How to get to Qeqertarsuaq
Summer & Winter Travel Guide
How to get to Qeqertarsuaq
Summer (May–October)
In summer, Disko Bay opens up for boat travel, offering some of the most scenic routes in all of Greenland.
1. Fly to Ilulissat
Start by flying to Ilulissat, the regional hub in Disko Bay.
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Direct flights from Copenhagen, Nuuk, Kangerlussuaq, and other towns via Air Greenland.
2. Take the Ferry to Qeqertarsuaq
From Ilulissat, hop on a passenger boat with Disko Line.
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Approx. 2.5 hours
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A breathtaking journey through iceberg-studded waters!
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Boats run daily in high season (weather permitting)
Also possible from: Aasiaat, via seasonal ferry routes.
Winter (November–May)
In winter, the sea ice makes boat travel impossible — but don’t worry, Air Greenland got helicopters!
1. Fly to Ilulissat
Same as in summer — Ilulissat is your main gateway.
2. Helicopter Transfer to Qeqertarsuaq
Air Greenland operates scheduled helicopter flights between Ilulissat and Qeqertarsuaq.
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~20 minutes of stunning aerial views
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Must be booked in advance!
Accommodation on Disko Island:
- Hotel Disko Island: The primary hotel on Disko Island is Hotel Disko Island in Qeqertarsuaq. This hotel offers comfortable rooms with stunning views of the surrounding Arctic landscape. It serves as a convenient base for exploring the island’s natural beauty and participating in activities such as hiking, dog sledding, and whale watching. Given the limited accommodation options, it is highly recommended to book your stay in advance, especially during the peak season.
- Guesthouses: In addition to the hotel, Qeqertarsuaq offers several guesthouses. These guesthouses provide a more intimate and often more affordable lodging experience, with some offering traditional Greenlandic hospitality. Staying in a guesthouse is a great way to connect with the local community and enjoy a more personal stay.
Good to Know
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Qeqertarsuaq does not have an airport — access is by boat (summer) or helicopter (winter).
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Travel plans can be affected by weather, especially in winter — allow some flexibility.
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We’re happy to help coordinate accommodation when you book a tour with us!
Summary:
To reach Qeqertarsuaq on Disko Island, fly into Greenland, Nuuk (via Copenhagen or Reykjavik), then take a domestic flight to either Ilulissat or Aasiaat. From these towns, you can take a helicopter or boat to Disko Island. Accommodation options on the island include Hotel Disko Island and several guesthouses, offering a range of experiences from comfortable hotel stays to more intimate guesthouse settings. Traveling in the summer provides more options and smoother connections due to better weather and more frequent services.
Questions? Just write us at info@diskoadventures.gl — we’ll help you get here.
Qeqertarsuaq, Disko Island
About Qeqertarsuaq
Welcome to Qeqertarsuaq, a town located on the majestic Disko Island, Greenland’s largest island. Founded as the whaling station Godhavn in 1773. Qeqertarsuaq quickly became known as the “capital” of North Greenland during the colonial era and the center of whaling due to the abundance of whales in the area.
Today, about 850 people live in Qeqertarsuaq, with an additional 10 residents in the nearby settlement of Kangerluk. The town is surrounded by the unique landscape of Disko Island, characterized by its volcanic past, which has created high basalt cliffs, hot springs, and lush valleys. The island is geologically young, formed by magma eruptions 50-60 million years ago, giving it a unique geology compared to the rest of Greenland.
Disko Island also has its own ice cap with impressive glaciers located in the high, inaccessible interior. With 267 vascular plants and a rich plant and animal life, the island is a biological hotspot. The area contains 70% of West Greenland’s plants and more than half of all Greenland’s plants. The island’s location between high Arctic and low Arctic climates gives it a unique biodiversity, where hot springs on the southern coast create an ideal habitat for species with southern distribution.
The sea around Disko Island is rich in wildlife, from large whales such as fin whales and Bowhead whales to small invertebrates found abundantly in plankton and cold deep-sea sediments.
Come and experience Qeqertarsuaq, a town full of history, natural beauty, and unique experiences!
Talk to us
Have any questions about our guided tours?
We’re here to chat about kayaking, hiking, and how we can assist you in creating memorable outdoor experiences.