Ilulissat & Disko Bay (icebergs)
Where giants of ice float by the town ❄️🐋
Ilulissat is the crown jewel of Greenland tourism and surprisingly accessible for families. Located 350km north of the Arctic Circle, it sits at the mouth of the Ilulissat Icefjord, which produces 20 million tons of ice per day. The infrastructure here is well-developed, offering comfortable hotels and varied dining options, which helps when traveling with younger children. The highlight is undoubtedly the ice itself, which towers over the town and creates a constantly changing backdrop.
The primary attraction for families is the boardwalk to Sermermiut. This well-maintained wooden path is easy enough for young walkers and even sturdy strollers, leading you through an ancient settlement site to a viewpoint overlooking the mouth of the fjord. It provides a safe, front-row seat to the massive icebergs without requiring a strenuous hike. For a closer look, evening boat tours under the Midnight Sun are magical; the golden light reflecting off the ice is unforgettable, though parents should ensure children are bundled up warmly against the chill wind.
Beyond the ice, the waters of Disko Bay are teeming with wildlife. Whale watching tours here have a very high success rate in summer, with humpback whales often putting on a show near the boats. For a change of scenery, catch the ferry to Qeqertarsuaq on Disko Island. Unlike the rest of rocky Greenland, this island is volcanic, featuring lush green hills, basalt columns, and black sand beaches where kids can run and play.
Practical tips for families: Summer brings the Midnight Sun, meaning it is light 24 hours a day. This gives you endless time for sightseeing but can wreak havoc on children’s sleep schedules, so bring high-quality eye masks. The mosquitoes can be fierce in July and August, so pack head nets and strong repellent. While Ilulissat has supermarkets, fresh produce can be expensive, so budget accordingly. This region offers the perfect balance of Arctic wonder and tourist convenience.
Click a region to explore
Activities & Best Times
Hiking, wildlife, outdoor exploration, ecotourism
A globally unique UNESCO site offering unparalleled access to the world's most productive glacier and massive icebergs in Disko Bay. Peak summer months provide optimal visibility, 24-hour daylight, and peak whale-watching opportunities; shoulder months are cooler but accessible, while winter extremes limit non-specialized exploration.
Learning experiences, scientific sites, historical education
Home to the world-class Ilulissat Icefjord Centre and the ancient Inuit settlement of Sermermiut, offering profound insights into glaciology and Arctic history. Summer months allow for full access to interpretive hiking trails and scientific exhibits; winter weather significantly restricts educational site accessibility.
Events, celebrations, seasonal attractions
Features extraordinary natural phenomena including the Midnight Sun (Jun-Jul) and the Northern Lights (best in Feb-Mar alongside traditional dog sledding events). Peak months align with maximum celestial activity and traditional celebrations; shoulder months offer transitioning light, while late spring and late autumn lack both snow stability and dark skies.
Urban tourism, museums, historical sites, architecture
An authentic Arctic town where sophisticated hotels like Hotel Arctic meet traditional Inuit lifestyle and world-class heritage sites. Peak summer is the most vibrant period for town life and accessibility; shoulder months offer a glimpse into local winter culture, while mid-winter is extremely isolated.
Winter sports, ski resorts, snow activities
Offers world-class, authentic winter experiences like long-distance dog sledding and heli-skiing in a pristine Arctic environment. Late winter (Mar-Apr) provides the best balance of stable snow and returning daylight; the region lacks traditional lift infrastructure, and summer months see a total loss of snow cover at sea level.
Sport tourism, fitness activities, active recreation
A premier destination for iceberg kayaking and rugged wilderness trekking through volcanic landscapes. Summer months offer safe water conditions and navigable trails; extreme cold and sea ice render these activities impossible for the majority of the year.
Spa retreats, wellness centers, peaceful getaways
Sophisticated travelers can enjoy remote luxury in high-end 'igloo' lodges with direct views of calving icebergs. Peak summer provides the best conditions for terrace relaxation under the midnight sun; shoulder months are suitable for indoor-focused stays with scenic views, while the dark winter limits the visual experience.
Attractions (30 total)
Hiking & Cycling Routes
Blue Route (Sermermiut to Old Heliport)
Ilulissat
6.7km moderate loop trail taking 3-4 hours with 260m elevation gain. This UNESCO World Heritage site route offers the most iconic views of the Ilulissat Icefjord. Includes a boardwalk section through the ancient Sermermiut settlement. Equipment and guiding available through PGI Greenland (pgigreenland.com).
Visit website →Yellow Route (Sermermiut Loop)
Ilulissat
2.7km easy-to-moderate loop taking approximately 1.5-2 hours with 100m elevation gain. The trail follows the coastline where the Icefjord meets Disko Bay, providing spectacular views of grounded icebergs. Rentals: World of Greenland (worldofgreenland.com).
Visit website →Kuannit Hike (Basalt Formations)
Qeqertarsuaq
6km moderate out-and-back trail on Disko Island taking 3 hours with 150m elevation gain. Famous for its unique hexagonal basalt columns and lush Arctic vegetation fed by volcanic springs. Local guiding: Hotel Disko Island (hoteldiskoisland.gl).
Visit website →Lyngmark Glacier Trek
Qeqertarsuaq
10km challenging round-trip trek with a steep 800m elevation gain, taking 5-7 hours. Reaches the Lyngmark Glacier ice cap on Disko Island, offering one of the few places for summer dogsledding. Guide services: Disko Mountain Lodge (hoteldiskoisland.gl).
