Kulusuk | Everything to Know About the Kulusuk Village

The dirt runway comes up fast as your plane banks sharply between the mountains. Landing in Kulusuk feels like touching down at the edge of the world – and in many ways, you have. 

This tiny East Greenland village, where fewer than 300 people live their lives between sea and sky, isn't just another stop on a tourist map. It's a place where centuries-old traditions blend with modern life, and where the northern lights dance across winter skies so dark you can almost touch them.

Your bags will arrive on a tractor, and you'll probably end up carrying them on the 40-minute walk to town. But that first glimpse of red, blue, and yellow houses dotting the shoreline makes it all worth it. Welcome to Kulusuk – one of the most unique places you'll ever visit.

Where is Kulusuk?

Just an hour and a half by air from Reykjavík, Kulusuk sits on its own small island off East Greenland's coast. Don't let that short flight fool you, you're stepping into a different world entirely. 

Kulusuk was originally founded as a hunting and fishing village in 1909. The area has been inhabited for centuries, with evidence of Thule and Dorset cultures (early Arctic cultures) found nearby.Back in 1930, this was the bustling center of the Ammassalik region with 165 residents. 

These days, it's one of just two gateways to East Greenland, where adventure seekers and culture enthusiasts cross paths with local hunters and their dog teams.

Climate 

The weather in Greenland is intense, as 80% of Greenland is covered in ice. Winters are long and cold, but summers flash by quickly, and temperatures sometimes even creep above freezing. 

You'll want to pack layers — lots of them — because the weather here changes its mind faster than you can say ‘Arctic Circle.’ In the spring, days are longer, which is perfect for dog sledding. And in the fall, you can see the tundra in colors you would never believe possible.

Experiences in Kulusuk

The rhythm of life here moves to ancient beats, quite literally when you hear the traditional drum dancing. From hunting traditions that have been passed down through generations, to more modern adventures on the waters, here's what you can't miss. If you’re looking for more to do, check out our travel guide below.

Experience the Culture 

In this remote East Greenlandic settlement, where roughly 250 people maintain their ancestral ways, the pulse of tradition remains strong despite modern influences. The distinctive sound of the frame drum, accompanied by throat singing, echoes across the rocky terrain just as it has for countless generations.

The art of craftsmanship flourishes here, with local artisans creating intricate tupilak carvings from bone, wood, and stone. These mystical figures, originally created by shamans, now serve as a vital link to their spiritual heritage while providing income through tourism. 

The women of Kulusuk maintain the tradition of creating beautiful beadwork and national clothing, with designs that tell stories of their culture through careful stitching and vibrant patterns.

Kayaking

There's nothing quite like pushing your paddle through iceberg-filled waters. Summer's the time to do it, when the sea ice retreats enough to weave between massive icebergs. Seals might pop up to check you out, and the endless Arctic light makes every hour golden hour. 

Local guides know these waters like you know your own neighbourhood, so you should trust them to show you the safe routes.

You'll paddle past towering walls of ancient ice and you’ll hear sounds that echo across the water and remind you of nature's raw power. These waters have sustained the local community for generations, and as you glide past floating ice chunks, you'll spot fishermen in their small boats, carrying on traditions that stretch back centuries.

See the northern lights

Night comes quickly in the winter, but the darkness brings magic. The aurora borealis turns the sky into its personal canvas almost every night. If you go to the harbour or climb the hill near the airport, the whole village becomes your observatory. With zero light pollution, the shows here don’t come close to a fireworks display.

Visit the local museum and church

Inside of the local museum, you’ll find bone carvings and handmade crafts that link back to the survival and creativity of past generations. Don't rush through, each piece holds generations of knowledge. 

Near the shoreline church, there’s a statue of Milka Miilikka Kuitse, who kept drum dancing alive when others tried to stamp it out. Sometimes you'll catch modern drum dancers performing nearby, proving that some traditions don’t fade.

Dogsledding

Winter in Kulusuk has a lot to do with the dogs. These aren't your average pets, they're working animals with ice in their blood and centuries of Arctic know-how in their genes.

You can even skip the walk from the airport and get there by dogsled instead. Nothing beats the sound of runners on snow and the sound of happy huskies doing what they love best.

Snowmobiling

When snow covers literally everything, snowmobiles are a way of life. Guided tours take you deep into places you'd never reach on foot, across frozen lakes and to landscapes that'll leave you speechless. Your guide might point out fox tracks or tell stories about growing up in this frozen paradise.

Hiking and photography

Surrounded by fjords, glaciers, and icebergs, Kulusuk offers breathtaking Arctic landscapes. The dramatic backdrop of the Kulusuk Mountains and the nearby Sermilik Fjord make it a favourite destination for nature enthusiasts and photographers.

Hunting

If you walk down to the harbour early enough, you'll see what puts food on local tables. Hunting isn't a weekend hobby here – it's the way of life. 

Seals, whales, and even polar bears are part of the traditional diet, and hunters still use the frigid waters as their freezer. You’ll get to learn about these age-old practices that keep Greenlandic culture alive. 

Planning your trip to Greenland 

Getting to Kulusuk requires some planning. Flights leave regularly from Reykjavík, weather permitting. Hotel Kulusuk – the only hotel for miles – sits right by the sea with glacier views that'll make you forget about WiFi, which can be spotty anyway. You can also try private housing or camping if you feel like you’re up to it.

The walk from the airport winds through Arctic tundra, which blooms with buttercups in summer. Pack solid boots and weatherproof everything – Kulusuk's weather doesn't care about your comfort zone. The local store stocks basics, but bring any special items you can't live without.

Visit Greenland with Secret Atlas

At Secret Atlas, we can help offer you the chance to experience Kulusuk and its surrounding areas in an intimate way. 

Our guides work closely with locals to show you the real East Greenland – not some tourist version of it. Whether you're photographing icebergs, learning about hunting traditions, or watching the northern lights paint the sky, you're experiencing one of Earth's last truly wild places, and we think that's pretty special.