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Isertoq

Isertoq

Photo: Visit East Greenland

Quick facts about Isertoq

Names:
Isertoq (East Greenlandic), Isortoq (West Greenlandic)
Category:
Settlement
GPS coordinates:
65°32′55″N 38°58′30″W
Location:
Located at the outskirts of the Greenland ice cap
Population:
48
Airport/Heliport:
[IOQ] Helistop
Timezone:
WGST / UTC-2 / GMT-2
Postal code:
3913

Isertoq, a settlement teetering on the brink of the wild Greenland ice cap, is a must-see for anyone with a taste for adventure. Sitting about 63km from Tasiilaq, this destination marks the start or end of many ice cap expeditions and crossings. The sight of adventurers embarking or concluding their daring journeys is a constant source of excitement here.

Facilities in Isertoq

  • Small supermarket, with post office, local bank office and petrol station
  • Service house with running water, shower and accommodation
  • Communal spots for drinking water collection
  • Nursing station
  • Municipality office
  • Church
  • School
  • Kindergarden
  • Free-time facility for the youth
  • Small multipurpose football field

A Prime Spot for Seal Hunting

Another draw of this small settlement is its popularity as a seal hunting spot. The locals have refined the art of seal hunting, and it’s an integral part of their daily life and culture. It’s not uncommon to see groups heading out onto the icy waters in search of their next meal.

Gateway to the Greenland ice sheet

Isertoq is unique in its geographical location – it’s nestled on a tiny island caught between the colossal Greenland ice cap and the vast ocean. A brief walk from anywhere in the settlement rewards you with breathtaking views of the ice cap looming over the settlement, painting a picture that’s both powerful and serene.

Community Infrastructure

Isertoq may be small, with a population of 48, but it’s fully equipped with necessary amenities. The local Pilersuisoq is a one-stop-shop for various needs – it functions as a bank, post office, and fuel depot. The village also has a school that doubles as a free-time club for the young inhabitants, a kindergarten, a nursing station, and a municipality office.

Handy Tips for Travelers

Travelers should note that all the local bank offices cater only to their own Greenlandic bank accounts. Visitors are advised to carry cash as certain services, such as the service houses, require cash payment. There are three ATM machines in the big and small supermarket in Tasiilaq for cash withdrawal that accept all common international credit cards. All supermarkets of Pilersuisoq and most of the other facilities accept card payments, also with international cards.

The Service House

One notable facility is the service house, providing showers, accommodation, and laundry service. It’s the only place in the settlement with running water, giving it a unique significance in daily life. Like in many East Greenlandic settlements, water must be collected from a communal spot – a process that locals have adapted to and visitors find fascinating.

Conclusion: Experience the Stark Beauty of Isertoq

In its isolation and simplicity, Isertoq captures the essence of life in Greenland. The settlement offers visitors an unmatched opportunity to experience the raw beauty of the ice cap, the thrill of seal hunting, and a unique lifestyle that’s both humbling and inspiring. This tiny island settlement is more than a home to its residents; it’s a testament to human resilience and adaptability in the face of nature’s extremes.

Overnight options

Service house
Private housing

Activities in Isertoq

Camping

Dogsledding

Drum dance

Fishing tours

Glacier hike

Helicopter charter

Sailing