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August 22, 2024

Ilulissat, overlooking Disko Bay and located in a UNESCO World Heritage area, is known as the world’s iceberg capital, as 10% of Greenland’s icebergs originate here. The very name Ilulissat comes from the Inuit word “iluliaq,” which means iceberg. 

Ilulissat is the third-largest city in Greenland, with about 4,000 inhabitants, and is situated roughly 350 km north of the Arctic Circle. If you arrive by plane, Ilulissat is breathtaking even from above: an endless expanse of ice flowing into the sea, embracing a predominantly rocky land. From early June and throughout the summer months, you can also reach this destination by cruise ships, as the snow leaves the roads and the sea thaws, though ice still remains. 

Visitors can explore the town with its colorful houses arranged on a rocky hill beneath a massive mountain wall. The city offers a fascinating historical overview, having been an important trading post since the 18th century. The center of Ilulissat provides views of the icebergs that populate the Icefjord year-round, offering spectacular scenery. 

Ilulissat is easy to explore on foot, thanks in part to wooden stairways that allow movement along the slope on which it sits. The tourist center and the Knud Rasmussen Museum are must-visit stops. 

A walk to the outskirts of Ilulissat is also recommended, with the possibility of taking a ride on dog sleds, which are used as local means of transport. The destination of this walk is a boardwalk that crosses the Sermermiut Valley, an ancient Inuit settlement, offering a pleasant hike of about a mile and a half. Along the way, visitors can observe various ecosystems of plants and ancient rocks. 

The highlight of the visit to the boardwalk is the spectacular view of the glacier fjord with its moving icebergs. It’s a breathtaking experience to witness the majesty of the ice gliding and rumbling toward the ocean, surrounded by a carpet of heath plants, blueberries, and local flowers. Visitors can also climb a higher platform for an even better view of the fjord. 

An interesting excursion is the visit to the village of Oqaatsut, located about 60 km north of Ilulissat. In this small settlement, you can visit several local spots that offer the chance to taste traditional dishes or relax with a break at Café Nuak, recommended by many local guides, perfect for a coffee or a snack. The visit to the village allows for a close-up look at traditional Greenlandic life, with no roads or cars, and houses that rely on a communal water tank. 

Another interesting stop is the boat excursion to the Eqi Glacier, known as the “fastest” glacier in Greenland. Moving at a daily rate of 70 meters, tourists often gather here in the hope of witnessing iceberg calving, which occurs when large blocks of ice break off and fall into the sea. The Eqi Glacier, imposing in its grandeur, welcomes visitors who, for safety reasons, are kept at a respectful distance. Guided tours often provide detailed information about the glacier and its changes over the past twenty years. 

In collaboration with specialized tour companies such as Ilulissat Adventure, mini-cruises in the Ilulissat Icefjord can also be organized. Sailing toward the Sermeq Kujalleq Glacier, a UNESCO World Heritage site, visitors can admire ice walls over 60 meters high. The Sermeq Kujalleq Glacier is one of the few places in Greenland where the ice sheet reaches the sea, creating a landscape of icebergs in a myriad of shapes and colors. Observing these natural wonders up close, with ice ranging from white to deep blue and black, has been compared to entering a fantastical world. 

A trip to Ilulissat offers a unique opportunity to witness one of the Earth’s most critical and endangered natural systems. Expanding one’s understanding of the Arctic and experiencing the unforgettable adventure of walking among the icebergs make Ilulissat an essential destination for nature and adventure lovers. 

Don’t miss further updates and news on all Greenland cruises on Cruising Journal. 

Mara Di Dio

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