Ilulissat, Greenland
Home to a rich Arctic heritage, Ilulissat sits along pristine waters at the mouth of its namesake ice fjord. The town’s colorful houses enjoy a front row seat as icebergs drift by. This endless parade of white floating islands, long studied by glaciologists, has earned the ice fjord status as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The fjord is fed by the Sermeq Kujalleq—one of the fastest moving glaciers in the world, producing massive icebergs that can be seen drifting out to sea. The town is named for its spectacular scenery; Ilulissat is the local Kalaallisut word for icebergs.
Home to a rich Arctic heritage, Ilulissat sits along pristine waters at the mouth of its namesake ice fjord. The town’s colorful houses enjoy a front row seat as icebergs drift by. This endless parade of white floating islands, long studied by glaciologists, has earned the ice fjord status as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The fjord is fed by the Sermeq Kujalleq—one of the fastest moving glaciers in the world, producing massive icebergs that can be seen drifting out to sea. The town is named for its spectacular scenery; Ilulissat is the local Kalaallisut word for icebergs.
Shore Excursions
Shore excursions vary by each itinerary and are subject to change.
Ilulissat Icefjord Centre
Travel to the edge of Greenland’s UNESCO-listed Icefjord to explore a striking landmark of modern Arctic design.
Discover Stories About Ice and People
Travel to the edge of Greenland’s UNESCO-listed Icefjord to explore a striking landmark of modern Arctic design. Built in 2021 by award-winning architect Dorte Mandrup and designed to blend seamlessly into the Arctic landscape, the Icefjord Centre invites you to immerse yourself in Greenland’s history and discover how ice shapes all life on Earth through interactive exhibits. View ancient ice cores more than 120,000 years old, learn how researchers decode air bubbles trapped within to gain insight into the past and view exhibits on the relationship between climate, nature and culture. Learn about the enduring connection between humans and the environment as you uncover how Inuit traditions have adapted to the frozen environment over thousands of years. After exploring, head to the terrace to take in sweeping views of Disko Bay and the Icefjord, before returning to your awaiting ship.
Kayaking in Ilulissat
Take to the water and explore your surroundings with a member of your Viking Expedition Team.
Close-Up Experience with Arctic Surroundings
Take to the water and explore your surroundings with a member of your Viking Expedition Team. After a thorough introduction and safety briefing, transfer from your ship to the kayak staging area, where you will receive your paddle and join a fellow traveler in a two-person kayak. Your kayak has been designed to provide a combination of stability and comfort as you paddle your way through the open water. Dressed in a kayak suit and bespoke life jacket for maximum maneuverability, you will be geared up to remain warm and dry during your expedition experience. Set off on the stunning waters of Disko Bay and marvel at the towering icebergs on the horizon as you paddle along the shoreline. Immerse yourself in your surroundings and stay alert for possible sightings of seals, whales and an array of marine birds that can be found in the region.
Please note: only one kayaking activity should be reserved in advance; additional inventory, if available, will be assigned on board. Wildlife sightings cannot be guaranteed. Not suitable for guests with mobility issues. Guests must not exceed 250 lbs to participate in this tour.
Sermermiut Hike
Lace up your hiking boots and set out on an invigorating trek through Ilulissat, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Landscapes of Ilulissat
Lace up your hiking boots and set out on an invigorating trek through Ilulissat, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Meet your guide and embark on a short drive to the beginning of the hiking trail. Follow a well-marked trail toward the Sermermiut viewpoint, passing through rugged terrain that offers breathtaking views of the iconic Ilulissat Icefjord. At the Sermermiut viewpoint, gaze out over the fjord to admire the majestic icebergs and stunning Arctic waters of the fjord. During your hike, you will have the opportunity to immerse yourself in the cultural history of Ilulissat as your guide shares insights about the ancient Inuit settlement that once thrived here. After your hike, you may choose to return to your ship on foot or by motor coach, or explore the nearby Ilulissat Icefjord Centre to learn more about Ilulissat and its heritage.
Fixed Wing Flightseeing
Take to the skies for a thrilling journey over the Ilulissat Icefjord.
An Aerial Perspective of a UNESCO World Heritage Site
Take to the skies for a thrilling journey over the Ilulissat Icefjord. Disembark your ship and set out on a short drive to the airport, where you will receive a brief introduction to your flightseeing experience. Then board a 5-seater fixed-wing aircraft for a memorable journey over one of the world’s most spectacular landscapes. Experience the beauty of the Ilulissat Icefjord from a different perspective as you soar above the vast ice fields and enjoy a bird’s-eye view of the Sermeq Kujalleq glacier, one of the world’s most productive glaciers and the fastest glacier brook in the world; it produces around ten percent of Greenland’s icebergs. During your flight, you will have a headset to communicate with your pilot and learn about the natural wonders below, including towering icebergs, the breathtaking fjord and unique geological formations.
Please note: maximum weight per passenger is 230lbs.
Iceberg Cruise
Set sail on a memorable journey through the vast ice fields of the Ilulissat Icefjord.
Pristine Landscapes of Ilulissat
Set sail on a memorable journey through the vast ice fields of the Ilulissat Icefjord. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2004, the Ilulissat Icefjord is renowned both for its stunning natural beauty and its significance in developing the current scientific understanding of climate change. During your cruise, your guide will provide insights about the area’s geological and cultural significance. As you sail through the pristine waters, you will pass by towering ice formations that have been centuries in the making; the oldest ice on the fjord is estimated to be 250,000 years old. Immerse yourself in your surroundings and listen for the distinct sound of popping air as it escapes from the ice and of icebergs colliding with one another as they find their way out to sea. After your experience in this remarkable landscape, return to your awaiting ship.
Helicopter Flightseeing
Appreciate the stunning landscapes of the Ilulissat Icefjord from the sky.
The Ilulissat Icefjord From Above
Appreciate the stunning landscapes of the Ilulissat Icefjord from the sky. Board a 5-seater helicopter and take to the skies for an exhilarating flight over one of the world’s most remarkable landscapes. Soar above the vast ice fields of the Ilulissat Icefjord, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You will experience the beauty of Ilulissat from a whole new perspective as you fly over the fjord, getting a bird’s-eye view of the Sermeq Kujalleq glacier, responsible for about ten percent of the icebergs in Greenland’s waters. Marvel at the towering icebergs and pristine waters as your pilot navigates the skies, providing insights into the majestic landscape below. During your flight, your pilot will make a short landing where you will witness more spectacular views of the Sermeq Kujalleq glacier. At the end of your journey, return to your ship.
Greenlandic Sled Dog Visit
Delve into the heritage of the sled dog and gain an appreciation for its role in Greenlandic culture.
An Introduction to Hardworking Sled Dogs
Delve into the heritage of the sled dog and gain an appreciation for its role in Greenlandic culture. An important part of Greenland’s cultural identity, sled dogs were instrumental in allowing the Inuit people to explore and survive in the harsh Arctic environment. Bred for their stamina, hardiness and intelligence, sled dogs continue to play a central role in the lives of Greenlandic locals. Accompanied by a guide, set out to discover more about sled dogs during an up-close experience where you can get face-to-face with these resilient animals. Your guide will introduce you to the dogs and share stories and insights into their history. Learn about this enduring tradition from a local who will provide a personal perspective, before returning to your awaiting ship.