Summer Trips to Ilulissat
Summer Experiences
One of the most popular summer activities in Ilulissat is hiking. The area offers numerous hiking trails, and one of the most famous is the route to Sermermiut, located just outside the town. Here, you can explore the remnants of ancient Inuit settlements while enjoying stunning views of the ice fjord and floating icebergs. The hike is relatively short but scenic, making it a perfect way to get close to Greenland’s history and natural beauty.
Boat trips in the Ilulissat Icefjord are also a must-do activity in the summer. The gigantic icebergs, calving from the nearby glacier, float out into the fjord and continue into Disko Bay, forming a dramatic landscape of ice. Many tourists take boat trips to get up close to the icebergs, and midnight sun cruises are a particularly special experience, as the white icebergs are illuminated by the golden glow of the sun. In addition to the icebergs, you can also go whale watching in Disko Bay, where humpback whales are often spotted breaching the surface during the mild summer months.
Another exciting activity is kayaking. Several local operators offer tours where you can paddle between the icebergs in a kayak, providing an intimate and unique way to experience the fjord and the natural forces at play. Kayaking is especially enjoyable on calm summer days when the fjord’s waters are mirror-like.
What to bring for a summer trip to Ilulissat
When traveling to Ilulissat in the summer, it’s important to be prepared for the ever-changing weather.
While temperatures can reach around 10–15 degrees Celsius, it can quickly get chilly, especially in the evenings. It’s recommended to bring several layers of clothing so you can easily adjust to temperature changes. Waterproof and windproof jackets, as well as good hiking boots, are essential, especially if you plan on hiking.
Even though temperatures are low, the sun can be strong, so sun protection is important.
Bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat to protect yourself from the long hours of daylight. A backpack is also useful for carrying water, snacks, and extra clothing during your excursions.
Accommodation on a summer trip to Ilulissat
Ilulissat offers various accommodation options during the summer, ranging from luxurious hotels like Hotel Icefiord, which is located close to the fjord and offers views of the majestic icebergs, to cozy bed and breakfasts and hostels. Hotel Icefiord offers both standard and deluxe rooms, making it an ideal place to stay if you want to be close to nature without compromising on comfort.
In terms of dining, Ilulissat boasts several excellent restaurants. Restaurant Icefiord is a popular choice, where you can enjoy local cuisine with a focus on Greenlandic ingredients like fish, musk ox, and reindeer. If you’re looking for something more casual, you’ll also find cafés and grill bars in town offering lighter meals.
Getting to Ilulissat in the summer
There are several ways to visit Ilulissat during the summer. The Danish travel company Topas Travel arranges group tours to Disko Bay in Greenland, and many of their trips include stops in Ilulissat. These trips often involve active round trips with several beautiful hikes on the itinerary.
If you’d prefer more flexibility, Greenland by Topas can help you tailor your summer trip to Ilulissat exactly as you wish. Their Greenland specialists offer advice and recommendations and will work with you to create an individualized travel program to meet your desires.
Alternatively, you can plan your trip independently, arranging your own accommodation, flights, and guided tours.
Topas Travel
Danish travel company that offers guided tours to Greenland with Danish tour guides.
Greenland by Topas
Arranges individual travel packages to Greenland, with experiences to match your dreams.
Air Greenland
The national airline of Greenland, offering domestic and international services from Denmark and Iceland.
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