Gateway to East Greenland, Kulusuk is a traditional Greenlandic settlement with hunting and fishing in its heart and tourism in its embrace.
Quick facts
Facts about Kulusuk
Name (Greenlandic):
Kulusuk
Name (danish):
Kap Dan
Region in Greenland:
East Greenland
Coordinates:
65°34′31″N 37°11′00″W
Postcode:
3915
Airport code:
KUS
Population:
226 (2023)
Municipality:
Sermersooq
View map- A visit to the cemetery reveals that very few of the crosses bear names. This follows the Inuit tradition that the name of the deceased is passed to another at death and lives on in the next generation
- The people of East Greenland speak a different dialect to those in other parts of the country, though most can also speak the official language of West Greenlandic
- In the 1930s, Kulusuk had a larger population than Tasiilaq. Kulusuk’s airport was built by the US Air Force in 1956 as part of the early warning defence system.
- Like many small settlements in Greenland, some houses do not have a running water supply and water must be collected from a communal “tap house”.
- Kulusuk means “the village with the mountain that looks like the breast of a bird” in the Greenlandic language. It becomes obvious why this is so when you see Isikajia Mountain directly behind the airport. Its Danish name was Kraterfjeldet, which means Crater Mountain, when it was a colony. It is also sometimes referred to as Kap Dan, though technically that is a point on the southern end of Kulusuk Island.
Useful information
KULUSUK WEATHER
Tips
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Kulusuk has one Pilersuisoq supermarket that stocks a little of everything. You should aim to bring all your outdoor equipment with you.
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Souvenir shoppers will have a field day while in Kulusuk and should check out the options at the Kulusuk Museum, Hotel Kulusuk, and the extensive range in the airport (beyond security).
Closest ports of entry:
Tourist information:
Useful phone numbers:
Police
(+299) 98 12 24
Hospital
(+299) 98 12 11
Useful links:
Why Kulusuk
Step out of the airport and into a simpler and more traditional way of life. Kulusuk is the epitome of an East Greenlandic settlement but has also acknowledged its role as the gateway to East Greenland to offer a level of unobtrusive comfort for visitors. Greenlandic sled dogs wait impatiently for the winter between its bright, colourful houses. Icebergs float gracefully past as the sound of an ancient Inuit drum dance echoes off the nearby mountains. Locals welcome you as part of the community. And adventure calls – summoning hikers, ice cavers, sailors, and dog sledders to its stunning surroundings.
