Welcome to Asimut Café on yellow trail in Ilulissat

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.