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  • A Chinese tourist hacking ice on a dog for drinking water during a sledding trip in the Disko Bay in Greenland

The Solo Female Traveller’s Guide to Ilulissat

Luxury solo traveller Vibha chases the northern lights and sails among the chiseled icebergs of Disko Bay.

Explore unspoiled nature, enjoy arctic adventures, chase the Northern Lights and sail amongst the chiseled icebergs of Disko Bay in mesmerising Ilulissat. It may not always be easy getting there but it is a really safe and friendly town.

“Forget about glamorous hotels and bubbly breakfasts - it’s all about the luxury of breathing pure air, enjoying the arctic silence and being able to stop and appreciate the simple things in life”

Continues further down the page...

Package Tours

Disko Line: Icefjord Cruise

Disko Line

Icefjord Cruise

Get closer to the impressive Greenlandic nature with Icefjord Cruise.

FROM €93
Greenland by Topas – Dog Sledding, Igloo Lodge and Northern Lights in Ilulissat

Greenland by Topas

Dog Sledding and Northern Lights in Ilulissat

Sled dogs are in their element under the frosty sky, crackling snow and fluttering Aurora Borealis (Northern Lights) of the Greenlandic winter. Overnight stay in Igloo Lodge.

FROM €2,275
Tasermiut Expeditions: Ilulissat Ice Adventure

Tasermiut Expeditions

Ilulissat Ice Adventure

Visit the fantastic UNESCO World Heritage Ilulissat Icefjord on a 4 or 5 day trip. Admire massive icebergs in Disco Bay. Dates: June to Sep.

FROM €2,575
North Safari Outfitters: The Arctic Five winter and spring hunt

North Safari Outfitters

The Arctic Five winter and spring hunt

North Safari Outfitters offers a unique hunt on the Arctic five species, Muskox, Caribou, Polarfox, Polarhare and Ptarmigan.

FROM €4,500
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Ice Ice Baby

Ilulissat, located along the west coast of Greenland around 300km north of the Arctic Circle, is best known for and home to the incredible Ilulissat Icefjord (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), which is a gigantic collection of icebergs that have calved from the Sermeq Kujalleq glacier. While the icebergs in Ilulissat vary in size during the year, they are always present, making it a great place to visit anytime of year. Mid-September onwards, don’t be surprised if you step outside your hotel and see the Northern Lights dancing above you. Greenland has the second largest ice field in the world after Antarctica and offers a different kind of luxury. Forget about glamorous hotels and bubbly breakfasts – it’s all about the luxury of breathing pure air, enjoying the arctic silence and being able to stop and appreciate the simple things in life.

Three tips for solo female travellers:

  • English is widely spoken but it’s better to learn a few Danish phrases to communicate with the locals.

  • Get around easily by travelling light – you can always buy or rent winter gear in Ilulissat town.

  • Carry enough Danish Kroner before arriving in Greenland as airports do not have currency exchanges.

Where to get some R&R

One of the best hotels in town for rest and relaxation is Hotel Arctic. It also happens to be the world’s most northerly four-star hotel, right on the edge of the spectacular Ilulissat Icefjord. As some of the rooms at the property are dated, it’s important to book a newly renovated Umiaq category room with dreamy views of Disko Bay and floating icebergs. You can also book igloos at Hotel Arctic but they are only available a few months of the year, typically post April. Wi-Fi is available in all rooms but be prepared for a digital detox when you are out and about. The hotel also provides a free shuttle service from Ilulissat Airport and to and from town every hour – this is a safe and reliable option to get around town as a solo female traveller. Another great feature is being able to check in for your Air Greenland flight at the hotel reception.
Info: Hotel Arctic.

A Taste of Greenland

While most foodies travel to the capital of Greenland, Nuuk, you can still tuck into Greenlandic staples such as halibut, muskox, reindeer, lamb and salmon at both restaurants at Hotel Arctic in Ilulissat. Restaurant Ulo, which has a summer terrace, and Café Ferdinand offer great fusion fare. In town, mingle with the locals and head to Kangia Café for customised salads and sandwiches. For unobstructed views of Disko Bay and delicious Greenlandic and authentic Thai dishes, visit Restaurant Icefiord. If you’re vegetarian, check out Café Hong Kong, which serves casual Asian food with many vegetarian options. Don’t be afraid to dine alone here, people are so friendly and you are bound to make friends during your meals and along the way.

Info: Kangia Café (Kussangajaannguaq 13, Ilulissat 3952, Greenland)
Restaurant Icefiord.
Café Hong Kong (Nuisariannguaq 9, Ilulissat 3952, Greenland)

Go off the radar

There are so many ways to make the most of your time in this breathtaking town depending on when you visit. In the summer go midnight sailing amongst the icebergs, fly over the glacier front, hike to the old Sermermiut settlement for incredible views of Ilulissat Icefjord, or go whale-watching. But look out for mosquitoes – there are plenty around this time. Mid-September to late April is an ideal time to visit for snowshoeing in the Arctic wilderness, sunset sailing next to spectacular ice formations and hundreds of birds and spotting the Northern Lights amongst so many other exciting adventures. Be sure to experience Inuit culture in Ilulissat by dog sledding, which has been a mode of transportation and hunting for the past 5000 years. Ride over the ice floor at sunrise, listen to nothing but the panting of sled dogs and their faint howls and paws hitting the snow as you traverse the mind-blowing Arctic wilderness. For those days when you want to take it slow, indulge in a spa treatment, enjoy one of Ilulissat’s magnificent sunsets from the terrace at Hotel Arctic or go for a stroll around town and admire the colourful homes and shop for traditional crafts. I visited during the winter and never once felt uncomfortable on any of the tours, in fact, I made quite a few friends. To be honest, you will be too busy being awe-struck by Ilulissat’s natural beauty to worry about anything else.
Info: The two best tour operators in Ilulissat are Albatros Arctic Circle and World of Greenland.

Getting There
Air Greenland flies from Copenhagen and Reykjavik to Ilulissat via Kangerlussuaq (stopover) in Greenland. Don’t forget to look out of your aircraft window before you land – what you will see, will blow you away.

Explore related articles, offers and tour providers:

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By Vibha Dania-Dhawan

Travelling passionately in search of exquisite food, hot new hotels and unique experiences across the globe, Vibha Dania-Dhawan is the curator and editor of luxury travel and food website, Voyageur Chic. She is also a luxury travel consultant and can plan a detailed itinerary for your next exciting adventure. Also, look out for her unique small group travel experiences launching soon. Website: www.voyageurchic.com; Instagram: @voyageurchic

https://visitgreenland.com

Editors' pick

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