Why go
- City in Greenland.
- Served by Aasiaat Airport (JEG).
History
Ilulissat, also known as Jakobshavn or Jacobshavn, is the municipal seat and largest town of the Avannaata municipality in western Greenland, located approximately 350 km (220 mi) north of the Arctic Circle. With a population of 5,149 as of 2025, it is the third-largest city in Greenland, after Nuuk and Sisimiut. The city is home to almost as many sled-dogs as people.
Restaurants & places to go
8 more places in the Ultimate edition. See the Ultimate edition →
Airports
✈ Airlines & flight paths — 1 airline, 5 direct destinations
Routes and aircraft from OpenFlights (open data; a point-in-time snapshot). * = codeshare. Linked destinations open their own guidebook. Flight numbers are not in the open data — they come from the airline or a paid schedule feed.
✈ Airlines & flight paths — 1 airline, 3 direct destinations
- Air Greenland GL (DH8) · 3 routes: Ilulissat, Sisimiut, Sondrestrom
Routes and aircraft from OpenFlights (open data; a point-in-time snapshot). * = codeshare. Linked destinations open their own guidebook. Flight numbers are not in the open data — they come from the airline or a paid schedule feed.
Getting there by ferry
Where things are
Photographs
credit: Wikipedia / Wikimedia Commons · See source page
When to go
The warmer, longer-day half of the year is the safest bet for a first visit.
Cooler and quieter, with fewer visitors and better value.
Short days and the coldest weather — check local conditions before travelling.
Getting there & around
Getting there. The nearest airport on record is Aasiaat Airport (JEG); 1 other airport serves the wider area. Check rail and road links from the tourism sources below. By air: JAV has direct flights to 5 destinations on 1 airline (incl. Aasiaat, Godthaab, Sondrestrom, Upernavik, Uummannaq). By water: 2 ferry terminals within 20 km (nearest: Arctic Umiaq Line, 0.3 km); routes include Ilulissat - Ilimanaq, Ilulissat - Oqaatsut - Qeqertaq - Saqqaq, Aasiaat – Ikamiut – Qasigiannguit – Ilulissat.
Getting around. Use the map above to orient yourself; nearby hotels, attractions and places to eat are listed from the live Ultimate data for Ilulissat, Greenland. Local transit details will be added as the guide is expanded.