Located on the western shores of Greenland, Sisimiut is the second-largest city in the country. It serves as a valuable center for culture, adventure, and history. This city is about 40 kilometers North of the Arctic Circle and is positioned on the shores of the Davis Strait. The town is surrounded by remarkably striking mother nature landscapes, containing towering mountains, glaciers, and the large expanse of the Arctic Ocean. With population around 5,500, the town beautifully balances modern infrastructure with remnants of Greenland’s traditional culture, creating a citi blend of urban living and wilderness lifestyle.

The city is one of the most prominent tourist attractions on Earth due to its value in combining nature’s beauty with rich Inuit history. Some of the best outdoor adventures are offered here. While one visits this place, one can explore culturally significant landmarks, experience the local vibe, or even hike through the wild tundras of Sisimiut. Regardless, every option will create an unforgettable experience in a remote location.

This guide aims to offer a comprehensive overview of Sisimiut, covering its major landmarks, history, outdoor activities, accommodation, and much more.

A Brief History of Sisimiut

Early Inuit Settlements

Before white men discovered this land, it had traces of human presence. The Inuit people occupied the place for more than four thawing periods, equivalent to 4500 years in modern times. This area is believed to be the initial or primary place of human habitation because the first known human culture in existence, the Saqqaq culture, chose this area, followed by the Dorset and Thule cultures. People in these times relied heavily on hunting, including whales, fishing, and resource gathering from plants and stones.

During the early community of Indians, Carlson hypothesized that the Soars Indians, who decided to stay in green land, called Sisimiut, meaning flat region. The mountain made it a decent place to burn and boil, where the first Greenlandic hunters boiled dry fish. Eventually, as the thawing process stabilized, it is believed that fish multiplication enhanced the entire area’s economy.

Colonial Influence

During the fur trade throughout Green Land, Danes made substantial leaps towards colonization, which meant expanded economic support for this region. This area served as a pioneering trading station for Danes. During the first half of the 18th century, the Danes managed to colonize it with Sisimiut, which served to aid trading and as a significant settlement that aided Greenland’s fishing colony, leading to a rush of financial development and important cultural accomplishments.

Although Sisimiut was once a small Inuit settlement, it has transformed into a lively and modern city. The blend of Inuit culture and Danish colonial customs is visible in the town’s buildings, museums, and artworks.

Sisimiut Attractions

The Museum of Sisimiut

The Museum of Sisimiut is located in a colonial building that was originally a merchant’s house, which served as a store. The museum’s purpose is to educate the public about the city’s history. Some major expositions include the Inuit ethnographic collections, the period of colonization, and the development of the fishing industry in the area. Various pieces of art depicting traditional garments, tools, and the culture provide insight into how Aboriginal Inuit society evolved in the Arctic.

A major cornerstone of the exhibition is dedicated to Sisimiut’s Knud Rasmussen, his life and work in Ilulissat, and his numerous achievements as a polar explorer. The museum celebrates his life’s work, and visitors can learn to appreciate his role in polar exploration.

Gamle Sisimiut’s Old Town

Gamle Sisimiut, or Old Town, is a historic part of Sisimiut town that features old, colorful wooden houses from the 18th and 19th centuries. When walking along the cobbled roads, you will come across pondfish warehouses, authentic houses, and traditional stores. While many of the structures have been modernized, some have been sufficiently maintained to depict history’s influence.

Sisimiut’s Harbor

The harbor features the most beautiful scenery in Sisimiut. This area is busy and attractive because of the port for fishing boats and passenger ships servicing the many towns in Greenland. Additionally, the harbor has magnificent ocean and mountain scenery, which is complimented by colorful buildings. The local fishing boats bring life to the harbor and attract many tourists.

Arctic Circle Monument

Just north of Sisimiut lies one of its most known landmarks, the Arctic Circle Monument. This place marks the point where the Arctic Circle runs through Greenland, acting as a figurative frontier to the Arctic. Tourists can come and take pictures, marvel at the beauty of the tundra, and consider the town’s location on the edge of the Arctic.

Kangerlussuaq

Kangerlussuaq is a little further from Sisimiut but is home to one of Greenland’s busiest airports. The area around Kangerlussuaq, including the nearby Russell Glacier, is popular for its strikingly beautiful scenery and serves as a day trip destination from Sisimiut. If you are in Sisimiut, you should quickly visit Kangerlussuaq to see this beautiful region and its wonderful glacial scenery.

