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Sisimiut

Sisimiut, Qeqqata, Greenland

Sisimiut, located in the Qeqqata municipality of Greenland, is a charming and picturesque town that offers a unique blend of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and outdoor adventures. As the second-largest town in Greenl…

#Arctic#Remote#Greenland#Qeqqata#Fishing

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Top hotels & flights

Hand-picked stays and the best fares into Sisimiut.

Top Hotels in Sisimiut

Top Flights to Sisimiut

Popular activities

Tours, tickets and experiences travelers book most in Sisimiut.

Tours

Discover Sisimiut Museum

Explore the Sisimiut Museum to learn about the history and culture of Greenland. The museum features ancient artifacts, local history exhibitions, and remarkable traditional Greenlandic architecture.

Tour the Icecap near Sisimiut

Take a guided tour to the edge of the Greenland Icecap, a massive sheet of ice covering a large portion of Greenland.

Shopping

Visit the Sisimiut Market

Experience local shopping at the Sisimiut Market. Browse through local produce, handicrafts, and Greenlandic specialties.

Outdoor

Hiking the Arctic Circle Trail

Embark on a trek across one of the most famous trails in Greenland, offering stunning vistas of the Arctic landscapes and wildlife viewing opportunities.

Explore Kangerlussuaq Fjord by Boat

Set sail to witness the majestic iceberg landscapes and wildlife along the Kangerlussuaq Fjord. An opportunity to see seals and possibly whales.

Skiing in the Backcountry

Explore the backcountry slopes around Sisimiut for some skiing adventure, offering pristine wilderness and beautiful views.

Kayaking in Sisimiut Waters

Enjoy a kayaking adventure in the waters around Sisimiut, offering a unique way to experience pristine arctic landscapes and the serenity of coastal Greenland.

Location videos

Real reels from travelers, plus longer watches to get the full picture.

Watch & explore

Practical info

The essentials for planning your time in Sisimiut.

Currency

kr. | DKK | Danish Krone

Population

The approximate estimated total population of Sisimiut, Qeqqata, Greenland is around 5,500.

Languages

Greenlandic, Danish, English

Average weather

Sisimiut

Jan

-7°-13°

Feb

-7°-13°

Mar

-5°-12°

Apr

-1°-8°

May

3°-3°

Jun

8°2°

Jul

11°5°

Aug

10°5°

Sep

6°2°

Oct

1°-3°

Nov

-3°-8°

Dec

-6°-12°

Local guide

What travelers love, what to watch for, and a deeper read on Sisimiut.

What people love

Sisimiut, located in Qeqqata, Greenland, offers a unique and unforgettable travel experience with several pros:

Scenic Beauty: Sisimiut is surrounded by stunning natural landscapes, including mountains, fjords, and the Arctic Ocean. Visitors can enjoy breathtaking views and opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, kayaking, and whale watching.
Cultural Experience: Sisimiut is a vibrant town with a rich cultural heritage. Travelers have the chance to interact with the local Inuit population, learn about their traditions, and explore the history of Greenlandic culture.
Adventure Opportunities: The region around Sisimiut offers various adventure activities like dog sledding, snowmobiling, and ice fishing. Travelers seeking a thrill and a taste of the Arctic wilderness will find plenty of options to satisfy their adventurous spirit.
Northern Lights: Sisimiut is located in the Arctic Circle, making it a prime location to witness the mesmerizing natural phenomenon of the Northern Lights. Visitors can experience the magical dance of colorful lights in the night sky during the winter months.
Wildlife Viewing: Greenland is home to diverse wildlife, including polar bears, whales, seals, and seabirds. Travelers to Sisimiut have the opportunity to observe these fascinating animals in their natural habitats, providing a memorable and unique wildlife viewing experience.

Overall, traveling to Sisimiut offers a combination of natural beauty, adventure opportunities, cultural experiences, and the chance to witness the Northern Lights, making it a destination worth considering for those seeking an off-the-beaten-path Arctic adventure.

