Hotel SØMA
Travel to Ilulissat
A travel to Ilulissat is perfect for anyone wanting to get up close to gigantic ice fjords, the open sea, and authentic Greenlandic daily life. Plan your days around the Arctic weather and your own desires for adventure: stunning hikes, boat tours between icebergs, local culture, and deep tranquility when you return to the hotel in the evening.
Experience what makes Ilulissat so special
A travel to Ilulissat is first and foremost about experiencing the immense presence of ice and sea in a place where raw nature is part of everyday life. Ilulissat is world-renowned for its spectacular, UNESCO-listed ice fjord, massive vistas, and the unique feeling of being far away from the modern world while remaining close to welcoming people and a vibrant culture. It is a destination where you can fill your days with unforgettable excursions and always return to warmth, peace, and a great meal. For many, it is precisely this balance of wild adventure and a secure place to land that makes the journey truly unforgettable.
Best experiences in Ilulissat – for summer and winter adventures
Excursions in Ilulissat are typically chosen based on the season, weather, and how close to the ice fjord you wish to get. Staying centrally makes it easy to combine short walks in town with grander expeditions on the water or into the backcountry. If you are looking for inspiration regarding routes and local spots, a great place to start is our guide to discovering Ilulissat.
Winter adventures in Ilulissat
- Northern Lights Over the Ice: Spend crisp, clear winter nights watching the green auroras dance across the snow-covered mountains.
- Dog Sledding Expeditions: Experience the traditional way of Arctic travel, gliding through the backcountry behind a powerful team of Greenlandic sled dogs.
- Winter Ice Fjord Sailing: Cruise among the colossal icebergs, which stand in stunning contrast to the low winter sun and the icy waters of the bay.
- Snowshoeing to Panoramic Views: Strap on snowshoes and trek into the snow-covered fjelds to discover breathtaking winter viewpoints over the frozen ice fjord
Summer adventures in Ilulissat
- Sailing Among Icebergs: Get up close to the massive ice giants and witness the captivating interplay of light and shadow across Disko Bay.
- Hiking to the Ice Fjord: Follow the marked trails to stunning viewpoints—a simple and breathtaking way to experience the landscape.
- Whale Watching Safaris: Embark on a whale watching in Ilulissat during the right season to see these magnificent marine mammals feed among the icebergs.
- Midnight Sun & Local Culture: Explore the local museums and small boutique shops under the endless daylight of the northern summer nights.
Your Ilulissat itinerary: Letting your days flow naturally
The best way to experience Ilulissat is to alternate between grand adventures and quiet, relaxing breaks. Also always include one or two buffer days in your itinerary, giving you the flexibility to move boat trips or hikes around if the Arctic weather demands it. You can explore some of our most popular tours in Ilulissat below or read our guide to travelling to Greenland in general for even more travel inspiration.
Choose a base where comfort meets adventure
A great place to stay makes it significantly easier to get the most out of your excursions, ensuring you sleep well, warm up after cold days outside, and gather fresh energy for the next day. When you choose to stay at our hotel in Ilulissat, you get a welcoming base where you can unwind after big impressions and receive local guidance on the best tours for you. Hotel SØMA Ilulissat is tailored for travelers who want to explore the rugged Arctic but value genuine hospitality and a down-to-earth atmosphere.
Are you travelling through Nuuk on your way to Ilulissat? Then why not turn your layover into part of the adventure?
Stopping by Nuuk allows you to experience the vibrant contrast between modern Arctic city life and deep fjord systems before heading further north. At Hotel SØMA Nuuk, we provide the perfect breathing space between flights, offering local advice on how to get the most out of a short stay in the capital. Whether you have a few hours or a couple of days to spare, we make it seamless to combine your journey so you can experience Nuuk before seeing the giant icebergs of Ilulissat.