Hotel Arctic

Hotel Arctic stands as a singular property in Ilulissat, Greenland, recognised as the world’s northernmost four-star hotel. With 90 rooms and suites, the hotel offers a blend of Nordic design and Greenlandic handicrafts, all set against the dramatic backdrop of the UNESCO-listed Ilulissat Icefjord. Guests can expect a range of accommodation options, from standard rooms to family suites, hotel apartments, and distinctive Aurora Cabins perched on the mountainside. The property is also home to a five-star conference centre, multiple dining venues, and direct access to the region’s natural and cultural riches, including the Icefjord, local museums, and traditional Greenlandic experiences such as dog sledding and whale watching. The hotel’s commitment to local culture and cuisine is evident in its use of Greenlandic ingredients and traditional cooking methods, while modern amenities such as free Wi-Fi, 24-hour reception, and airport transfers ensure comfort and convenience for international travellers.

Hotel Arctic’s location is steeped in Greenlandic heritage. The property is situated near the Sermermiut Settlement, just 1.5 km south of Ilulissat, where ruins of peat huts and evidence of 4,000 years of Inuit culture can be explored. The nearby museum in Knud Rasmussen’s birthplace further connects guests to the region’s storied past. The Ilulissat Icefjord, on whose shores the hotel stands, was added to UNESCO’s World Heritage List in 2004, underscoring the global significance of the area’s natural and cultural history.

The hotel’s interiors reflect a harmonious blend of Nordic design principles and Greenlandic handicrafts, creating a sense of place that is both contemporary and rooted in local tradition. Rooms and suites are distributed across three distinct wings—Puisi, Qajaq, and Umiaq—each offering unique characteristics. The Aurora Cabins, perched on the mountainside, provide panoramic views of Disko Bay and are equipped with modern comforts such as heated floors, iPad-controlled lighting, and Bluetooth music systems. Across all accommodation types, guests enjoy views of the Icefjord, Disko Bay, the port, or Ilulissat town, reinforcing the hotel’s connection to its dramatic Arctic surroundings.

Hotel Arctic offers 90 rooms of varying types, including suites, family rooms, single and double rooms. The accommodation is divided into three wings—Puisi, Qajaq, and Umiaq—each with its own character. Superior rooms feature picturesque views of the Icefjord, stylish bathrooms with showers, and options for king-size or twin beds. Junior Suite 4 is notable for its enchanting Icefjord views, a furnished sitting area, and a bathroom with a glass shower and bidet, making it suitable for families.

For guests seeking more independence, the hotel apartments offer one- or two-bedroom layouts with kitchens, private bathrooms, washing machines, and Wi-Fi, accommodating up to four people. The Aurora Cabins, at 20 square metres, are designed for two guests and feature private bathrooms, heated floors and walls, iPad-controlled lighting and heating, Bluetooth music systems, and tea and coffee-making facilities. All rooms include amenities such as room service, laundry, free Wi-Fi, TV with international channels, telephone, radio, extra pillow, hairdryer, underfloor heating, toiletries, desk, iron, and a coffee and tea set. The design throughout combines Nordic minimalism with Greenlandic craftsmanship, and every room offers a view—whether of the Icefjord, Disko Bay, the port, or the town of Ilulissat.

Hotel Arctic’s culinary offering is anchored by Restaurant Ulo, which is known for its fine dining approach to Greenlandic cuisine, blending traditional ingredients and methods with modern gastronomy. Although Restaurant Ulo is temporarily closed, guests are invited to dine at the brasserie, which continues the tradition of using local fishers’ and sealers’ fresh vegetables and ingredients, with menus created daily based on seasonal availability. The tasting menu at Restaurant Ulo is priced at DKK 2,200, with wine and non-alcoholic pairings available.

Brasserie Ulo serves Greenlandic and Nordic cuisine, reflecting the region’s culinary heritage and the influence of neighbouring Nordic countries. The hotel also features the Arctic Fine Dining & Wine Bar, which offers a Greenlandic menu with an international touch, and a dedicated Wine Bar for guests seeking a more relaxed atmosphere.

A highlight of the summer season is the Greenlandic Buffet, served from June 15 to September on Mondays and Saturdays, featuring seafood, grilled meats, salads, bread, and desserts. The kitchen employs traditional Greenlandic cooking methods such as dry aging, smoking, salting, and grilling with heather from the mountainside. Greenlandic products are used to the greatest extent possible, with non-local ingredients sourced from Nordic countries.

Hotel Arctic provides a range of guest services designed for comfort and convenience. The hotel offers pick-up services from both the airport and the port, ensuring smooth arrivals and departures. Reception is staffed 24 hours a day, and the property maintains a 100% smoke-free policy in all indoor areas, with a designated outdoor smoking area. Guests benefit from free Wi-Fi with an allowance of up to 100GB. The hotel’s conference centre has been awarded the maximum five-star rating by HORESTA, a Danish trade association, reflecting its high standard of facilities for meetings and events.

Hotel Arctic is situated directly on the shores of the Ilulissat Icefjord, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offering guests immediate access to one of Greenland’s most celebrated natural wonders. The hotel apartments are located less than 3 km from the airport and about 1.5 km from downtown Ilulissat, providing both seclusion and convenience. The property features beach access and is perched on the mountainside, with the Aurora Cabins offering panoramic views of Disko Bay.

The surrounding area is rich in cultural and natural experiences: guests can explore the Sermermiut Settlement, visit the museum in Knud Rasmussen’s birthplace, and witness traditional Greenlandic lifestyles, including dog sledding. In summer, the waters are frequented by minke whales, fin whales, humpback whales, and narwhals. From mid-September to the end of March, the Northern Lights—known locally as 'arsarnerit'—can be observed, accompanied by Greenlandic legends. The winter landscape transforms the region into a pure white Arctic environment, further enhancing the sense of place.

Hotel Arctic in Ilulissat, Greenland, appears in the EMPTYJET guide of 7,777 hotels as a Selected entry, carrying an EMPTYJET Consensus of 82/100 and the recognition Best in Country — N°1 house in Greenland. Situated on the shores of the Ilulissat Icefjord, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the property has 90 rooms and offers multiple restaurants and a wine bar. Located less than 3 km from the airport and about 1.5 km from downtown Ilulissat, the hotel suits travellers whose plans centre on Icefjord scenery and, from mid-September to the end of March, Northern Lights viewing.

Hotel Arctic is entirely smoke-free indoors, with a designated outdoor smoking area. Free Wi-Fi is provided to guests, with an allowance of up to 100GB. The hotel offers pick-up services from both the airport and the port, and reception is available 24 hours a day. The property’s conference centre has received the maximum five-star rating from HORESTA. The Aurora Cabins are designed for two guests and feature modern amenities such as heated floors, iPad-controlled lighting, and Bluetooth music systems. The Greenlandic Buffet is available seasonally from June 15 to September, on Mondays and Saturdays.