Asimut Café, Ilulissat
Welcome to Asimut Café on yellow trail in Ilulissat
If you visit Ilulissat, you must not miss the hike along the yellow route. The trail follows the headland around the mouth of Ilulissat Icefjord, where we typically see the largest and most magnificent icebergs.
On this fantastic hike, between Inuit graves and overlooking Disko Bay, there is a small peat hut that houses Asimut Café. Asimut is Greenlandic for "out in nature," and nature itself provides the setting for our cozy little café.
With the hike's moderate difficulty level, it is accessible to most people, and the many viewpoints make it a memorable experience. Whether you are interested in nature, history, or just want to enjoy the fresh Arctic air, the yellow trail will not disappoint.
We recommend that you start your hike from the Icefjord Centre and follow the headland around to Asimut. It is the least physically demanding and the most beautiful route, and you will even be able to enjoy your pit stop at Asimut knowing that you are almost back in town.
Peat Huts in Greenland
Peat huts, or "illut" as they are called in Greenlandic, are a fascinating part of Greenland's cultural heritage. These traditional houses were built from peat, a mixture of moss, grass, and soil that was pressed together and cut into blocks. Peat was incredibly effective as a building material because it both insulated and protected against the extreme Arctic climate. The authentic material gives them a charming, almost fairytale-like appearance.
The construction technique was simple but ingenious. The thick peat blocks were in the days placed around a frame of driftwood or whalebones, which ensured stability. The walls could be up to a meter thick, making the huts both warm and robust. Inside, they were often decorated with skins for extra warmth and comfort. A central hearth provided both light and heat, and the smoke found its way out through a hole in the roof.
It is hard not to be impressed by how well these huts have functioned over time. They are perfect examples of sustainable architecture, built with local and natural materials and designed to withstand harsh climatic conditions. Many of the preserved peat huts now serve as museums, where you can gain insight into how life was for Inuit. You can almost feel the whispers of history when you stand in one of these old huts and imagine how people lived here many years ago.
Peat huts are not just buildings; they are symbols of human adaptability and ingenuity. They demonstrate how people have managed to survive and thrive in one of the world's most challenging environments by using the resources that nature has provided them.
Despite Asimut not being a traditional peat hut, it's exciting to experience the traditional building style and get a touch of history in cozy surroundings, with delicate food and drinks.
Next time you visit Ilulissat, remember to stop by Asimut.
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Menu and opening hours
At Asimut, we serve a simple lunch menu based on Greenlandic ingredients found right outside our door. Due to our remote location, the selection is limited, but we promise to delight you with great taste and a cozy atmosphere.
Tuesday - Saturday
10:30-16:00
Asimut is closed from 8 September 2024 to 15 February 2025, with the exception of special events.
Table reservation is not possible.