Hotels in Greenland – What to Expect
Imagine stepping into a cozy Greenlandic hotel lobby after a day of iceberg cruising – the smell of reindeer stew wafting from the kitchen, a friendly “Aluu!” (hello) from the receptionist, and that instant relief of warmth as Arctic winds close behind the door. Greenland’s hotel scene is unlike anywhere else: intimate, authentic, and often family-run. You won’t find towering skyscraper hotels or a Hilton on every corner. Instead, hotels in Greenland tend to be smaller, blending modern amenities with local character. Many are the only game in town, doubling as community hubs where locals gather for a coffee or national day celebrations. Yet even in this far-flung destination, you can still enjoy comforts like Wi-Fi (patchy at times), hot showers, and hearty breakfasts – just don’t expect a five-star resort at every stop.
Privacy vs. hominess: Accommodations here range from 4-star hotels with conference facilities to simple B&Bs and hostels, often all within walking distance in town. In fact, Greenland’s capital Nuuk boasts options from upscale business hotels to modern apartments with kitchens to homey guesthouses. The main question is how much privacy and service you want versus a chance to mingle and maybe self-cater. Big hotels offer private rooms and on-site restaurants, while guesthouses might have shared bathrooms but a more social vibe where you chat with hosts and other travelers over breakfast. Either way, expect your hosts to be genuinely welcoming – Greenlandic hospitality is famous for making strangers feel like family.
Authenticity and local flavor: One charming aspect of Greenlandic hotels is how local culture seeps in. Don’t be surprised if your hotel lobby features Inuit art or a sealskin kayak on display. Some places bake fresh Kalaallit (Greenlandic) pastries each morning, or serve traditional dishes like mattak (whale skin) or muskox soup on their menu. Staff are often born-and-raised Greenlanders eager to share insider tips on their hometown – ask them where to catch the sunset or how to say a few phrases in Greenlandic and watch their eyes light up. This seasoned-guide can assure you: the stories traded with your hosts might become as precious as the bed you sleep in. And speaking of beds, you’ll sleep well – whether it’s in a downtown Nuuk hotel with thick blackout curtains for the midnight sun, or a remote cabin with silence so deep you’ll hear the crack of distant icebergs.
Scenic views everywhere: Because Greenland’s settlements hug dramatic coasts, many accommodations come with million-dollar views. Think icebergs drifting past your window as you sip your morning coffee, or mountains and fjords forming the backdrop of your evening walk back from dinner. In smaller towns, even budget stays can offer vistas that would be premium elsewhere. For instance, at Ilulissat’s waterfront hotels you might literally watch whales and calving glaciers from your balcony. No wonder travelers often say the view from their room is the highlight of their stay!
Table: Quick comparison of popular lodging in Nuuk vs. Ilulissat. Nuuk offers more urban conveniences (shops, cafes) and a wider variety of stays, while Ilulissat’s hotels capitalize on natural beauty and tourism amenities. In Nuuk, you’ll find everything from business hotels to apartments and hostels catering to long-term consultants, Arctic researchers, and adventure tourists alike. Ilulissat hotels mostly serve leisure travelers, with an emphasis on tours and excursions – many have tour desks or can help arrange icefjord cruises and other activities right from the lobby.
Types of Accommodation & Unique Stays
While classic hotels are a core part of Greenland’s lodging, they’re just the beginning. You have a surprising array of places to rest your head, each offering a different experience of the Arctic. Here’s a quick guide to what’s on offer:
- Hotels: Found in all larger towns (Nuuk, Ilulissat, Sisimiut, etc.), these range 2-4 stars by international standards. Expect comfortable heated rooms, private bathrooms, and often an in-house restaurant or bar. High-end examples include Hotel Hans Egede in Nuuk (complete with fitness center and conference rooms) and Hotel Arctic in Ilulissat (with gourmet dining and outdoor hot tubs overlooking the bay). Service is typically friendly and informal – don’t be surprised if reception closes for lunch or a staff member wears many hats (driver, guide, concierge in one).