What to know

Some potential cons of traveling to Sisimiut in Greenland may include:

Harsh Climate: Sisimiut, like many other places in Greenland, experiences a harsh Arctic climate with extremely cold temperatures, strong winds, and limited daylight hours during the winter months. This can make travel and outdoor activities challenging and uncomfortable for some visitors.
Remote Location: Sisimiut is a remote town located in western Greenland, which can make reaching it a bit difficult and expensive. Limited transportation options, such as flights or boat trips, may be available, and travel times can be long due to the town's isolated location.
Limited Amenities: As a small town in a remote region, Sisimiut may have limited amenities and services compared to larger cities. Visitors may find fewer accommodation, dining, and entertainment options available, as well as limited shopping opportunities.
Language Barrier: While many residents in Sisimiut may speak English, Greenlandic is the official language of Greenland. Visitors who do not speak Greenlandic or Danish may encounter some language barriers when trying to communicate with locals or navigate the town.
High Cost of Living: Greenland is known to have a high cost of living, which can translate to higher prices for goods, services, and accommodations in Sisimiut. Travelers should be prepared for potentially expensive expenses during their stay in the town.

Please note that these are general considerations and individual experiences may vary. It's always a good idea to research further and plan accordingly before traveling to Sisimiut.

Sisimiut, located in the Qeqqata municipality of Greenland, is the second-largest town in Greenland, with a rich history and cultural significance. Here's an overview of its history, notable events, historical figures, and landmarks:

Early History

Pre-Inuit Cultures: The area around Sisimiut has been inhabited for over 4,500 years by various Paleo-Eskimo cultures, including the Saqqaq and Dorset cultures. These early inhabitants were primarily hunters of marine mammals.
Inuit Settlement: The Thule people, ancestors of the modern Inuit, arrived in the region around the 13th century. They adapted to the Arctic environment, relying heavily on hunting and fishing.

Colonial Era

Danish Colonization: The town of Sisimiut was officially founded in 1756 by Danish colonists and was originally named Holsteinsborg after Count Johan Ludvig Holstein. This was part of Denmark’s broader efforts to establish trading posts in Greenland for the whaling and fur trade.
Missionary Work: Missionaries, particularly from the Moravian Church, played a significant role in the area during the 18th and 19th centuries, converting many Inuit to Christianity and influencing local culture and education.

Modern History

Economic Development: Sisimiut evolved into an important trading and economic center in Greenland. The fishing industry, particularly shrimp and halibut, has been a central part of its economy.
Infrastructure Growth: In recent decades, Sisimiut has seen significant growth in infrastructure, including the expansion of its harbor and the establishment of educational institutions such as the Arctic Technology Centre.

Cultural and Historical Figures

Hans Egede: While not directly associated with Sisimiut, Hans Egede was a prominent missionary in Greenland during the early colonial period and influenced the spread of Christianity throughout the island, including areas around Sisimiut.

Landmarks

Sisimiut Museum: The museum, housed in historic colonial buildings, offers insights into local Inuit culture, the colonial history of the area, and the town’s development.
Church of Sisimiut: Built in 1926, this church is an important cultural and historical landmark in the town, offering services and cultural events.
Telecommunications Tower: The tower on the mountain overlooking Sisimiut is a modern landmark, symbolizing the town's development and connectivity.
Kangerluarsunnguaq Fjord: The surrounding natural landscapes, including this fjord, are significant for their beauty and opportunities for outdoor activities like hiking and skiing.

Recent Developments

Education and Research: The establishment of educational institutions has bolstered Sisimiut’s reputation as a center for Arctic research and technology.
Tourism: With its stunning landscapes and opportunities for adventure tourism, Sisimiut has become a growing destination for visitors interested in Arctic experiences.

Sisimiut continues to be a vital part of Greenland's cultural and economic landscape, balancing traditional Inuit culture with modern advancements.