Sisimiut City
Greenland city known for fishing industry
A busy Greenlandic port, Sisimiut perches beneath Sermitsiaq and serves as a hub for dog-sled, sea-kayak and hiking trips. Tourists come for Arctic landscapes, brightly painted houses, local seafood and chances to see the northern lights in winter.
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Why Visit Sisimiut?#
A true Arctic outpost, Sisimiut draws travelers who want mountain hikes, sled-dog culture and authentic Greenlandic life without the crowds of larger towns. The jagged Nasaasaaq massif anchors dramatic hiking and views, while dog-sled excursions and traditional Inuit dishes such as mattak introduce visitors to local practices. Colorful wooden houses and a small polar museum round out an experience geared toward active travelers and those curious about Greenland’s coastal communities.
Best Things to Do in Sisimiut#
Sisimiut Bucket List#
Sisimiut Museum - Museum telling local Arctic history, traditional tools and Sámi and Inuit exhibits.
Old Town and harbour - Colourful wooden houses lining the harbor, lively with fishing boats and local cafés.
Nasaasaaq mountain hike - Short but steep trail to Nasaasaaq ridge offering panoramic fjord and town views.
Local dog sledding kennels - Local dog sledding kennels offering introductory tours and winter experiences.
Sisimiut art workshops - Small studios where artisans carve bone and craft traditional Greenlandic souvenirs.
Coastal boat trips to nearby islands - Day boat trips to nearby islands for birdwatching, seal sightings and photography.
Kangerlussuaq glacial valley - Gateway to the Greenland ice cap with guided glacier hikes and wild tundra landscapes.
Sections of the Arctic Circle Trail - Begin or end sections of Arctic Circle Trail accessible from Sisimiut for multi-day hikes.
Best Time to Visit Sisimiut#
The best time to visit Sisimiut is June-August for milder weather, midnight sun activities, and sea kayaking. Winter attracts aurora and dog-sledding but requires serious cold-weather prep.
October - April
-20 to -5°C (-4 to 23°F)
Long, brutally cold polar winter offers aurora, dog-sledding, and frozen landscapes-spectacular but challenging travel with limited daylight and harsh conditions.
May & September
-5 to 5°C (23 to 41°F)
Brief shoulder months bring thawing coastlines and restless seas-unpredictable weather but fewer tourists and good chances for sea-birding and quiet hikes.
June - August
2 to 10°C (36 to 50°F)
Short, cool summers mean long daylight, calm seas, and excellent kayak, hike, and whale-watching opportunities-bring layers, as weather changes fast.
Polar climate with cold summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in February). Temperatures range from -19°C to 10°C. Semi-arid with limited rainfall.
January
January is freezing with highs of -11°C and lows of -17°C. The driest month with just 23 mm and mostly overcast skies.
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February
February is the coldest month with highs of -13°C and lows of -19°C. The driest month with just 23 mm and mostly overcast skies.
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March
March is freezing with highs of -11°C and lows of -18°C. Light rainfall and mostly overcast skies.
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April
April is freezing with highs of -4°C and lows of -10°C. Moderate rainfall (33 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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May
May is freezing with highs of 3°C and lows of -3°C. Light rainfall and mostly overcast skies.
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June
June is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of 2°C. Moderate rainfall (38 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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July
July is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of 4°C. Moderate rainfall (55 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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August
August is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of 4°C. The wettest month with 65 mm of rain and mostly overcast skies.
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September
September is cold with highs of 6°C and lows of 1°C. Moderate rainfall (61 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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October
October is freezing with highs of 0°C and lows of -4°C. Moderate rainfall (51 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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November
November is freezing with highs of -4°C and lows of -9°C. Moderate rainfall (47 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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December
December is freezing with highs of -7°C and lows of -13°C. Light rainfall and partly cloudy skies.
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How to Get to Sisimiut#
Sisimiut is reached by domestic flights within Greenland (most commonly via Kangerlussuaq) - there are no rail links and road connections to other towns are minimal. Flights are infrequent and relatively expensive, so plan and book early.
