Tucked away on the west coast of Greenland, Ilulissat is a world away from most travel hotspots, yet it’s on many people’s must-visit lists. See itinerary ideas
The reason for this is that the attractive small town, recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, boasts an enviable location within the aurora zone. Consequently it is one of the best places in the world to watch the Northern Lights.
From October to April the frequent clear, dry, cold skies are illuminated with the surreal spectacle, which can be enjoyed in any number of different ways, with a wide variety of excursions and winter activities on offer.
Close by is the Ilulissat Ice Fjord, which is held to be the most productive glacier in the world; all year round gigantic icebergs calve off the glacier and are stranded in Disko Bay, providing a constant and spectacular backdrop.
Here too, dogsleds outnumber people and there’s countless opportunities for winter activities such as sledding, sailing, seal spotting and whale watching, helicopter flight-seeing trips and more.
Come during July and August instead and revel in the long midsummer nights; the Arctic summer is short but intense, with flora and fauna bursting into life for a brief period in stark contrast to the winter months.
