Greenland is one of the world's most remote destinations, and traveling there with children requires careful planning. Sisimiut, the country's second-largest town (population 5,600), offers a manageable scale for families: it has a hospital, schools, supermarkets, and a range of accommodation. But the Arctic environment presents unique challenges: cold weather, limited daylight in winter, expensive flights, and cultural differences. This article draws on widely known information and first-hand family experiences to help you decide what works and what doesn't when visiting Greenland and Sisimiut with kids.

Getting There: Flights, Ferries, and Jet Lag

Air Travel with Children

Most families arrive via Air Greenland. From Copenhagen, you can fly direct to Kangerlussuaq (Søndre Strømfjord) or Nuuk. Kangerlussuaq is a 4.5-hour flight from Copenhagen; Nuuk is about the same. Once in Greenland, a connecting Dash-8 flight takes 45–55 minutes to Sisimiut. Children under 2 fly at a reduced fare (10% of adult fare plus taxes) but do not get a separate seat. The airline offers a family discount for children 2–11: 50% of adult fare. Book early, as seats fill up in summer.

The main challenge is the time change: Greenland is 2–3 hours behind Copenhagen (depending on daylight saving). Jet lag is manageable for most kids, but the long travel day (door-to-door 12+ hours from Europe) can be exhausting. Pack snacks, a tablet with downloaded shows, and a change of clothes in carry-on.

The Coastal Ferry Option

For a more adventurous approach, the Sarfaq Ittuk coastal ferry connects Sisimiut to Ilulissat, Aasiaat, and points north. The ferry is spacious, with a cafeteria and cabins. Kids love the onboard playroom and the chance to see icebergs up close. However, the ferry runs only a few times a week, and schedules change annually. Crossing from Ilulissat to Sisimiut takes about 10 hours. For families with very young children, the ferry is a good alternative to flying—but it's slower and can be rough in bad weather.

Accommodation: Hotels, Hostels, and Self-Catering

Hotels

Sisimiut has two main hotels: Hotel Sisimiut (also known as the old Seamen's Home) and Hotel Nivia. Hotel Sisimiut is centrally located, with family rooms that sleep up to 4. Prices range from 1,200–1,800 DKK per night for a double room (2025 rates). Hotel Nivia is slightly more upscale, with a restaurant and views of the fjord. Both hotels provide cribs on request, but you should confirm at booking.

Self-Catering Apartments

Several private apartments are available via Airbnb or local rental agencies. A two-bedroom apartment costs around 1,000–1,500 DKK per night. Having a kitchen is a huge advantage: you can prepare familiar meals and save money. The supermarket Brugseni (part of the KNI chain) sells a wide range of groceries, including baby food, diapers, and formula. Prices are high (a liter of milk costs about 18 DKK), but cooking at home is still cheaper than eating out.

Hostel

The Sisimiut Youth Hostel (Vandrehjem) offers dorm beds and private rooms. It's basic but clean. Families with older children (8+) may find it works, but there's limited privacy. The hostel has a shared kitchen and common area. Price: 350–500 DKK per person per night.

What Works: Outdoor Activities for All Ages

Easy Hikes and the Arctic Circle Trail

Sisimiut is surrounded by mountains and fjords. The easy day hikes are perfect for families. The Red Church Trail (2 km round trip, flat) leads to a historic church with a playground. The Ukissisat Mountain (4 km, 300 m elevation) is doable for kids aged 6+ with proper footwear. For older children and teens, a section of the Arctic Circle Trail can be hiked as a day trip. The trailhead is a 15-minute drive from town. Remember to bring waterproof clothing and insect repellent (mosquitoes are fierce in July).

Boat Tours and Whale Watching

Several operators run boat trips in the fjord. Humpback whales are common in summer (June–September). Tours last 2–4 hours and cost 600–900 DKK per adult, half price for children under 12. The boats have indoor cabins, so kids can warm up. The highlight is watching whales breach just meters away. Bring seasickness medication if your child is prone—the fjord can be choppy.

Dogsledding in Winter

In winter (December–April), dogsledding is a magical experience. Half-day trips cost around 1,200 DKK per person, with discounts for children. The musher lets kids pet the dogs and even sit in the sled. Dress in many layers, as the wind chill can be severe. The best part: no traffic, just the sound of paws on snow.

