksbræen glacier.
In the photo: Qeqertarsuaq and the basalt landforms of Disko Island, seen from the lagoon.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Get to know the place
Disko Island (Qeqertarsuaq, “the big island” in Greenlandic) lies in Disko Bay off Greenland’s west coast and is the largest island along the country’s shore. Formed by layers of volcanic basalt, it has terraced mountains, broad valleys and high-altitude glaciers.
The only town, also called Qeqertarsuaq, is on the south coast. Founded in 1773 as a whaling station under the name Godhavn, it preserves an octagonal wooden church, a small museum and the Arctic Station, a research center of the University of Copenhagen since 1906.
Above the town, the Lyngmarksbræen glacier has year‑round snow and is the only place in Greenland offering dog‑sled rides in summer. Along the coast, the Kuannit trail passes basalt columns and green slopes covered with angelica.
From the harbor you can see ice floes coming from the mouth of the bay, carried by the current, and in summer whales often feed close to the shore.
This destination brings together 1 city: Qeqertarsuaq.
One destination, many paths
Start with one city or combine several in your itinerary.
Dados cartográficos: © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL 1.0); contorno terrestre: Natural Earth (public domain). Adapted by Cidade Turismo.
✈ Heliporto de Qeqertarsuaq (JGO) · 1 km to Qeqertarsuaq
By boat in summer and autumn from Ilulissat, Aasiaat or Qasigiannguit; by helicopter in winter. These towns are served by plane. Confirm routes before you buy tickets.
The local experience
A small ice cap on the mountains above Qeqertarsuaq, at about 900 meters elevation, with year‑round snow and dog sleds even in warm months.
A stretch of coast east of Qeqertarsuaq with basalt formations, columns, caves and slopes covered with angelica in summer, reached by trail from town.
Small museum in an old colonial-era house, with the history of whaling, the Godhavn settlement and scientific research on Disko Island.
A wooden church with an octagonal plan in the center of Qeqertarsuaq, known as “God’s inkwell” because of its shape.
Before you go
A little planning leaves more time to enjoy the journey.
From June to September, for hiking, boats, the summer sled and the whales. In winter the bay can freeze and access becomes by helicopter.
The seasons shown are the most usual ones; nature doesn't always follow the calendar.
Two or three days allow for Kuannit, the Lyngmarksbræen glacier and the town. If you want to explore the interior valleys you can stay longer.
Accommodations are in Qeqertarsuaq, near the harbor and town center, within walking distance of the trails. There are also cabins farther away, in the valleys near town.
Take your trash with you, follow the signs and support local businesses. In natural areas, follow the visiting guidelines.
Get your questions answered
Climb the Lyngmarksbræen glacier, ride a dog sled even in summer, hike to Kuannit, watch whales and explore the town of Qeqertarsuaq.
By boat in summer and autumn from Ilulissat or Aasiaat, or by helicopter in winter.
A few hours, depending on the boat and the ice in the bay. Confirm schedules before you go.
From June to September, for the trails, the whales and the summer dog sled.
