Did you know that Disko Bay produces over 35 billion tons of icebergs annually, with some towering more than 100 meters (328 feet) above sea level? This breathtaking Arctic destination is home to the Ilulissat Icefjord, a UNESCO World Heritage Site where massive chunks of ice calve from the fastest-moving glacier in the Northern Hemisphere. In this guide, we’ll explore the most spectacular experiences in this pristine corner of Greenland, where ancient traditions meet awe-inspiring natural wonders.
Getting to Disko Bay & Planning Your Journey
Reaching this remote Arctic paradise requires some planning, but the journey is well worth the effort. Most international travelers arrive via Copenhagen, Denmark, with direct flights to Kangerlussuaq, Greenland’s main international airport. From there, you’ll take a domestic flight to Ilulissat, the gateway to Disko Bay.
Air Greenland operates regular flights, but seats fill quickly during peak season (June-September), so booking 3-6 months in advance is highly recommended. Alternatively, you can reach Disko Bay via cruise ships that navigate Greenland’s western coast during summer months.
Essential Travel Documents
Greenland is an autonomous territory within the Kingdom of Denmark. If you need a visa to enter Denmark, the same visa will cover Greenland. Citizens of the EU, US, Canada, Australia, and many other countries can visit visa-free for up to 90 days. Always check the latest requirements before traveling.
Packing for Disko Bay
Best Time to Visit Disko Bay
Timing your visit to Disko Bay is crucial for experiencing the activities you’re most interested in. The region has distinct seasons, each offering unique experiences.
| Season | Months | Highlights | Considerations |
| Summer Peak | June – August | Midnight sun, whale watching, hiking, boat tours among icebergs | Most expensive, need to book months ahead |
| Shoulder Season | May & September | Fewer tourists, northern lights (September), still good for boat tours | Variable weather, some activities limited |
| Winter | October – April | Northern lights, dog sledding, ice fishing, authentic local experience | Limited daylight, many boat tours unavailable, cold (-5 to -20°C/23 to -4°F) |
Recommended: Late June to early August offers the best combination of weather, accessibility, and activities. You’ll experience the midnight sun, peak whale watching season, and the most tour options.
Avoid: November through January has extremely limited daylight (as little as 0-4 hours per day) and the coldest temperatures, making many activities impossible.
Weather in Disko Bay
Summer temperatures typically range from 5-15°C (41-59°F), while winter can drop to -20°C (-4°F) or lower. The region experiences relatively low precipitation, but weather can change rapidly. Always be prepared for wind, rain, and sudden temperature drops, even in summer.
Getting Around Disko Bay
Navigating Disko Bay requires a combination of transportation methods, as roads between settlements don’t exist. Here’s how to get around this unique Arctic region:
Boat Transportation
Boats are the primary mode of transportation in Disko Bay. Disko Line operates passenger ferries connecting Ilulissat with other settlements including Qeqertarsuaq on Disko Island. During summer, regular scheduled services run several times weekly. In winter, boat options become limited as ice conditions can make navigation difficult.
Helicopter Services
Air Greenland operates helicopter services between settlements, particularly useful during winter when boat travel is restricted. While expensive, helicopters offer spectacular aerial views of the icefjord and glaciers. Book well in advance as seats are limited.
Walking in Settlements
Ilulissat and other settlements are compact and best explored on foot. Most accommodations, restaurants, and attractions are within walking distance. Sturdy footwear is essential as paths can be uneven.
Local Taxis
Taxis are available in Ilulissat for trips around town or to the airport. They can also take you to the starting points of hiking trails, such as the path to the Ilulissat Icefjord.
Pro Tip: Purchase a multi-day pass from Disko Line if you plan to visit multiple settlements. This can save you up to 20% compared to buying individual tickets.
Where to Stay in Disko Bay
Accommodation options in Disko Bay range from international-standard hotels to authentic guesthouses. Most visitors base themselves in Ilulissat, the region’s main hub, though staying on Disko Island offers a more remote experience.
Ilulissat Accommodations
Hotel Arctic
Greenland’s most famous 4-star hotel offers stunning views of Disko Bay and the icefjord. Located about 1.5 km from town center, it features two restaurants with panoramic views and comfortable rooms with modern amenities.
Price range: $$$-$$$$
Hotel Icefiord
Centrally located with beautiful views of the bay, this hotel offers comfortable rooms, a restaurant serving Greenlandic specialties, and easy access to town attractions.
