Disko Bay – Our Big, Beautiful Bay of Wonders
Disko Bay is home to the Ilulissat Ice Fjord with its UNESCO World Heritage, the lush Disko Island with its volcanic mountains, Eqi Glacier, and a handful of other towns and settlements. It comes as no surprise that, with all these highlights, Disko Bay is the most popular destination in Greenland.
Ilulissat
The main town in Disko Bay is Ilulissat. In Greenlandic, Ilulissat means “icebergs,” These massive icebergs are why most visitors come here. The town is placed close to the edge of the Ice Fjord, so the views are spectacular no matter where you are. The Ilulissat Ice Fjord was the first area in Greenland to be designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and it’s easy to see why. Therefore, Ilulissat is an excellent starting place for a trip to Disko Bay.
Qasigiannguit
Qasigiannguit is a hiker’s paradise located in the south-eastern part of Disko Bay. The hinterland of Qasigiannguit has various hiking trails, and Qasigiannguit is also a spot where you can see a lot of whales in the summer. In addition, Qasigiannguit has a fantastic living summer museum where you can see how Inuit people lived in the past. In winter, the dog sledding options are fantastic!
Qeqertarsuaq – Both Island and Town
Qeqertarsuaq, also known as Disko Island, is the Greenlandic name for the island and the main town on the island’s southern coast. The island of Qeqertarsuaq stands apart from the rest of Greenland because it is made up of volcanic rocks, whereas the remainder of the country is made up of bedrock. As a result, the island is nearly mystical in its lush beauty and unique nature, where you may walk amongst basalt rock formations of insane shapes and sizes that rise from the ground.
Aasiaat
You can also go to Aasiaat, a town on the south side of Disko Bay. Aasiaat is a town with several educational institutions, and you can see the beautiful decorations of famous Danish artist Per Kirkeby at the communal house. Aasiaat is located on an island and is known for its huge archipelago, so kayaking tours are popular here. Aasiaat is the fourth-largest town in Greenland, after Nuuk, Sisimiut, and Ilulissat.
Ilimanaq Lodge
Ilimanaq Lodge lies only 15 kilometers south of Ilulissat. Ilimanaq Lodge, built on the cliffs just south of Ilulissat Ice Fjord, has 15 cabins. The cabins are located in one of Greenland’s oldest settlements, giving you the chance to immerse yourself in traditional Greenlandic culture.
Eqi Glacier Lodge
The Eqi Glacier Lodge is 80 kilometers north of Ilulissat, directly across from the calving Eqi Glacier. It provides a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to sit and sip a glass of wine while listening to the glacier’s tremendous, thunderous sounds as the ice fractures.
Igloo Lodge
Igloo Lodge is built every winter and consists of six igloos located right next to a heated cabin, so you don’t have to fear the cold. The snowy igloos are comfortable in an unconventional use of the word; they have a double bed, reindeer hides, thermos sleeping bags, and candles. It really is an amazing opportunity to try something very different. Let’s just say that your Instagram will never be the same again!