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1 city
Municipality · Disko Bay and North Greenland
Qeqertalik
Aasiaat and its archipelago, Qeqertarsuaq and the basalt mountains of Disko Island, Qasigiannguit and the waters of Disko Bay.
In the photo: The peninsula and inlets of Qasigiannguit, in Qeqertalik.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
The municipality
Get to know Qeqertalik
Qeqertalik occupies the south and west of Disko Bay on Greenland’s west coast, north of the Arctic Circle. It includes Disko Island and the towns of Aasiaat, the municipal seat, Qasigiannguit, Qeqertarsuaq and Kangaatsiaq. The municipality was created in 2018, when the former Qaasuitsup was split into two.
Qeqertarsuaq, on the southern coast of Disko Island, is the island’s main town. The basalt mountains, of volcanic origin, rise in terraces from the sea, and on the Kuannit coast the rocks form columns and caves. Above the town, the Lyngmarksbræen glacier offers dog-sled rides even in summer.
Aasiaat lies on an archipelago of hundreds of low, rocky islands at the southern entrance to the bay. It is a fishing town with colorful houses scattered among the rocks and the departure point for boat trips between the islands.
Qasigiannguit, on the east side of the bay, has a museum with finds from the region’s ancient cultures. Between the bay and Kangerlussuaq is the West Greenland National Park, a protected area of tundra, lakes and fjords where traditional hunting and fishing continue.
In the bay, icebergs calved from the Ilulissat Icefjord pass in front of the towns, carried by the currents, and in summer whales often feed in these waters.
Destinations
2 destinations in Qeqertalik
Cities
2 cities in Qeqertalik in the guide
Qeqertalik
Capital
Aasiaat
Seat of Qeqertalik and the fifth-largest town in Greenland, with about three thousand residents, on an island in a low-lying archipelago at the southern entrance of Disko Bay. Founded in 1759 as Egedesminde, it has colonial houses by the harbor, a museum and a sea of islands for boat and kayak trips, with whales at various times of year.
Qeqertalik
Qeqertarsuaq
The only town on Disko Island, on the island’s south coast, founded in 1773 as a whaling station under the name Godhavn. It sits among terraced basalt mountains and Disko Bay, and features the octagonal church, a museum and the Arctic Station. From here you can ascend the Lyngmarksbræen glacier, take dog‑sled rides even in summer, and walk to the Kuannit coast.
When to go
From June to September, boats connect the towns around the bay, Qeqertarsuaq’s trails are open and whale‑watching trips run more frequently; whales are most commonly seen from July to September. For much of June and July the sun does not set. From February to April, when the sea freezes in parts of the bay, dog‑sled trips operate, and the dark nights from September to March are prime for northern lights when the sky is clear.
Getting there
Aasiaat Airport (JEG) receives flights from Nuuk and Ilulissat. Qeqertarsuaq and Qasigiannguit have heliports, with helicopters operating part of the year, and in summer regional boats cross the bay between Ilulissat, Qeqertarsuaq, Aasiaat and Qasigiannguit. There are no roads between the towns. Confirm routes before booking.
Your questions
Frequently asked questions about Qeqertalik
How do you get to Qeqertarsuaq on Disko Island?
In summer, by boat from Ilulissat or Aasiaat, crossing the bay; part of the year you can also travel by helicopter. Schedules change with the season and ice conditions: confirm before you go.
Can you go dog‑sledding in summer?
In Qeqertarsuaq, yes: on the Lyngmarksbræen glacier above town there are dog‑sled rides also in summer. Elsewhere in the region, sleds run in winter and spring when there is snow and ice, generally from February to April.
How many days should you allocate for Qeqertarsuaq?
Two or three days let you hike to the Kuannit coast, climb toward the Lyngmarksbræen glacier and take a boat trip around the bay. Boats and helicopters depend on the weather: allow some buffer time before your return flight.
What to do in Aasiaat?
Walk the rocky islands around town among the colorful houses, and take a boat into the archipelago, where seabirds and, in summer, whales are commonly seen. Aasiaat also serves as a base for nearby settlements and for the southern part of Disko Bay.