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Kangaatsiaq

North Greenland
#kangaatsiaq #northgreenland #visitgreenland #greenlandpioneer

Maze-like waterways, abundant wildlife, and trails only the local hunters know make Kangaatsiaq an unspoiled destination for authenticity seekers


Why Kangaatsiaq


How to get there


How to get around


Where to sleep


Things to do


Eating & Drinking

Quick facts

Facts about Kangaatsiaq

Name (Greenlandic):
Kangaatsiaq
Region in Greenland:
North Greenland
Coordinates:
68°18′25″N 53°27′49″W
Postcode:
3955
Airport code:
QPW
Population:
509 (2022)
Municipality:
Qeqertalik

Nearby towns and settlements:

AasiaatAttuNiaqornaarsukIkerasaarsukIginniarfik

View map

  • Kangaatsiaq is Greenland’s newest town – designated as such in 1986 (previously it was a settlement)
  • Local residents are mostly fishermen and seal hunters. Kangaatsiaq has a fish factory that produces dried fish and shrimp
  • Kangaatsiaq means “rather small promontory” in the Greenlandic language.

Useful information

KANGAATSIAQ WEATHER

Tips

  • Kangaatsiaq has one Pilersuisoq supermarket that stocks a little of everything as well as a few smaller kiosks. You should aim to bring all your outdoor equipment with you and you should try the kiosks for souvenirs

Closest ports of entry:

Aasiaat airport (JEG), Kangaatsiaq Heliport (QPW), Kangaatsiaq harbour

Tourist information:

There's not tourist information in Kangaatsiaq

Useful phone numbers:

Police
(+299) 70 14 24
Hospital
(+299) 89 43 00 / (+299) 89 22 11 after 16:00

Why Kangaatsiaq?

With no developed tourism infrastructure, Kangaatsiaq is virtually unknown internationally and perfect for those seeking authentic experiences with a more traditional Greenlandic community. You must be prepared to chart your own course and make local friends in order to experience the abundant wildlife and beautiful backcountry that only Kangaatsiaq’s hunters know well. However, the effort will be well rewarded by the resulting unique adventures made possible through these connections.

How to get to Kangaatsiaq

Kangaatsiaq is located at the tip of a mainland peninsula amidst the thousands of small islands that lie scattered to the south of Aasiaat. International visitors must first get themselves to Aasiaat (via Kangerlussuaq, Nuuk, or Ilulissat) and then take a helicopter transfer (winter only) or Diskoline boat transfer to the town.

The best times to visit are: June – September (hiking, kayaking, sailing), February – April (dog sledding, snowmobiling), and October – April (Northern Lights).




Air Greenland



Disko Line

How to get around Kangaatsiaq

Kangaatsiaq is a small town where walking is the only option. There are no taxis.

For excursions in the area, the most common way to get around is with a boat, on foot or by kayak (summer), and on dog sled, snowmobile, or with you own skis or snowshoes (winter).

Where to sleep in Kangaatsiaq

Kangaatsiaq has a small inn with 4 private rooms, a shared kitchen, and a common room. Otherwise, accommodation is provided in houses where you have your own room but share facilities.

Accommodation in Kangaatsiaq


Polar Cab Inn

Phone: +299 52 29 23
More information

Things to do in Kangaatsiaq

East of Kangaatsiaq, a 150 km long fjord system contains countless islands, inlets, and bays. These protected waters are perfect to explore by boat or sea kayak, while the interconnecting landmasses offer extraordinary off-trail hiking opportunities. Long-distance trekkers can undertake the more than 60km route from Kangaatsiaq to Niaqornaarsuk, and local hunters can suggest other great hiking locations for shorter trips.

Whether on the water or on land, keep an eye out for the abundant wildlife that occupies the area. Reindeer, Arctic fox, Arctic hare, and many different species of birds can be found in the hinterland that stretches away from Kangaatsiaq. While the waterways that wind their way through the broken coastline are filled with a wide range of seals and whales, including the joyous humpbacks during the summer.

Winter is the time for dog sledding in Kangaatsiaq, as is evidenced by the sleds stacked around the town and the many howling dogs. Hunters can provide a brief introduction to this ancient form of transportation in a short tour of a few hours, or can arrange multi-day excursions that allow you to fully appreciate the life of a Greenlandic hunter and the strong bond that exists between him and his dogs. These overnight trips into the wilderness also provide the best views of the colourful Northern Lights, though they can also be seen from the middle of Kangaatsiaq itself due to its small size.

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Top things to do in Kangaatsiaq

Boat Tours

Set out on a boat trip in Greenland to open up a world of fjords, whales, and nearby villages.

Northern Lights

The northern lights or the Aurora Borealis is one of the great surprises of the Arctic night, and you can experience this multicoloured light show from September to April.

Wildlife

Polar bears, humpback whales, musk oxen, walruses, reindeer and white-tailed eagles are just some of the many animals you can experience on land, at sea and in the air around Greenland.

Explore more things to do in Kangaatsiaq

Eating & Drinking in Kangaatsiaq

At the moment, there is nowhere to eat out in Kangaatsiaq.

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