- Guesthouses and B&Bs: In smaller towns and settlements, or even tucked in big towns, you’ll encounter guesthouses often run by local families. These might have 3-10 rooms with shared facilities. What they lack in luxury, they make up in warmth and insight – staying here feels like visiting a local friend. You might have breakfast around a common table hearing tales of how the fishing went that morning. In East Greenland’s Tasiilaq, for example, some family-owned lodges let you experience everyday life in a village of 2,000 while still providing a cozy bed. This is a fantastic way to connect with Greenlandic culture (and perhaps pet a sled dog or two out back).
- Hostels & Dorms: Budget travelers or those seeking camaraderie often choose hostels. Greenland’s hostels are clean and simple, typically with bunk rooms and shared kitchens. City Hostel Nuuk and Ilulissat Hostel are examples where you can snag a cheaper bed and swap stories with fellow adventurers. They’re also used by student groups or backpacking researchers. Don’t expect party hostels – quiet hours are usually respected (Greenlanders are early risers!). But do expect possibly the world’s coolest hostel view – Nuuk’s hostel overlooks a fjord and mountains, and in Ilulissat you might see icebergs from the window while cooking your dinner pasta.
- Wilderness Cabins & Lodges: Now we’re talking truly unique stays. Scattered in remote areas accessible by boat or helicopter are wilderness lodges that offer an immersive nature experience. Have you dreamed of sleeping at the foot of a calving glacier or in a tiny village with no roads? Greenland delivers. For instance, Glacier Lodge Eqi north of Ilulissat has rustic-modern cabins facing the magnificent Eqi Glacier – you’ll watch (and hear) house-sized ice chunks crash into the sea as you sip tea on your deck. Another is Ilimanaq Lodge (mentioned above), where solar-powered cabins in a historic village let you disconnect in style. These lodges often operate June–Sept only (accessible in summer by boat). At the other extreme seasonally, an Igloo Lodge is set up in winter near Ilulissat: actual snow igloos that intrepid travelers can spend a night in for bragging rights (yes, you’ll have a thick sleeping bag, and no, you probably won’t sleep warm, but it’s an experience of a lifetime!).
- Camping & huts: For the truly adventurous (and self-sufficient), camping under the midnight sun or the aurora is possible in Greenland. Established campgrounds are few, but in summer some tour companies set up tented camps. There are also basic trekking huts along long-distance routes (like the Arctic Circle Trail) – think four walls and a roof to break the wind, no services. Camping wild is allowed almost everywhere outside town, but you must be prepared for weather and curious Arctic foxes sniffing around your tent! Most travelers will stick to indoor accommodation, but it’s good to know the full spectrum.
- Specialty Stays: A few places defy categorization – like spending a night on the coastal ferry Sarfaq Ittuk (a moving “hotel” that sails up and down the coast; you sleep in a cabin and wave at tiny villages as you pass), or staying at a sheep farm in South Greenland where guest rooms come with farm-fresh breakfasts and sheep dogs as alarm clocks. In Nuuk, you can even rent a sailboat-turned-hotel for a night or two, waking up to gentle rocking in the harbor. If it’s distinctive, Greenland probably has it!
With so many options, consider mixing and matching. Perhaps enjoy a hotel night in town to recharge (hot shower, nice dinner, Wi-Fi), then head out to a cabin in the wilderness for a few nights to truly disconnect. This combination lets you experience both the cultural side of Greenland and its raw nature. In fact, Raw Arctic offers guided packages that make this easy – for example, a Greenland wildlife tour at Qooqqut Cabin lets you stay in a remote fjord cabin near Nuuk with all meals and wildlife excursions included, so you can watch for caribou by day and enjoy a cozy wood-fire heated cabin by night. Or try an ultra-remote all-inclusive retreat at Camp Itivi, where high-end huts and glamping-style comforts meet absolute wilderness in Nuuk’s fjord backcountry – your cabin porch might host curious Arctic foxes, and the Milky Way overhead is brighter than you’ve ever seen. These trips to Greenland that focus on unique stays give you stories you’ll be telling long after you return home. And if you’re unsure how to plan such combos, just reach out – we have a full list of curated tours and can help craft the perfect itinerary.
