Tasiilaq, Greenland: Best Things to Do – Top Picks

Nestled among jagged mountains and surrounded by icebergs, Tasiilaq is home to just over 2,000 residents, making it the largest settlement on Greenland’s entire 2,700 km (1,677 mi) eastern coastline. Despite its size, this remote Arctic town receives fewer annual visitors than the Louvre museum welcomes in a single day, offering travelers a genuine frontier experience that few places on Earth can still provide.

Getting There & Planning Your Journey

Reaching Tasiilaq requires some planning, as it’s one of the most isolated towns accessible to tourists. The most common route is flying from Reykjavik, Iceland to Kulusuk Airport (a 2-hour flight), followed by either a 10-minute helicopter ride or a 1-hour boat transfer (summer only) to Tasiilaq.

If you’re already in Greenland, Air Greenland offers flights from Nuuk to Kulusuk on certain days of the week. Remember that helicopter transfers don’t always connect with incoming flights, so you may need to plan for an overnight stay in Kulusuk.

Best Time to Visit & Weather Tips

When to visit Tasiilaq depends entirely on what experiences you’re seeking in this remote corner of the world. The climate is Arctic, with significant seasonal variations that create two distinct travel seasons.

Getting Around Locally

Tasiilaq is a small, hilly town where walking is the primary mode of transportation. The town’s colorful houses are built on steep terrain, so be prepared for a good workout! There are a few taxis available (cash only), but they’re not always reliable.

For exploring beyond town limits, you’ll need to join organized tours. In summer, boat tours operate to nearby settlements and attractions. In winter, dog sledding and snowmobiles become the primary transportation methods when the fjords freeze over.

Where to Stay in Tasiilaq

Despite its remote location, Tasiilaq offers several accommodation options to suit different budgets and preferences. Advance booking is essential, especially during the summer high season when limited rooms fill quickly.

For budget travelers, the Flower Camp in the nearby Flower Valley offers tent accommodation with basic facilities including toilets and a kitchen/dining tent. Camping equipment can be rented if you don’t have your own.

Dining & Local Cuisine

Dining options in Tasiilaq are limited but offer interesting opportunities to sample Greenlandic cuisine. Most restaurants are connected to accommodation providers, and advance booking is recommended.

Where to Eat

• Hotel Angmagssalik Restaurant – Offers breakfast for guests and lunch/dinner for anyone in town (with advance notice). The menu changes daily based on available ingredients.
• The Red House Restaurant – Features Greenlandic produce with Italian influences. Whale and seal meat often appear on the menu.
• Café Neriusaaq – A casual meeting place serving fast food options like burgers, fries, and hot dogs, plus coffee.

Local Specialties to Try

Greenlandic cuisine is heavily influenced by the hunting and fishing culture. Look for these local specialties:

• Mattak – Whale skin and blubber, traditionally eaten raw (an acquired taste)
• Dried fish – Often cod or Arctic char, hung to dry outside homes
• Seal meat – Commonly served in stews or roasted
• Fresh-caught cod – A staple in local cooking

Top Things to Do in Tasiilaq

Experience the Sermilik Icefjord

One of the absolute highlights of visiting Tasiilaq is exploring the magnificent Sermilik Icefjord, home to countless icebergs of all shapes and sizes. In summer, boat tours take you close to these massive ice sculptures as they make their way from the Helheim Glacier. In winter, dog sled or snowmobile tours allow you to witness the surreal sight of giant icebergs trapped in sea ice.

Dog Sledding Adventures

East Greenland maintains one of the strongest dog sledding traditions in the Arctic. From February to April, you can join local mushers on journeys ranging from a few hours to several days. Gliding across the frozen landscape behind a team of powerful Greenlandic dogs is an unforgettable experience that connects you to centuries of Inuit tradition.

Hiking the Flower Valley

The aptly named Flower Valley offers relatively easy hiking with spectacular mountain views. During the brief summer, the valley erupts with Arctic wildflowers, creating a colorful contrast to the rugged landscape. The trail leads to a waterfall and several lakes, with minimal elevation gain making it accessible to most visitors.

Visit the Abandoned Settlement of Ikateq

Boat tours often include a stop at Ikateq, a settlement abandoned in the 1980s. The eerie remains of homes, a workshop, and a church offer a glimpse into the challenging life of former residents who faced the harsh katabatic winds from the ice cap.

Whale Watching

During summer months, the waters around Tasiilaq are frequented by minke, fin, and humpback whales. Local tour operators track whale movements to provide the best possible viewing experiences. Watching these magnificent creatures against a backdrop of icebergs and mountains is truly spectacular.

