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Ittoqqortoormiit

Greenland’s most remote town

Official Name:
Ittoqqortoormiit
Region:
Ittoqqortoormiit area, East Greenland
Municipality:
Kommuneqarfik Sermersooq
Location - coordinates:
70°29′07″N 21°58′00″W
Postcode:
3980
Population:
324
Ice Condition:
Sea ice can occur year-round; limited open water season between July and October
Safe Anchorage:
No direct anchorage; tendering via Zodiac to local harbour
Fresh Water Supply:
No dockside supply
Summer Time:
WGST UTC -1
Western Greenland Summer Time
Winter Time:
WGT UTC-2
Western Greenland Time
Tourist Info:
eastgreenland.com
Contact Information:
Anna Burdenski
Tourism Coordinator
info@eastgreenland.com

Nearby Destinations

Nerlerit Inaat (Constable Pynt)A remote international airstrip and logistics hub offering access to Ittoqqortoormiit and the surrounding wilderness by air.

Visit Tourism Destination’s website

EastGreenland.com is your go-to guide for discovering the region's stunning landscapes and vibrant culture, especially in Ittoqqortoormiit, Greenland’s most remote town. Dive into a world of towering peaks, deep fjords, dog sledding, and local traditions, all just a click away.

Culture & History of Ittoqqortoormiit

Long before the establishment of Ittoqqortoormiit as a permanent settlement, the region was inhabited by Inuit cultures, notably the Thule people, who migrated across Greenland and adapted to its harsh environment. Archaeological evidence, including ruins and artefacts, indicates that these early communities thrived through hunting and fishing, laying the foundation for the area’s enduring cultural practices.

 

In 1927, Danish explorer Ejnar Mikkelsen, along with approximately 80 Inuit settlers from Tasiilaq and western Greenland, founded the settlement of Ittoqqortoormiit. The location was chosen for its rich hunting grounds, offering abundant seals, walruses, and polar bears. The name “Ittoqqortoormiit” translates to “Big-House Dwellers” in the Eastern Greenlandic dialect, reflecting the community’s establishment in this remote area.

Hunting remains a central aspect of life in Ittoqqortoormiit. Residents rely on traditional methods to hunt marine mammals and Arctic wildlife, sustaining their families and preserving ancestral customs. This deep connection to the land and sea continues to define the community’s identity and way of life.

As one of the most isolated towns in Greenland, Ittoqqortoormiit faces unique challenges, including limited access and harsh climatic conditions. Despite these obstacles, the community has demonstrated remarkable resilience, maintaining its cultural heritage and adapting to modern influences while preserving its traditional lifestyle.

About Ittoqqortoormiit

Ittoqqortoormiit is the smallest town in Greenland, and together with Qaanaaq by far the most isolated. Scoresbysund/Kangertittivaq, with its side fjords, is the largest fjord complex in the world. The first part of the Ittoqqortoormiit fjord system is generally ice-free year-round due to a stream that flows into and out of the fjords.
The old municipal area before 2009 is about the same size as Great Britain, and with only 324 inhabitants, each individual, in theory, has an area of 420 sq km to roam in. However, all inhabitants live in the main town of Ittoqqortoormiit. Hunting is the main occupation. Upon entering the town, two marked walking trails are available, offering a return trip of two to four hours.
The National Park in the far north is the largest nature reserve in the world, and people with a permanent address outside Ittoqqortoormiit or Qaanaaq areas must have a special permit to enter the area.
The wildlife in the area is extraordinary, with many birds and marine mammals of the high Arctic. Jameson Land is home to an important population of musk ox. At Cape Tobin lies a thermal spring of 62°C – the hottest in Greenland.

Key Activities in Ittoqqortoormiit

Ittoqqortoormiit is not only Greenland’s most isolated town – it’s a gateway to one of the most untouched wilderness areas on the planet. Located near the vast Scoresbysund fjord and close to the world’s largest national park, this Arctic outpost offers visitors a raw natural environment, deep cultural traditions, and a rare sense of solitude.

Life follows the rhythm of the land, making every activity feel like a true expedition. Here are five unforgettable experiences that make Ittoqqortoormiit a truly unique destination.

To learn more and plan your Arctic adventure, visit eastgreenland.com.

Tasiilaq

East Greenland’s largest town, Tasiilaq is framed by towering mountains and icy fjords that create a truly dramatic Arctic setting. The iconic Flower Valley blooms with Arctic flora in summer, while winter offers snow-covered adventures by dog sled or snowmobile. Rich in local culture and community spirit, Tasiilaq is a gateway to the raw and rugged beauty of the Ammassalik region.