Outdoor Activities in Sisimiut

Unlike some cities, Sisimiut is well known for its different outdoor activities, such as nature hiking and wildlife activities, which make it an interesting place for adventure lovers. The nearby mountains, glaciers, and fjords have become unique sites that allow for many exhilarating activities.

1. Hiking and Trekking

In Sisimiut, the hiking and trekking options are virtually limitless, as there are many marked trails of varying degrees of difficulty in this magnificent part of Greenland. The trail leading up to Nasaasaaq Mountain – one of the tallest in Sisimiut – is among the most popular hiking routes, for it offers breathtaking panoramic views of the town, fjords, and ice caps to the north. In the same period, it is possible to «walk» over snowdrifts into the finest remote areas of the Sisimiut region, where one can see primitive fur skin huts. The backcountry offers extensive adventures for the more intrepid trekkers who wish to explore the vast open spaces and pristine wilderness of Greenland.

2. Dog Sledding

During winter months, Sisimiut is known for its dog sledding excursions, which have been a traditional mode of transport of choice in Greenland. Local guides offer dog sled rides through the Arctic wilderness as an ice-breaking experience over frozen lakes, the acclaimed sugar snow plains, and breathtaking mountains circling the skyline. From shorter rides to extended treks, any winter holiday in Sisimiut is incomplete without taking a ride with a sled dog team.

3. Snowmobiling

Snowmobiling is an increasingly famous leisure activity for those who wish to traverse the snowy terrain quickly. In Sisimiut, escorted snowmobile tours enable travelers to race over frozen lands and visit locations that are otherwise out of reach. Snowmobiling helps travelers thrill and spectacularly appreciate the extensive wilderness of Greenland’s Arctic region.

4. Fishing

Fishing has been an integral aspect of life in Sisimiut, and now even visitors can try freshwater and sea fishing. Cod, halibut, and salmon are some of the marine species that can be caught from the rivers and fjords around the town during the summer months. There is no shortage of local fishing tours and guides that cater to novice and seasoned anglers who wish to get a taste of Greenland’s waters.

5. Ice Fishing

Ice fishing is a seasoned pastime that many locals and tourists partake in during winter months. With a multitude of frozen lakes and fjords as the town’s backdrop, ice fishing can be peaceful and enjoyable. Several tours are offered, where guides take guests to the most popular ice fishing locations while providing everything needed for a productive day on the ice.

Lodging in Sisimiut

You can find many accommodation options in Sisimiut, from hotels, hostels, and guest lodgings to more rustic ones. Consider these options:

1. Hotel Sisimiut

This is the biggest hotel in town. It has good rooms, a bar, a restaurant, and, best of all, modern infrastructure. It is perfect for people who really want to feel at ease while getting to know the city. Situated by the harbor, the hotel guarantees splendid views of the region.

2. Youth Hostel Sisimiut

This hostel is excellent for students looking to save money. It provides dormitory-style accommodation and slightly more expensive private rooms, which are great for solo travelers and group helpers. The town and the natural surrounding area are close by, so the location is perfect.

3. Local Guest Houses

Sisimiut also offers some smaller guest houses, which are great because they provide personal, family-like lodgings. A number of these hostels are owned by local families who take pride in offering their guests a taste of Greenlandic culture and hospitality through their cozy and inviting homes.

4. Lodges in Wilderness Areas

Several wilderness lodges are available in the area around Sisimiut for those who want a more rustic experience. These lodges are usually near significant hiking and outdoor recreation sites and allow visitors to experience nature at its best.

When is the Best Time to Travel to Sisimiut

Sisimiut can be visited all year round, although the time of year that is more appropriate for each individual varies based on the activities they wish to participate in.

In the summer (June through August), it is warm, the days are long, and a wide variety of outdoor activities are available, such as hiking, fishing, and boat tours. Summertime in the Arctic is great for outdoor activities and seeing the midnight sun.

In winter (November to March), winter sports such as dog sledding, snowmobiling, and ice fishing become more available. This time also provides the best opportunity to observe the spectacular Northern Lights hidden in the dark, clear skies of the Arctic.

Conclusion

Adventurers can learn, explore, and trek the captivating area of Sisimiut, a stunning place where history and culture unite. From hiking and integrating in Greenlandic customs to just enjoying the Arctic scenery, there is no question these experiences are unmatched. Located by the Arctic Circle, visitors will be guaranteed to experience one of the planet’s most beautiful yet secluded areas.