Shortcuts
What makes Siorapaluk special?
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.
How to get around 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.
Useful phone numbers
- Police(+299) 70 14 28 / 70 14 48
- Hospital(+299) 97 10 11
What 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.
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.
Good to know
- 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.
- 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.