The Ultimate Guide to East Greenland | From Ancient Fjords to Inuit Traditions

It's hard to describe just how vast and empty this place feels. While West Greenland gets most of the attention, the east coast is where you'll find Greenland at its most raw and real.

Only about 3,500 people live here, mostly in tiny settlements sprinkled along the coast. The local Tunumiit people still hunt and fish these waters like their ancestors did, speaking their own distinct language and keeping old traditions alive. They're incredibly welcoming to visitors, happy to share their unique way of life.

When you look at a map of East Greenland, the first thing you notice is the fjords – especially Scoresbysund, which is actually the biggest fjord system anywhere on Earth. These aren't just waterways – they're the highways of the region, used by both locals in their boats and enormous icebergs that drift south from the glaciers.

People come here for many reasons. Some want to see the northern lights dance across the sky with no city lights to dim the show. 

Others hope to paddle kayaks next to house-sized icebergs or spot a polar bear prowling the coast. Many are drawn by the chance to experience one of the most unique cultures in the Arctic. 

What everyone finds is a place that still feels truly wild – somewhere that exploration isn't just a marketing term but a real part of every visit.

It's a place where adventure feels real and untamed, where each journey becomes a true expedition.

Main reasons to visit East Greenland

Breathtaking fjords

East Greenland's fjords rank among the world's most spectacular. Scoresbysund, stretching over 350 kilometres inland, represents just one jewel in this crown of natural wonders. These deep channels, carved by ancient glaciers, create a maze of waterways flanked by towering cliffs and active glaciers.

The Sermilik Fjord near Tasiilaq offers another highlight, where three of Greenland's most productive glaciers meet the sea. Here, massive icebergs drift silently through waters that have sustained local communities for generations. 

The Kangerlussuaq Fjord further north presents yet another face of Eastern Greenland's majesty, with its mouth stretching 16 kilometres wide.

Unique culture

The Tunumiit people remained relatively isolated until the late 19th century, allowing them to preserve distinct traditions that set them apart from other Greenlandic communities. 

Their language, East Greenlandic, differs significantly from West Greenlandic, and their artistic traditions – particularly in bone and soapstone carving – reflect deep connections to the spirit world.

Local communities still practice traditional hunting and fishing, using knowledge passed down through generations. The region's famous tupilak carvings, originally created as spiritual talismans, now serve as powerful reminders of East Greenland's shamanic heritage.

Incredible wildlife

The waters and lands of East Greenland support a remarkable array of Arctic wildlife. Whales – including humpback, fin, and the elusive narwhal – frequent the fjords during summer months. Seals bob curiously around icebergs, while muskoxen graze the coastal tundra.

Bird enthusiasts find particular delight here, with species like little auks, fulmars, and various gulls nesting along coastal cliffs. The region also supports healthy populations of Arctic foxes, and polar bears can occasionally be spotted hunting along the sea ice.

Beautiful scenery

East Greenland's landscapes seem almost otherworldly. The Watkins Mountains, including Greenland's highest peak, create a dramatic backdrop to coastal scenes. During summer, the tundra erupts in tiny, colourful wildflowers, while autumn paints the landscape in rich reds and golds.

The interplay of light here proves especially magical – summer's midnight sun bathes everything in golden light, while winter's darkness provides the perfect canvas for the northern lights. Massive icebergs, some larger than buildings, drift majestically through the fjords, their ancient ice glowing in shades of blue and white.

Popular East Greenland destinations

Tiilerilaaq

This small settlement, perched at the edge of the Sermilik Fjord, offers visitors an authentic glimpse into traditional Greenlandic life. With fewer than 100 residents, Tiilerilaaq maintains strong connections to hunting traditions, and its location provides extraordinary views of both icebergs and the Greenland ice sheet.

Kuummiut

Nestled among steep mountains, Kuummiut serves as an important fishing centre for East Greenland. The settlement's dramatic setting, combined with excellent hiking opportunities and chance wildlife encounters, makes it a fascinating stop for visitors seeking to understand modern Greenlandic life.

Ittoqqortoormiit

Perhaps Greenland's most isolated town, Ittoqqortoormiit sits at the mouth of Scoresbysund. This community of about 450 people maintains strong hunting traditions, using dog sleds in winter and boats in summer to travel their vast territory. Visitors here experience true Arctic isolation while witnessing how communities adapt to extreme conditions.

Kulusuk

Often serving as the gateway to East Greenland, Kulusuk combines accessibility with authentic culture. The island's dramatic landscape, traditional handicrafts, and glimpses of local life make it an excellent introduction to the region.

Tasiilaq

As East Greenland's largest town, Tasiilaq offers a perfect blend of traditional culture and modern amenities. Surrounded by mountains and blessed with a beautiful harbour, the town serves as an ideal base for hiking, kayaking, and cultural experiences. 

Its museum, crafts workshops, and cultural performances provide deep insights into East Greenlandic culture.

Top landmarks of East Greenland

Northeast Greenland National Park

Covering nearly one million square kilometres, Northeast Greenland National Park stands as the world's largest national park. This vast wilderness stretches from the northern edge of Eastern Greenland to the top of the island, encompassing pristine tundra, massive glaciers, and rugged mountains.

