Illulissat (Jakobshavn)

Ilulissat, previously known as Jakobshavn, is a town in Greenland known for its massive icebergs. The town’s name translates to “Icebergs” in Kalaallisut, the local language. Located on Greenland’s west coast, about 350km north of the Arctic Circle, Ilulissat experiences continuous daylight in summer and perpetual darkness in winter.

The town is situated by Disko Bay, a haven for seals and whales due to its nutrient-rich waters, making it an excellent spot for whale watching. For nightlife, Naleraq offers live music every weekend, featuring a variety of genres from rock to blues.

Ilulissat is also a great place for shopping, with a range of options from local artisan workshops to larger establishments like The Glacier Shop, the Ilulissat Museum, and the Ilulissat Art Gallery. The town has two major supermarkets, Brugseni and Pisiffik.

The Ilulissat Museum, also known as the Knud Rasmussen Museum, offers insights into local history and polar exploration. The Ilulissat Art Museum showcases a permanent collection by Emanuel A. Petersen and various temporary exhibitions. The town is also home to the Church of Zion, one of the most photographed churches in Greenland. Ilulissat’s claim to fame is its enormous icebergs, many of which come from Sermeq Kujalleq, a highly productive glacier located at the head of the Kangia Icefjord, south of the town. Exploring this Icefjord is a must-do activity when visiting Ilulissat.