Explore Ilulissat: Get close to the heart and soul of Greenland

Explore Ilulissat is an exciting business by the ice fjord in Ilulissat in Greenland. It arranges authentic experiences in local nature and surroundings, from dog sledding through icy landscapes to sailing and ice fishing trips on the ice fjord. True adventures that allow you to get close to nature and experience life in this beautiful part of Greenland.

The idea behind the company took shape over many years, and in 2021 Explore Ilulissat was set up in its current form. Owner Laila Sandgren runs the business alongside her husband Hans and sons David Pilutaq and Bernhard. “The area welcomes countless tourists all year round, and we felt that there were not enough activities on offer here,” explains Laila.

The team organises a wide range of experiences throughout the year, such as fishing trips to the ice fjord, with snowmobiles and sled dogs during the winter months, and boat trips and hiking during the summer.

Hands-on guides for every step

One of the popular activities is ice fishing excursions to Ilulissat ice fjord, which include a scenic trip on snowmobiles to the ice fjord, where you then change to dog sleds to travel the last stretch to the fishing spot. The experience of being on a dog sled on the frozen water is like no other. “The area we live and work in is a UNESCO World Heritage site, so snowmobiles are not allowed,” the founder explains. This is why snowmobiles can only take visitors so far, and why the remainder of the journey is on dog sleds.

“For these trips, we provide all equipment needed including clothing, and both Hans and myself are there for every step of the journey,” assures Laila. The couple genuinely enjoys spending time with guests and being hands-on hosts. A trip like this typically takes between eight and nine hours, and lunch and refreshments are provided as part of the experience.

“We want to share our culture, our unique nature, and what the day-to-day life looks like for the fishermen here,” she continues. At the very core of the business is a deep-rooted respect and love for local culture and nature. “It’s important to show our visitors the traditional, local way of fishing, using hands and long fishing lines,” Hans adds.

Stay the night on the ice fjord

This coming winter, Explore Ilulissat offers the option of staying overnight in a lodge on the ice fjord. This warm and cosy haven has four bedrooms, a kitchen, two toilets and a large living room. Needless to say, the view from the Ilulissat Lodge and over the ice fjord is like no other.

The first bookings for cabin stays start in January 2025 and mark an exciting move towards expanding the ways in which you can experience the true beauty of Greenland and immerse yourself in breathtaking nature.

During the lighter and warmer summer months, Explore Ilulissat arranges boat trips for visitors. “We currently have two boats and arrange midnight cruises to see the sunset from the sea, trips sailing through the icebergs, as well as trips on Disko Bay,” says Hans.

An ever-expanding family affair

The Sandgren family owns several other successful local businesses and is expanding every year. Hans is the owner of Isortaq Trawl ApS alongside his mother Karen, older sister Sofie and older brother Jens-Peter. They have three prawn trawlers with a crew of 18, and the capacity to fish up to 4,000 tons annually.

This truly family-run business also owns Hotel Nuka, Café Nuka and several rental apartments in Ilulissat, and took over Icecap Tours ApS in 2023, further extending the business and opportunities for creating exciting adventures in the area.

This is something the couple looks to develop and there are many new plans in the pipeline. “With Explore Ilulissat, we are planning a number of tours with Hotel Nuka, such as snowmobile or dog sled tours in winter, and ice fishing trips in the icefjord with a local fisherman,” Hans explains. “And during summer, we are planning sailing tours to the Eqi Glacier and a whale safari, as well as hiking along the Sermiut trail and city walks.”

There is no end to the opportunities and no matter what time of year you choose to visit Ilulissat, no doubt there will be a suitable experience awaiting.

www.explore-ilulissat.dk
hotelnuka.gl