Sisimiut

You don’t have to be an athlete, however, to enjoy the pristine wilderness. Sisimiut has several well-marked hiking trails that range from only a few hours (Palasip Qaqqaa – the mountain behind the airport – is the most popular) to the multi-day, 160km long Arctic Circle Trail that stretches all the way to Kangerlussuaq. You can also undertake this epic journey in winter on a dog sled, snowmobile, or even a fat bike (a bicycle with fat tires designed for snowy conditions).

Hiker walking by a lake on the Arctic Circle Trail. Photo by Lina Stock

If you prefer a shorter winter excursion in Sisimiut, there is a wide range of dog sled and snowmobile tours to choose from, including snowmobiling to the top of downhill ski runs on Alanngorsuaq Mountain for an amazing view over Sisimiut. Alternatively, you can strap on snowshoes and blaze your own trail through the powdery snow. This is a great way to reach the outskirts of town for the best views of the Northern Lights (though you can also see them from in town).

For those to prefer to be on the water, during summer there are boat excursions from Sisimiut to UNESCO sites and abandoned settlements (such as Assaqutaq), as well as specially designed whale watching tours. Alternatively, try your hand at stand-up paddleboarding or paddling a traditional Greenlandic kayak. You can even go kayaking during the winter in Sisimiut.

Kayaking in Sisimiut is one of the town’s top activities. Photo: Aningaaq R Carlsen

Fishing and big game hunting are both integral to life in Sisimiut and there are opportunities for visitors to join locals and learn about Greenlandic sustainable practices. Purchase a fishing license and take a boat trip to catch cod, wolffish, halibut, or snow crab. Discover one of Sisimiut’s untouched streams where Arctic Char and Salmon abound at the right time of year. Or join a registered hunting trip (permit included) to stalk caribou (reindeer) and musk ox during the allowed seasons.

However, if you are unable to join one of these tours, there are a couple of town walking tours available from the Hotel Sisimiut. These will lead you into areas that you probably wouldn’t explore for yourself, and they offer a 1 sentence summary of each point of interest.

Cyclists on a mountain in Sisimiut. Photo: Aningaaq R. Carlsen

Whether you join a tour or create your own walking adventure, the Sisimiut Museum will be a key stop along the route. It is made up of several buildings from the 18th and 19th centuries that have been relocated to create a historic precinct near the harbour. Don’t forget to explore the open-air exhibitions that lie between the buildings as well as those that are located inside.

For a very different museum experience, venture out to the KTI Secondary School to browse Greenland’s largest rock and mineral collection. Samples from all over Greenland (and other places in the world) are featured in well-lit display cases located in one of the common areas within the school.

The large, red Zion Church that sits prominently above the harbour is one of the iconic buildings of Sisimiut. While it is an impressive building to view from the outside, try to attend a mass so you can see the gorgeous wooden interior with sealskin artwork. Please remember to be respectful and avoid taking pictures during church services.

The Zion church in Sisimiut. Photo Aningaaq R Carlsen

The Taseralik Culture Centre is another must-visit location while you are in town. As the cultural hub for Sisimiut, it hosts art exhibitions, live performances (including open mics – fancy getting on stage in Greenland?), and the latest new release movies in its cinema. You can also simply sit and enjoy a cake and coffee with one of the most amazing views in town.

Finally, for the ultimate indulgence, unwind at the Arctic Spa at the Hotel Sisimiut. Raise your core temperature in the sauna, step outside into the brisk Arctic air to rapidly cool down, then lower yourself into a “”Wildness Bath”” hot tub kept at the perfect temperature for relaxation. Alternatively, enjoy the bubbles in a different type of hot tub experience at the Hotel Seamen’s Home Sisimiut.