This is the centre for the fishing industry and the location of the country’s capital, Nuuk, but it is the acclaimed Disko Bay that is the draw for visitors. Incredible calving glaciers include the most productive in the world, which advances 30 metres every 24 hours. Some of its icebergs can be several kilometres in length and, eroded by the elements, assume weird and wonderful shapes that are a magnet for photographers.
Centre for the region is Greenland’s fourth largest town, Ilulissat, whose history dates back to 1742, when it became a summer mission. Originally called Jakobshavn, after an influential merchant, it was later birthplace to explorer Knud Rasmussen. Now an important fishing town and centre for shrimp processing, Ilulissat has a museum, two hotels and some good walks in its dramatic surrounds.
Your holiday should feel like it’s been designed just for you. I’m here to make that happen with a personal touch and local insights.
Trip ideas
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Greenland Disko Bay Voyage
Arctic Small Ship CruiseSail along the remote and dramatic Arctic coastline of West Greenland, with its high mountains, narrow fjords, giant glaciers and small Inuit settlements.
From £6636 Excluding Flights
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Discover Greenland
Arctic Small Ship CruiseEnjoy an ultra-immersive exploration of some of Greenland’s most remote regions.
From £10196 Excluding Flights
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Essential West Greenland
Greenland Independent Short BreakExplore the ice-choked fjords and glacier-scoured valleys around Ilulissat in West Greenland.
From £4996 Excluding Flights
Trip experiences
Accommodation ideas
Other Greenland regions
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East Greenland
Settlements in this sparsely inhabited region are almost entirely limited to the Ammassalik area. Tasiilaq is the largest community and the administration centre.
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South Greenland
This is the island’s agricultural centre and the destination for most visitors seeking outdoor activities. As elsewhere in Greenland, the scenery is amazing but, surprisingly for some, it is particularly colourful.