When to Visit: Seasons & Booking Tips
Just as Greenland’s seasons bring dramatic changes in daylight and activities, they also affect your lodging experience. Here’s the lowdown on what to expect throughout the year – and some insider tips to snag the best rooms:
As an experienced guide, my advice is: book your first and last nights in Greenland well in advance (especially in high season or if you have a must-stay place on your list), then wing it in between if you feel adventurous. You might fall in love with a place and want to linger – many guesthouses are happy to extend your stay if space allows. And if not, locals will generally help you find a bed somewhere. In Greenland, there’s always room for a friendly traveler – even if it ends up being an extra mattress in someone’s home, it could become your favorite memory.
Hotels in Nuuk (Greenland’s Capital)
Hotel Hans Egede in Nuuk on a winter night, the capital’s premier hotel bright under the Arctic sky.
Stepping into Nuuk, you might momentarily forget you’re in the Arctic. The capital is a colorful little city of 19,000 with high-rises (well, a dozen stories high), coffee shops, and even traffic lights. Yet the jagged peaks and icy fjord remind you this is indeed Greenland. Staying in Nuuk offers the most “urban” Greenland experience: you can stroll from your hotel to a museum, clothing boutiques, or a craft brewery – all on paved roads. But nature is never far; many Nuuk hotels have backdrop views of the Nuuk Fjord or Mount Sermitsiaq looming in the distance.
The top address in town is Hotel Hans Egede (HHE), a newly renovated 4-star right on the main street. Named after Nuuk’s founder, it’s Greenland’s largest hotel with ~140 rooms across five floors. Don’t let the plain exterior fool you – inside, you’ll find modern Scandinavian-style rooms and a bustling lobby often filled with a mix of tourists, businesspeople, and locals meeting for coffee. On the 5th floor is Restaurant Sarfalik, one of Greenland’s best dining spots, where you can savor reindeer steak or Greenlandic halibut while gazing out floor-to-ceiling windows at the city and fjord below. (Tip: even if you don’t stay at HHE, consider dining or at least grabbing a cocktail at their sky bar – the sunset view is chef’s kiss). The hotel also has an English pub-style bar on ground floor and a breakfast buffet that will fuel you for an Arctic day. As one of Greenland’s flagship hotels, Hans Egede is often busy – expect an “endless stream of people from all over the world” coming through. During conference season or government meetings, it can book out, so plan accordingly.
Just down the road, HHE Express is a sister property catering to travelers who want a simpler, often cheaper stay but with the reliability of the HHE brand. It’s got compact rooms (think European city hotel style), self-check-in kiosks, and is popular with younger tourists and business folks on quick trips. Being on the same main street means easy access to Nuuk’s sights.
For a different vibe, Hotel SØMA Nuuk (formerly Seamen’s Home) offers a friendly, no-frills stay. It’s run by a non-profit with Christian roots, but open to all. The rooms are basic yet comfortable, and many have lovely views of the harbor. What’s special is the atmosphere – there’s a cafe where locals come for generous Greenlandic dinners (try the Greenlandic tapas platter of smoked fish, shrimp, and roe) and the staff often know guests by name. It’s a great place to meet travelers and locals alike. Plus, profits support community initiatives, so your stay contributes to a good cause.
Nuuk also has aparthotels like Nordbo or Nuuk City Apartments, which are essentially furnished flats for short-term rent. If you like a kitchen to cook the muskox fillet you bought at the supermarket, or you’re traveling with family and want extra space, these are ideal. They come with modern finishes, Wi-Fi, TV – all the comforts, just without the full-service of a hotel (though weekly cleaning might be included).
And we’d be remiss not to mention Inuk Hostels, one of Nuuk’s most unique options. Located a few kilometers from downtown on the seaside, Inuk consists of cute turf-roofed cabins and a larger communal house. Waking up there, you have a panoramic view of Nuuk’s fjord with icebergs sometimes floating by and perhaps a whale spout in the distance. The cabins are simple but snug, and the site is actually a cultural center where you can sometimes join traditional Greenlandic food events or even paddling a Inuit kayak. It’s like staying at an attraction in itself. They offer a more personal connection – you might chat with the owners about Inuit traditions or join them for a kaffemik (coffee gathering) if one happens.