The Midnight Sun and Northern Lights

In summer, the midnight sun means 24-hour daylight. Kids often struggle to sleep, so bring blackout curtains or eye masks. In winter, the Northern Lights appear from September to March. The best view is away from town lights. A DIY aurora watch is free, but guided tours provide warm suits and hot drinks.

What Doesn't Work: Challenges and Pitfalls

Extreme Weather and Limited Daylight

Winter temperatures in Sisimiut average -10°C to -20°C (14°F to -4°F), with wind chill making it feel colder. Children must be dressed in thermal underwear, fleece, waterproof outer layers, and insulated boots. Strollers are useless on snowy, unpaved sidewalks. Instead, use a baby carrier or a pulk (sled) for toddlers. In summer, rain is frequent; waterproof gear is essential.

Daylight varies dramatically: in June, the sun never sets (midnight sun). In December, there are only 3–4 hours of twilight. This can disorient kids and affect sleep. Plan indoor activities for the dark hours: visit the Sisimiut Museum (open 10–16, admission 50 DKK) or the swimming pool (150 DKK for adults, kids 50 DKK).

High Costs

Greenland is expensive. A pizza at Misigisaq costs 120–150 DKK. A burger at the local grill is around 80 DKK. For a family of four, eating out quickly adds up. Bring snacks from home (cereal bars, nuts, instant noodles) to reduce costs. Also, alcohol is heavily taxed—avoid buying it locally.

Limited Medical Facilities

Sisimiut has a health center (sundhedscenter) with a doctor and a few beds. For serious emergencies, patients are flown to Nuuk or Denmark. If your child has a chronic condition, bring enough medication for the entire trip plus a week's extra. Travel insurance with helicopter evacuation coverage is strongly recommended.

Language and Cultural Differences

While many Greenlanders speak English, the primary language is Kalaallisut (West Greenlandic). Kids may feel isolated if they don't understand. Encourage them to learn a few words: qujanaq (thank you), aluu (hello). Greenlandic culture is informal but respectful. Children are generally welcome everywhere, but some restaurants may not have high chairs. Ask ahead.

Packing Essentials for Kids

  • Clothing: Thermal base layers (wool or synthetic), fleece mid-layer, waterproof shell jacket and pants, insulated snow pants (winter), wool hat, balaclava, mittens (not gloves—mittens are warmer), waterproof boots (summer: rubber boots; winter: insulated snow boots).
  • For babies: Baby carrier (wrap or structured), portable changing pad, cloth diapers (disposables are available but expensive), plastic bags for wet clothes.
  • For toddlers: Sippy cup, small backpack, comfort item, tablet with downloaded movies (Wi-Fi is slow and expensive).
  • For older kids: Binoculars, camera, journal, card games, a book about Arctic animals.
  • General: Sunscreen (UV is strong even in winter), lip balm, sunglasses (snow blindness is real), reusable water bottle, snacks, first-aid kit with fever reducer and diarrhea medication.

Sample Family Itineraries

Summer (5 days)

  1. Day 1: Arrive in Sisimiut, settle into apartment. Walk to the harbor and see fishing boats. Dinner at home.
  2. Day 2: Morning hike to Red Church. Afternoon boat tour (book in advance). Evening: play at the playground near the sports hall.
  3. Day 3: Day trip to Kangerlussuaq via Air Greenland (30 min flight). Visit the ice cap viewpoint (book a taxi). Return in the evening.
  4. Day 4: Visit the museum. Afternoon: swim at the pool. Evening: barbecue at the hostel (if staying there).
  5. Day 5: Last-minute souvenir shopping at the crafts shop. Depart.

Winter (4 days)

  1. Day 1: Arrive, rent winter gear (available at the tourist office). Evening: northern lights hunt (drive 10 min out of town).
  2. Day 2: Half-day dogsledding (9–13). Lunch at Misigisaq. Afternoon: sledding on the hill behind the hospital (bring a plastic sled).
  3. Day 3: Snowshoeing or cross-country skiing on the Arctic Circle Trail (rentals available). Evening: hot chocolate at Hotel Nivia.
  4. Day 4: Visit the museum (indoor). Depart.

Final Thoughts

Traveling to Greenland with kids is not a typical beach holiday. It requires flexibility, patience, and a sense of adventure. The rewards are immense: seeing your child's face light up at a breaching whale, or hearing them laugh as they ride a dogsled. Focus on the experiences that work for your family—short hikes, boat trips, and cultural visits—and skip the rest. For more detailed planning, read The Complete Guide to Sisimiut, Greenland 2026.

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