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Tasiilaq

East Greenland’s Largest Town

Photo – Chris König, Visit Greenland

Official Name:
Tasiilaq
Region:
Ammassalik area, East Greenland
Municipality:
Kommuneqarfik Sermersooq
Location - coordinates:
65’36’49’’N/37’37’52’’W
Postcode:
3913
Population:
1.758
Ice Condition:
Usually ice-free July until November, high amount of ice to be expected also during summer months close to glaciers such as Knud Rasmussen Glacier, Helheim Glacier or Johan Petersen Fjord, where ice conditions can change daily.
Safe Anchorage:
65°36’09’’N / 37°33’03’’W; pier is not suitable for all sizes of ships, mostly anchorage in the fjord and transportation with Zodiacs to Tourist pontoon
Pier 1:
Atlantic Quay. Length 30 m, depth 8.7 m
Fresh Water Supply:
No
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

Kuummiut: Home to 234 inhabitants, Kuummiut is a hunter and fisherman’s settlement amidst majestic mountain landscapes.
Kulusuk: A settlement of 206 residents, Kulusuk offers visitors an authentic experience of East Greenlandic life, being the remote gateway that connect the Ammassalik region internationally.
Sermiligaaq: With 202 inhabitants, Sermiligaaq is a remote settlement of hunters and fishermen close to stunning glaciers, such as Knud Rasmussen Glacier.
Tiilerilaaq: This small community of 87 people is situated near the Sermilik Fjord, offering unparalleled access to pristine Arctic landscapes and traditional hunting grounds.
Isertoq: The settlement of 59 residents is one of the most remote in East Greenland, providing a unique opportunity to experience the traditional lifestyle and is known for its proximity to the ice cap.

Visit Tourism Destination’s website

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

eastgreenland.com

Culture & History of Tasiilaq

Tasiilaq, the largest town in East Greenland, was officially established in 1894 after Danish explorer Gustav Holm arrived during an expedition to map the coastline. Although the area was formally colonised following his landing, its human history stretches back much further. Indigenous Inuit communities had inhabited the region for thousands of years, adapting to its challenging conditions with seasonal, nomadic lifestyles centred around hunting, fishing, and foraging.
These deep-rooted traditions remain evident in modern-day Tasiilaq. While people now live in colourful wooden houses along the hillsides, many still embrace a lifestyle that flows harmoniously with the land. During the summer, boats are used to access remote cabins and hunting grounds, while winter travel often occurs via dog sled or snowmobile—methods that serve both as transportation and a means of cultural connection.
Spending time outdoors is a fundamental part of life in Tasiilaq, not just for survival but also for personal well-being. Residents value the opportunity to reconnect with nature, draw upon ancestral knowledge, and pass down stories that are deeply embedded in the landscapes around them. This bond with the natural world has cultivated a community that is both resilient and profoundly rooted in its environment.
For visitors, exploring Tasiilaq with a local guide offers more than just beautiful views; it provides valuable insight into a way of life that blends tradition with modern adaptation. From the fjords and flower-filled valleys to the ice-covered mountain ridges, each journey reveals not only spectacular scenery but also the enduring spirit of the people of East Greenland.
Culture & History of East Greenland

About Tasiilaq

Tasiilaq, the largest town in East Greenland, is beautifully set on Ammassalik Island, surrounded by snow-capped peaks, dramatic fjords, and vast wilderness. Its iconic Flower Valley, where vibrant Arctic flora blooms each summer, offers visitors a peaceful and picturesque introduction to the town’s unique setting. Originally named Angmagssalik, after the abundant capelin fish in local waters, the town’s current name, Tasiilaq, translates to “the place with a lake” and refers to the King Oscar Harbour, which lies protected due to the narrow entrance, reflecting its deep ties to the surrounding landscape.
With a population of around 1.758, Tasiilaq acts as a cultural and economic hub for the Ammassalik region, which includes five smaller settlements: Isertoq, Kulusuk, Kuummiut, Sermiligaaq, and Tiilerilaaq. Fishing, hunting, and tourism form the backbone of daily life, while limited access, due to shifting sea ice and seasonal supply routes, has fostered a resilient, self-sufficient community.
The town lies about 100 km south of the Arctic Circle, yet the constant flow of sea ice along Greenland’s east coast gives it a distinctly Arctic character. This is one of the few places in Greenland where dog sledding remains a vital part of everyday life, especially in winter, as it connects Tasiilaq with nearby settlements and hunting grounds.
Tasiilaq is not only a gateway to some of Greenland’s most dramatic landscapes but also a place where deep-rooted tradition lives alongside modern development. Whether you come for the nature, the culture, or the adventure, Tasiilaq offers a rare and authentic experience in the heart of East Greenland.
Learn More

