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.

In East Greenland, a multitude of photographic possibilities awaits, allowing you to capture the region’s captivating natural wonders and cultural richness. Frame your shots to showcase the breathtaking Arctic landscapes, featuring glaciers, icebergs, fjords, and the enchanting Northern Lights during the winter season. For wildlife enthusiasts, there are opportunities to focus your lens on polar bears, Arctic foxes, seals, whales, and diverse bird species. As you embark on your photographic journey, it’s crucial to exercise mindfulness and respect for the local community, their homes, and their daily lives. Always seek permission before photographing individuals, especially children, to ensure you uphold their privacy and dignity.

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 experience in either the Ammassalik or Ittoqqortoormiit area, where you have the best chance to encounter a polar bear in their natural habitat while prioritising safety for yourself and the wildlife. Remember to bring your zoom lens for such a trip, as you need to be 200m away from the animal at all times while on a polar bear sightseeing tour, according to the law of protected animals and polar bear sightseeing with license. Also binoculars are key on such an adventure.

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.

The best time to observe whales, such as humpback whales, fin whales or alike is from July to September. During those warmer months whales come to their feeding grounds in East Greenland.

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:

You should never touch a sled dog without the owner’s permission, as they are most familiar with their animals and their behaviour. If you come across puppies, dogs under 6 months of age, roaming the streets and they approach you, it’s usually okay to pet them. However, never approach any puppy near its mother, as she will be very protective of her young. Always be respectful of the dogs and follow the owner’s guidance for safety.

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 travellers 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 only pharmacies in East Greenland are located at the hospital Tasiilaq and Ittoqqortoormiit, where you only get medicine based on a medical prescription after seeing a doctor. Common over-the-counter (OTC) medications, such as pills for headaches and coughing (paracetamol, ibuprophen or strepsils) can be found at the checkout counters of the local supermarkets. Visitors are advised to bring their own medications in sufficient quantities for the duration of their stay.

The tradition of colouring 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 colours 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 colours 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.

There are several options to stay connected with your loved ones back home while on adventure in East Greenland. Satellite internet connection is provided in some accommodations or the tourist office for free. Make sure to double check, your mobile sim provider might offer Greenland in their travel packages as well.

In the settlements of Kuummiut, Tiilerilaaq, Isertoq, and Sermiligaaq in the Ammassalik region, one can book a simple bunk bed for an overnight stay at the Service House, which is also one of the few places in the settlement that provides running water, showers, and flushing toilets. The overnight stay at the Service House must be booked directly with the Service House during their opening hours, which are Monday through Friday, 08:00-15:30. You need cash in Danish Kroner (DKK) for payment for the overnight stay as well as usage of shower or laundry facilities.

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 Greenland is a multi-lingual community. The official language is East Greenlandic, Tunumiisut, which is primarily spoken in the region. It’s important to note that the dialect in Ittoqqortoormiit differs from the one spoken in the Ammassalik area. As East Greenlandic is a spoken language only, the official national Greenlandic language, Kalaallisut, is widely understood by the population. All official documents, TV broadcasts, and news are in Kalaallisut. In addition, many people in East Greenland also speak Danish, as it is the second official language of the country. English is commonly understood, particularly in the tourism industry.

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

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

While hiking alone in East Greenland is possible, it requires proper preparation, awareness of potential risks, and consideration of local conditions. If you’re new to the region or unfamiliar with Arctic environments, hiking with a local guide or in a group is the safest choice.

The goal should be never place yourself in a scenario where you or the polar bear are in danger, but you must be ready in case one does. This requires packing a powerful enough weapon, when travelling outside of Greenlandic towns or settlements, in areas with polar bear activity. The strongest defense against polar bears is a powerful rifle (caliber 308 Win or 30-06 or more powerful). Before venturing out, learn how to handle it safely both when it’s not being used and when you’re under pressure and need to shoot to hit.

Learn more about polar bear safety here:

Only the town of Tasiilaq in East Greenland has an official camp site, which is located next to the heliport at Ittimini. Beyond that you are allowed to camp in nature, but please be respectful and follow the ‘leave no trace’ principle.

The gun laws in Greenland allow tourists to buy, borrow or rent a rifle in Greenland. However, automatic & semi-automatic firearms, as well as handguns, are not allowed to be used by tourists. In order to bring a personal firearm into or out of the country, you need to acquire the necessary permits. If you intend to carry a rifle, make sure you are knowledgeable about gun safety.

For safety and security reasons the disaster alarm system is tested once a week in Tasiilaq. Every Wednesday at 12:00 o’clock the local fire station tests their sirenes across town. This test alarm last around 30 seconds and consists of one long sound. In case of emergency, if the sirene should be used by the police, fire station or alike to warn people, the signaling sound would be different and can easily be identified. You might also find that the disaster alarm system is tested in Ittoqqortoormiit occasionally on Wednesday 12:00.

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)

Norlandair: +354 414 6960 (contact Norlandair)

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.

In order to come prepared for your East Greenlandic adventure, check out our packing list and recommendations here:

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 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.

It is highly recommended to obtain the appropriate travel insurance that matches the type of adventure you are embarking on when visiting East Greenland. Consult your local travel agent for insurance advice that matches your planned trip. 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.

The only place in East Greenland that has an ATM, which will provide cash in Danish Kroner (DKK), is in Tasiilaq. The ATM’s are located at the supermarket of Pilersuisoq, the big and the small supermarket, and can be used with any common international credit card. Please be aware that there is a daily cash withdrawal limit of 2.000 DKK for international cards.

The official currency used in Greenland is the Danish Krone (DKK). It is often referred to as kroner or kr.

Card payments, including international credit cards, are accepted in the supermarkets, also in the small settlements. However, other places such as the artist workshop, service house or or other places for souvenirs do not accept card payments or foreign cash. Therefore, it is advisable to bring cash in Danish Kroner for your trip to East Greenland, as the options to retrieve cash in Danish Kroner while in East Greenland are limited. The only place with an ATM is in Tasiilaq. The local bank, located at the supermarket, only serves its clients, who have an account at the bank.

We highly recommend to book your adventure as soon as you have made your decision about travelling to East Greenland. Given that there is limited weekly flight capacity and selected accommodation options, the earlier you book the more choices you have, as both main seasons for winter and summer are very popular. The closer we get to the desired travel date, the more flexibility is required to plan your adventure.

Both are possible and depend on the type of adventure you are looking for in East Greenland. There are tours, especially the special interest tours as heliskiing, dog sledding expeditions, kajak expeditions, polar bear expeditions and guided photo tours that you always need to buy in advance, as they are offered as a packaged adventure. If you are travelling individually but still have activities you don’t want to miss out on, we do recommend booking your most desired experience upfront or at least being informed about availability during your desired trip dates, to ensure that you are not missing out on your favourite adventure. If you are more flexible about the activities, as well as some other highly weather-dependent activities, you can always find activities you can book on the spot in accordance with the conditions.