Staying in Nuuk gives you access to the widest range of activities in Greenland’s travel menu. Many hotels’ front desks can arrange or advise on day tours – whether you want to boat to the icefjord, hike Lille Malene mountain, or do a whale watching tour. In summer, for example, you can book a Nuuk Fjord boat charter right from your hotel to go fishing or visit neighbouring villages. In winter, you might be picked up from your hotel for a northern lights chase on a clear night. One great feature: most Nuuk hotels provide free airport transfer shuttles (or can easily call a taxi) since the airport is a short 10-minute hop from city center.
Finally, a quirky tip: Nuuk’s hotels sometimes hide art exhibitions in plain sight. The cultural fund periodically decorates hotel lobbies with local art – keep an eye out for paintings or sculptures. And definitely strike up a conversation with hotel staff or locals at the bar – Nuuk residents often speak excellent English and love to share their city’s story. Who knows, you might end up invited to a community event or family dinner! That’s the beauty of Greenland’s capital: it’s small enough that a chance meeting at your hotel could turn into an authentic cultural encounter.
Hotels in Ilulissat (Icefjord Wonderland)
If Greenland had a tourist capital, Ilulissat would be it. This town of 4,700 on Disko Bay is home to more sled dogs than people and sits beside a UNESCO World Heritage Icefjord, where enormous icebergs calve from Sermeq Kujalleq glacier and drift majestically by. Simply put, there’s no place like Ilulissat, and staying here is a highlight of any Greenland trip. The good news: despite its small size, Ilulissat has several excellent hotels (and guesthouses) tailored for visitors, since people flock from around the world to see the icefjord. The key is to book early in summer, as hotels in Ilulissat fill up quickly due to high demand – this is one spot you don’t want to arrive without a reservation in July!
The most famous address in town is Hotel Arctic, and for good reason. Sitting at the edge of the town overlooking the Icefjord, Hotel Arctic offers a front-row seat to Disko Bay’s iceberg parade. It proudly markets itself as the world’s northernmost 4-star hotel, complete with a 5-star conference center, though you’ll be more interested in its two gourmet restaurants and outdoor terrace with jaw-dropping views. Waking up at Hotel Arctic, you might feel like you’re still dreaming – from many rooms, you can look out at icebergs glowing in the midnight sun or lit by the soft hues of Arctic dawn. The hotel even has several “igloo cabins”: aluminum-domed huts styled like igloos set along the ridge, for those who want a unique luxury-camping crossover (they’re summer-only and very popular). Enjoy a locally brewed beer on the terrace and watch as the Icefjord’s icy giants silently glide by – the experience is worth every krone. As Greenland’s only true luxury hotel outside Nuuk, it attracts dignitaries, adventure groups, and cruise clients on land stays. Yet it maintains a down-to-earth friendliness. Don’t miss their Greenlandic buffet if it coincides with your visit – a chance to sample delicacies from reindeer to seaweed, all while overlooking the source of your seafood!
In the heart of town, the new Best Western Plus Hotel Ilulissat has quickly become a favorite since opening in 2021. It’s Greenland’s first international chain hotel, but still locally run – a point of pride noted by management. For travelers, this means reliably high standards: plush bedding, soundproof rooms (useful when midnight sun festivals or World Cup cheering gets lively outside), and a sleek interior design blending Nordic and Greenlandic elements. The crown jewel is “Rooftop”, their top-floor restaurant and lounge. From up there, you get a sweeping panorama of Ilulissat: colorful houses, the harbor, and an endless sea of icebergs beyond. Many guests love taking their breakfast by those windows, watching the morning light play off the ice. The Best Western’s central location is ultra-convenient – step out the door and you’re a short walk from the museum, shops for Arctic handicrafts, and the waterfront where boat tours depart. It being a chain also underscored an important milestone: it brought the first-ever hotel loyalty program to Greenland, so if you have Best Western points, you can actually use them here!
Another beloved option is Hotel Icefiord, a smaller 3-star hotel perched right on the shore just a bit south of the town center. True to its name, it faces the bay and you can sometimes hear ice cracking or whales blowing from your room. It has a large deck practically over the water where guests sip coffee and listen to the “music” of popping ice in the gentle waves. Hotel Icefiord’s charm is its intimacy – with about 30 rooms, the staff quickly learn your preferences. It’s been so popular they even added an extra floor recently to meet demand. Rooms are modern and comfortable, though not luxurious – but that view and ambiance are million-star. The hotel’s restaurant is one of Ilulissat’s best-kept secrets: fresh fish of the day and Greenlandic specialties served with a stunning bay view. Also, it’s a short walk from attractions like the old Zion Church and Knud Rasmussen Museum, so a great base for exploring on foot.
