Sermersooq · Greenland

Tasiilaq and Kulusuk

The east coast of Greenland, home to the Tunumiit culture, drum dancing, the Valley of Flowers and the giant icebergs of the Sermilik fjord.

Nuuk and East Greenland

In the photo: The harbour of Tasiilaq beneath the mountains of eastern Greenland.

Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.

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Get to know the place

A region to enjoy
at your own pace.

The east coast of Greenland, facing the North Atlantic and Iceland, was isolated from the rest of the country for centuries, surrounded by sea ice for much of the year. The Tunumiit, the eastern Inuit, developed their own dialect and traditions there, such as wooden masks, tupilaks and drum dancing.

Kulusuk, a small island with a single settlement, receives planes from Reykjavík and is the gateway to the east. Many people arrive there on a day trip from Iceland to see the church built with timber from a shipwreck and to watch the drum dance.

Ten minutes by helicopter away, Tasiilaq is the largest town in the east, in a harbour surrounded by mountains on Ammassalik Island. The museum in the old church displays Tunumiit culture, and the Valley of Flowers begins just behind the houses.

To the west, the Sermilik fjord receives ice from large glaciers and fills with icebergs, visited by boat in summer and by sled in spring.

This destination brings together 2 cities: Kulusuk, Tasiilaq.

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One destination, many paths

The cities on this trip

Start with one city or combine several in your itinerary.

Where Tasiilaq and Kulusuk is

Dados cartográficos: © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL 1.0); contorno terrestre: Natural Earth (public domain). Adapted by Cidade Turismo.

How to get there: Tasiilaq and Kulusuk

✈ Kulusuk Mittarfia (KUS) · 3 km to Kulusuk

Kulusuk Airport receives flights from Iceland and from Nuuk; from there, helicopters and, in summer, boats continue to Tasiilaq. There is no land connection to the west coast. Confirm routes before buying tickets.

Suggested arrival point: Kulusuk

Sermersooq · Tasiilaq and Kulusuk Suggested arrival point

Kulusuk

A settlement of about 200 residents on an island off the east coast, with colourful houses on the rocks, a 1908 church built from shipwreck timber and the tradition of drum dancing. It has the region’s airport, two hours’ flight from Reykjavík, and is the gateway to Tasiilaq and the fjords full of icebergs in the east.

Sermersooq · Tasiilaq and Kulusuk

Tasiilaq

The largest town on Greenland’s east coast, with about 1,800 inhabitants, in a natural harbor on the island of Ammassalik, surrounded by mountains. Founded in 1894 as a trading post, it has the museum in the old church, the Valley of Flowers a few steps from the center, and serves as a base for the Sermilik fjord icebergs and for Tunumiit culture.

The local experience

Things to do in Tasiilaq and Kulusuk

Kulusuk · Sermersooq · Church

Kulusuk Church

A small wooden church from 1908, built with timber from a ship that ran aground near the island, with coloured stained glass and views of the sea and the icebergs.

Tasiilaq · Sermersooq · Museum

Ammassalik Museum

Museum in Tasiilaq’s first church, consecrated in 1908, with masks from east Greenland, tupilaks, kayaks and works by local artists.

Tasiilaq · Sermersooq · Fiord

Sermilik Fjord

A fjord west of the island of Ammassalik, full of icebergs that come from large glaciers, visited on boat trips from Tasiilaq and Kulusuk.

Tasiilaq · Sermersooq · Meadow

Flower Valley Tasiilaq

A valley just behind Tasiilaq, cut by a river, with Arctic flowers in summer, a lake and trails that climb the surrounding mountains.

Before you go

Practical information

A little planning leaves more time to enjoy the journey.

When to go

From July to September, when the sea is open for boats and the trails are snow-free. From March to May, with firm snow and more light, for sledding, skiing and snowmobiling.

The seasons shown are the most usual ones; nature doesn't always follow the calendar.

How many days to stay

One day is enough for Kulusuk as a day trip. With three or four days you can include Tasiilaq, the Valley of Flowers and a boat trip to the Sermilik fjord.

Which city to stay in

Tasiilaq has the largest accommodation choice in the east, in the town centre and near the harbour, within walking distance of the museum and the Valley of Flowers. Kulusuk has few options, between the airport and the settlement, convenient for those arriving or departing by plane.

Respect the place

Take your trash with you, follow the signs and support local businesses. In natural areas, follow the visiting guidelines.

Get your questions answered

Frequently asked questions about Tasiilaq and Kulusuk

What is the culture of eastern Greenland like?

The Tunumiit, the eastern Inuit, have their own dialect and traditions such as wooden masks, tupilaks and drum dancing, preserved by the coast’s isolation.

Can you go from Iceland to Kulusuk?

Yes, there are flights from Reykjavík to Kulusuk of about two hours, and many visitors make a day trip.

What is the best time to visit Tasiilaq and Kulusuk?

From July to September for boats and trails, or from March to May for sleds and skiing.

How do you get from Kulusuk to Tasiilaq?

By helicopter in about ten minutes, or by boat in summer when the sea is open.

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Tasiilaq and Kulusuk

A region to enjoy
at your own pace.