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1-Day Ilulissat Itinerary

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Wanderlog staff
Updated
• updatedAug 21, 2025

Ilulissat in 1 day

If you only have 1 day to spend in Ilulissat, we’ve narrowed down the top places you should check out to get the best experience of your time here.
With favorites like Seqinniarfik, Holms bakke, Ilulissat Red Trail trailhead, and Ilulissat History Museum, we’ll make sure you don’t miss out on all the must sees.0
Looking for other day-by-day itineraries in Ilulissat?
  • 2-Day Ilulissat Itinerary
  • 3-Day Ilulissat Itinerary
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Table of contents
  • Ilulissat in 1 day
  • 1-day itinerary

Day 1

1-day itinerary
With only 1 day to squeeze in as much activities as you can, we strategically grouped the must-sees, Ilulissat Isfjordscenter and Ilulissat Red Trail trailhead with surrounding point of interests to make sure you don’t leave Ilulissat without getting the most bang for your time. Combining the average time spent at each location and traveling time in between, it should fill up about 8 hours of your day.
1

Ilulissat Isfjordscenter

4.5
(255)
•
4.4
(23)
Visitor center
Museum
Ilulissat Isfjordscenter, located just a short 10-minute walk from the town center, boasts stunning Danish architecture. The entrance exudes simplicity while the interior is simply magnificent. Visitors can enjoy a post-hike coffee and pastry at the cafe and gallery, where they can even slip into slippers to let their boots dry out. The walkable sloped roof offers amazing views of the surroundings.
Godd place to know better about glacier and ice itself. Educational for all age people, as well for the kids. Need to change shoes before entrance, felt slippers in changing room for free. Don't miss anything, every minute worth of it. Also enjoy roof walk:)
Dan M — Google review
The displays were super informative and high quality. Great place to learn about Greenlandic history and geology in beautifully designed exhibition environments. The sound room and interactive ice core sections were really innovative and the cycle of water/ice video is a must see. Loved the transition from the inner space to walking the rooftop and into the ice fjords, a truly breathtaking and unique experience. They also have a great coffeeshop and well curated shop. A highlight of our trip to Greenland!
JaCo A — Google review
The first museum/tourist center that I have experienced where you need to leave your shoes at the entrance. There is a dressing room and you can get there slippers for inside. Just this makes the experience unique. I recommend to reserve about 2 hours for the exhibition. You can go through it much faster, but then you won't be able to listen and enjoy all those audio guide clips that you can listen to at your phone. Other than that, the exhibits are without any texts so you can just look around. You can buy the tickets on spot.
Jana K — Google review
Be ready to be blown away by its dramatic design—carved into the landscape with sweeping windows framing giant icebergs floating outside. Inside, the "Story of Ice" exhibition combines interactive science, art installations, and panoramic fjord views—powerful without feeling overwhelming The café and shop are welcoming, with good coffee to sip as you watch the ice drift. Admission is reasonable (around 150 DKK), and you can book a 90-minute visit timed to fit the crowd limit Why it stands out: architecture that harmonizes with its wild surroundings, top-tier design and storytelling, and those unforgettable iceberg views—with every window feeling like a live exhibit.
Axel — Google review
Excellent exhibit, very informative, interactive. The hike to the glacier views was easy on a boardwalk
Sam S — Google review
Located within Disko Bay at the mouth of the Ilulissat Ice fjord, is this wonderfully designed structures in keeping with its surrounds, which is home to an awesome exhibit, giving information, about the glacier, definitely worth a visit before walking down to the icebergs.
V H — Google review
An interesting architecture fully integrated with the permafrost environment. The view from the rooftop is nice too. But the entrance fee is expensive and I am not quite impressed with the exhibits inside to be honest - it's such a huge and intricate space with great potentials but it doesnt seem like they know how to use of the space well. They left most of the space empty, and wrapped a small amount of historic objects with transparent plastic. That's pretty much it. (The ice core samples are cool though)
X L — Google review
Beautiful place for a short to long hike. Some snowfall made the boardwalk slightly slippery so wear proper boots. Basic Unesco trek can be done in 30-45mins. The scenery is magnificent and truly unforgettable.
James — Google review
Sermermiut Aqq. B 2089, Ilulissat 3952, Greenland•https://isfjordscentret.gl/•+299 55 55 57•Tips and more reviews for Ilulissat Isfjordscenter
1 min · 300 ft
2