Key Activities in Tasiilaq

Tasiilaq is the adventure capital of East Greenland, boasting a breathtaking combination of dramatic nature, rich Inuit culture, and the raw beauty of the Arctic wilderness. Nestled among towering peaks, deep fjords, and vast expanses of ice, this town offers a unique array of activities influenced by the rhythms of the land and sea. Whether you hike through the colourful Flower Valley, paddle in iceberg-filled waters, or go dog sledging under a sky illuminated by northern lights, Tasiilaq provides powerful and unforgettable experiences every season.

Here are five must-try activities highlighting why Tasiilaq is one of the most captivating and adventurous destinations in Sermersooq Municipality. To explore everything the region offers, visit eastgreenland.com and start planning your Arctic journey.

Guided City Tour

A local guide will take you around the hilly terrain of Tasiilaq, not only taking you to the main sights and beautiful viewpoints in town but also sharing stories about their everyday life in Tasiilaq. One of the main stops will be the Ammassalik Museum, allowing you to learn about the area’s history, getting a peek into an entirely different housing and lifestyle merely 50 years ago, accompanied by a choir and/or drum dance performance.
Photo – Filip Gielda, Visit East Greenland

Flower Valley

Just outside town, past the cemetery, a local guide leads you on an easy hike along a river and lake into the Flower Valley. Surrounded by steep mountain peaks, the valley bursts into shades of green, yellow, pink, and purple during the brief Arctic summer. At its far end, a waterfall fed by glacial meltwater completes the stunning scene.
Photo – Filip Gielda, Visit East Greenland

Dog sledding

A highlight for those having the opportunity to visit during the winter season between February and May, which is only possible for icebreaker ships due to the ice conditions of the sea ice belt, is stepping into the winter wonderland of Tasiilaq – sitting on a dog sledding trip across the frozen fjord outside Tasiilaq while observing everyday life, people who use the frozen fjord for recreation or ice fishing.
Photo – Oscar Scott Carl, Visit East Greenland

Small Boat Excursions

Stepping from the expedition or cruise ship onto a small boat that fits up to 12 passengers allows you to get close to nature while exploring Sermilik Fjord, Knud Rasmussen Glacier, the abandoned American airbase from World War II, visit one of the smaller settlements or enter the ice cave inside a glacier.
Photo – Oscar Scott Carl, Visit East Greenland

Local Guide

As you explore the area and nature beyond Tasiilaq, having a local guide on board the ship will enrich your experience. From navigating the fjords to the best landmarks and natural sights, the landscape entails splendid memories for the guides that they love to share with the guests, allowing them to glimpse what life looks and feels like in this remote corner.
Photo – Oscar Scott Carl, Visit East Greenland

Useful links

Gateway to Tasiilaq

Visit East Greenland is the official regional destination management organization dedicated to the East Region.

VisitGreenland.com

VisitGreenland.com is the official travel guide to Greenland, offering inspiration, practical tips, and detailed insights.

Mapping Portal Nunagis

Explore a comprehensive collection of Greenland’s maps and geodata on Mapping Portal – Nunagis.

Ittoqqortoormiit

Ittoqqortoormiit is one of Greenland’s most remote settlements, perched at the edge of the world’s largest fjord system. Surrounded by rich Arctic wildlife and bordering the vast Northeast Greenland National Park, it offers an unmatched sense of isolation and raw natural beauty. Life here follows the rhythm of the seasons, making every visit feel like a journey into the true wilderness.

Read about Ittoqqortoormiit
Visit East Greenland

Sermersooq Cruise Manual is an official guide created by Sermersooq Municipality, offering essential information on cruise destinations, regulations, sustainability guidelines, and local experiences to ensure a smooth and responsible voyage through Greenland’s breathtaking Arctic waters.

Sermersooq Cruise Manual is an official guide created by Sermersooq Municipality, offering essential information on cruise destinations, regulations, sustainability guidelines, and local experiences to ensure a smooth and responsible voyage through Greenland’s breathtaking Arctic waters.

© 2025 Sermersooq Cruise Manual

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