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Sermersooq · Greenland
One of the most isolated settlements in the country, on the edge of Scoresby Sund, among icebergs, tundra and musk oxen.
In the photo: Colorful houses of Ittoqqortoormiit beside the waters of Scoresby Sund.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Get to know the place
Ittoqqortoormiit lies on the east coast of Greenland, well above the Arctic Circle, at the mouth of Scoresby Sund, considered the largest fjord system on Earth. With about 350 residents, it is one of the country's most isolated settlements: the sea is frozen for much of the year.
The settlement was founded in 1925 by families from the Ammassalik region and depends on hunting and fishing. Colorful houses spread across a slope above the sea, and sled dogs are part of the landscape.
Scoresby Sund extends hundreds of kilometers inland, with arms between mountains and glaciers that release huge icebergs. Musk oxen graze on the shores, and south of the settlement Cape Tobin has the hottest water spring in the country.
Farther north is the Northeast Greenland National Park, an immense protected area open only to expeditions with government permits.
This destination brings together 1 city: Ittoqqortoormiit.
One destination, many paths
Start with one city or combine several in your itinerary.
Dados cartográficos: © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL 1.0); contorno terrestre: Natural Earth (public domain). Adapted by Cidade Turismo.
✈ Heliporto de Ittoqqortoormiit (OBY) · 1 km to Ittoqqortoormiit
✈ Nerlerit Inaat Mittarfia (CNP), in Nerlerit Inaat · 38 km to Ittoqqortoormiit
Flights from Iceland arrive at Nerlerit Inaat airport, and from there helicopters carry passengers to Ittoqqortoormiit; in summer there are boats. There is no land connection to the settlement. Confirm routes before buying.
The local experience
A network of fjords that advances hundreds of kilometers inland from Ittoqqortoormiit, the largest on the planet, with huge icebergs and musk oxen on the shores.
An abandoned settlement about 7 km from Ittoqqortoormiit, at the entrance to Scoresby Sund, with Greenland’s hottest water spring, reaching about 60 °C.
Before you go
A little planning leaves more time to enjoy the journey.
In summer, from July to September, when the sea ice retreats and boats enter the fjord. In spring, from March to May, the firm snow and long days allow sleds and snowmobiles.
The seasons shown are the most usual ones; nature doesn't always follow the calendar.
Three to five days allow time for the settlement, Cape Tobin and fjord excursions. Expeditions through Scoresby Sund take a week or more.
Accommodations are few and located in the settlement, often run by the same operators who organize tours. Book in advance.
Take your trash with you, follow the signs and support local businesses. In natural areas, follow the visiting guidelines.
Get your questions answered
Because it is on the east coast, far from other towns, without roads, and the surrounding sea freezes for much of the year. Access is by plane to Nerlerit Inaat and then by helicopter.
From July to September, for boats on Scoresby Sund, or in spring, when you can travel by sled and snowmobile over the ice.
Explore the settlement, hike to Cape Tobin, go by boat or kayak on Scoresby Sund and see musk oxen on the tundra.
Yes. The park only receives expeditions with a permit from the Greenland government, requested in advance.
