Sisimiut, Greenland’s second-largest town with a population of 5,600, sits 75 kilometers north of the Arctic Circle on the Davis Strait coast. Known as the “Gateway to the Arctic,” it combines modern infrastructure with authentic Inuit culture. In 2026, improved flight connections and new tourism facilities make it easier than ever to visit. This guide covers everything you need to know: how to get there, what to do in each season, and why this detour from the typical Greenland itinerary is worth your time.

Getting to Sisimiut in 2026

Sisimiut is accessible by air and sea, but not by road — no roads connect Greenland’s towns. The main entry point is Sisimiut Airport (JHS), a small regional airport with a 799-meter runway. In 2026, Air Greenland operates daily flights from Kangerlussuaq (SFJ) — a 45-minute hop — and from Nuuk (GOH) with a stop in Kangerlussuaq. Round-trip tickets from Kangerlussuaq cost approximately 2,500 DKK (around 370 USD) per person. From Copenhagen, you can fly to Kangerlussuaq via Air Greenland’s direct summer flights (June–August) or via Reykjavik with Icelandair. Once in Kangerlussuaq, the onward flight to Sisimiut is straightforward.

By Sea

The Arctic Umiaq Line passenger ferry runs along the west coast from June to September. The route from Nuuk to Sisimiut takes about 6 hours and costs around 1,200 DKK (180 USD) for a one-way ticket. The ferry also connects Ilulissat and other towns. In 2026, the ferry schedule is expected to remain similar, with departures every few days. Check the Arctic Umiaq Line website for exact dates. For more details on this option, see our guide on the Sarfaq Ittuk: Taking the Coastal Ferry to Sisimiut.

By Dog Sled or Snowmobile (Winter Only)

In winter (January–April), dog sledding and snowmobile trails connect Sisimiut to nearby settlements like Kangerlussuaq. These are not regular transport but guided tours. A guided dog sled trip from Kangerlussuaq to Sisimiut costs about 8,000 DKK (1,200 USD) for a 3-day expedition. Book through local operators like Greenland Dog Sledding or Sisimiut Adventure.

What to Do in Sisimiut by Season

Sisimiut experiences extreme seasonal variation: 24-hour daylight in summer (May–August) and polar night in winter (December–January). Each season offers unique activities.

Winter (November–April): Snow, Northern Lights, and Dog Sledding

Winter is the prime season for snow-based adventures. Average temperatures range from -10°C to -20°C (14°F to -4°F). Snow cover lasts from November to May.

  • Dog Sledding: The most iconic experience. Local mushers offer 1-hour to multi-day tours. A 2-hour ride costs around 1,500 DKK (225 USD) per person. The terrain includes frozen fjords and snow-covered hills.
  • Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis): Visible from September to April. Best viewing is away from town lights. The Sisimiut Viewpoint (a short walk from the center) offers a dark sky. Tours to catch the aurora cost about 800 DKK (120 USD) per person. For more on this, see our guide to Northern Lights in Sisimiut: Best Time, Location and Tour vs DIY.
  • Cross-Country Skiing: Groomed trails near the Sisimiut Ski Center, which has a 1.5-km lit loop. Equipment rental is available at Sporting Life Sisimiut for 300 DKK (45 USD) per day.
  • Snowmobiling: Guided tours to nearby lakes and the ice cap. A half-day tour costs 2,500 DKK (375 USD).

Spring (May–June): Transition and Hiking

Spring brings melting snow and increasing daylight. By late May, the sun doesn’t set. Temperatures hover around 0°C to 5°C (32°F to 41°F).

  • Hiking the Arctic Circle Trail: This 160-km trail from Kangerlussuaq to Sisimiut is best hiked in late June when snow has cleared. The full trek takes 7–10 days. Permits are free but required from the Greenland Tourism Office in Sisimiut. For a comprehensive overview, read our complete hut-to-hut guide.
  • Birdwatching: Migratory birds arrive, including Arctic terns and eiders. The Sisimiut Harbor and nearby lakes are good spots.
  • Fishing: Ice fishing gives way to open-water fishing in streams. Arctic char is abundant. Local guides offer half-day trips for 1,000 DKK (150 USD).

Summer (June–August): Midnight Sun and Kayaking

Summer is the peak tourist season. Temperatures reach 10°C to 15°C (50°F to 59°F). The midnight sun provides 24 hours of daylight.

