Oqaatsut

North Greenland

#oqaatsut #visitgreenland

Relax in the embrace of daily life with icebergs and whales as your neighbours in the small Greenlandic fishing settlement of Oqaatsut, just north of Ilulissat.

Why Oqaatsut

How to get there

How to get around

Where to sleep

Things to do

Eating & Drinking

Quick facts

Facts about Oqaatsut

Name (Greenlandic):

Oqaatsut

Name (danish):

Rodebay

Region in Greenland:

North Greenland

Coordinates:

69°20′40″N 51°00′10″W

Postcode:

3952

Airport code:

-

Population:

48 (2023)

Municipality:

Avannaata Kommunia

Nearby towns and settlements:

Ilulissat Ilimanaq

The church in Oqaatsut doubles as its schoolhouse and there are usually around 6-8 students.

Oqaatsut means “cormorants” in the Greenlandic language. Its Danish name was “Rodebay”, which means “Red Bay” as its waters were stained red with blood during the whaling era, when it was a colony.

Useful information

OQAATSUT WEATHER

Tips

Oqaatsut has a small Pilersuisoq supermarket that stocks basics. It is best to bring everything you need with you.
Though you may find locals offering souvenirs, you will likely need to buy them in Ilulissat.

Closest ports of entry:

Ilulissat airport (JAV), Oqaatsut harbour

Tourist information:

none, though you could ask for information at Hotel Nordlys reception

Useful phone numbers:

Police

(+299) 70 14 48 (Ilulissat)

Hospital

(+299) 94 32 11 (Ilulissat)

Why Oqaatsut

Leave the schedule behind and follow your own internal clock to experience a small village feel and more traditional way of life in Oqaatsut. There are no roads in this small fishing settlement so cars are useless and fishing boats are the most prized possessions. Watch from shore or paddle a kayak around the enormous icebergs that originate in the Ilulissat Icefjord and float past the colourful houses, all accompanied by the sound of whale blows and howling sled dogs.

How to get to Oqaatsut

Oqaatsut is located about 21km from Ilulissat and is an easy day trip for visitors. The most popular way to get there is on a boat trip from the larger town, though it is also possible to walk from Ilulissat following the orange markers. During winter, the only way to get to Oqaatsut is by snowshoe, ski, dog sled or snowmobile.

The best time to visit during summer is June – September when the transfers from Ilulissat operate and the restaurant is open. The best time to visit during winter is February to April for the best snow conditions.

4 hour trip to Oqaatsut

6-9 hour trip to Oqaatsut

How to get around in Oqaatsut

Oqaatsut is a small settlement that doesn’t take long to walk from one end to the other.

For excursions in the area, the most common way to get around is by foot, kayak, or boat during the summer, or with dog sled, snowmobile, or snowshoes during the winter.

Where to sleep in Oqaatsut

Oqaatsut has one hotel and hostel rooms available for visitors, or you may be able to arrange a homestay with a local family. It is also possible to wild-camp anywhere on the outskirts of town, with the best sites located on the hill to the North of the settlement or along the orange hiking route to Ilulissat.

Things to do in Oqaatsut

With large icebergs on the front doorstep and whales swimming slowly by, it is tempting just to sit back and soak up the relaxed vibe in Oqaatsut. Fishing gear, items for dog sleds, drying capelin – you never know what you might come across as you wander slowly around this North Greenland settlement. Go down to the shoreline and watch the fishermen bring in the catch, or join a local family for a kaffemik to complete the picture of daily life in this small corner of Greenland.

You can also do as the locals do and head out on a sailing or fishing excursion after first purchasing a fishing license. Depending on the time of year – it is possible to catch everything from cod to capelin, halibut to arctic char without venturing too far from Oqaatsut. An added bonus is that you often come across whales and seals while in sailing Disko Bay, or you can choose to embark on a specific whale watching cruise that will take you to where the whales were last spotted.

Kayaking near Oqaatsut offers a similar (icebergs, whales) but different experience than what is available from Ilulissat. Take advantage of there being fewer people to enjoy a more personal paddle that also offers wonderful views of Oqaatsut’s picturesque and colourful houses. A popular thing to do from Ilulissat is to specifically come kayaking in Oqaatsut – a trip that also includes a settlement tour.

Two happy kayakers from PGI Greenland near Oqaatsut in Greenland. Photo by Mads Pihl.

Two kayakers in Oqaatsut. Photo by Mads Pihl

If you would prefer to stay on land, head out in any direction and choose your own hiking adventure in the hills that surround Oqaatsut. You can even hike the 21km back to Ilulissat along the well-marked orange trail.

While it is more difficult to visit Oqaatsut during winter, if you do make the journey by either snowshoe, ski, dog sled, or snowmobile, you will likely be the only guest in town. The backcountry will be yours to explore and you will likely be treated to an amazing display of Northern Lights from the darkness of a settlement with few artificial lights.

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Top things to do in Oqaatsut

Hiking

This ultimate guide to the universe of hiking in Greenland will give you all the tools and information you need to prepare you from head to toe

Icebergs

Icebergs are fundamental to Greenland. Experience colossal icebergs grounded in the Ilulissat Icefjord or find them along Greenland’s coastline like floating sculptures.

Kayaking

The kayak is a cultural link between the earliest immigrants in Greenland, the common everyday experience by local kayakers and the modern rugged adventure expeditions.

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Operators in Oqaatsut

Eating & drinking in Oqaatsut

Oqaatsut has one seasonal restaurant serving high-quality dishes created from fresh Greenlandic ingredients.

Restaurants in Oqaatsut

Restaurant H8 (seasonal)