East Greenland offers many unique experiences such as whale watching, iceberg excursions, kayaking through the fjords, and trips to observe the magnificent wildlife including polar bears and seals.

A fishing license is required in order to fish. The license can easily be bought online in advance for the desired date or period. The fishing license provide the holder the right to fish with a rod or hand line. You are only allowed to fish as much as you can consume. Common fish would be cod, halibut or redfish which are caught with rod or hand line. Price for a fishing license are 75 DKK for 24 hours; 200 DKK for 1 week; 500 DKK for 1 month. Please find the guidelines for acquiring a fishing license here.

If you would like to see a polar bear, we recommend you to choose a polar bear safari, where you have the best chance to encounter a polar bear in their natural habitat.

In East Greenland, you can expect to encounter a diverse array of wildlife, including polar bears, Arctic foxes, seals, whales and various bird species, making it a paradise for nature enthusiasts and wildlife photographers. The region’s pristine and remote landscapes offer unique opportunities for wildlife observation and appreciation.

Whale watching tours are most popular in the warmer months when whales come closer to the shore for feeding.

East Greenland offers a mix of traditional Greenlandic dishes like whale, seal, and fish as well as more western meals. Local specialties include dried fish and seafood.

In East Greenland, the biggest towns – Tasiilaq and Ittoqqortoormiit – have a hospital/health care center, while all other settlements in the region only have a nursing station. These facilities provide a limited range of service and treatments. Individuals with more severe medical conditions have to go to the national hospital in Nuuk or to specialized hospitals in Denmark. Therefore, the Greenlandic health authorities strongly recommend obtaining comprehensive travel health insurance that covers various aspects of healthcare needs, including sudden onset of illnesses, hospitalization, therapy, medication, dental care, and medical evacuation, including ambulance transportation from remote or isolated areas in Greenland. Additionally, it is advisable for travelers to bring their own regularly prescribed medications since specific products may not always be readily available. Below you can find the rules governing health care provision for temporary residents, which is defined as people staying in Greenland for six months or less for study or vacation.

The tradition of coloring houses in East Greenland began with the introduction of the first wooden houses. Given that East Greenlandic is solely a spoken language, in the initial colonial period, most Greenlanders were not able to read Danish written language, with the colors primarily functioning as practical signage in the established settlements. A red building indicated a store, yellow denoted a hospital, and a blue structure marked the local fish factory. While many buildings now use colors for decorative purposes, some still uphold this historic tradition.
Red: churches and stores, including the houses where the priest or shop owner lived. The most commonly used color.
Yellow: hospitals, including the houses where the doctors or nurses lived
Green: radio communications, or later, telecommunications buildings in general.
Black: police
Blue: factories, fish plants

The internet connection in Tasiilaq can be limited compared to larger cities. It’s advised to prepare for periods of slower internet speeds or limited access.

The Mount Gunnbjørn in East Greenland is the highest point in Greenland. The summit is 3,694 m above sea level. Situated approximately 60 kilometers inland from the Blosseville Coast, the Watkins Range can be found in King Christian IX Land, characterized by a cluster of nunataks enveloped by expansive, dynamic glaciers. This range boasts imposing ice-clad peaks and rugged cliffs, with the principal summit being Gunnbjørn Fjeld, holding the distinction of being the loftiest peak within the Arctic. It is also the highest peak located north of the Arctic Circle. Accessing this region is primarily achieved through ski-equipped airplanes departing from Iceland, and it ranks among the most frequently explored mountainous regions in Greenland, necessitating the acquisition of an expedition permit for entry.

East-Greenlandic is the official language. However, many also speak Danish, and English is understood by many, especially in the tourism industry.

You can currently view live webcams from Tasiilaq by clicking on the provided links below:

Due to the rugged terrain and wildlife, it is recommended to go on guided tours or hike in groups. Always inform locals about your plans and route.

To visit East Greenland, it’s best to fly via Iceland. With Icelandair you can connect via Keflavik Airport (KEF) from offering flights to Kulusuk (KUS) for the Ammassalik area or with Norlandair from Reykjavik (RKV) via Akureyri to Constable Point (CNP) for Ittoqqortoormiit. Depending on the season there is a different frequency in connections for these regions, with a flight plan available on their websites. Further helicopter transport in each of the regions is operated by Air Greenland. Within Greenland, the connection between Kulusuk (KUS) and Nuuk (GOH) with Air Greenland is only available twice per week. If you prefer a cruise, expedition ship or sailing boat, select a trip that allows ample time for exploring the breathtaking region.