  • Sea Kayaking: Paddle among icebergs in the Kangerluarsunnguaq Fjord. Rentals from Sisimiut Kayak cost 500 DKK (75 USD) for a half-day. Guided tours to the ice cap edge cost 2,000 DKK (300 USD) for a full day.
  • Boat Tours: See humpback whales and seals. A 3-hour whale-watching tour costs 1,200 DKK (180 USD). Operators include Arctic Boat Tours. Learn more about boat trips from Sisimiut: Kangerlussuaq fjord and humpback whales.
  • Hiking: Trails like the Polar Route (a 5-km loop) offer views of the town and fjord. The Telepost Mountain hike (2 hours round trip) is popular. For shorter options, see our guide to easy day hikes within 5 km of town.
  • Cultural Experiences: Visit the Sisimiut Museum (admission 50 DKK / 7.50 USD) to learn about Inuit history and the town’s role in the Greenlandic seal hunt. Attend the Midnight Sun Festival in June with concerts and food stalls.

Autumn (September–October): Colors and Aurora

Autumn is short but beautiful with tundra turning red and gold. Temperatures drop to 0°C–5°C (32°F–41°F). The northern lights become visible again.

  • Berry Picking: Blueberries and crowberries are abundant. Pick them on the hillsides near town.
  • Photography: The low-angle sun creates dramatic lighting. The Old Harbor area is picturesque.
  • Northern Lights: Clear skies in September and October offer excellent aurora viewing without extreme cold.

Where to Stay in Sisimiut

Accommodation options range from hotels to guesthouses. Book well in advance for summer.

  • Hotel Sisimiut — The largest hotel, with 60 rooms, a restaurant, and a sauna. Double rooms from 1,800 DKK (270 USD) per night.
  • Arctic Hotel Sisimiut — A mid-range option with 30 rooms, close to the harbor. Doubles from 1,200 DKK (180 USD).
  • Guesthouse Sisimiut — Budget-friendly dorm beds from 400 DKK (60 USD) per night. Shared kitchen and bathroom.
  • Camping — Wild camping is allowed with permission. The Sisimiut Camping Ground near the ski center has basic facilities for 100 DKK (15 USD) per night.

Food and Dining

Local cuisine features seafood and game. Expect high prices due to remoteness.

  • Restaurant Nipisa — Serves Greenlandic specialties like musk ox steak (350 DKK / 52 USD) and seal stew (250 DKK / 37 USD).
  • Café Inuk — Coffee and pastries, plus light lunches. A sandwich costs 120 DKK (18 USD).
  • Supermarkets — Brugseni and Pisiffik sell groceries. A loaf of bread costs 30 DKK (4.50 USD); a liter of milk costs 20 DKK (3 USD). For more dining options, see our guide on where to eat in Sisimiut.

Practical Tips for 2026

  • Currency: Danish Krone (DKK). Credit cards are widely accepted, but carry some cash for small purchases.
  • Language: Greenlandic and Danish. English is spoken in tourist facilities.
  • Packing: Layered clothing, waterproof boots, and a warm hat. In winter, bring thermal underwear and a windproof jacket. For detailed lists, see our packing guide for Sisimiut.
  • Connectivity: Mobile coverage is good in town. SIM cards from TELE Greenland cost 100 DKK (15 USD) with 5 GB data.
  • Health: The Sisimiut Health Center provides basic care. For emergencies, evacuation to Nuuk may be needed.

Why Sisimiut Is Worth the Detour

Unlike tourist-heavy Ilulissat, Sisimiut offers a more authentic Greenlandic experience. You can interact with local hunters, learn about dog sledding traditions, and explore untouched nature. The town’s compact size makes it easy to navigate on foot. In 2026, new direct flights from Kangerlussuaq and improved ferry schedules reduce travel time, making a weekend trip feasible. Whether you come for the northern lights, the midnight sun, or the Arctic Circle Trail, Sisimiut delivers a genuine Arctic adventure without the crowds.

For more on Greenland travel, see our guide on the Arctic Circle Trail. If you’re planning a longer trip, check Greenland cruise tips. For winter activities, read dog sledding in Greenland. For cultural insights, see Inuit culture in Sisimiut. And for practical advice, packing for Greenland.

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  • Inuit Culture in Sisimiut: Traditions and Modern Life
  • Packing for Greenland: A Seasonal Checklist