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    Greenland's oldest settlement decorates the already beautiful landscape with brilliant bursts of colour

    Founded in 1741, Ilimanaq is one of Greenland’s oldest settlements, and its beautiful surrounds certainly help it live up to its name: a ‘place of expectations’.

    While it is found only 15 kilometres from Ilulissat, the journey to Ilimanaq by boat is a truly breathtaking and unforgettable experience, as you glide past the enormous grounded icebergs from the Kangia ice fjord on the way.

    The settlement is gathered around its harbor with the many colorful houses overlooking the spectacular sights of the sparkling Disko Bay. This is a place that boasts a wealth of hiking opportunities such as the route north to the south bank of the expansive Kangia Ice Fjord, which offers views of the enormous icebergs at its mouth. There’s nothing quite like raising your heartbeat as you breathe in the refreshing, crisp arctic air.

    Other highlights in Ilimanaq and its surrounds are the fascinating remains of two abandoned settlements. This is also a place to appreciate a range of aquatic wildlife, for the Greenland whale, the fin whale and the humpback whale are all known to mesmerise visitors and locals alike, as they play and swim out in the bay.

    Luxury accommodation in Ilimanaq

    There are many incredible places to stay in Ilimanaq. Here are some of our favourites, handpicked by our travel designers:

    Ilimanaq

    Ilimanaq Lodge
    Perched on the edge of Ilimanaq’s rocky cliffs, you’ll find 15 luxury sea front cabins, striking in their sleek modern architectural design yet also reminiscent of a cosy Scandinavian cabin. Designed to blend with the landscape, their charcoal roofs and the green outer walls perfectly fit with the surrounding cliff and its flecks of greenery. Each cabin provides a balcony for you to enjoy the crisp air with warming a cup of tea, as you watch the awe-inspiring whales swim in the fjord in front of you. The inside is no less thought out, with a clean and uncluttered, modern interior the lodges provide the ultimate space for perfect relaxation, aiding by the triangular, panoramic window pane covering both floors of the lodge, bringing the tranquility of the outside, in. This design boasts endless views of the magnificent Ilulissat ice fjord which glitters in a beautiful golden hue at both sunrise and sunset, from both the comfort of your bed or the downstairs sofa, to ensure it is never missed. On the lower level, you’ll find your bathroom with all the amenities of a usual hotel, such as running hot water, yet unlike a usual hotel the hot water along with the heating, are products of the solar panels lining the roof and making the most of the midnight sun. The lodges are ecologically responsible and ensure any surplus electricity from the solar panels is sold cheaply to the village and the locals. The lodges do not stand entirely alone among this frozen wilderness, for here you’ll find a reception log house and an adjacent gourmet restaurant, which will serve you a complimentary Mediterranean breakfast buffet to ensure you are well fed for your arctic adventures ahead.
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    Why book with Jacada?

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    Personalised design

    We’ll plan your trip around your specific interests, tastes and preferences, providing helpful tips and honest advice based on first-hand knowledge of the destination.

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    Authentic experiences

    Our expert guides and brilliant travel concierges are hand-picked to provide a genuine experience, bringing your destination to life with care and passion.

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    Responsible travel

    Our luxury trips are designed with responsible travel principles that prioritise travel experiences that are both good for you and good for the planet.

    Ready to plan your adventure?

    Whatever you want from your Ilimanaq adventure, our team of expert travel designers are ready to help.

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    Plan your trip to Ilimanaq

    Whatever you want from your adventure in Ilimanaq, our team of expert travel designers are ready to help.

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    Your trip, your story

    We craft trips deeply personal, delightfully surprising and entirely one of a kind. Every Jacada journey begins in conversation with a travel designer, a specialist in their destination of expertise. Behind each journey is a wealth of insight, gathered over years of on-the-ground exploration.

    Once you’re booked, you’ll meet your concierge. Based in the region you’re visiting, they’ll take care of all the details so your mind is at rest. They make the trip truly special – and truly yours.

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