FAQ about tours in Ilulissat
Where is Ilulissat?
Ilulissat is located approximately 300 km north from the Arctic circle. It is part of Disko bay, which is the largest bay in western Greenland.
What is the population of Ilulissat?
Ilulissat is the third largest town in Greenland with a population of 4737 (by January 2022)
What tours are the most popular in Ilulissat?
One of the most popular tours is sailing among the icebergs in Ilulissat icefjord and a boat tour to the calving Eqi glacier.
How is the weather in Ilulissat?
The average weather temperature in Ilulissat from October to April various from -6°C to -18°C ( 21.2 °F to -0.4°F) at this period Ilulissat is covered by snow, May (average temperature of 0.1 °C/ 32.2 °F, ) and September (average temperature +2.2 °C/ 35.9 °F ) is transitional months. Summer months in Ilulissat are June, July, and August with an average temperature of 8 °C to 10.9 °C (46.4 °F to 51.6°F)
What is the best time to visit Ilulissat?
The best time of the year to visit Ilulissat depends on what you want to do!
The best time to go sailing, hiking, and kayaking is the summer months June to mid-September.
The best time to enjoy winter go dogsledding, snowmobiling, or snowshoeing is from February to the middle of April.
The best time to see the Northern lights is from the end of September to April.
What are the main tourist attractions in Ilulissat?
The main tourist attraction is of course the world heritage site- Ilulissat icefjord. Where you can go sailing among the icebergs all year round.
Another famous place to visit in Ilulissat is Semermiut which is part of the UNESCO site. It is a place with a long history, where Saqqaq Palseo Eskimo people settled about 4400 years ago. You can go there on the boar walk by yourself or have a guided tour to know more about the history of this unique place.
Another tourist attraction is Eqi glacier (Eqip Sermia in Greenlandic) which is located 70 kilometers (approx 43 miles) north of Ilulissat. It is one of the most active glaciers in Greenland so you have a great possibility to see glacier calving.
How is the daylight in Ilulissat during winter?
If you want to experience 24 hours of darkness- Polar nights, come to Ilulissat from 30 November to January 12th when the sun doesn’t rise above the horizon. Plenty of time to go Northern lights hunting!
When can you experience the Midnight sun in Ilulissat?
From May 20th to July 23rd you can experience midnight sun as the sun is not set down. Even though the sun is setting down in August month you can still experience long summer days which last 15-20 hours.
Can you see the Northern lights in Ilulissat?
Yes, you can see Northern lights in Ilulissat. Usually, you can see Northern lights from the end of September to the end of April. In order to see Northern lights you need a dark sky, so in September and April months you will need to stay up late in order to be able to spot Northern lights. Autumn and winter is the perfect time to see the Northern lights as days are short and nights are long!
Can I go whale watching in Ilulissat?
Yes, you can. The best time to see whales in Ilulissat is July and August! You can see whales in June and September as well but not as high a chance as in July and August. Of course, it is nature and wild animals so we cannot guarantee that you will see whales on your trip.
When can I visit Eqi glacier in Ilulissat?
You can visit Eqi calving glacier just in the summer months from June to the middle of September. Trip to Eqi glacier is always subject of ice conditions that’s why is not available in other months of the year as a boat cannot get close to the Eqi glacier.
The amount of ice is also the subject of how close you can get to the glacier and that changes every day.
Are there hiking trails in Ilulissat?
Yes, the most famous hiking trails in Ilulissat are a board walk, blue trail, and yellow trail next to Ilulissat icefjord. All the trails are marked and finished/start at Ilulissat ice fjord center.
Board walk – Walk to Semermiut is an easy walk that everyone can do (it is 1,4 km long / 1,6 mile )
Blue trail – starts in the city and leads you along the ice fjord. It is a bit more demanding as it is a 5,5 km long hike in uneven terrain.
Yellow trails- Stars at the power plant and follows the shore (it is approximately 2.7 km / 1,7 mile )
Another popular hike you can do is from Ilulissat to Oqaatsut (a small settlement up north) or another way around. The hike is approximately 20 km (12,4 miles) hike along the coast.
When can I go dogsledding in Ilulissat?
The best time to go dogsledding in Ilulissat is from February to the middle of April. All years are different and sometimes we don’t have enough snow to go dogsledding in January or even end of April.
Can I go on helicopter tours in Ilulissat?
Yes, one of the most famous helicopter tours is to see Sermeq Kujalleq froup close and land at the edge of the Ice sheet with a view of the glacier and ice sheet.
Can I go from Ilulissat to Disko Island?
Yes, you can go to Disko island by boat in the summer. You can book a private charter, have a tour following the beautiful coast of disco island, visit an abandoned settlement- Qullissat, or book a simple transfer by Disko line.
Can I go from Ilulissat to Oqaatsut?
Yes, we even have a great day or a couple of days tours from Ilulissat to Oqaatsut on our website. You can sail to Oqaatsut go kayaking there, have a settlement walk, enjoy food inspired by Greenland specialties in the famous H8 restaurant, stay overnight and hike back the next day.
Can I go from Ilulissat to Ilimanaq?
You take a local ferry from the Disko line or book a private charter and visit Ilimanaq.
Where is Ilulissat airport?
The Ilulissat airport is located 2.8 kilometers (1,7 miles) away from the city center. It is common practice for the hotel to provide pick up and drop off at the airport. There is no bus public bus shuttle available but you can take a local taxi (you can call +299 94 49 44 or download the Ilulissat Taxa app)
Can I fly directly from Ilulissat to Iceland?
Yes, there are direct flights from Iceland to Ilulissat. However, it is a seasonal flight so that means you can do it in certain months (from the middle of February to the middle of March and from June till the end of September)
Can I fly from Ilulissat to other towns?
Yes, Ilulissat is a connected city if you would like to go up North and visit Uummannaq, Upernavik, or Qaanaaq. You could also fly to Kangerlussuaq, Aasiaat, Qasigiannguit, and Qeqertarsuaq
Can you go camping in Ilulissat?
You can camp in Ilulissat, and we guarantee you will have the most stunning surroundings. You are allowed to camp and have an open fire in the Unesco area, but you need to move your camp after 24 hours. However, you are encouraged to camp in the official area at the old heliport. Before having an open fire make sure is not banned by authorities due to the fire risk (usually in July and August).
Please make sure you leave no trace in nature.
Things to do in Ilulissat?
Besides all tours in Ilulissat, you can visit the Ilulissat icefjord center, Knud Rasmussen museum, Ilulissat art museum, Zions church, local market, Inuit artist shop, and Knud Rasmussen sculpture.
Can I see glaciers, icebergs, and inland ice from above?
Yes, you can! Make sure to take a window seat when you are flying to Ilulissat as usually, you will be able to see icebergs from above.
If you want to extend your experience you can book a Helicopter tour where you land in front of the glacier or go flightseeing wind a small 5 seater plane where all the seats have a window view and you can enjoy the views of icebergs, glaciers, and ice cap!
