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Siorapaluk

North Greenland
#siorapaluk #northgreenland #visitgreenland #greenlandpioneer

Experience a small, close-knit community who rely on each other and a bounty of arctic wildlife to flourish in Siorapaluk - Greenland's northernmost settlement.


Why Siorapaluk


How to get there


How to get around


Where to sleep


Things to do


Eating & Drinking

Quick facts

Facts about Siorapaluk

Name (Greenlandic):
Siorapaluk (West Greenland), Hiurapaluk (Polar Inuit)
Name (danish):
-
Region in Greenland:
North Greenland
Coordinates:
77°47′08″N 70°38′00″W
Postcode:
3971
Airport code:
SRK
Population:
42 (2022)
Municipality:
Avannaata

Nearby towns and settlements:

QaanaaqQeqertatSavissivik

View map

  • Siorapaluk’s church also functions as its school and public library
  • Siorpaluk means “little sands” in the Greenlandic language. It is also call Hiurapaluk in the Inughuit language
  • 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”.
  • The now-abandoned Etah, which lies 78km northwest of Siorapaluk, used to be the northernmost settlement in Greenland.

Useful information

SIORAPALUK WEATHER

Tips

  • Siorapaluk has one small Pilersuisoq supermarket that stocks basics. It is best to bring everything you need with you.

  • For souvenirs, seek out locals who sell privately

Closest ports of entry:

Qaanaaq airport (NAQ), Siorapaluk heliport (SRK)

Tourist information:

-

Useful phone numbers:

Police
(+299) 70 14 28 / 70 14 48
Hospital
(+299) 97 10 11

Why Siorapaluk

New faces are a rare sight in Siorapaluk, the world’s most northerly inhabited Inuit settlement. While electricity, satellite TV and internet provide a window to the outside world, few visitors make it to this small outpost on the northern side of Robertson Fjord at the top of Greenland.

The people of Siorapaluk are mainly hunters. Many of them are descendants of the last migration of Inuit who crossed the ocean from Nunavut to Greenland in the late 1800s. And while modern technology has made life a little easier for them, this is one of the best places in Greenland where you can experience the closest thing to a traditional Inuit way of life.

How to get to Siorapaluk

Located 200km further north than Qaanaaq and only 1362 kilometres from the North Pole, Siorapaluk is the northernmost settlement in Greenland. The only way to reach this tiny, North Greenland outpost is via helicopter transfer (all year), boat tour (summer only), or dogsled or snowmobile (winter) from Qaanaaq. Occasional expedition ships have also been known to call into Siorapaluk as climate change opens up these far northern latitudes.

The best time to visit is during Summer when the Midnight sun shines brightly and access is easier.




Air Greenland

How to get around in Siorapaluk

Siorapaluk is a small settlement that is easily walkable. There are no taxis or other forms of public transportation.

For excursions in Siorapaluk and surroundings, the most common way to get around is by boat during the summer, or with dog sled or snowmobile during the winter.

Where to sleep in Siorapaluk

Siorapaluk does not have any formal accommodation. Visitors arrange to stay with local families or rent local houses. If you wish to free-camp outside of town, we recommend that you know how to protect yourself or are accompanied by a person with a rifle, as polar bears have been sighted near populated areas in most years.

  • All Accommodations
  • Other accommodation
All Accommodations
Qaanaaq, with view over the sea towards Herbert Island. Photo by Glenn Mattsing - Visit Greenland

Nunataq Atsuk Travel

Qaanaaq, Postbox 51 3971,
Phone: +299 23 85 02More information
Other accommodation
Qaanaaq, with view over the sea towards Herbert Island. Photo by Glenn Mattsing - Visit Greenland

Nunataq Atsuk Travel

Qaanaaq, Postbox 51 3971,
Phone: +299 23 85 02More information

Things to do in Siorapaluk

To visit Siorapaluk is to immerse yourself in the lifestyle of traditional hunters.

During winter, ice fishing and hunting from the sea ice occupy the long, dark, winter months in Siorapaluk. Locals use traditional Greenlandic dogsleds to travel to the best locations, and may spend several days away from the safety of Siorapaluk’s community as they stalk their prey.

Once the ice melts in Siorapaluk (something that is happening earlier and earlier each year due to climate change), dogs are replaced with boats for different styles of fishing and hunting. Narwhal, walrus, and seal are all prized catches that help to sustain Siorapaluk’s population throughout the year. As are the little auks that are caught with what look like oversized butterfly nets as they flock to the cliffs around the settlement in mid-Summer to breed.

A hunter catching a little auk with a big net near Siorapaluk. Photo by Kim Insuk - Visit Greenland

A hunter catching a little auk with a big net near Siorapaluk. Photo by Kim Insuk

The best way to participate in these activities is to talk to the local hunters or join a trip from one of the tourism providers in Qaanaaq.

Another Summer option is to hike into the tall, reddish mountains behind Siorapaluk keeping an eye out for wildlife, such as the arctic hares and arctic foxes that are common in this northernmost area in Greenland. Or, brave a “polar plunge” into the almost freezing water from the beautiful sandy beach in front of the colourful houses.

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Top Things to do In Siorapaluk

Birdwatching

The good thing about being a birdwatcher – or a “birder” – is that you can do it at all levels – and in principle, at all times.

Dogsledding

Arctic temperatures and several meters of snow are no match for the natural impressions and cultural twist that will warm your soul while dog sledding in Greenland.

Hiking

Hiking is one of the best-known adventure activities around the world, but it can be quite different in Greenland.

Explore more things to do in Siorapaluk

Eating & Drinking in Siorapaluk

If not staying with a local, visitors to Siorapaluk must bring and prepare all of their own food. There is nowhere to purchase meals in the settlement.

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