Price range: $$$
Qeqertarsuaq (Disko Island) Accommodations
Hotel Disko Island
The island’s only hotel offers simple but comfortable rooms with breakfast included. The hotel restaurant serves delicious local cuisine, and the staff can provide hiking maps and local information.
Price range: $$-$$$
Beach Igloo Lodges
For a unique experience, these charming igloo-shaped lodges sit right on the black sand beach of Qeqertarsuaq, offering a perfect blend of comfort and adventure.
Price range: $$$
Unique Stays
Glacier Lodge Eqi
Located 80 km north of Ilulissat, these cabins offer front-row views of the active Eqi Glacier. All meals are included, and you’ll fall asleep to the sound of calving ice. Accessible only by boat during summer.
Price range: $$$$
Local Guesthouses
For an authentic experience, consider staying at a local guesthouse or B&B. These family-run accommodations offer insights into Greenlandic culture and often include home-cooked meals.
Price range: $$
Dining & Local Cuisine in Disko Bay
Greenlandic cuisine is a fascinating blend of traditional Inuit food practices and Nordic influences. In Disko Bay, expect to find plenty of fresh seafood, game meats, and unique local ingredients that you won’t experience anywhere else.
Must-Try Local Dishes
Top Restaurants in Ilulissat
Restaurant Icefiord
Located in Hotel Icefiord, this restaurant offers high-quality Greenlandic cuisine with a modern twist. The menu features local seafood, musk ox, and reindeer, with panoramic views of the bay.
Price range: $$$-$$$$
Restaurant Mamartut
A favorite among locals and tourists alike, Mamartut serves authentic Greenlandic dishes in a cozy atmosphere. Their seafood platter is particularly recommended.
Price range: $$-$$$
Dining on Disko Island
The restaurant at Hotel Disko Island is the main dining option in Qeqertarsuaq, serving delicious dishes made with local ingredients. Try their reindeer ragout or snow crab with angelica mayonnaise for an authentic taste of the island.
Pro Tip: Restaurants in Disko Bay often require reservations, especially during peak season. Many accommodations include breakfast, and some offer dinner packages which can be a good value.
Top Attractions & Sightseeing in Disko Bay
Ilulissat Icefjord (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
The crown jewel of Disko Bay, this spectacular natural wonder features the Sermeq Kujalleq glacier, one of the most active and fastest moving glaciers in the world. It produces approximately 35 billion tons of icebergs annually, some reaching over 100 meters (328 feet) above sea level.
Several hiking trails of varying difficulty provide breathtaking viewpoints of the icefjord. The most accessible is the boardwalk trail, which takes about 1-2 hours round trip and is suitable for most fitness levels.
Sermermiut Ancient Settlement
Located just 1.5 km south of Ilulissat, this archaeological site contains remains of ancient Inuit settlements dating back 4,000 years. Three distinct Inuit cultures lived here over the millennia, drawn by the rich hunting and fishing grounds near the icefjord. A well-marked trail leads to the site, where you can see ancient dwelling foundations and middens (refuse heaps).
Knud Rasmussen Museum
Housed in the explorer’s birthplace in Ilulissat, this museum celebrates the life and expeditions of Greenland’s most famous explorer. Rasmussen, born to a Greenlandic mother and Danish father, led numerous expeditions across the Arctic and documented Inuit culture and traditions.
Ilulissat Art Museum
Featuring works by Greenlandic artists, this small but impressive museum showcases paintings, sculptures, and other artworks that capture the unique landscape and culture of the Arctic. The museum is housed in the former colony manager’s residence, built in 1923.
Outdoor Activities & Experiences in Disko Bay
Boat Tours Among Icebergs
No visit to Disko Bay is complete without experiencing the icebergs up close from the water. Various boat tours operate from Ilulissat, ranging from 2-hour trips to full-day excursions. The midnight sun tours are particularly magical, as the low-angled light bathes the ice in golden hues.
Whale Watching
Disko Bay is one of Greenland’s premier whale watching destinations. During summer (May-September), humpback, minke, and fin whales feed in these nutrient-rich waters. Some tours combine whale watching with iceberg viewing for a truly unforgettable experience.