Kangerlussuaq Airport (SFJ): Kangerlussuaq is Greenland’s main international hub and the usual transfer point to Sisimiut. Flights between Kangerlussuaq and Sisimiut are operated by Air Greenland; flight time is about 40-60 minutes and fares are higher than in Europe - expect several hundred DKK one‑way depending on season and advance booking.
Ilulissat / Nuuk (seasonal connections): There are also feeder flights from other Greenland airports (e.g. Ilulissat, Nuuk) to Sisimiut on Air Greenland, but schedules are limited and seasonal. Plan connections carefully and book in advance.
Train: There are no trains in Greenland.
Bus / Local transport: Sisimiut has limited local bus services; most travel within town is by foot, taxi or private transfer. Transfers from the airport in Sisimiut are short (taxi or airport shuttle) and timing depends on flight arrival.
How to Get Around Sisimiut#
Travel to Sisimiut is dominated by domestic flights (Air Greenland) from Greenlandic hubs; once there, taxis, boats (seasonal) and walking are the main ways to get around. Book flights early and allow flexibility for weather.
- Domestic flight (Air Greenland) (Several hundred DKK one‑way (varies widely)) - Air Greenland operates scheduled flights to Sisimiut from hubs such as Kangerlussuaq and occasionally from Nuuk/Ilulissat. Flights are the practical way to move between towns in Greenland; book well in advance and expect limited frequencies and variable seasonal schedules.
- Airport taxi / shuttle (DKK 100-300 (typical local transfer)) - On arrival at Sisimiut Airport there are short transfers into town by taxi or hotel shuttle. Taxis are the usual door‑to‑door option; arrange transport in advance where possible due to limited capacity.
- Boat / Water taxi (Varies by operator, short trips tens to hundreds DKK) - Coastal boat services and water taxis operate seasonally for local travel and tours; routes and prices depend on operators and weather. Useful for harbour access and sightseeing when available.
- Car hire / Local drivers (Varies; limited availability) - Car hire options are limited in Greenland and often arranged locally; many visitors rely on guided transfers or taxis for excursions. If you need a vehicle for multiple days, arrange ahead through local providers.
- Walking - Sisimiut’s town centre is compact and mostly explored on foot - walking is the primary way to see the town and access local trails and harbour areas.
Where to Stay in Sisimiut#
Town centre (Qeqqata) - $90-160/night
Sisimiut has limited accommodation; small hotels and guesthouses provide basic, practical rooms for Arctic travellers.
Hotel Sisimiut - Simplest rooms in town, budget-friendly
Greenland guesthouses directory - Few low-cost guesthouses in Sisimiut
Town centre - $140-220/night
Mid-range options are few but adequate; most provide practical comforts and are useful bases for excursions and boat trips.
Hotel Sisimiut - Best mid-range option in town
Regional lodges and tour-operator stays - Comfortable packaged stays with activities
Sisimiut region - $300+/night
Sisimiut lacks large luxury hotels. High-end travellers typically book private expedition lodges or bespoke Arctic packages including premium lodging.
Premium expedition lodges - Upscale, small-capacity adventure lodges
Private high-end tours with bespoke accommodation - Luxury travel packages rather than big hotels
Where to Eat in Sisimiut#
Fishing town with Inuit-influenced cuisine: Arctic char, mackerel and foraged herbs. Hotel restaurants and cafés serve simple, fresh seafood meals.
Traditional preparations include smoked and dried fish, and dishes highlighting local seafood and seasonal tundra ingredients in small, informal settings.
Breakdown of cuisine types found across Sisimiut’s restaurants and food venues, based on OpenStreetMap data.
Shopping in Sisimiut#
Shopping in Sisimiut covers basic needs and outdoor gear, plus local knitwear and handicrafts. You’ll find grocery stores, an outdoor-equipment shop and small boutiques selling Greenlandic souvenirs and locally produced items.
Nightlife in Sisimiut#
Nightlife in Sisimiut is modest: a few pubs, hotel bars and cafés provide evening social spots. Tourist season brings more activities and occasional cultural events, but late-night options remain limited.