Ilulissat has several guesthouses and hostels as well, often used by backpackers, researchers, or those on a tighter budget. Ilulissat Guesthouse and Blue Trail Guesthouse are examples – typically featuring shared kitchens, multiple buildings around town, and friendly owners. These can be a fun way to meet fellow travelers (perhaps you team up for a hike to the Icefjord viewpoint), but remember what you’re trading off: fewer services and you might have to walk a bit uphill (Ilulissat is hilly!). One advantage, however, is that some have locations in quieter parts of town, where sled dogs howling is the loudest thing at night.
For travelers seeking an extraordinary nature stay, Ilulissat area has those lodges we mentioned: Glacier Lodge Eqi (a 1-2 night excursion by boat north, usually booked through tour companies; you’ll stay in cabins so close to the calving Eqi Glacier that it lulls you to sleep – or wakes you up with a thunderous crack!), and Ilimanaq Lodge to the south (reached by a scenic boat ride, offering upscale cabins in a heritage village – hot showers, solar power, and gourmet dining in a historic colonial house). These aren’t in Ilulissat proper, but many visitors add them as an overnight side trip from Ilulissat. The city hotels can store your luggage while you take these overnight adventures. Talk about combining luxury and adventure: one night you’re in Hotel Arctic’s fine linens, next night in a remote cabin with icebergs as neighbors.
Speaking of icebergs as neighbors, Ilulissat hotels have a special guest every night: the sounds of Icefjord. In summer, you might crack your window open and hear the distant “white noise” of icebergs grinding and flipping far out in the bay – it’s oddly soothing. In winter, the bay may freeze and silence reigns, but then you might catch auroras dancing above. Either season, the proximity to raw nature is unparalleled.
One more practical point: Ilulissat’s tourism focus means hotels here offer lots of help to plan your stay. Most have a tour desk or at least brochures for local outfitters. You can arrange everything from a midnight sun sailing among icebergs to a helicopter ride over the glacier right from your hotel lobby. Hotel Arctic and Best Western, for example, can book you on Icefjord boat tours, dogsled rides, or even multi-day packages. Staff can advise on weather (critical for flights to/from Ilulissat, which sometimes get delayed – they’ll help rebook if needed). This kind of support is gold when you’re in the Arctic and things can be unpredictable.
Oh, and remember that subtle humor? Here’s an Ilulissat special: Don’t be surprised if a hotel staff member says something like, “If you hear a loud rumble at night, don’t panic – it’s an iceberg rolling, not your stomach!” They’ve got jokes up here, and they’re often true. In my case, the first time I stayed in Ilulissat, I indeed woke at 2 AM to a deep rumbling boom. My heart jumped – earthquake? The next morning the receptionist laughed and said, “No worries, just Glacier calving. Better than an alarm clock, eh?” She was right – it was the glacier’s way of saying good morning.
Beyond the Hotspots: Lodging in Other Regions
Greenland is vast, and while Nuuk and Ilulissat are the most visited, you might be exploring other corners – each with its own humble yet hearty accommodations. Here’s a quick journey around the island to round out our hotel guide:
Sisimiut (Arctic Circle Region): Greenland’s second-largest town (pop ~5,500) lies just north of the Arctic Circle. Hotel Sisimiut is the go-to stay here, a 3-star property with a big heart. It sits at one end of the main street, moments from wilderness trails. Rooms are cozy, and they have an excellent restaurant, Nasaasaaq, known for Greenlandic tapas and a locally brewed beer on tap. Uniquely, the hotel runs an outdoor spa with two hot tubs – perfect for soaking under the stars (or even falling snow) after a day of skiing or dog sledding. Sisimiut, with its snowy hills and lively culture, feels like a ski town by the sea, and the hotel staff double as adventure coordinators – whether you want to snowmobile to the backcountry or join a kayak trip in summer, they’ll set it up. For budget travelers, Sisimiut also has a youth hostel and some dorms at the local sports center.
