THE 13 BEST VIEWPOINTS IN ILULISSAT

The spectacular Ilulissat icefjord finishes just behind town and spills out natural sculptures of ice into the bay around Ilulissat.

Ilulissat is the third largest town in Greenland, and the iceberg capital of the country. The spectacular Ilulissat icefjord finishes just behind town and spills out natural sculptures of ice into the bay around Ilulissat. This means that there is hardly a viewpoint in the city which does not have a backdrop of majestically floating icebergs.

Despite being one of the biggest towns in Greenland, Ilulissat is small enough to walk around and hilly enough to offer impressive views wherever you go.

Continues further down the pages…

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1. From Hotel Arctic

Hotel Arctic is Ilulissat’s 4-star hotel and is located slightly out of town with a view directly over the bay with the town centre beyond. Even if you’re not staying there, take a drink at the bar or a meal in the luxurious restaurant, and enjoy the spectacular view.

2. Towards the sea from the top of a residential street

This viewpoint provides an interesting contrast of a residential street with the sea and icebergs in the background. The street curves steeply downwards and out of sight.

Towards the sea from the top of a residential street. Photo by Reinhard Pantke - Visit Greenland

3. Bridge over the harbour

This bridge crosses a small inlet and connects the main part of Ilulissat town with the road out to Hotel Arctic and the airport. From the middle of the bridge you get a great view over the main harbour.

Bridge Over The Harbour. Photo by Reinhard Pantke - Visit Greenland

4. Memorial

This part of town, being the industrial area, is less frequently visited by tourists. But it’s here you’ll find one of the most hidden and beautiful viewpoints. At this memorial to Arctic explorer Knud Rasmussen, you will find an impressive view over the bay.

5. Behind Hotel Hvide Falk

Hotel Hvide Falk is a conveniently-located 3-star hotel which looks out over the bay. Stop by for a coffee or bite to eat and watch the icebergs float nonchalantly by.

Behind Hotel Hvide Falk. Photo by Reinhard Pantke - Visit Greenland

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6. Zion’s Church

Ilulissat’s church is placed spectacularly on the edge of the bay, allowing you to take amazing photos from all angles.

7. High viewpoint in the city

In the middle of these houses, a rocky outcrop rises up to provide a surprising view over the colourful houses and winding streets of the town, stepping down to the bay and icebergs in the background.

8. Illumiut street – Houses and icebergs

This is another nice contrast between culture and nature, as residential houses are seen standing in harmony with the natural bay which stretches all the way to the horizon.

Illumiut Street - Houses and Icebergs. Photo by Reinhard Pantke - Visit Greenland

9. From Hotel Icefiord

Hotel Icefiord has a beautiful patio that sits right over the edge of the icefjord. The bar and restaurant welcome those who aren’t staying there but simply want to enjoy a drink along with the view.

From Hotel Icefiord. Photo by Reinhard Pantke - Visit Greenland

10. The start of the yellow trail

You can access the Yellow Trail from this side of town instead of from the boardwalk where most visitors enter. Over here, it tends to be a bit quieter and you can enjoy views of both the town and the icefjord simultaneously.

The Start of the Yellow Trail. Photo by Reinhard Pantke - Visit Greenland

11. Icefjord View – Yellow trail

There are fantastic views all along the Yellow Trail, which stretches from town all the way into the mouth of the icefjord.

12. Cairn Marker – Red Trail

This large cairn marks the Red Trail and gives a great perspective of the icebergs in the distance, so huge but so close to the land.

Cairn Marker - Red Trail. Photo by Reinhard Pantke - Visit Greenland

13. Icefjord View – Blue Trail

This is perhaps the most popular viewing point for the icefjord, since the boardwalk leads in this direction. It tends to be totally clogged with icebergs so really is worth seeing. Leading east from here, the Blue Trail offers incredible views all along the icefjord.

Icefjord View - Blue Trail. Photo by Reinhard Pantke - Visit Greenland

By Liz Cooper

Liz has previously worked for Visit Greenland as part of the content, online, B2B and press teams. She is currently an industrial PhD candidate at Visit Greenland and Copenhagen Business School, researching sustainable cruise tourism.

THE 13 BEST VIEWPOINTS IN ILULISSAT

The spectacular Ilulissat icefjord finishes just behind town and spills out natural sculptures of ice into the bay around Ilulissat.

Package Tours

Discover Greenland from the sea

Day trip to Eqip Sermia

Icefjord Cruise

Frozen West

1. From Hotel Arctic

2. Towards the sea from the top of a residential street

3. Bridge over the harbour

4. Memorial

5. Behind Hotel Hvide Falk

Package Tours

Whale Safari

Dog Sledding and Northern Lights in Ilulissat

Summer tour: Disko Island, Icebergs and Eqi Glacier

Hounds of snow

Zoom in on Ice and Snow

6. Zion’s Church

7. High viewpoint in the city

8. Illumiut street – Houses and icebergs

9. From Hotel Icefiord

10. The start of the yellow trail

11. Icefjord View – Yellow trail

12. Cairn Marker – Red Trail

13. Icefjord View – Blue Trail

EDITORS' PICKS

Camping and exploration logistics

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Greenland's modern path to independence

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