Discover Tasiilaq: Nature, Culture and Seasonal Activities

Tasiilaq is located on the island of Ammassalik. Two questions can help you plan your stay: Which activities suit the time of year you are travelling, and would you like to focus on culture, landscapes or both? Summer and winter activities differ considerably; the museum, church architecture and Flower Valley offer further themes to consider when planning your trip.

Activities by Season

The best time to visit Tasiilaq for sailing, hiking, kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding and whale watching is considered to be June to September. February to April is considered the best time for dog sledding, snowmobiling, ice fishing, skiing, snowshoeing and seeing the Northern Lights. You can therefore start by sorting activities by season: water and hiking activities are a summer focus, while snow activities and the Northern Lights are associated with February to April. During the colder months, Tasiilaq also attracts ski tourers and heli-skiing enthusiasts from around the world. Weather and operating conditions can vary, so treat these months as a seasonal guide.

Getting to Tasiilaq

There are no direct flights to Tasiilaq. Air travellers must first reach Kulusuk Airport and then continue by helicopter or, in summer only, by boat. Take the season into account when choosing how to make the onward journey: travelling by boat is only an option in summer. Transport connections can change, so check onward connections before travelling. Also factor in the journey via Kulusuk when choosing your travel dates and hotel stay.

Flower Valley and Excursions

Flower Valley starts at the stream that runs through Tasiilaq and leads into the valley behind the town cemetery. Well-trodden paths wind through the valley and offer views; it is also home to diverse wildlife and special plant species. Along the stream, a waterfall lies between lakes formed by glacial meltwater. The trails and views, plants and wildlife, and waterfall and lakes offer different points of interest if you are interested in the landscape.

Climbing to the numerous cairns on the hills overlooking Tasiilaq is considered a safe option for an independent excursion. A local guide is recommended for hikes farther into the surrounding area. A walk along Qinngimu Bay is also considered a safe option for an independent excursion from Tasiilaq. The Iddimiini protected area, with traces of early Inuit settlements, is another option considered safe for an independent excursion from Tasiilaq. Follow current local safety advice on these excursions. The options have different focuses: views of Tasiilaq, a walk by the bay or traces of historic settlements.

Museum and Cultural Connections

The Ammassalik Museum, also known as the Tasiilaq Museum, is housed in the town’s former church. The building was constructed in 1908 by the crew of a Danish sailing ship that had run aground nearby; timber from the ship was used to build it. The museum also includes a turf-walled house, built in 1994 to mark the town’s centenary. It offers an impression of life in the past during the winter months.

The permanent exhibition is open year-round; the turf house usually opens to visitors in summer. Check the exhibition’s current opening hours and opportunities to visit the house before your visit. During a trip on Greenland’s National Day, younger and older women from Tasiilaq rowed a traditional umiaq to the settlement of Iddimiini.

The New Church

The new church in Tasiilaq has a pentagonal floor plan, a stone façade, a roof that slopes to a point and a pointed dome in the centre. The floor plan describes the shape of the building as seen from above; the roofline and central dome provide further specific features of its architecture.

Discover more destinations: Paamiut, Kulusuk.

Return to the regional travel overview: Kommuneqarfik Sermersooq.