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Ilimanaq

North Greenland
#ilimanaq #northgreenland #visitgreenland

Set amidst a small fishing settlement, a gourmet restaurant and luxury lodge accommodation lie just across the Ilulissat Icefjord in Ilimanaq.


Why Ilimanaq


How to get there


How to get around


Where to sleep


Things to do


Eating & Drinking

Quick facts

Facts about Ilimanaq

Name (Greenlandic):
Ilimanaq
Name (danish):
Claushavn
Region in Greenland:
North Greenland
Coordinates:
69°04′52″N 51°06′55″W
Postcode:
3952
Airport code:
-
Population:
51 (2023)
Municipality:
Avannaata Kommunia

Nearby towns and settlements:

IlulissatQasigiannguitOqaatsut

View map

  • The project to restore the historical houses in Ilimanaq won the prestigious Europa Nostra cultural heritage prize in 2018.
  • The electricity used by Ilimanaq Lodge is generated through solar panels. Any excess is sold to the local community very cheaply.
  • Ilimanaq means “place of expectations” in the Greenlandic language. Its Danish name was “Claushavn”, which means “Harbour of Claus”, when it was a colony.

Useful information

ILIMANAQ WEATHER

Tips

  • Ilimanaq has a small Pilersuisoq supermarket that stocks basics. It is best to bring everything you need with you.

  • You can also support the local community by purchasing your souvenirs from Ilimanaq Lodge reception.

Closest ports of entry:

Ilulissat airport (JAV), Ilimanaq helistop, Ilimanaq harbour

Tourist information:

none, though you could ask for information at the Ilimanaq Lodge reception.

Useful phone numbers:

Police
(+299) 70 14 48 (Ilulissat)
Hospital
(+299) 94 32 11 (Ilulissat)

Why Ilimanaq

Sail through the enormous icebergs at the mouth of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Ilulissat Icefjord for an indulgent experience in one of the oldest settlements in Greenland. In a juxtaposition of old and new, carefully restored colonial buildings form the heart of Ilimanaq Lodge – a modern, luxury eco-lodge located at the edge of the North Greenland settlement and perched high above Disko Bay. Enjoy drinks and gourmet meals in the 18th century home of missionary Poul Egede, spend your time relaxing in front of one of the best views in the world, or head out into a beautiful backcountry where musk-oxen, arctic hare, and arctic fox are common, and adventure awaits.

How to get to Ilimanaq

One of Ilulisat’s closest settlements, Ilimanaq is located on the southern side of the Ilulissat Icefjord and must be reached by boat if coming from the larger town. DiskoLine runs several shuttles between Ilulissat and Ilimanaq daily during summer and several tour operators also offer excursions to the settlement. During Winter, the main way to reach Ilimanaq is via helicopter transfer from Ilulissat or with dogsled, snowmobile or snowshoe from Qasigiannguit to the south.

The best time to visit Ilimanaq is between June and September as this is when the shuttle, lodge cottages, and restaurant all operate.




Disko Line



Unique Tours

How to get around Ilimanaq

Ilimanaq is a small settlement that has no cars and does not take long to walk around. This is typical of small settlements in Greenland.

For excursions in the area, the most common way to get around is by foot or boat during the summer, or with dogsled, snowshoes or snowmobile during the winter.

Where to sleep in Ilimanaq

In Ilimanaq you have the choice of lodge accommodation near Ilulissat in luxury huts with enormous windows and balcony views over the massive icebergs in Disko Bay. Or it may be possible to arrange a homestay with locals. It is also possible to wild-camp anywhere on the outskirts of town.

  • All Accommodations
  • Other accommodation
All Accommodations

World of Greenland

Ilulissat, Kussangajaannguaq 7,3952, Phone: (+299) 944 300More information
Other accommodation

World of Greenland

Ilulissat, Kussangajaannguaq 7,3952, Phone: (+299) 944 300More information

Accommodation in Ilimanaq


Ilimanaq Lodge

Phone: +299 94 43 00
More information

Things to do in Ilimanaq

Sailing around the icebergs near Ilimanaq at the mouth of the Ilulissat Icefjord is one of the highlights of any vacation to Greenland. It is also an experience that is automatically included in the journey from Ilulissat to Ilimanaq, which lies on the southern side of the Icefjord. It is one of the easiest Ilulissat day tours you can sign up for and one of the most popular things to do from Ilulissat.

