About Ilimanaq Lodges
How to get to Ilimanaq - a boat trip through UNESCO
There are no roads from the surrounding towns to Ilimanaq – you get here by boat, and the experience starts the moment you leave Ilulissat.
The trip through the Ilulissat Icefjord is in a class of its own – we zigzag between some of the world's largest icebergs, and with a bit of luck we will encounter a whale or two before arriving at the small harbor in Ilimanaq. It is no coincidence that the area is on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
- We have arranged a boat shuttle that you can purchase when booking a stay.
- The trip lasts approximately 40 minutes depending on weather and ice conditions.
- Departure from Ilulissat at 08:00, 10:00 or 16:00.
- Departure from Ilimanaq at 09:00, 11:00 or 17:00.
- We sail in small, fast boats with room for 12 passengers. There is the option of sitting both outdoors and indoors.
The Historic Houses
A few minutes' walk from the lodge's bungalows are two of Greenland's oldest houses, which today form the setting for our reception, a conference room and our restaurant - Restaurant Egede.
The restaurant and reception have a very special history – they belonged to the famous missionary Paul Egede. Paul was the son of Hans Egede, who founded the colony of Greenland back in the 18th century. He built the house where the restaurant is located today, and ran his business as a missionary and merchant from the old shop, which is now used as a reception and conference room.
The buildings are listed and worthy of preservation, and were carefully restored by Realdania By & Byg before the opening of Ilimanaq Lodge. The renovation lasted a full 3 years, during which they were completely disassembled, repaired as carefully as possible, and then reassembled. The project has won the prestigious Europa Nostra Award – and for good reason.
The buildings have been restored to their original identity, and many of the original materials and colors have been preserved. For example, you will experience the original shop interior in the reception and the original sail from a whaling ship in the restaurant's ceiling.
In addition to the restoration of the Historic Houses in Ilimanaq, Realdania is also known for the construction of the Ilulissat Icefjord Center.
If you are interested in history, architecture or interior design, don't miss out on a visit to Ilimanaq Lodge.
A pioneer project
Ilimanaq Lodge was built as a pioneer project within Greenlandic tourism.
The project is a collaboration between the municipality, Realdania and World of Greenland. The municipality has been responsible for improving infrastructural conditions, such as sewage, port conditions, waste station and path routes. Realdania has been responsible for the renovation of the Historic Houses. And World of Greenland has built 15 bungalows and is responsible for the operation of the lodge.
The purpose of the project is to contribute to the sustainable development of the settlement. Through tourism, where the starting point is the values of the place, we want to create fertile ground for sustainable jobs and development in Ilimanaq.
Good reasons to visit Ilimanaq Lodge
Calm and presence
There is peace and quiet in Ilimanaq. Here we are far away from the hustle and bustle of Ilulissat, and we dare to promise that your shoulders will sink as soon as you check in with us.
Wild nature
The boat trip from Ilulissat to Ilimanaq is an experience in itself. Here we pass the world-famous icebergs of Ilulissat Icefjord, which sets the mood for a magical stay.
Award-winning architecture
The lodge's restaurant and reception are located in some of the country's oldest houses, which are now part of Greenland's cultural heritage. The renovation of the historic houses has received the Europa Nostra Award.
Meet the locals
In Ilimanaq we live together with the local residents. You will meet them in the shop, on the paths in the village, or at the reception for a cup of coffee.
Greenlandic gastronomy
Ilimanaq Lodge has been among the leading restaurants in Greenland since its opening. The level is high, the atmosphere is relaxed, and the focus is on "local sourcing" and creative communication of the food culture here in Ilimanaq.
Expanded perspectives
A good trip not only provides lifelong memories and peace of mind, it also provides reflections on other people's ways of life and new perspectives on the world.
FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get to Ilimanaq Lodge?
When you purchase a stay at Ilimanaq Lodge, you can also purchase the boat trip to Ilimanaq & return.
The boat sails 3 times a day. At 08:00, 10:00 and 16:00 from Ilulissat & at 09:00, 11:00 and 17:00 from Ilimanaq.
Ilulissat is Greenland's 3rd largest city. You can get here by plane from Reykjavik or from Copenhagen (via Nuuk).
See more on Air Greenland's or Icelandair's websites.
Our best recommendation to all guests is to have at least 1 buffer day in Ilulissat before heading to Ilimanaq.
Flight delays are not uncommon in Greenland, and if you have planned too tight a program where the schedule slips, it will not be guaranteed that we will be able to rebook you for another day.
How many days should I stay in Ilimanaq?
You decide how many nights you want to stay in Ilimanaq. With one night you can experience several tours and get an insight into both the settlement and the surrounding area. If you choose to stay for more nights, you will have a more relaxed experience, where you can enjoy the peace and take your time to explore without rushing.
Boat shuttle, restaurant, activities and lunch are not automatically included and must be purchased separately.
What should I bring when I visit Ilimanaq Lodge?
It is recommended that you pack as light as possible when going to Ilimanaq. You don't need much, but we recommend that you remember:
- Reasonable clothing and footwear
- Walking shoes or hiking boots if you want to hike
- Toiletries
- A book or other entertainment
Vi har ingen dress code – come as you are.
For the physical health of our employees, we only handle bags and suitcases up to 20 kg.
If you have more luggage to bring to Greenland, most hotels in Ilulissat will be able to store luggage for you.
What can I experience in Ilulissat?
Ilulissat is Greenland's most popular tourist destination – and for good reason.
Here you will find some of the world's largest icebergs, whales, glaciers and fantastic opportunities for hiking and trail running.
We also have another lodge, located in the wilderness, 80 km north of Ilulissat, right next to a calving glacier.
See this page if you want to learn more about Glacier Lodge Eqi.
When is the best time to visit Ilimanaq Lodge?
Ilimanaq Lodge is open from mid-June to mid-September, when frost sets in.
In June and July we have the midnight sun. August offers hour-long, pastel-colored sunsets, and in September you may be lucky enough to see the Northern Lights dancing.
In other words, every era has its charm – we love them all.
What is the difference between Bungalow and Bungalow De Luxe?
All of our bungalows at Ilimanaq Lodge have the same shape and decor.
The primary difference between the Bungalow and the Bungalow De Luxe is the view, which is more panoramic in the De Luxe.
There is a sea view from all bungalows.
I have limited mobility - can I visit Ilimanaq Lodge?
When you go ashore at Ilimanaq Lodge, you have to climb some stairs at the harbor.
The roads in the village are uneven, and it is approximately 400 meters from the reception and restaurant to the cabin area.
The gangway is not handicap accessible, and we do not recommend that people with physical disabilities visit Ilimanaq Lodge.
Can I bring children to Ilimanaq Lodge?
Children are welcome at Ilimanaq Lodge. Please note that there is no children's menu, high chairs, changing tables, etc.
Are there shops and cafes in Ilimanaq?
The only restaurant in Ilimanaq is Restaurant Egede, which both belong to Ilimanaq Lodge.
However, there is a small local supermarket where you can get most daily necessities.
Furthermore, the reception at Ilimanaq Lodge has a selection of drinks, snacks and delicious souvenirs.
What should I do if I am delayed on my way to Ilulissat?
If you are delayed on the way to Ilulissat, please notify us of your delay as soon as possible by email or phone.
We will in any case try to move your stay in Ilimanaq to another day, but there is no guarantee that this will be successful.
In the event that this is not successful, this is a matter between you and your travel insurance.
Since air traffic in Greenland is more unstable than in many other places, we strongly recommend that you have good travel insurance that covers losses due to flight delays.