South Greenland (Qaqortoq & Narsarsuaq): The south is often called “Arctic Patagonia” for its green pastures and fjords dotted with sheep farms. In the picturesque town of Qaqortoq, you’ll find Hotel Qaqortoq perched on a hill overlooking the harbor. It’s a boutique 4-star with beautiful rooms and a popular brasserie called Nanoq Many rooms have balconies with a view of the town’s fountain square and the sea beyond. Qaqortoq is an art-lover’s town (you’ll see sculptures on rocks all around), and the hotel features works by local artists too. A fun fact: it’s one of the only hotels where you might arrange a farmstay excursion – ask and they can set you up to visit a nearby sheep farm for a day. Over in Narsarsuaq, the gateway for flights from Iceland, there’s the simple Hotel Narsarsuaq which mainly serves transit passengers and adventurers launching into the wilderness. It’s no-frills (think 1980s decor, a bar frequented by pilots and scientists), but it’s clean and conveniently across from the airport. One quirk: Narsarsuaq Hotel has a small museum room in its hallway, displaying relics from the U.S. WWII base that once was here – interesting to peruse on a rainy day.
East Greenland (Tasiilaq/Ammassalik): Over on the wild east coast, choices are fewer but memorable. Hotel Angmagssalik in Tasiilaq town is legendary. It’s up on a hill (pack your legs or catch their shuttle) with an outstanding view of King Oscar’s Bay and the colorful village below. It’s been renovated to blend modern comfort with a rustic charm – their lounge feels like a log cabin meets Arctic explorer’s club, with a touch of Wild West according to one visitor. The terrace is the star here; on clear days you can see icebergs drifting and perhaps spot whales out in the fjord while you enjoy coffee. Notably, Hotel Angmagssalik is the only hotel in Greenland with its own helicopter – they operate scenic heli tours and charters for guests, which hints at the clientele: many mountaineers and heli-skiers base here. East Greenland also has guesthouses like The Red House in Tasiilaq, run by an expedition guide who has endless stories. Accommodations in East Greenland can be more basic, but the trade-off is experiencing one of the planet’s most isolated inhabited areas with genuine Inuit culture.
North and Far North (Ilulissat onward): North of Ilulissat, towns like Uummannaq, Upernavik, or Qaanaaq have very limited accommodations – often just one small hotel or guesthouse each. For example, Hotel Uummannaq (in the shadow of the heart-shaped Uummannaq mountain) or Qaanaaq Guesthouse (the world’s northernmost public lodging, where nights might be spent sharing polar bear stories with the owner). These are destinations for the truly adventurous and usually arranged as part of expedition tours. Conditions can be Spartan – bring your own toiletries, and expect that “heat” might mean a diesel stove in the corner. But if you’ve come this far, the authenticity is the reward. And how many people can say they vacationed at an inn in Qaanaaq, 700 miles from the North Pole?
Wherever you roam in Greenland, a few universal tips: book early for summer, consider travel insurance in case weather strands you and you need an extra night (it happens – the hotel will help, but it’s on you to cover the cost), and keep an open mind. You might start a trip thinking you just need a bed, and end it having made friends with the innkeepers. You might go for the sights, and realize a quiet evening chatting with other guests over Greenlandic coffee was a highlight. Every accommodation in Greenland has a story, just like every traveler who comes through.
By now, you should feel well-prepared to find the perfect Greenland hotel for your style and budget. Whether you’re watching icebergs drift from a luxury hotel deck, cozying up in a remote cabin with a whale bone hanging over the door, or simply crashing in a friendly hostel after a long day’s hike – one thing is certain: you’ll be experiencing the genuine Arctic in all its comfort and quirkiness. As a warm, seasoned guide voice, I encourage you to embrace the journey. Bundle up, book smart, and get ready to create memories in some of the most extraordinary hotels on Earth.
When you’re ready to plan, remember to check out our guides for more insider tips on traveling in Greenland and beyond. And if you need any assistance or want to craft a custom experience, we at Raw Arctic are here to help make your Arctic dreams come true. Safe travels (or, as we say here, Angalaneq ajunnginniarli – may your journey be good)!
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