Tasiilaq City
Eastern Greenland town and gateway to Scoresby Sound
Blue icebergs and narrow fjords surround Tasiilaq, drawing photographers, kayakers and dog-sledders to dynamic East Greenland scenery. Local cafés serve musk-ox and seal, guides point out Inuit carving traditions, and summer trekking climbs barren ridges for wide, Arctic light.
Tasiilaq at a Glance#
Costs: USD 250-500 (remote destination) - air access and imported goods make everything costly.
Safety: Generally safe but remote - very low crime but expect extreme weather and limited emergency services.
Best Time: June-September - milder weather, sea access, hiking and boat tours available.
Why Visit Tasiilaq?#
Perched on the edge of Ammassalik Fjord, this remote East Greenland town draws travelers for raw Arctic landscapes and deep-rooted Inuit culture. Colorful wooden houses and a strong tradition of dog-sled excursions and sea-kayaking put you close to icebergs and seal-hunting heritage, and winter visitors may catch vivid Northern Lights displays. Community-led traditions and regional guides make it an immersive entry point to East Greenland’s fjords and fjordland life.
Best Things to Do in Tasiilaq#
Tasiilaq Bucket List#
Sermilik Fjord boat tours - Boat tours into Sermilik Fjord to view icebergs, glaciers, and floating ice-choked channels.
Tasiilaq harbour and market - Walk Tasiilaq’s harbor and market to meet locals and buy handmade Greenlandic crafts.
Ridge viewpoint above Tasiilaq - Hike to the ridge above Tasiilaq for panoramic views over town and fjord.
Local sled-dog camp visits - Visit a local sled-dog camp to meet mushers and try traditional dog-sled equipment.
Northern lights vantage spots - In autumn and winter, watch northern lights across the fjord away from town lights.
Greenlandic craft workshops - Drop into a local workshop to learn Greenlandic sewing and traditional skin-processing techniques.
Kulusuk - Short helicopter or boat ride to Kulusuk for village life and coastal hikes.
Tiniteqilaaq - Day trip to Tiniteqilaaq for remote settlements, traditional fishing, and serene fjord scenery.
Best Time to Visit Tasiilaq#
Tasiilaq is a polar place best visited in summer for boat access and wildlife, or winter for Arctic activities and aurora. Weather is sharp and changes quickly; dress for cold and wet conditions.
October - April
-25 to -10 °C (-13 to 14 °F)
Long, dramatic polar nights with strong winds and sea ice; excellent for northern lights, dog sledding and ice travel-bring extreme cold gear and expect limited daylight.
June - August
0 to 8 °C (32 to 46 °F)
Brief, cool summers bring midnight sun, calving glaciers and boat access to fjords; expect damp, chilly conditions and abundant wildlife-ideal for cruises and guided hikes.
September - October
-5 to 3 °C (23 to 37 °F)
Short, rapidly cooling season with fog, sea-ice return and migrating birds; unpredictable weather limits activities but rewards solitary landscapes and dramatic light for photographers.
Polar climate with cold summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in March). Temperatures range from -12°C to 11°C. Moderate rainfall (952 mm/year).
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Poor | -11° - -4° | -13° | 116 mm | overcast | 79% | 3.4 m/s | 0.0 low | 4.4h |
| February | Poor | -12° - -5° | -14° | 99 mm | overcast | 79% | 3.6 m/s | 0.0 low | 8.0h |
| March | Poor | -12° - -5° | -14° | 89 mm | overcast | 79% | 3.2 m/s | 0.1 low | 11.5h |
| April | Poor | -9° - -1° | -9° | 68 mm | overcast | 79% | 2.5 m/s | 0.5 moderate | 15.0h |
| May | Poor | -3° - 3° | -3° | 69 mm | overcast | 82% | 2.0 m/s | 1.0 moderate | 18.6h |
| June | Poor | 1° - 8° | 3° | 41 mm | overcast | 84% | 2.0 m/s | 1.1 high | 21.3h |
| July | Acceptable | 4° - 11° | 6° | 42 mm | overcast | 84% | 1.9 m/s | 1.0 high | 19.8h |
| August | Acceptable | 3° - 10° | 5° | 71 mm | overcast | 83% | 2.1 m/s | 0.7 moderate | 16.3h |
| September | Poor | 0° - 6° | 0° | 85 mm | overcast | 81% | 2.6 m/s | 0.3 low | 12.8h |
| October | Poor | -4° - 1° | -5° | 80 mm | overcast | 75% | 2.6 m/s | 0.1 low | 9.3h |
| November | Poor | -7° - -2° | -9° | 91 mm | overcast | 76% | 3.2 m/s | 0.0 low | 5.7h |
| December | Poor | -10° - -4° | -12° | 101 mm | overcast | 77% | 3.4 m/s | 0.0 low | 2.8h |
How to Get to Tasiilaq#
Tasiilaq (on the east coast of Greenland) is reached by air via Kulusuk Airport with a short helicopter or boat transfer into town; there are no road or rail links to the wider Greenland network. Travel is highly seasonal and dependent on weather, so plan and book well in advance.