There are more things to do in Ilimanaq than you would expect. Though small, Ilimanaq has a fascinating history that is actively being preserved through the restoration of important buildings. One of the best ways to learn about this past is on a guided settlement walk (included in a stay at Ilimanaq Lodge) that takes you to every corner of Ilimanaq and paints a vivid picture of life in a small Greenlandic settlement. You can also experience this more directly by joining a kaffemik – a traditional Greenlandic gathering – with a local family.

For something more active, the backcountry surrounding Ilimanaq is perfect for hikers. Choose your own adventure while keeping a sharp eye out for musk-oxen and other wildlife, or join an excursion to Nordre Huse – a viewpoint overlooking the Icefjord and from where it may be possible to see the Ilulissat Glacier and the Greenland Ice Sheet on a clear day. Long-distance hikers may also like to walk all the way to Qasigiannguit – a town about 3 days South of Ilimanaq.

Hiking Kangia coastline trails. Photo by Stian Klo - Visit Greenland

The Kangia Coastline trail near Sermeq Kujalleg aka Ilulissat Glacier. Photo by Stian Klo

Another adventurous option is to take a full-day trip from Ilimanaq to the remote Sarqardliup Glacier that spills down from the ice sheet. This excursion is run exclusively by locals and involves 4-wheel-driving in a utility terrain vehicle (UTV), sailing, and glacier-hiking. It is a unique experience in the Ilulissat area and the best way for adventure seekers to explore a glacier.

If all that sounds a bit too energetic, Ilimanaq is also the perfect place to simply relax, watch icebergs drift lazily by, or spot whales. Those that choose to stay overnight in Ilimanaq have only to look up from their bed or step onto their balcony to enjoy these pleasures, in between indulging in amazing food at this Ilulissat settlement’s top class restaurant.

Read moreRead less

Top things to do in Ilimanaq

Gastronomy in Greenland

In a country with extensive permafrost and just a tiny bit of arable land, Greenlanders get creative with flavors from both land and sea.

Boat Tours

Set out on a boat trip in Greenland to open up a world of fjords, whales, and nearby villages.

Hiking

Hiking is one of the best-known adventure activities around the world, but it can be quite different in Greenland.

Explore more things to do in Ilimanaq

Operators in Ilimanaq

Unique tours photo 2 sunset

Unique Tours

Ilulissat, Aron Mathiesenip aqqutaa 9,3952, Phone: +299 54 31 68More information
BOAT. Photo by Greenland Backcountry

Greenland Backcountry

Ilulissat, Mittarfimmut Aqq. 1A 3952, Phone: +299 53 53 33More information
A tour boat in front of an iceberg wall near Ilulissat in Greenland. By Mads Pihl

Disko Line

Ilulissat, Kussangajaannguaq 13,3952, Phone: +299 94 53 01More information

World of Greenland

Ilulissat, Kussangajaannguaq 7,3952, Phone: (+299) 944 300More information

Eating and Drinking in Ilimanaq

Ilimanaq has one gourmet restaurant located in the former residence of the eighteenth-century missionary, Poul Egede. It serves fusion dishes made from fresh Greenlandic ingredients. The local Pilersuisoq supermarket has a good range of groceries and freshly made bakery items. It has been recently announced that the team from the Faroese 2-Star Michelin restaurant KOKS is coming to Ilimanaq Lodge in North Greenland in the summer seasons of 2022 and 2023. During this period, all bookings at Ilimanaq include a KOKs tasting menu. If there is availability, it may be possible to visit for a day trip from Ilulissat for a one of a kind gourmet taste of the Arctic. Read more about Koks.

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