Visit website →The Orange Route (Ilulissat to Oqaatsut)
Ilulissat
21km challenging point-to-point trek taking 8-10 hours with approximately 400m cumulative elevation gain. This historic mail route traverses rocky tundra and coastal mountains to the remote village of Oqaatsut. Gear and boat transfers: World of Greenland (worldofgreenland.com).
Visit website →Natural Feature / Scenic Site
Eqi Glacier (Eqip Sermia)
Ilulissat
Known as the 'Calving Glacier,' this is one of the few places where visitors can safely watch and hear massive chunks of ice crash into the water.
Sermermiut Valley
Ilulissat
A scenic valley and former Inuit settlement featuring an easy-to-follow wooden boardwalk that leads to a spectacular viewpoint of the icefjord.
Kuannit Basalt Formations
Qeqertarsuaq
Unique volcanic landscape on Disko Island featuring dramatic hexagonal basalt columns, lush greenery, and natural springs.
National Park / Nature Reserve
Eqip Sermia Glacier
Ilulissat
One of Greenland's most active calving glaciers, famous for the dramatic sight and sound of massive ice chunks crashing into the sea.
Kuannit
Qeqertarsuaq
A unique geological site on Disko Island known for its dramatic hexagonal basalt columns and unusually lush arctic vegetation.
Lyngmark Glacier
Qeqertarsuaq
An accessible glacier plateau on Disko Island offering visitors the chance to see permanent snow and spectacular views over the bay.
Historic Town / Village / Cultural Area
Ilulissat Icefjord
Ilulissat
A UNESCO World Heritage site where massive icebergs from the Sermeq Kujalleq glacier meet the sea, offering breathtaking family-friendly views.
Visit website →Sermermiut Ancient Settlement
Ilulissat
An ancient Inuit settlement site with visible turf house ruins, accessible via a family-friendly wooden boardwalk with spectacular iceberg views.
Ilimanaq Historic Houses
Ilimanaq
Features some of Greenland's oldest restored colonial buildings from the 18th century, offering a deep dive into the region's missionary and whaling history.
Visit website →Ilulissat Museum (Knud Rasmussen Museum)
Ilulissat
Housed in the historic birthplace of explorer Knud Rasmussen, this museum showcases Greenlandic culture, local history, and polar expeditions.
Visit website →Oqaatsut Village (Rodebay)
Oqaatsut
A peaceful and traditional settlement north of Ilulissat where visitors can experience authentic Greenlandic village life among colorful houses and icebergs.
Adventure Park / Outdoor Activity Center
Ilulissat Icefjord Centre
Ilulissat
An architectural landmark and visitor hub providing educational exhibits and access to boardwalk trails overlooking the massive UNESCO-listed icebergs.
Visit website →Landmark / Monument / Iconic Urban Attraction
Ilulissat Icefjord Centre (Kangiata Illorsua)
Ilulissat
A striking modern architectural landmark that serves as a visitor center and museum, offering interactive exhibits about the Arctic ice and climate.
Visit website →Qeqertarsuaq Church (The Lord's House)
Qeqertarsuaq
A unique octagonal wooden church on Disko Island that serves as a major architectural landmark for the region.
Ilulissat Museum (Knud Rasmussen's Museum)
Ilulissat
The former home of famous Arctic explorer Knud Rasmussen, this historic building now houses exhibits on polar expeditions and Inuit culture.
Visit website →Beach / Coastal Recreation Area
Ilulissat Icefjord (Kangia)
Ilulissat
A UNESCO World Heritage site where families can witness massive icebergs calved from the world's most productive glacier floating into the bay.
Visit website →Oqaatsut Coastal Path
Oqaatsut
A scenic coastal recreation route following the shoreline from Ilulissat to a traditional settlement, perfect for viewing whales and icebergs.
Qeqertarsuaq Black Sand Beach
Qeqertarsuaq
A dramatic volcanic beach where white icebergs often wash up on the dark shore, offering a unique coastal experience on Disko Island.
Sermermiut Valley Boardwalk
Ilulissat
An easy-to-walk wooden boardwalk through a historic Inuit valley leading to a stunning coastal viewpoint of grounded icebergs.
Castle / Palace / Historic Site
Sermermiut
Ilulissat
An ancient Inuit settlement site offering historical ruins and breathtaking views of the massive icebergs floating in the UNESCO-listed Ilulissat Icefjord.
Visit website →Qeqertarsuaq Museum
Qeqertarsuaq
Housed in a historic 1840s colonial building, this museum explores the unique whaling history and natural science of Disko Island.
Ilulissat Museum (Knud Rasmussen's House)
Ilulissat
The birthplace of famous polar explorer Knud Rasmussen, now a museum showcasing the history of Arctic expeditions and Greenlandic culture.
Visit website →Zion Church (Zions Kirke)
Ilulissat
A historic 18th-century wooden church that stands as an iconic landmark overlooking the iceberg-filled waters of Disko Bay.
Art Gallery / Fine Art Museum
Ilulissat Art Museum
Ilulissat
Housed in the historic colony manager's residence, this museum features a dedicated collection of Greenlandic landscape paintings by Emanuel A. Petersen and rotating contemporary exhibits.
Visit website →Science Museum / Natural History Museum / Discovery Centre
Ilulissat Museum
Ilulissat
Housed in the former residence of explorer Knud Rasmussen, this museum presents the natural history and ethnographic record of Arctic exploration.
Visit website →