Eastern Greenland

The East Coast of Greenland is not as densely inhabited as the West, and is thus more of an "off the beaten track" destination than the west.

• 65.615-37.6411 Tasiilaq, also known as Ammassalikk for its municipality and the island it is on – the largest city in Eastern Greenland
• 65.57566-37.183782 Kulusuk – one of the largest towns in Eastern Greenland
• 70.485278-21.9666673 Ittoqqortoormiit – near the Northeast Greenland National Park

• 76-301 Northeast Greenland National Park
• 70.5-251 Scoresby Sund (Kangertittivaq)
• 65.98-37.872 Sermilik Fjord
• 65.6517-37.05423 Apusiaajik Glacier

Northeast Greenland National Park covers about 972,000 km² and requires special authorization for most land-based visits, while Scoresby Sund, Sermilik Fjord and Apusiaajik Glacier are among the region’s principal natural attractions.

Eastern Greenland is the country’s least densely populated and most geographically isolated inhabited region. Around 3,500 people live amid steep mountain ranges, deeply cut fjords, glaciers and the edge of the Greenland Ice Sheet. Most residents are concentrated in the Ammassalik area around Tasiilaq and Kulusuk, with the exceptionally remote town of Ittoqqortoormiit much farther north beside Scoresby Sund.

The region has a distinct Tunumiit, or East Greenlandic, cultural identity. East Greenlandic speech differs noticeably from standard West Greenlandic, while local artistic traditions, legends, drum dancing, hunting, fishing and dog sledding remain important parts of community life. Bone, stone and antler carvings are particularly associated with the area.

There are no roads connecting the region’s towns and settlements. Journeys depend on aircraft, helicopters, local boats and, during winter, dog sleds or snowmobiles. Weather, sea ice and fog can disrupt even carefully arranged itineraries, so travelers should allow spare days, reserve accommodation ahead and avoid tight onward connections.

Summer is best suited to sailing, hiking and kayaking, while late winter and spring bring more dependable snow for dog sledding, skiing and snowmobiling. The northern lights are visible during the darker months, while long summer days permit extended outdoor excursions.

East Greenlandic is the local language, and contains a number of variations from the West Greenlandic "official" language of Greenland. As with the rest of the country, Danish is commonly spoken and many people will have a functional command of English.

By plane

There are two airports along the eastern cost, Kulusuk and Nerlerit Inaat. Both require helicopter transfer to the main settlements in their neighbourhood, Tasiilaq and Ittoqqortoormiit. Both airports have flights from the west coast by Air Greenland and in the summertime from Iceland by Icelandair.

Most communities are sufficiently small to explore on foot. Tasiilaq is hilly but walkable and has a limited taxi service, while Kulusuk and Ittoqqortoormiit have no conventional public transportation. Hotels and tour operators may arrange luggage transfers, airport pickups or local vehicle transport.

During summer, local boats are the principal means of traveling between Tasiilaq, Kulusuk and nearby settlements such as Kuummiut and Tiilerilaaq. Boat excursions also reach glaciers, abandoned settlements and iceberg-filled fjords. There is no scheduled coastal ferry network comparable to that of western Greenland, so transfers normally need to be arranged through accommodation providers or local operators.

Helicopters provide year-round connections between Kulusuk Airport, Tasiilaq and the surrounding settlements, and between Nerlerit Inaat and Ittoqqortoormiit. Flights and helicopter services are vulnerable to fog, wind and icing, and delays may last a day or longer.

Once snow and sea ice become established, dog sleds, snowmobiles, skis and snowshoes replace boats on many local routes. Do not attempt independent travel over sea ice or glaciers without current local advice: ice conditions vary by season, location and weather, and apparently solid surfaces may conceal cracks or meltwater channels.

Remote hiking and kayaking should normally be undertaken with a local guide. Much of East Greenland has few marked routes, little or no mobile coverage and no nearby rescue infrastructure.

The region’s defining sight is its ice-filled coastline. Sermilik Fjord, Ammassalik Fjord and Scoresby Sund contain enormous icebergs calved from glaciers flowing out of the Greenland Ice Sheet. Boat trips from Tasiilaq, Kulusuk and Ittoqqortoormiit provide the easiest way to experience these landscapes.

Tasiilaq combines brightly painted houses with steep mountains and a sheltered harbour. Its museum introduces the history and material culture of East Greenland, while local performances may include traditional drum dancing. Nearby valleys, waterfalls and viewpoints can be reached on short hikes from town.

In Kulusuk, see the small local museum, church and traditional cemetery, then walk toward the remains of the former Dye 4 radar installation for views over the coast and drifting ice. The museum’s collection focuses specifically on Tunumiit life and differs from the predominantly West Greenlandic perspective presented in many other Greenlandic museums.

Ittoqqortoormiit lies beside Scoresby Sund and immediately south of Northeast Greenland National Park. Its colourful houses, church, museum and football field stand in a landscape of barren mountains, snow and sea ice. The surrounding fjord system supports musk oxen, Arctic foxes, seals, whales, seabirds and occasional polar bears.

From autumn through early spring, the region’s small communities and minimal artificial lighting provide excellent conditions for viewing the aurora borealis, weather permitting.

Take a guided boat excursion among icebergs and glaciers. Summer trips from the Ammassalik area visit Sermilik Fjord, Apusiaajik Glacier, small settlements and abandoned sites, with possible sightings of seals and whales. Boat excursions around Ittoqqortoormiit explore parts of Scoresby Sund.

Go hiking, but choose a route suited to your experience. Short walks begin around Tasiilaq, Kulusuk and Ittoqqortoormiit, while guided expeditions cross mountain passes, valleys and glacier country over several days. Trail markings are limited outside the immediate surroundings of towns.

