Located on Greenland's west coast, this Arctic town has colorful wooden houses set against mountains. Local museums display Inuit culture, while Disko Bay's waters draw humpback whales.
Sisimiut, Greenland's second-largest city, sits at the edge of Davis Strait, where mountains meet the sea. The city's location on the Arctic Circle creates unique natural phenomena, with the sun barely setting in summer and barely rising in winter. Walk through the historic Blue Church from 1775, trek along sections of the Arctic Circle Trail, or watch fishing boats unload their catch at the active harbor. In winter, you'll find locals steering dog sleds across snowy trails and skiers gliding through mountain passes.
Getting to Sisimiut
Air Greenland operates connecting flights to Sisimiut from Kangerlussuaq or Nuuk airports. The Sarfaq Ittuk passenger ferry stops in Sisimiut during its weekly route along Greenland's west coast. The airport lies 4 kilometers from the city center, with regular bus service connecting the two points.
Winter Activities in the Arctic
From December to March, you can explore the mountains around Sisimiut by snowmobile or dog sled. The city has the highest concentration of snowmobiles in Greenland, and local guides lead tours for both beginners and experienced riders. Dog sledding trips range from two-hour excursions to multi-day expeditions. Each March, cross-country skiers gather for the Arctic Circle Race, covering 160 kilometers of challenging terrain over three days.
Summer Hiking and Water Activities
The Arctic Circle Trail starts (or ends) in Sisimiut, stretching 160 kilometers to Kangerlussuaq. You can join local guides for day hikes to Nasaasaaq Mountain, which rises 784 meters above the city. During summer months, kayak through the calm waters of Amerloq Fjord to spot seals and whales. Local fishing guides know prime spots for catching cod, wolffish, and halibut.
Cultural Sites and Museums
The Sisimiut Museum spreads across several 18th-century buildings near the harbor, including the Blue Church from 1775 - Greenland's oldest surviving church. The museum displays artifacts from the ancient Saqqaq culture that inhabited the area 4,000 years ago. At the Taseralik Culture Centre, you can attend concerts, theater performances, and art exhibitions while looking out over Nalunnguarfik lake through large windows.
Local Food and Daily Life
At the harbor, fishing boats bring in fresh catches daily. Watch as fishermen unload their catch and process fish using both modern equipment and traditional methods. The city's restaurants serve Greenlandic seafood, and you'll find the country's only Chinese restaurant, where chefs prepare local ingredients using Chinese cooking techniques.
