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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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