Eqi Glacier Excursion
Located 80 km north of Ilulissat, the active Eqi Glacier (also called “the calving glacier”) offers one of Greenland’s most spectacular natural shows. Day trips by boat allow you to witness the glacier calving massive chunks of ice into the fjord with a thunderous roar. For a truly special experience, stay overnight at Glacier Lodge Eqi, where cabins face directly toward the glacier.
Hiking on Disko Island
Disko Island offers some of the region’s most spectacular hiking opportunities. The volcanic island features unique basalt formations, lush valleys, and stunning views. Popular trails include:
Dog Sledding (Winter Only)
From December to April, experience the traditional Greenlandic mode of transportation on a dog sledding tour. Ilulissat has over 2,500 sled dogs, and tours range from 2-hour trips to multi-day expeditions.
Northern Lights (Winter Only)
From September to April, when darkness returns to the Arctic, Disko Bay offers excellent opportunities to witness the aurora borealis dancing across the night sky. The combination of northern lights reflected in the water among icebergs creates a truly magical scene.
Exploring Disko Island
Disko Island (Qeqertarsuaq in Greenlandic) offers a completely different landscape from mainland Greenland due to its volcanic origin. With black sand beaches, basalt columns, hot springs, and lush vegetation, it’s often called “The Green Island” in an otherwise ice-covered country.
Getting to Disko Island
Disko Line operates ferry services from Ilulissat to Qeqertarsuaq (the main settlement) several times weekly during summer. The journey takes 2-3 hours depending on ice conditions. In winter, helicopter is the only option.
Qeqertarsuaq Town
This colorful fishing village of about 850 residents serves as the gateway to exploring the island. Don’t miss the impressive whalebone arch at the harbor entrance, said to bring good luck to those who pass beneath it. The town has a small museum, a historic church, and the world’s northernmost natural hot spring.
Unique Geological Features
Disko Island’s volcanic history has created a landscape unlike anywhere else in Greenland, with features including:
Pro Tip: Plan to spend at least 2-3 days on Disko Island to fully appreciate its unique landscape and complete the best hikes. The contrast between the volcanic island and the icy mainland makes for stunning photography opportunities.
Practical Travel Tips for Disko Bay
Money & Costs
The currency in Greenland is the Danish Krone (DKK). Credit cards are widely accepted in Ilulissat and Qeqertarsuaq, but it’s advisable to carry some cash for smaller establishments. ATMs are available in both towns.
Greenland is expensive by international standards. Expect to pay:
Internet & Communication
Wi-Fi is available at most hotels and some restaurants in Ilulissat and Qeqertarsuaq, though it may be slower than you’re used to. Mobile coverage is good in towns but limited or non-existent in remote areas. Consider purchasing a local SIM card if connectivity is important.
Health & Safety
There are health centers in both Ilulissat and Qeqertarsuaq, but facilities are limited. Comprehensive travel insurance including emergency evacuation is essential. The region is generally very safe with low crime rates, but natural hazards include:
Cultural Etiquette
Greenlanders are generally friendly and welcoming to visitors. Some cultural tips to keep in mind:
Sustainable Travel in Disko Bay
Greenland is on the frontlines of climate change, with its ice sheet melting at an unprecedented rate. As visitors to this fragile environment, it’s important to travel responsibly and minimize our impact.
Minimizing Your Footprint
Understanding Climate Change
The Ilulissat Icefjord provides a sobering window into our changing climate. The Sermeq Kujalleq glacier has retreated more than 40 km since 1850, with the pace accelerating in recent decades. Many tour guides can provide insights into how climate change is affecting local communities and ecosystems.
The Arctic is warming nearly three times faster than the global average. By visiting Disko Bay responsibly and sharing your experiences, you can help raise awareness about the urgent need to protect these unique environments.
Plan Your Disko Bay Adventure
Disko Bay offers a truly once-in-a-lifetime experience where you can witness the raw power of nature, immerse yourself in Inuit culture, and create memories that will last forever. From the thunderous calving of glaciers to the gentle splash of whales surfacing beside your boat, from colorful Arctic wildflowers to the ethereal glow of icebergs under the midnight sun – this remote corner of Greenland will capture your heart and imagination.
As climate change continues to transform the Arctic, the landscapes you’ll see today may look very different in the coming decades. There’s never been a better time to experience the magic of Disko Bay while supporting sustainable tourism that benefits local communities.
The above is subject to change.
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