Scan Magazine – August 2018

64 | Issue 115 | August 2018

Scan Magazine | Special Theme | A Spotlight on Greenland

and Denmark, our chefs and trainees
become experts at seasonality and us-
ing ingredients in many surprising ways

• and they pull off amazing dishes.”

The kitchen is run by a mix of Greenlan-
dic and Danish chefs, while most wait-
ers and hotel staff members are from
Greenland. Both the restaurant and
hotel, which has to be self-sufficient,
run schemes through which young
Greenlanders receive part of their hos-
pitality training in Aalborg and part at
Hotel Arctic. The research activity and
upswing in tourism have created new
sources of income, providing both sea-
sonal and regular employment for locals
and a wide range of fantastic experienc-
es for tourists, including hikes and snow
scooter tours with local guides, whale

watching, three museums, flight or boat

trips around the icebergs, and visits to

the Jakobshavn Glacier (the source of

the icefjord’s many icebergs). Ilulissat

Airport has been running since the ‘80s,

and guests at Hotel Arctic can use a free

airport shuttle to and from the hotel.

“There’s also a 1.3-kilometre boardwalk

from the town, which allows everyone,

including those with disabilities, to get to

Sermermiut, the site of an ancient set-

tlement at the edge of the fjord. There,

they’ll find what I’d wager is simply

the most amazing view in the world,”

Bjerregaard promises. He adds: “At the

hotel, we have our own little boardwalk,

at the end of which you’ll find our fjord-

side igloos, which are perfect for our

more adventurous guests. They have

front-row views of the sea and its ice-

bergs.” Open from May to September, the

‘igloos’ are built and styled in the same

way as traditional Inuit igloos, however,

are made from metal rather than snow,

to accommodate modern amenities,

such as electricity and bathrooms. Those

opting to stay in the more classic rooms

and suites in the main building need not

fear – most of the rooms enjoy views of

the bay which trump any other wall de-

cor. A large breakfast buffet is provided,

and guests can further enjoy the view and

a drink in the café, bar or on the terrace.

Culture

Those coming from afar often com-

bine Ilulissat with a stay in southern

Greenland or Iceland. Bjerregaard be-

lieves that is a great idea, but has one