Ilulissat Red Trail trailhead

4.4
(7)
Hiking area
The Ilulissat Red Trail trailhead is easily identifiable by a large cairn, offering a stunning view of the nearby icebergs. The trail provides an easy route to experience the grandeur of the ice formations up close, making for a memorable and accessible outdoor adventure.
One way the easy way
Victor A — Google review
This is a great hike to do. I particularly loved the beginning of the red trail where you walk close by the sled dogs. The puppies are very cute! The trail works well in combination with the blue trail towards Sermermiut with lots more of great views of the icebergs. I do not recommend taking red trail only as most of the trail does not have much of a view compared to other trails. I recommend going during the day when the icebergs are not in shadow. It does not work very well for a midnight stroll since the icebergs will be mostly in the shadow and you miss the golden hour effect.
Ida J — Google review
Ilulissat’s Red Trail is a compact, beginner-friendly path stretching around 1 km each way from the old heliport to the icefjord’s edge . The trail begins with a long wooden boardwalk—easy walking but take care if icy, and proceed slowly in boots with grip . While not the most scenic of the Ilulissat hikes, the Red Trail offers its own charm—wandering past sled dog kennels where playful pups often bound up to greet hikers. It’s an excellent shortcut link into the more dramatic Blue Trail or a quick taste of the landscape before heading further afield . Despite its brevity, the endpoint rewards you with glimpses of towering icebergs and the icefjord’s raw beauty, making it a worthwhile complement to longer routes .
Shahzad S — Google review
The shortest hike form the Icefjord Center to the Icefjord itself. It ends at Holms Bakke, which is a hike crossroad and a point of view to see the icefjord. The terrain is not challenging in any way, but since there was a lot of mud on the way, I recommend to bring sturdy hiking shoes.
Jana K — Google review
(Translated by Google) This is a short hiking trail that starts at the Visitor Center and ends at the Blue Route. (Original) 這是一條很短的健行步道,從遊客中心出發,最後會接到藍線。
Samuel Y — Google review
Sermermiut Aqq. 21, Ilulissat 3952, Greenland•Tips and more reviews for Ilulissat Red Trail trailhead
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14 min · 0.71 mi
3

Sermermiut

4.6
(38)
Hiking area
Sermermiut, located near the Icefjord Center in Ilulissat, offers an easy and breathtaking hiking trail. The area is known for its indescribable beauty with icebergs stretching as far as the eye can see, some even larger than villages and church towers. The 1.5/1.6km walk along a clearly marked path with wooden boards provides stunning views of the sea filled with icebergs.
Absolutely beautiful place that can be visited by walking the World Heritage Trail (see photo). The views are great. In fact, the photos do not do it justice. Walking the boardwalk reveals a stunning horizon of icebergs laying perfectly still in the water. In summer (photos taken in July), there is grass and flowers, which provides a great contrast to the icy blue and white icebergs. Remember bug spray in summer as there are many mosquitos in this location. The walk to Sermermiut is easily done via the trail, and the boards they laid make it accessible with wheelchair and stroller. At the end of the path, there are stairs that begin the blue trail, which is not accessible with wheelchair or stroller. If you are able to continue, I recommend it as the views there are excellent. I highly recommend visiting Sermermiut.
Ida J — Google review
If you have time, do the Yellow Trail instead of the boardwalk. The views are far better as you get a better view of the ice bergs from above. The trail isn't difficult and is easily marked with yellow paint along the trail.
Eric — Google review
Very easy walk to see the ice fjords. Most of the path is made of boards. Before the stairs used to be a settlement due to it’s proximity to the water. Up the stairs you will be mesmerized by the best view of the fjords and if you stay quiet you can hear the ice calving. Highly recommended!
Virginia L — Google review
You have to be here to see this views. No review can do justice to the views. Both the hike & boat ride are equally top class. If you have not seen ice bergs before than this is something you will be amazed. If you have seen it earlier even then you will still be amazed. Be prepared with warm clothes. Have your cameras ready. Take pics in different angles - not sure you will get a chance to come to Greenland again.
MA A — Google review
This is a very easy trail with a long boardwalk section. It takes you right up to the icefjord.
Stella W — Google review
Amazing scenery... Really breathtaking. The walk is around 1.5/1.6km from the start till the end of the path.. and the path is clearly marked and wooden boards.
Vladimir J — Google review
You've got to see it to believe the scenery...
Tony G — Google review
A UNESCO heritage site where you can find the remaining of the original settlement in the area. The remainings are not very visible and you really need to focus on searching for them. You will enjoy the views probably more like the old settlement. Because of that, I recommend to walk form the Icefjord Center further, as I walked the whole way the opposite direction and then only saw the nicest views once I looked back. There should be some entrance tickets paid to enter the area, but I didn't know about it and saw the sign about it when I was leaving Sermermiut.
Jana K — Google review
6V3G+2Q2, Ilulissat, Greenland•Tips and more reviews for Sermermiut
18 min · 0.92 mi
4