Explore the fjords by sea kayak with a qualified local guide. Trips range from short introductory paddles to multi-day expeditions. Floating ice, cold water, sudden winds and waves generated by calving glaciers make independent paddling hazardous.

Join a dog-sled excursion between roughly February and May, depending on snow and sea-ice conditions. Trips range from short rides near Kulusuk or Tasiilaq to multi-day journeys between settlements and across frozen fjords. Dog sledding remains a living form of transportation in East Greenland rather than merely a visitor attraction.

Other guided activities include snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, glacier hiking, ice climbing, ice-cave visits, northern-lights excursions, fishing and specialist mountaineering. Glacier and ice-cap travel requires technical equipment and an experienced guide.

Visit local museums, workshops and cultural events to learn about Tunumiit history, drum dancing, hunting traditions and carving. Ask permission before photographing residents, hunters, private homes or working dog teams.

Dining choices are limited and supplies depend heavily on aircraft and seasonal shipping. Tasiilaq has the region’s broadest selection, including hotel restaurants and small cafés, while Kulusuk and the smaller settlements rely mainly on hotels, guesthouses, supermarkets and self-catering. Ittoqqortoormiit has only one regular café-style place to eat, and meals are often included in organized tour packages.

Traditional Greenlandic ingredients include Arctic char, cod, halibut, seal, whale, musk ox, reindeer, hare and seabirds. Visitors may encounter suaasat, a soup commonly prepared with seal meat, or mattak, whale skin with blubber. Availability depends on the season and the success of local hunters and fishers.

Imported fruit, vegetables and specialty foods can be expensive or temporarily unavailable. Travelers with allergies, vegetarian diets or other strict dietary requirements should notify their accommodation well in advance and consider carrying suitable emergency food. Shops may receive fresh produce only intermittently.

Hikers and expedition travelers should purchase provisions in Tasiilaq or before arriving in the region. Small Pilersuisoq supermarkets in settlements stock basic groceries, but specialist expedition food and outdoor equipment may be unavailable.

Coffee and tea are widely consumed and are central to Greenlandic hospitality. Hotels and guesthouses commonly serve hot drinks throughout the day, which are especially welcome after cold-weather excursions.

Beer, wine and spirits are available in the larger settlements and hotel restaurants, but selection may be modest and prices are high because most products must be transported long distances. Nightlife outside Tasiilaq is extremely limited.

Carry a reusable water bottle. In the backcountry, Visit Greenland advises that water from a flowing stream or river can generally be consumed, but water from stagnant pools or enclosed lakes should be avoided. Near settlements, use the local treated supply or ask accommodation staff where drinking water should be collected; some smaller communities use communal tap houses rather than household plumbing.

Avoid alcohol before boating, kayaking, glacier travel, dog sledding or snowmobile excursions, where cold, poor visibility and uneven terrain require full attention.

Eastern Greenland’s principal dangers are its isolation, rapidly changing weather, cold water, rugged terrain and limited rescue capacity. Outside the settlements, travel with appropriate clothing, navigation equipment, emergency shelter and sufficient food. Tell someone your planned route and expected return time, and obtain insurance covering remote evacuation and adventure activities.

Weather may change from calm sunshine to strong wind, fog, freezing temperatures or heavy precipitation within a short period. Hypothermia is possible even in summer. Carry windproof and waterproof outer layers, warm insulation and spare dry clothing on every substantial outing.

Polar bears are a genuine, although uncommon, hazard, and the likelihood of an encounter is higher in remote parts of eastern and northern Greenland than around most western towns. Ask residents and tour operators about recent sightings before leaving a settlement. Camping or hiking outside Kulusuk, Kuummiut or Ittoqqortoormiit without a suitably equipped local guide is strongly discouraged.

Do not travel onto glaciers without the necessary training and equipment. Snow can conceal deep crevasses, and meltwater may undermine apparently solid surfaces. Guided parties crossing snow-covered glaciers should carry ropes, harnesses, crampons, ice axes and crevasse-rescue equipment.

Keep well away from glacier fronts and unstable icebergs. Calving ice can generate dangerous waves, and icebergs may roll or break apart without warning. Arctic water causes rapid incapacitation; wear flotation equipment on boats and kayaks and follow the skipper’s instructions.

River levels can rise quickly after rain or warm weather, particularly later in the day when glacial melting increases. Turn back rather than attempt a doubtful crossing. Avalanches, rockfall, thin sea ice and sudden ground frost are additional seasonal hazards.

Sled dogs are working animals rather than pets. Do not approach, touch or feed adult dogs without the owner’s permission, and keep children away from tethering areas.

Transport disruption is common. Carry extra prescription medicine and allow several spare days before important onward flights; bad weather can leave travelers stranded when accommodation is already full.

• Nuuk and Western Greenland — Continue through Kulusuk toward the capital and the more populated western coast, where transport, accommodation and cultural attractions are more extensive.
• South Greenland — Travel onward for greener fjord scenery, Norse archaeological sites, sheep farms and hiking around Qaqortoq, Narsaq and Nanortalik.
• Iceland — Reykjavík and northern Iceland are the most natural international connections for eastern Greenland, particularly for travelers using Kulusuk or Nerlerit Inaat. Services are seasonal or limited, so schedules should be checked carefully.
• Northeast Greenland National Park — Permitted expedition cruises and specialist operators travel north from the Scoresby Sund region into the world’s largest national park. Independent entry generally requires advance authorization and substantial logistical preparation.

• Denmark — Continue through Nuuk or Iceland for flights toward Copenhagen and the wider European network.