Ittoqqortoormiit, as well as the Ammassalik region, are active polar bear territories, where polar bears are present year-round. While they travel with the sea ice from the North along the East coast, they also inhabit areas close to the ice cap. When it comes to polar bear encounters in East Greenland, caution and preparation are essential. The risk for spontaneous polar bear encounters increases when venturing outside the inhabited areas, particularly in remote, icy regions where phone and internet signals may be unavailable, and rescue support is difficult to access on short notice. To ensure your safety, it’s crucial to stay informed about any recent sightings, carry appropriate safety equipment, and, most importantly, we highly recommend travelling with an experienced local guide familiar with handling potential encounters. In any case, always inform someone of your hiking or trekking plans before heading out and take the necessary precautions when exploring these stunning but challenging landscapes. In order to witness polar bears in their natural habitat in East Greenland, we recommend booking a polar bear sightseeing experience with one of the licensed operators.
You can read more about polar bears in East Greenland here.