Seqinniarfik, Holms bakke

4.8
(8)
Historical landmark
Seqinniarfik, also known as Holms Bakke, is a captivating destination that offers visitors a unique blend of natural beauty and cultural experiences. Nestled in stunning landscapes, this location invites travelers to explore its picturesque surroundings. The area is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts who enjoy hiking and taking in breathtaking views. Additionally, Seqinniarfik provides opportunities to immerse oneself in local traditions and history, making it an enriching stop on any journey.
(Translated by Google) Don't go in winter. Trapped in whiteout (Original) 겨울에 가지 마세요. 화이트 아웃으로 갇혀요
유재현 — Google review
The red hike is the shortest hike form the Icefjord Center to the Icefjord itself. Holms Bakke is a hike crossroad and a point of view to see the icefjord. I liked the view a lot, but there are also slightly better ones on the blue hike. The terrain is not challenging in any way, but since there was a lot of mud on the way, I recommend to wear sturdy hiking shoes.
Jana K — Google review
(Translated by Google) the end of the world (Original) 世界的盡頭
Caesar J — Google review
6W22+WQ, Ilulissat, Greenland
5 min · 1.8 mi
5

Asimut

5.0
(41)
Temporarily Closed
Brasserie
Nestled along the scenic hiking trails of Ilulissat, Asimut is a charming peat hut café that offers an unforgettable experience for adventurers and nature lovers alike. With breathtaking views of floating icebergs, this cozy spot invites you to take a break from your hike and indulge in delicious open-faced sandwiches featuring musk ox or prawn. The atmosphere is warm and inviting, enhanced by oil-burning lamps that create a unique off-grid charm.
Fantastic experience, off the hiking trail, and outstanding location overlooking the bay. A couple of open faced sandwiches on the menu: musk ox or prawn. They also serve wine, etc. Chairs when reindeer pelts, including some outdoor seating.
Jonathan O — Google review
A really lovely start to the hike by the icefjord. Really cosy and great food and drink. Service was lovely and accommodating. Definitely would recommend it! Not sure why it shows as temporary closed, there is a sign that says open 11-16. ☺️
Kati L — Google review
What a great find after a nice hike! This place has a great view of the ice fjord. We had a couple pastries and they were so delicious too. Definitely stop by for a meal/snack break.
Stella W — Google review
A wonderful spot to have a tea and cookie, overlooking the icebergs floating past, seated on a fur covered deck chair. Very nice and friendly staff, best design in town...
AF B — Google review
You already made a great decision coming to Greenland. And coming to Asimut may be the best decision you make in Greenland.
Shilman S — Google review
Uniquely located on the trail to the ice fjords, this is the type of place we have always dreamt of finding on a hike. Wonderful setting and delicious snacks, great host, and thoughtfully decorated.
Eliot C — Google review
Super cute little cafe by the yellow hiking trail!
Laura O — Google review
Great place after getting over the rocks. IPA, Strong beer, and wide range of lemonades and bruun kola. Wide variety and awesome service!
L — Google review
Fredericiap' Aqq 4, Ilulissat 3952, Greenland•https://worldofgreenland.com/en/•+299 94 43 00•Tips and more reviews for Asimut
2 min · 0.97 mi
6

