Tasiilaq Travel Guide
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.
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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
All Attractions ›
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.
Best Time to Visit Tasiilaq #
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).
January
January is freezing with highs of -4°C and lows of -11°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (116 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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February
February is freezing with highs of -5°C and lows of -12°C. Regular rainfall (99 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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March
March is the coldest month with highs of -5°C and lows of -12°C. Regular rainfall (89 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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April
April is freezing with highs of -1°C and lows of -9°C. Moderate rainfall (68 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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May
May is cold with highs of 3°C and lows of -3°C. Moderate rainfall (69 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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June
June is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of 1°C. Moderate rainfall (41 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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July
July is cold with highs of 11°C and lows of 4°C. Moderate rainfall (42 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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August
August is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of 3°C. Moderate rainfall (71 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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September
September is cold with highs of 6°C and lows of 0°C. Regular rainfall (85 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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October
October is freezing with highs of 1°C and lows of -4°C. Regular rainfall (80 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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November
November is freezing with highs of -2°C and lows of -7°C. Regular rainfall (91 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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December
December is freezing with highs of -4°C and lows of -10°C. Significant rainfall (101 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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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 #
Tasiilaq is compact and largely walkable within the village; much of daily life happens on foot. There are no roads connecting Tasiilaq to other towns, so air and sea links are the primary ways in and out - helicopter or small-plane services and seasonal boat transfers operate to nearby settlements. Locally you’ll see ATVs and small boats used for short trips; there are no regular city buses. Travel between places is expensive and weather-dependent, so book connections well ahead and allow extra time for delays.
Where to Stay in Tasiilaq #
Where to Eat in Tasiilaq #
Breakdown of cuisine types found across Tasiilaq's restaurants and food venues, based on OpenStreetMap data.
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.
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.