The park hosts no permanent human settlements, making it one of Earth's last truly wild places. Its pristine environment supports diverse Arctic wildlife, including muskoxen, Arctic foxes, and polar bears. During summer months, the park's tundra comes alive with wildflowers and migratory birds.

Are you interested in touring Northeast Greenland National Park? Learn more below.

Scoresbysund

Scoresbysund, known locally as Kangertittivaq, represents nature working on an almost unimaginable scale. As the world's largest fjord system, it stretches over 350 kilometres into Greenland's interior, with numerous branches creating a maze of waterways, each more spectacular than the last.

The fjord system features some of the most dramatic landscapes along the Greenland coast. Massive icebergs – many rising dozens of metres above the water – drift majestically through its waters. 

The surrounding mountains, some reaching heights of more than 2,000 metres, create a backdrop of unparalleled grandeur.

Myggbukta (Mosquito Bay)

Standing as a testament to Arctic exploration history, Myggbukta offers visitors a glimpse into the region's fascinating past. The site features a well-preserved hunters' hut that dates back to the early 20th century, when Norwegian trappers used this remote outpost as a base for hunting polar bears and Arctic foxes.

Today, the bay's surrounding tundra provides excellent wildlife viewing opportunities. Muskoxen graze the vegetation-rich landscape, while various species of geese frequent the area's small lakes. The site serves as an ideal introduction to East Greenland's wilderness, where human history and natural beauty intertwine seamlessly.

Blomsterbugt (Bay of Flowers)

Known as the Bay of Flowers, Blomsterbugt ranks among East Greenland's most picturesque locations. The bay earned its name from the remarkable variety of Arctic flora that blooms here during the brief summer months, creating a colourful display against the stark Arctic landscape.

The area offers more than just botanical interests. Its geological formations tell a story millions of years in the making, with dramatically layered rocks displaying a natural timeline of Earth's history. 

The bay's plains provide excellent hiking opportunities, where visitors might spot Arctic hares or muskoxen against a backdrop of stunning mountain vistas.

A nearby freshwater lake, known as Noah Lake, attracts various bird species, including great northern divers. The combination of wildlife, geology, and flora makes Blomsterbugt an essential stop for anyone exploring the Eastern Greenland coast.

Planning your trip to East Greenland

Visiting East Greenland requires careful planning, but the rewards prove absolutely worth the effort. While independent travel remains challenging due to limited infrastructure, several options exist for experiencing this remarkable region.

Small ship expeditions offer one of the best ways to explore East Greenland. Secret Atlas specialises in intimate Expedition Micro Cruises, taking just 12 guests aboard modern, ice-strengthened vessels. This approach allows for deeper exploration and more meaningful experiences than larger cruise ships can provide.

Getting to East Greenland typically involves flying into either Kulusuk or Nerlerit Inaat (Constable Point) airports from Iceland. From there, helicopter transfers or boat connections reach other settlements. 

During summer months, expedition vessels also access the region from Iceland or Svalbard.

Most visitors explore East Greenland between June and September when ice conditions allow for easier navigation. This period offers different advantages:

• June: Long daylight hours and fresh snow on mountains

• July: Peak wildlife activity and warmest temperatures

• September: Autumn colours and this is when northern lights viewing begins

Accommodation options vary by location. Tasiilaq offers several hotels and guesthouses, while smaller settlements typically provide basic but comfortable lodging. However, many visitors choose to explore via expedition vessel, using the ship as a floating hotel.

Visit East Greenland with Secret Atlas

Secret Atlas's East Greenland & Scoresbysund Micro Cruise offers an intimate way to experience this remarkable region. With just 12 guests aboard, the expedition provides flexibility and personalised attention impossible on larger vessels.

The voyage focuses on Scoresbysund, where the ship's small size allows access to narrow fjords and close approaches to glaciers. Expert guides lead shore excursions, sharing their knowledge of the region's geology, wildlife, and cultural heritage. 

Zodiac cruises bring you close to icebergs and shorelines, while optional kayaking provides even more intimate encounters with the environment.

The journey begins and ends in Iceland, making logistics straightforward. Throughout the voyage, you'll experience:

• Exploration of the world's largest fjord system

• Possible visits to remote Greenlandic settlements

• Wildlife watching opportunities

• Dramatic Arctic landscapes

• Northern lights viewing (in season)

• Expert lectures and guidance

This expedition perfectly balances adventure with comfort, allowing you to explore one of Earth's last great wildernesses while enjoying modern amenities. The vessel features comfortable cabins, excellent cuisine, and public spaces perfect for relaxing and sharing experiences with fellow travellers.

To truly understand East Greenland's majesty, you need to experience it firsthand. Secret Atlas's approach – focusing on small groups and intimate experiences – provides the perfect way to explore this remarkable region. 

Whether you're photographing massive icebergs, watching whales, or learning about ancient Inuit traditions, an East Greenland expedition creates memories that last a lifetime.

Ready to explore Eastern Greenland's pristine wilderness? Learn more about our East Greenland expeditions and begin planning your Arctic adventure.