Ilulissat History Museum

4.0
(85)
•
4.1
(136)
History museum
Souvenir store
The Ilulissat History Museum, also known as the Knud Rasmussen Museum, is a compact yet informative museum dedicated to Danish explorer Knud Rasmussen. Housed in his birthplace, the museum offers a deep insight into Greenlandic life over the centuries and showcases stories about Rasmussen's expeditions, Inuit culture, and the stunning landscapes of the polar region.
Nice local museum with a bit of history, including artefacts from the early cultures in Greenland. The small gift store has a good selection and the museum clerk was kind. Cash not accepted.
Megan — Google review
A combined ticket for 60DKK or €10, kids go free, gets you into both museums in Ilulisaat. Closed Mondays. No toilets for visitors. Shoes off at the entrance. They sell books, postcards, souvenirs. Top floor until 31 August is a small exhibition "Kayak and harpoon", the floor below has information on the history of the town/settlement and Knud Rasmussen. There are some items outside the museum, including a recreation of a Thule winter house which you can go into.
Lyndsey — Google review
Ilulissat, Greenland's third-largest town (~4,500 residents), embodies a unique Arctic way of life shaped by its dramatic environment, ancient Inuit heritage, and modern challenges. For over 4,000 years, the Ilulissat area has been inhabited by Indigenous cultures like the Saqqaq, Dorset, and Thule peoples, who thrived on hunting seals, whales, and fishing in the nutrient-rich Disko Bay. Today, Greenlandic Inuit traditions persist through dog sledding (though declining due to climate change), kaffemik gatherings (community coffee rituals), and vibrant artisan crafts like tupilak carvings. Fishing remains the economic backbone, with halibut and cod processing central to the local industry. Climate change has paradoxically boosted catches by extending boat-fishing seasons year-round, yet threatens traditional ice-based hunting. Tourism thrives around the UNESCO-listed Icefjord, offering iceberg cruises, dog sledding, and Northern Lights tours, supporting many livelihoods. Rapid warming is reshaping daily life.  Declining sea ice has reduced sled dog numbers from 5,000 to 1,800 in two decades, limiting winter mobility.  The Jakobshavn Glacier’s retreat (calving 20 billion tons of ice annually) fuels both economic opportunities and existential concerns, symbolizing global sea-level rise.  Locals report unpredictable weather, with increased rain altering hunting/fishing patterns. Ilulissat blends colorful wooden houses, bustling fish markets ("brættet"), and sites like the Icefjord Centre, which merges climate science with Inuit history. Despite globalization, communal values endure, emphasizing resilience amid environmental flux.  In essence, Ilulissat’s way of life balances deep cultural continuity with adaptive innovation in one of Earth’s most dynamic landscapes.
Weaning P — Google review
A smaller museum with a lot of information about local culture and the history of the place. Besides anything else, you will also learn a lot about Knud Rasmussen, an explorer that helped to unite the country. This part was especially interesting for me. As other places in Ilulissat, you need to leave your outside shoes in the dressing room.
Jana K — Google review
This rather small house is packed with exhibits that give you a deep insight into Greenlandic life over the centuries. It actually was that much - it felt a bit exhausting. Nevertheless there is great effort and dedication in it. And there is a turf hut outside - see photo.
CT — Google review
I visited this museum with high hopes, especially given the very affordable entrance fee. The second floor was a highlight — it features a genuinely fascinating and well-told story about the building of a traditional kayak. It was immersive, respectful, and insightful. Unfortunately, the experience was heavily overshadowed by the first floor. The exhibitions there are shockingly colonialist in tone, with narratives that are outdated, offensive, and demeaning. The displays present Indigenous peoples as inferior or “backward,” perpetuating the disturbing and discredited idea that the West “saved” or “civilized” them. It’s disappointing and frankly disturbing to see such a mindset still being displayed without critical reflection or historical context. Overall, while the second floor is worth seeing, I left with a sense of frustration and disappointment. This museum urgently needs to rethink and revise its presentation of history — especially in how it portrays Indigenous cultures.
Valerie G — Google review
Fantastic informative museum ticket price 60 Dutch krona includes art museum in Illulisat which again is fantastic This Knud Rasmussen museum he was born at this house in Illulisat his father was a minister it's fantastic reading on his explorations in Greenland and arctic regions.
Shaheen A — Google review
This small museum is worth a visit if you’re in town. The ticket is 100 DKK and entrance to the art museum is also included.
Suzanne T — Google review
Nuisariannguaq 9, Ilulissat 3952, Greenland•https://www.facebook.com/IlulissaniKatersugaasivik/•+299 38 77 74•Tips and more reviews for Ilulissat History Museum
3 min · 0.16 mi
7

