Solo Photography Expedition to Ilulissat

A Quiet Day in the Arctic

Today was a day for reflection, a pause to absorb the incredible experiences I’ve had here in Ilulissat. Sometimes, amidst the rush of capturing the perfect shot and exploring every corner of a new landscape, it's easy to forget to simply *be* present. So, I decided to dedicate today to a slower pace, enjoying the comforts of Hotel Hvide Falk and savoring the local cuisine.


Discover comfort at Hotel Hvide Falk, a pet-friendly haven in the heart of Ilulissat, with easy access to stunning Arctic landscapes and local attractions.
The morning began, as it has every day here, with breakfast at the hotel. The Hotel Hvide Falk offers a wonderful European continental breakfast. The views from the dining area are simply unbeatable, overlooking the harbor and the majestic icebergs dotting the horizon. It’s a surreal experience to sip my coffee while watching these icy giants drift silently by. The hotel's central location is great, making it easy to observe the town's rhythm.

After breakfast, I spent some time organizing my photos and jotting down notes in my journal. I've been trying to capture the essence of this place, the raw beauty and the subtle nuances of the Arctic light. It's a challenge, but one I'm thoroughly enjoying. I made sure to charge up all my camera equipment, and downloaded the images from my memory cards to my laptop.

Sometimes the most profound experiences are found in the quiet moments of reflection, allowing us to truly appreciate the beauty around us.

For lunch, I decided to try the Hotel Hvide Falk Café. The café has a relaxed atmosphere, perfect for a light meal. I opted for a traditional Greenlandic dish – a hearty fish soup. It was delicious and warming, a perfect way to fend off the slight chill in the air. August in Ilulissat means temperatures hovering around 12°C during the day and dropping to about 4°C at night. Packing layers has been key.

In the afternoon, I took a short walk around town, just to stretch my legs and breathe in the fresh Arctic air. There's a certain charm to Ilulissat, with its colorful houses and friendly locals. I didn't have a specific destination in mind; I simply wandered, soaking in the atmosphere. I passed by the Ilulissat Museum, set in Knud Rasmussen’s former home, and the Ilulissat Art Museum. Both are great options to explore Greenlandic culture.

Back at the hotel, I spent some time in the lounge, reading and enjoying the view. I’ve been delving into Nordic Noir literature lately, and it seems particularly fitting to read these tales while surrounded by the stark beauty of Greenland. The hotel offers kayaking and sailing trips to the icefjord and Oqaatsut during the summer.

As evening approached, I headed to the Hotel Hvide Falk Restaurant for dinner. I decided to fully embrace the Greenlandic culinary experience and ordered the Greenlandic buffet. The meal was an adventure in itself, featuring local delicacies like seal meat and reindeer. It was a unique and memorable dining experience, a true taste of Greenland. The restaurant combines Greenlandic ingredients with trends from Asian cuisine, thanks to a chef with expertise in local ingredients.

After dinner, I stepped outside to take one last look at the icebergs under the soft glow of the late evening sun. The sun sets late in August, with long hours of daylight. The silence was broken only by the distant sound of sled dogs, a reminder of the traditional way of life that still thrives in this remote corner of the world.

Tomorrow marks the end of my solo photography expedition to Ilulissat. My flight leaves in the morning, so I’ll have breakfast at the hotel before heading to the airport. I’m already feeling a sense of melancholy, a reluctance to leave this magical place. But I also know that I'm leaving with a wealth of new experiences and a collection of photographs that I can’t wait to share. I will be sure to grab lunch at the Hotel Hvide Falk Café before I head out.

This trip has been more than just a photography expedition; it’s been a journey of self-discovery. Being alone in this vast landscape has allowed me to connect with nature on a deeper level and to appreciate the simple things in life. As I prepare to leave, I'm filled with gratitude for the opportunity to have experienced the beauty and serenity of Ilulissat. I definitely forgot to pack extra sunscreen! I'll have to remember that for my next trip.

I’m looking forward to seeing Liam and telling him all about my adventures. I know he’ll be eager to hear about the local cuisine, especially the seal meat! Perhaps we can try to recreate some of the dishes at home, although I suspect it won’t be quite the same without the backdrop of the Ilulissat Icefjord. I know he’s missed me as much as I’ve missed him. It’s always hard being away from your loved ones, but I know that these trips are important for my work and my personal growth. I can’t wait to share my photos with him and relive the memories together.

As I drift off to sleep tonight, I’m already dreaming of my next adventure. Who knows where my camera will take me next? But one thing is certain: the memories of Ilulissat will stay with me forever.

I am looking forward to the next trip, hopefully Liam can make it next time!