To navigate East Greenland, you can utilize different transportation options depending on the season. During the summer, consider using boats as the go to for accessing different settlements, fjords and popular tourist spots and hidden gems. Helicopters provide an efficient means of travel year-round both for passengers and cargo, especially the connection between Kulusuk and Tasiilaq or Constable Point to Ittoqqortoormiit, while the connection between Tasiilaq and the other settlements is only scheduled once or twice per week. In the winter months, you can also rely on snowmobiles and dogsledding for transportation.

In East Greenland, transportation between towns and settlements primarily relies on boats during summer and dogsleds or snowmobiles in winter. There are also limited helicopter services provided by Air Greenland connecting certain towns and settlements. Due to the region’s rugged terrain and lack of roads between communities, there are no car routes for inter-town travel. It’s essential to plan your journey in advance, taking into consideration the seasonal changes and available transportation options. Always consult with local tour operators or the community’s information center for the most current travel advice and arrangements.

Every airline has their specific luggage regulations, which are available on their respective websites. Icelandair has a unique baggage allowance for trips to Greenland. Please keep in mind that if you arrive in Kulusuk with Icelandair and afterwards transfer to the helicopter service provided by Air Greenland, your luggage must comply with both regulations on allowance.

In case of delay, cancellation and rebooking you will be informed via text message, using the number that has been used when making the booking. In case of further questions you can contact their customer hotline of the responsible airline:

Air Greenland +299 70 12 12 (contact Air Greenland)

Icelandair: +354 50 50 100 (contact Icelandair)

In case of a delay or cancellation of your flight, the responsible airline will take care of your accommodation and meals, if you do not reside in the city in question. You will receive further information at the airport/heliport or the airline will contact you with the necessary information via text message. There is always the possibility to contact your travel agent booking the flight tickets or the airline directly.

Flight delay – Air Greenland

Flight delay – Icelandair

A heliport such as Tasiilaq, has its own heliport building for check-in, baggage handling and related matters. A helistop consists of a landing platform but lacks its own building, with all helicopter flight-related matters being handled at the local Pilersuisoq supermarket.

The weather can be unpredictable, so layering, waterproof outerwear, and sturdy hiking boots are recommended. Also, remember sunscreen and sunglasses, especially in the summer months.

The climate in the Ammassalik area is described as ’polar tundra’, while in Ittoqqortoormiit, further north along the east coast, falls under the classification of ‘high Arctic’. East Greenland’s weather presents a challenging and harsh environment, particularly during the winter season, yet it offers remarkable opportunities for those in search of unique Arctic adventures. Travelers should be well-prepared for the unpredictable weather conditions when exploring this remote and captivating region. In general, East Greenland’s weather is marked by its Arctic nature, featuring noticeable seasonal shifts: brief but temperate summers contrasting with prolonged, dark, and frigid winters. Summer offers extended daylight hours, while winter blankets the landscape in snow, with the Northern Lights illuminating the night sky.

In East Greenland, the Aurora Borealis, also known as the Northern Lights, paints the Arctic skies with its ethereal and mesmerizing display. This remote and pristine region offers a unique backdrop for witnessing this natural phenomenon. The beautiful mountain ranges set a perfect location for shooting Northern Lights. You can witness the northern lights from September, if you’re fortunate, all the way through April. During September, they become a captivating part of your fall adventure in the region. For the ultimate winter experience and the best chances to enjoy the mesmerizing Northern Lights, the prime period to visit is from mid-February to April. The most active Aurora can usually be found around the equinoxes in March and September, where most of the northern lights appear between 17:00 and 02:00. While you might already get a glimpse of the Northern Lights from the window of your accommodation, cozy and comfortable gazing at the night sky, it is definitely worth stepping outside, minimize lights pollution to observe the Aurora Borealis in its full beauty.

Aurora Forecast

The best period to visit East Greenland depends on the adventure you want to have in East Greenland. Are you looking for sailing through endless summer nights admiring icebergs and the coastal scenery, flourishing Arctic flora, kayaking, whale watching, trekking and camping the rugged landscapes in East Greenland? Then the best time for you to visit is from end of June until the end of September. Are you searching for a winter adventure with dog sledding, snow-covered mountain peaks, heli-skiing, ice fishing and northern lights? Then we recommend you to plan your adventure in the period from mid-February to the end of April.