Kulusuk Airport (KUS): Kulusuk is the main aviation gateway for eastern Greenland and is the usual arrival airport for visitors heading to the Tasiilaq area. Flights to Kulusuk operate from Reykjavík (Iceland) seasonally and from Nuuk/other Greenland hubs; schedules are limited and seasonal. From Kulusuk, onward transfer to Tasiilaq is by helicopter or boat (seasonal).
Other Greenland hubs (e.g., Nuuk GOH / Reykjavík KEF): Long-distance connections to eastern Greenland commonly route via Nuuk (Air Greenland) or Reykjavík; confirm seasonal schedules well in advance as frequencies change by season and weather.
Train: There is no rail network in Greenland.
Boat / Helicopter: The practical onward routes to Tasiilaq are helicopter transfers from Kulusuk (Air Greenland) - the flight is short (around 10-15 minutes) and scheduled to connect with incoming flights; prices are set by Air Greenland and are relatively high compared with continental transfers. In summer, passenger boats also connect settlements along the east coast - sea journeys can take several hours and operate on limited schedules.
How to Get Around Tasiilaq#
Getting around Tasiilaq itself is straightforward on foot and by small boat, but reaching the town requires careful planning around very limited air and sea schedules. Air Greenland connections via Kulusuk plus short helicopter transfers are the standard entry route; expect higher costs and weather-dependent operations.
- Air Greenland helicopter (Kulusuk-Tasiilaq) (DKK 400-900 (typical)) - Helicopter transfers between Kulusuk Airport and Tasiilaq are the standard connection for air arrivals. Flights are short (roughly 10-15 minutes) but strictly scheduled to meet incoming flights; luggage rules are tight and weight limits can apply. Expect relatively high ticket prices compared with continental flights and limited daily frequencies; check Air Greenland for current timetables and fares.
- Sea transfer (summer) (DKK 200-600) - In summer months passenger boats operate between coastal settlements and can connect Tasiilaq with other east-coast towns. Journeys are scenic but slow (several hours) and run only on fixed timetables; tickets should be booked in advance during the short summer season.
- Local helicopter / charter (High - charter rates on request) - Charter helicopter flights are used for emergency, freight, and occasional passenger transfers beyond scheduled services. Charters are flexible but expensive; they are useful only when scheduled services are unavailable or for special logistics.
- Walking - Tasiilaq town is small and very walkable; most guesthouses, shops and services are within easy walking distance. Paths can be rough and steep in places; wear solid footwear and have warm layers available.
- Boat taxis / local boats (Variable - pay locally) - Local skiffs and boat taxis provide transport between nearby settlements and for sightseeing in fjords. Schedules and availability vary; local operators often require advance arrangement and cash payment.
Where to Stay in Tasiilaq#
Town centre / harbour - $40-100/night
Tasiilaq (East Greenland) has very limited budget lodging - small guesthouses and seasonal rooms. Book well ahead, especially in summer and cruise season.
Harbourfront / Main street - $100-180/night
Mid-range options are small hotels and guesthouses offering guided tours and local meals. Expect basic comforts and strong local hospitality.
No luxury hotels locally - expedition options only
No large luxury hotels in Tasiilaq - premium travel here means private charters or tailored expedition lodges rather than traditional five-star hotels.
Where to Eat in Tasiilaq#
Breakdown of cuisine types found across Tasiilaq’s restaurants and food venues, based on OpenStreetMap data.
Shopping in Tasiilaq#
Shopping in Tasiilaq is limited to a handful of small shops and kiosks that sell essentials, outdoor clothing and souvenirs. You can sometimes find local Greenlandic handicrafts, knitwear and carved items from local artists - ideal for authentic, locally made keepsakes. For a wider range of goods you’ll need to order ahead or rely on occasional supply shipments from larger Greenlandic towns.
Nightlife in Tasiilaq#
Nightlife in Tasiilaq is very low-key. Evenings tend to center on hotel bars, community gatherings and occasional live music or events rather than dedicated clubs or late-night venues. Expect a quiet atmosphere outside of special local festivities; social life often happens in small, communal spaces rather than a formal nightlife district.