Sisimiut, Greenland's second-largest town with a population of around 5,500, transforms in summer. From late May to mid-August, the midnight sun paints the sky in perpetual twilight, and the fjord ice retreats, opening a world of boat trips and hiking trails. This 2026 guide covers the essential summer experiences: navigating the harbor, trekking the Arctic Circle Trail, and making the most of 24-hour daylight. Whether you're arriving by coastal ferry or Air Greenland, Sisimiut in summer offers a unique blend of Arctic wilderness and small-town charm.
Boat tours from Sisimiut Harbor
Sisimiut Harbor is the hub for summer boat excursions. Several operators run tours from June to September, with prices typically ranging from 600 DKK to 1,200 DKK per person for half-day trips. Book at the harbor office or through your accommodation.
Types of boat tours
- Fjord sightseeing: 2–3 hour trips around Amerloq Fjord, passing icebergs and seal colonies. Operators: Disko Line and Greenland Travel. Price: 650 DKK (2025).
- Fishing trips: Half-day angling for cod, halibut, and redfish. Equipment provided. Price: 800 DKK per person, minimum 4 people.
- Whale watching: Humpback and minke whales frequent the waters near the mouth of Kangerluarsunnguaq Fjord. Season: July–August. Price: 750 DKK.
- Transfer to the Arctic Circle Trail start: Many hikers take a boat to the trailhead at Kangerluarsuk Tulleq (about 40 km north of Sisimiut). Price: 400–500 DKK one way.
For independent travelers, the Sarfaq Ittuk coastal ferry also stops at Sisimiut, offering a scenic route from Ilulissat or Nuuk. The ferry operates year-round but summer sailings have extended daylight for viewing.
Hiking the Arctic Circle Trail
The Arctic Circle Trail (ACT) is a 160–200 km backcountry route from Kangerlussuaq to Sisimiut. Summer 2026 is an ideal time to hike, as the trail is snow-free from late June to early September. The trail is divided into 8–10 stages, with huts spaced roughly 15–25 km apart. Our full guide covers every detail.
Key sections near Sisimiut
- Kangerluarsuk Tulleq to Innajuattoq (Stage 7): 22 km, moderate terrain with river crossings. The hut at Innajuattoq sleeps 12 and has a wood stove.
- Innajuattoq to Kangerluarsuk Palleq (Stage 8): 18 km, descending to a lake. The hut here is basic with bunks and a cooking area.
- Kangerluarsuk Palleq to Sisimiut (Stage 9): 15 km, easy walking on gravel roads into town. This section offers views of the harbor and the midnight sun.
Most hikers choose to go west-to-east (Kangerlussuaq to Sisimiut) to end in a town with services. Read about direction choice. If you prefer to carry a tent, our hut vs tent comparison helps decide.
Permits and fees
No permit is required for the ACT, but you must register at the Sisimiut Tourist Office (Tel: +299 86 26 00) before departure. Hut fees are 100 DKK per person per night (pay on-site by cash or MobilePay). In 2026, a new digital booking system may be introduced; check the official ACT page for updates.
Midnight sun experiences
From May 25 to July 20, the sun never sets in Sisimiut. This creates surreal conditions for hiking, fishing, and photography. The best vantage points are:
- Mount Nasaasaaq: A 784 m peak overlooking the town. The trail starts at the end of Qaqqaqqaqq Road and takes 3–4 hours round trip. At midnight, the light is golden and soft.
- Sisimiut Harbor: The waterfront at 11 PM is bustling with locals fishing under the sun. The harbor lights are off, but the sky glows.
- Kangerluarsunnguaq Fjord: Boat tours often schedule midnight departures in June. Expect to see icebergs glowing pink at 1 AM.
For photography, use a tripod and shoot at f/11 with ISO 100. The constant light allows for long exposures of moving water without star trails. Learn more about the midnight sun in Sisimiut.
Other summer activities
Beyond boats and hiking, Sisimiut offers several summer-specific attractions.
Fishing from shore
The coastline near the harbor and along the road to the airport (about 4 km east) is popular for shore fishing. Common catches include Arctic char and cod. No license is required for recreational fishing, but a 50 DKK daily fee is payable at the tourist office. Bait and tackle can be bought at Brugseni supermarket (Tel: +299 86 11 44) or Pisiffik (Tel: +299 86 12 33).
Cultural events
- Sisimiut Summer Festival (early July): Three days of concerts, kayak races, and food stalls. Entry is free.
- National Day (June 21): Celebrations with flag-raising, speeches, and traditional drum dancing at the Sisimiut Museum.
Day trips
- Kangerlussuaq: A 2-hour boat ride across the fjord (500 DKK return) takes you to the former US air base, now a hub for inland ice cap tours.
- Itilleq: A small settlement 30 km north of Sisimiut, accessible by boat (600 DKK return). Known for its colorful houses and seal hunting.
Practical information for summer 2026
Getting there
Sisimiut is served by Air Greenland with flights from Kangerlussuaq (40 minutes, 1,200 DKK one way) and Nuuk (1 hour, 1,500 DKK). The Sarfaq Ittuk ferry connects Sisimiut to Ilulissat (12 hours, from 800 DKK) and Nuuk (10 hours, from 700 DKK). For detailed routing, see our transport guide.
Accommodation
- Hotel Sisimiut: 3-star, doubles from 1,200 DKK/night. Includes breakfast and free Wi-Fi.
- Seaside Hostel: Dorm beds from 350 DKK, private rooms from 700 DKK. Kitchen access and laundry.
- Camping: Designated sites at the harbor (50 DKK/night) and near the ACT trailhead (free).
What to pack
Summer temperatures range from 5°C to 15°C. Rain is common. Essentials:
- Waterproof jacket and pants
- Insulating mid-layer (fleece or wool)
- Good hiking boots (waterproof)
- Insect repellent (mosquitoes are active near lakes)
- Sleep mask (for midnight sun)
- Sun protection (sunscreen, sunglasses)
For the ACT, our packing list recommends ultralight gear.
Safety
River crossings on the ACT can be dangerous after rain. Check conditions at the tourist office. Boat tours require life jackets (provided). In case of emergency, dial 112. The nearest hospital is in Sisimiut (Tel: +299 86 11 00).