Zion's Church

4.5
(44)
•
3.0
(1)
Lutheran church
Zion's Church, located in Ilulissat, Greenland, has a rich history dating back to 1779. Originally situated at the front of the Illulissat Fjord, it was relocated inland in 1929 as a precaution against tsunamis caused by calving icebergs. The church offers stunning views of Disko Bay and stands as a significant landmark in the area.
Zion Church in Ilulissat, Greenland, was originally built in 1779 and moved a bit inland in 1929 due to the risk of tsunamis from calving icebergs. The church offers fine views of Disko Bay.
David S — Google review
Zion church is situated in a very nice place overlooking the many . icebergs in late May early June when we visited . Great place to just chill and touch the broken pieces of ices that gets wash up to the rocks . Also attended the service on a Sunday . They provides tea and buns after service . Noted that the church exist as a community more than a gathering of saints who truly understands the meaning of God’s love and His salvation to mankind , a must just place in Illulisatt !
Ah W — Google review
Historic and beautiful. We attended a little concert with a sweet and talented local lady played the pipe organ for us. Then she entertained us further on her harp. A few other local played the organ too. Very pleasant evening!
Scott T — Google review
Unfortunately both times that I visited the church was closed but still a very photogenic building. Watched people on kayak departure in front of the church. Cool place to seat and chill!
Virginia L — Google review
More than the church itself, visit this place for one of the best views over the icefjord that you can get in Ilulissat. The church was closed when I was in the area, so I didn't see how it looks inside. But again, I would visit it again just for the views.
Jana K — Google review
It is a very beautiful church.It is a magnificent view!
Yos125 — Google review
Zion’s Church, a small Church ⛪️ located at Oqaluffiup Aqq., Ilulissat 3952, Greenland, is a charming wooden Lutheran church and one of Greenland’s oldest and most atmospheric landmarks . Built in 1779, it was Greenland’s largest man-made structure at the time and remains historically and culturally significant today . The church is perched on a rocky slope just above Disko Bay, offering enchanting views of the endless sea of icebergs drifting from Ilulissat Icefjord into the bay and beyond . Constructed of driftwood and local timber, the dark-red wooden exterior reflects traditional Nordic aesthetics. Its interior remains modest and inviting—with blue-painted benches, a white wooden ceiling, and a small organ near the entrance—creating a warm, intimate atmosphere during Sunday services . Restored and relocated slightly (about 50 meters) during 1929–31, Zion’s Church houses a replica of Thorvaldsen’s crystal Christus sculpture and two ornate candlesticks gifted in 1789 . Though still an active parish church with regular worship, its doors remain locked outside mass times, making it accessible only when services are held . Despite the limited access, Zion’s Church is worth visiting even just for its picture-postcard setting—traditional Scandinavian houses clustered around its base and the dramatic icy seascape beyond make this corner of Ilulissat especially photogenic and serene . As Ilulissat sits just north of the Arctic Circle, the climate around the church varies dramatically—cool summers with long daylight hours and crisp, long winters that often bring -10 °C or lower temperatures and icy winds from the bay . Visitors in mid-May (and other months) frequently witness stunning mornings when newly calved icebergs float past the church in Disko Bay—a visual well worth the cold . In summary, Zion’s Church is more than just a place of worship—it is a symbol of Greenland’s colonial history, faith, and resilience. Set dramatically against a frozen seascape and built with humble materials in a remote Arctic town, it offers a soulful glimpse into human and cultural endurance in one of Earth’s most rugged environments.
Shahzad S — Google review
Beautiful you must come to visit and sit around here for view
Nutchana R — Google review
Oqaluffiup Aqq. 75, Ilulissat 3952, Greenland•http://www.ilagiit.gl/•Tips and more reviews for Zion's Church
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