The 'Iceberg Capital of the World' Is 4 Hours From New York City-and It Has Northern Lights and Stunning Arctic Views

"At the heart of Ilulissat's appeal is its Icefjord, a UNESCO-listed wonder where massive icebergs calve from the Sermeq Kujalleq glacier, one of the world's fastest and most productive glaciers. Each year, it calves more than 46 cubic kilometers of ice, accounting for a staggering 10 percent of all Greenland's calved ice and outpacing every glacier outside of Antarctica. It's no wonder Ilulissat proudly wears the title of Iceberg Capital."

"But Ilulissat is more than just ice. Visitors can hike along rugged cliffs, glide past icebergs by kayak or stand-up paddleboard, or even take Zodiac excursions to explore hidden sea caverns. In winter, travelers can dog sled across frozen landscapes or watch the Northern Lights in the long winter night. One must-visit is the Icefjord Center, which has a boardwalk trail leading to the dramatic viewpoints of the Icefjord and the Ilulissat Isfjord Center."

"Dining in town reflects the region's strong connection to land and sea. The rooftop at Best Western Plus Hotel Ilulissat has some of the city's best views, Restaurant Icefiord in the Hotel Icefiord has standout views of the ice, and Hangout Bistro features an assortment of fare from musk ox pizza to fish and chips. Chef Inunnguaq Hegelund, who has lived in Ilulissat for years, told Travel + Leisure that his favorite dining spots are Hotel Icefiord, Hotel Arctic, and Hvide Falk."

Ilulissat sits on Greenland's rugged western coast about 150 miles north of the Arctic Circle and is known as the Iceberg Capital. The Icefjord is a UNESCO-listed site where the Sermeq Kujalleq glacier calves more than 46 cubic kilometers of ice annually, producing about 10 percent of Greenland's calved ice and outpacing all glaciers outside Antarctica. Outdoor offerings include hiking, kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, Zodiac excursions, dog sledding, and Northern Lights viewing. The Icefjord Center provides boardwalk viewpoints. Dining emphasizes land and sea with rooftop and waterfront restaurants and local fare. Multiple hotels offer aurora cabins, and Nuuk's new airport improved access in 2024.

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