Sisimiut
Sisimiut is a much larger town than Kangerlussuaq (it is the second-largest city in Greenland) and offers completely different experiences. We encourage you to check out our complete travel guide to Sisimiut at the Destination Arctic Circle website and extend your stay here to enjoy the following activities.
Boat Tours
There are a wide range of sailing adventures possible from Sisimiut. Visit a small settlement for the day, visit the abandoned settlement of Assaqutaq, visit some of the historical sites that motivated UNESCO to protect this region, or set out on a sea safari to try and spot whales, seals, and the many different bird species.
Fishing
If you enjoy fishing or would like to try your hand at it, there are plenty of options from Sisimiut. Go fly-fishing for Arctic Char or salmon in remote and pristine rivers, angling for cod, halibut, wolffish or redfish offshore, learn how locals catch snow crabs, or collect mussels and sea urchins for your dinner.
Kayaking and Stand-up Paddleboarding
Explore the colourful shoreline of Sisimiut from the waterline. Try walking on water with a stand-up paddleboard in the protected Parasuk Bay, or paddle a kayak to take photos of the bright, multi-coloured houses. No previous experience required.
Hiking
Sisimiut is well-known for its hiking opportunities, not just the Arctic Circle Trail. However, there are more day-hikes than you might suspect starting from Greenland’s second-largest town.
Spend a few extra days so you can visit:
- Palasip Qaqqaa
- Nasaasaaq Peak
- Nasaasaaq Bluff
- Assaqutaq
For more information, including detailed trail descriptions, maps and GPS routes, visit our dedicated hiking page for Destination Arctic Circle.
Exploring Sallinnguit
Discover 4,500 years of Inuit settlement very close to Sisimiut’s harbour. Sallinnguit contains several archaelogical remains and some limited information about what you are seeing. If you want to get the full story, there are also guided tours of the site.
Indulging in a sauna/spa
If you’ve hiked all the way from Kangerlussuaq to Sisimiut, you deserve a sauna/spa to relieve tired muscles. And if you haven’t walked 160km – well, you still deserve a little pampering. There are actually 2 spa/saunas to choose from – one at Hotel SØMA Sisimiut, the other at Hotel Sisimiut.
Exploring the town
The best way to get to know Greenland’s second-largest city is on a guided tour. Along the way you’ll learn about its history and visit several of its most important buildings and top photo spots. More information about the history of Sisimiut and the Arctic Circle region can be found in the Sisimiut museum, which consists of several of the oldest buildings in town. Make sure you also check out the Taseralik Culture Centre to see the latest art exhibition while enjoying a cup of coffee.
Souvenirs
There are a few different places to buy souvenirs in Sisimiut. Both Hotel Sismiut and Hotel SØMA Sisimiut have souvenirs for sale, Kujataani Isarussat has souvenirs and jewellry, and Mersortarfik Panigiit offers unique pieces and Greenlandic stones for purchase. Alternatively, you can buy souvenirs directly from the artisans in the Artisan workshop by the harbour.
If you are looking for something specific to the Arctic Circle Trail, Hotel Sisimiut can provide you with an ACT completion certificate and sells ACT-themed t-shirts. Mersortarfik Panigiit sells a specially designed ACT patch for your backpack.
For more information
For more information how to extend your stay in Sisimiut, we encourage you to visit our Destination Arctic Circle website and check out our tour providers, or write to us.