Ilulissat, Greenland’s third-largest town, is most renowned as one of the best places in the world to see gigantic icebergs, which drift along the nearby fjord and out into Disko Bay in great numbers, and in an extraordinary variety of shapes and sizes. In recent years, however, it has also developed a reputation for offering some of Greenland’s most innovative accommodation experiences, both in the town itself and in the surrounding wilderness. Here, we focus on four standout properties operated by World of Greenland, each of which is designed for adventurous travellers seeking to immerse themselves in the beauty of this remote region like never before.
Aurora Cabins, Hotel Arctic
Aurora Cabins, Hotel Arctic
Beautifully situated atop a rocky hillside with magnificent views overlooking Disko Bay, the Aurora Cabins are a relatively new addition to Hotel Arctic, welcoming guests for the first time in autumn 2023. There are just seven of these ultra-sleek, glass-walled pods, each of which is equipped with an en-suite bathroom, underfloor heating and a double bed from which you can watch the Northern Lights rippling across the night sky in total comfort.
The glass panels are heated, too, ensuring that snow and ice won’t block your view of nature’s celestial spectacle, which is frequently seen in Ilulissat from mid-September to late March. Conveniently, the cabins are just a few steps away from the main hotel building, where breakfast is served, as well as authentic and seasonal Greenlandic cuisine at Brasserie Ulo and Restaurant Ulo. The town centre is around a 20-25 minute walk away – downhill going into town, uphill coming back – while a shuttle service is also available.
Stay in an Aurora Cabin at Hotel Arctic on our 'Winter in Greenland' itinerary.
The ultimate travel guide to Ilulissat, Greenland
Ilimanaq Lodge
Bungalows at Ilimanaq Lodge (Photo by Nana Hagel - Visit Greenland)
Around 15 kilometres south of Ilulissat lies the tiny fishing village of Ilimanaq, home to around 50 people – an idyllic place to experience rural Greenlandic life, 300 kilometres inside the Arctic Circle. On the edge of the settlement is Ilimanaq Lodge, a boutique eco-retreat comprising 15 stylish, sea-view bungalows facing out across Disko Bay. All of them are powered by solar panels, with any surplus energy provided to local residents. There is no Wi-Fi, however; instead, the emphasis here is on disconnecting from everyday life and embracing the tranquility of nature, whether it be on a hike, on a boat trip to the nearby fjord, or simply sitting outside on the sun deck and watching the icebergs float by.
That sustainable ethos runs throughout the culinary offering, too, with exquisite meals crafted from local ingredients at Restaurant Egede, set within a restored 18th-century building that recently hosted Greenland’s first Michelin-starred restaurant. Ilimanaq Lodge is open from mid-June to mid-September, and boat transport from Ilulissat is included.
Spend two nights at Ilimanaq Lodge on our 'West Greenland Explorer' itinerary.
Glacier Lodge Eqi
Glacier Lodge Eqi (Photo by Mads Pihl - Visit Greenland)
The longest-running and most remote property in the World of Greenland collection, Glacier Lodge Eqi is situated 80 kilometres north of Ilulissat, right in front of Eqi Glacier – one of the most productive glaciers in the northern hemisphere, which calves, on average, every 10 minutes. For the very best, unobstructed views of the glacier and the highest levels of comfort, opt to stay in one of the Comfort De Luxe Cabins, down by the waterfront. Alternatively, there are standard Comfort Cabins, positioned a little further back on the hillside. Both cabin types are solar-powered and come with a private en-suite bathroom and a terrace. For a more minimalist, truly off-grid experience, you might be tempted to stay in one of the glamping tents, which have no electricity, while access to shared bathroom facilities is provided.
While staying at Glacier Lodge Eqi, a range of guided hikes is offered, including the chance to hike all the way to the edge of the Greenland ice sheet, which requires a minimum stay of two-nights. You can also unwind in the glacier sauna and enjoy refreshing dips in the cold water plunge pool. And, of course, return transport by boat and all meals are included.
Speak to our experts if you would like to incorporate an overnight stay at Glacier Lodge Eqi in our 'Greenland in Summer' itinerary.
Igloo Lodge
Igloo Lodge (Photo by Trevor Traynor - Visit Greenland)
Tucked away among the mountains of the Ilulissat backcountry, around 15 kilometres east of the town itself, Igloo Lodge is the only World of Greenland wilderness experience that’s open in winter season. That’s because it can only be accessed by snowcat or snowmobile, as well as the fact that the igloos here are real ones, handmade using compact snow blocks – a far cry from the luxury glass igloos which have become synonymous with Lapland in recent decades. Each igloo is equipped with a mattress, thermal sleeping bags and seal skin rugs, designed to provide as much warmth as possible in sub-zero temperatures. However, if you can’t quite complete a full night in an igloo, a warm room in the main lodge building is waiting for you. It’s here, in this cosy timber cabin, that delicious meals are provided; lunch and dinner on arrival day, and breakfast the following morning before you leave.
Igloo Lodge by night
The lodge is totally off-grid, with no electricity or running water, but basic bathrooms are available and the building is kept warm by oil stoves. The Igloo Lodge experience is really all about slowing down, tuning into nature and embracing the silence of the Arctic wilderness; you can easily pass several hours gazing out the window and taking in the magnificent views with a hot drink in-hand. Several exhilarating adventures can also be booked, including dog sledding and snowmobiling to the nearby fjord, which, when frozen over, enables you to hike among the icebergs. In the evening, meanwhile, the lack of light pollution provides optimal viewing conditions for the Northern Lights when the skies are clear at night. Igloo Lodge is typically open from late January to mid-April, depending on snow conditions.
