Tasiilaq is located on the island of Ammassalik. When planning your trip, it’s worth considering your preferred season and how you’ll get there together: recommended visiting times differ considerably between summer and winter, and there are no direct flights to Tasiilaq.
Getting There and the Best Time to Visit
Air travelers must first reach Kulusuk Airport and continue from there by helicopter or, in summer only, by boat. Check connections before your trip, as transport arrangements may change.
June to September is considered the best time to visit for sailing, hiking, kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding and whale watching. February to April is considered the best time for dog sledding, snowmobiling, ice fishing, skiing, snowshoeing and seeing the Northern Lights. Weather and operating conditions can vary. Summer activities therefore focus on and around the water, while the winter months are more shaped by snow, ice and the Northern Lights. In the colder season, Tasiilaq also attracts ski tourers and heliskiing enthusiasts from around the world.
Excursions from Tasiilaq
Safe options for independent excursions from Tasiilaq include a walk along Qinngimu Bay, a climb to the many cairns on the hills overlooking the town, and a visit to the Iddimiini protected area. Traces of early Inuit settlements can be found there. A local guide is recommended for hikes farther afield. Follow current local safety advice when exploring independently to ensure your plans are suited to local conditions.
Flower Valley and the Landscape
Flower Valley begins at the stream that flows through Tasiilaq and leads into the valley behind the town cemetery. Well-trodden paths wind through the valley and offer scenic views; the area is also home to diverse wildlife and distinctive plant species. A waterfall lies along the stream between lakes. The lakes were formed by glacial meltwater. In this compact area, the valley brings together trails, plant and animal life, and striking waterscapes—offering a different way to discover Tasiilaq than a walk along the bay or a trip to the cairns.
Ammassalik Museum and Church Architecture
Ammassalik Museum, also known as Tasiilaq Museum, is located in the former village church. The building was constructed in 1908 by the crew of a Danish sailing ship that had run aground nearby; wood from the ship was used in its construction. The permanent exhibition is open year-round. Check current opening hours before your visit.
The museum also includes a house with turf walls, built in 1994 to mark the town’s 100th anniversary. It offers a glimpse of life in the past during the winter months. The house is usually open to visitors in summer; check the current visitor arrangements in advance. Access to this house is seasonal, unlike the permanent exhibition, which is open year-round.
The new church in Tasiilaq has a pentagonal floor plan, a stone façade, a gently sloping roof and a pointed dome in the centre. For visitors interested in culture, the two sites offer complementary perspectives: the history of the former church building that houses the museum and the striking architecture of the new church.
Discover more destinations: Paamiut, Kulusuk.
Return to the main travel overview: Kommuneqarfik Sermersooq.