Cultural Experiences & Local Life

East Greenlandic culture differs from West Greenland, with its own distinct traditions and even dialect. Tasiilaq offers several opportunities to experience this unique culture firsthand.

Tasiilaq Museum

Housed in the old church, this small but fascinating museum displays traditional clothing, hunting equipment, and household items that showcase East Greenland’s cultural heritage. Try to join a guided tour for in-depth stories about the artifacts on display.

Stunk Artisan Workshop

Visit this workshop to watch local artisans carve tupilaks – traditional protective spirit figures – from reindeer antler and occasionally narwhal tooth. The craftsmanship is exceptional, and you can purchase authentic pieces directly from the creators.

Greenlandic National Day (June 21)

If you visit during the summer solstice, you might witness National Day celebrations featuring traditional Greenlandic clothing, food, music, and dancing near the heliport.

Dog Towns

Take a walk through the “dog towns” on the outskirts of Tasiilaq, where working sled dogs are kept. Remember these are working animals, not pets – never approach adult dogs without permission from their owners, though playing with puppies under six months old is generally acceptable.

Outdoor Adventures & Excursions

Tasiilaq’s spectacular natural setting provides endless opportunities for outdoor adventure, from gentle exploration to adrenaline-pumping activities.

Glacier Excursions

Full-day boat tours can take you to the impressive Knud Rasmussen Glacier or the Hann Glacier, which flows directly from the Greenland Ice Sheet. Some tours include the opportunity to hike on a glacier with crampons – a truly memorable experience.

Kayaking

Paddle among icebergs in the King Oscar Fjord or, for a more immersive experience, join a kayaking excursion to the Sermilik Icefjord from the settlement of Tiniteqilaaq. The perspective from water level makes the icebergs seem even more imposing.

Heliskiing

The mountains around Tasiilaq offer world-class heliskiing opportunities from February to April. Combine panoramic aerial views with the thrill of skiing pristine powder on remote slopes that few have ever visited.

Northern Lights Viewing

From September to April, Tasiilaq’s minimal light pollution makes it an excellent place to witness the Aurora Borealis. For the best experience, head to the outskirts of town or join an overnight excursion to one of the smaller settlements.

Backcountry Sauna Experience

For a unique wellness experience, book a session at the remote wood-fired sauna operated by Tasiilaq Tours. A short boat ride takes you to a secluded location where you can alternate between the steamy sauna and refreshing dips in an icy lake.

Practical Travel Tips

What to Pack

Regardless of when you visit, layered clothing is essential. Buildings are well-heated, but outdoor temperatures can be extreme. For summer visits, bring insect repellent and a head net to protect against mosquitoes.

Communication & Internet

Internet access in Tasiilaq is limited and expensive. The Tourist Information Center offers Wi-Fi, and some accommodations provide limited access. Mobile coverage exists but international roaming can be costly. Download maps and essential information before arrival.

Money Matters

The Danish Krone (DKK) is the official currency. There is one ATM in town, but it can run out of cash, so bring sufficient funds. Credit cards are accepted at larger establishments, but smaller shops and tour operators may require cash.

Health & Safety

Tasiilaq has a small hospital for emergencies. Travel insurance with evacuation coverage is essential. The town is generally safe, but the surrounding wilderness presents real dangers – never venture far from town without a guide due to the risk of polar bear encounters.

Souvenir Shopping

Tasiilaq offers excellent souvenir shopping opportunities, particularly for authentic Greenlandic crafts. The tupilaks (protective spirit carvings) created here are considered some of the finest in all of Greenland.

Where to Shop

• Stunk Artisan Workshop – Purchase carvings directly from the artisans who create them.
• Arctic Art – The souvenir shop at the Tourist Information Center offers a wide variety of items at different price points.
• Hotel Angmagssalik Gift Shop – Good selection of souvenirs and gifts.
• The Post Office – Surprisingly, Tasiilaq’s post office houses Greenland’s stamp fabrication facility, making it an excellent place for philatelists to find unique Greenlandic stamps.

Ready for Your Tasiilaq Adventure?

Tasiilaq offers a rare glimpse into one of Earth’s last true frontiers. From dog sledding across frozen fjords to kayaking among massive icebergs, the experiences available in this remote corner of Greenland create memories that will last a lifetime. The combination of breathtaking natural beauty, rich Inuit culture, and genuine remoteness makes Tasiilaq a destination unlike any other.

While getting there requires effort and planning, those who make the journey are rewarded with authentic Arctic adventures far from the tourist crowds. Whether you’re chasing the Northern Lights in winter or hiking under the midnight sun in summer, Tasiilaq promises experiences that few travelers will ever have the privilege to enjoy.