The fact that approximately 30% of snowmobiles in the whole Greenland are registered in Sisimiut (Greenland in Figures 2020) shows just how active the people of Sisimiut are, especially in the winter time. The city is surrounded by mountains and hills and also has a big back country. Sisimiut is an ideal destination especially for nature lovers.
You should however get ready to be surrounded by mosquitos in the summertime. According to the locals, these insects first showed their wings in high summer, hence their nickname “August mosquitoes”. However, in recent years you can hear the buzz of this mosquito already in July. In Sisimiut, it is very common for locals to wear a mosquito net on the street while walking around and waiting for a bus.
1. Taseralik Cultural House
Let’s start from Taseralik.
If you checked Sisimiut out on the map, you might already know that there is a lake in the middle of the city centre. That is the location of Taseralik Cultural House, a place where you can enjoy art exhibitions, movies and various events. Taseralik is located by the lake, so during the summer you can meet cute baby ducks following their parents roaming around their favourite hangout.
2. From the Red Church
Now you are standing in front of the red church where you can zoom in on the museum area. You can see the port and the mountain, Palasip Qaqqaa (551m) where you can go for a family friendly hike.
3. On the bridge towards Ulkebugten
If you are on the way to the fisherman statue located at the end of the bridge towards the airport, take a short break in the middle of the bridge. I know this might be scary for those who have a fear of heights because you can see the water that is flowing under the bridge where you stand. But please take a look on your right side. It will not take so long to find the mountain Nasaasaaq. Somehow it reminds me of the Swiss Alps or the logo of Paramount Pictures. You might wonder if you can hike Nasaasaaq – the answer is yes! Please see here.
During the summer time, when the weather is nice, the sea water colour is a mixture of green and blue and a lot of boats will pass by under the bridge. You will be able to see the dynamic life of Sisimiut.
4. The fisherman’s statue
After viewing the nice view from the middle of the bridge, cross the road to reach the statue of a fisherman. If you arrived in Sisimiut by plane, you would definitely pass by this fisherman statue on the way to the city center from the airport. Don’t worry if you didn’t, because now you can see this sculpture of a Greenlander catching a human sized halibut! There is a wooden table by the statue and locals love holding a picnic here with kids. Try and take a photo here, and a kid might want to jump into the frame. If you are lucky, you might see a huge red Royal Arctic Line vessel arriving at the port.
5. Sandy beach
If the weather is nice and warm, you might want to pack some big towels and snacks to picnic on this sandy beach. A popular destination for its view, it is only 3 km away from the Sisimiut centre. You might come to Greenland expecting to see some massive icebergs but here you might feel that you are somewhere else in Mediterranean Sea. You will feel the calm nature while bathing in full sunlight. Greenland has so many rocky shores however here you can enjoy the sandy beach.
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