Tasiilaq | East Greenland’s Remote Arctic Town

Among the remote towns in Greenland, Tasiilaq stands out as a perfect destination for adventure lovers. The pristine Arctic setting of the town also brings you closer to the mysterious and mythical aspects of Inuit culture and age-old Greenlandic traditions.

The story behind the name Tasiilaq

The original Greenlandic name Tasiilaq translates to ‘the place with a lake’ or ‘where the water is still’. That relates to the town's location on the shores of a fjord with still waters that resemble a lake. After colonisation, Danish explorers named the place ‘Ammassalik’, which means ‘the place where the Ammassetts are living.’ Ammassetts are a type of fish that are found in large numbers in the area. 

However, the name Tasiilaq was reinstated in 1997. The island on which it is located is still called Ammassalik Island.

History of Tasiilaq

While the indigenous people of Greenland populated the area, the first contact with Europeans happened in 1884, during the Umiak Expedition led by Danish explorer Gustav Holm. The Danish team wintered in the area in 1884-85. 

During his interaction with the Inuit, Gustav Holm was fascinated by their ability to represent the complicated geography of the fjords in carved pieces of wood. In that period, the village had a population of around 400 people who were plagued by malnutrition and diseases.

Previously, the east coast of Greenland remained mostly inaccessible as it was choked by the sea ice dragged in by the polar currents. In 1894, a permanent Danish trading station was founded here and named Angmagssalik. The fjord offered shelter for the ships and prevented the dense pack ice from entering.

This step sparked the transformation of the region and brought a steady change in the economy and lifestyle of the inhabitants. The town grew slowly, surviving on hunting and fishing.

Things to do in Tasiilaq

Photography opportunities

The ice floes moving freely on the fjord around Tasiilaq during the warmer months present excellent options for time-lapse photography. Shooting on an overcast day is a good choice as the texture of the clouds can add a dramatic vibe to the images.

Beyond the arctic scenery, other moments worth capturing are the reddish-pink hues of alpenglow on autumn and spring evenings. The vibrant effect of the light on the surrounding mountains and fjords makes the moments worth capturing.

How to get to Tasiilaq

Tasiilaq can be reached via air or sea. You can fly to the Kulusuk Airport on Kulusuk Island from Reykjavik in Iceland. Flight services are available from other towns in Greenland as well. From Kulusuk, a short helicopter ride can take you to Tasiilaq. Boat rides are also available, and they take around an hour. Boats operate only in summer, whereas the helicopter service is operated year-round.

Other than that, you can reach the harbour in Tasiilaq on a cruise ship in summer. But, not many cruise ships visit Tasiilaq due to its remoteness. Local boat operators can also arrange journeys from the nearby towns of Tiniteqilaaq and Kuummiut. If you want to travel across the frozen fjords lit by the glow of the Northern Lights, a thrilling snowmobiling experience from Tiniteqilaaq to Tasiilaq is an unforgettable winter experience.

Best time to visit Tasiilaq 

Since Tasiilaq is accessible throughout the year, you can enjoy the flavours that different seasons have to offer. The summer months between June and August witness the most visitors as boat travel is easier due to less ice and the weather is favourable. This is also the right time to photograph the beauty of iceberg-clogged fjords under the midnight sun.

As summer turns into autumn in September, the weather turns chilly, and the flowers in the valleys wither. Even so, the golden hue of the autumn colours makes the tundra look spectacular. There are also fewer bugs during this period.

The snow-covered landscape in winter turns the whole of Greenland into a true wonderland. You can trace the amazing patterns of the Northern Lights in the sky or ride a dogsled to some of the best viewpoints around Tasiilaq. There are plenty of granite peaks around Tasiilaq with untouched snow slopes that offer skiing opportunities as well.

Responsible travel in East Greenland

The community in Tasiilaq is witnessing the direct impacts of climate change. With the reduction of snow and sea ice, melting permafrost, and increasing rainstorms, the lifestyles of fishermen and hunters are being affected. While the changes are deeply concerning, with milder winters, Arctic life has become easier. For instance, nutrients generated by melting glaciers are making year-round fishing possible, something that was previously unimaginable.

Considering the fragile nature of Greenland’s environment, it is necessary to plan low-impact tours supported by local guides knowledgeable about the effects of climate change. While on a voyage, try to support the local communities in their effort to preserve the environment and look for opportunities to regenerate and make a positive impact.

FAQs about Tasiilaq

• Where is Tasiilaq located? On Ammassalik Island on the east coast of Greenland.

• How do you get to Tasiilaq from Iceland? Fly Reykjavik → Kulusuk → helicopter/boat to Tasiilaq.

• What is Tasiilaq known for? Hiking, Sermilik Fjord, Inuit traditions, Tupilak carvings, and Arctic wildlife.

• When is the best time to visit Tasiilaq? June–August for hiking and fjords, September for autumn colors, winter for Northern Lights and dogsledding.

• Can you see the Northern Lights in Tasiilaq? Yes, especially from September to April.

• What wildlife can you see near Tasiilaq? Whales, seals, Arctic foxes, seabirds, and occasionally polar bears.