After breakfast, we pack our bags and head to the airport. Our second stop in Greenland is to the north in the Disko Bay area. We'll be flying in a small propeller plane, and in less than an hour, we'll be over Ilulissat. With a population of 4500, Ilulissat is the third-largest city in Greenland. The city's area is one of the most beautiful in Greenland, making it highly attractive to researchers and tourists. Ilulissat is full of small, colourful houses scattered along the bay's coastline. In front of each home, you can see a boat, hunting trophies, and dog sleds. It's a vivid example of Greenlandic life—modern, yet closely connected to nature.

We will stay at the oldest hotel in town—Hvide Falk, which, unlike others, has preserved the true spirit of Greenland. As soon as you enter the lobby, you will be greeted by a magnificent view of the iceberg-filled bay through the windows.

The Dog Towns

Once we settle in, it's time to explore Ilulissat. We will visit the so-called dog towns, which are fields outside the city, home to nearly 2,000 dogs. Their breed is Greenlandic arctic dog. Locals still breed them for hunting, but mostly for tourist adventures in winter.

Interesting facts about the dogs:

In the polar circle, the import and breeding of other dog breeds are prohibited. This is to keep the breed pure;

The number of sled dogs has halved as raising them requires a lot of care, and more hunters are replacing them with snowmobiles.

The dogs live in the vast fields outside the town so the residents can get a good night's sleep;

For the past 2-3 decades, there has been a rule that every dog over 6 months must be tied up. This was introduced following attacks on children years ago. Even now, you might encounter people with scars on their faces from that time.

The City History Museum

On this day, we will also visit the city museum. It features various permanent exhibitions on the ground floor. We will learn more about prehistoric life, city history, and fishing practices in the area. We will also see the Greenlandic national costume, as well as current exhibitions by different artists and photographers.