This month, ATN takes you to Western Greenland: from the winter wilderness of Sisimiut to the monumental ice cathedral of Disko Bay and Ilulissat — a journey into the land of giants. At the edge of the Arctic world — yet increasingly at the center of global geopolitical and climate discussions — more than 80% of its surface is covered by ice, and its population numbers just around 56,000. Vast, silent, elemental.
When to Go: The Return of the Light
March is one of the most magical times to experience Greenland. Winter still reigns, but daylight is slowly returning. Weather remains unpredictable — flights can be delayed, plans reshaped by snow or wind — and locals often say “Ajungilak” (“We’ll see what happens”), a reminder that here, nature sets the schedule. From September to April, this region is also prime territory for the Northern Lights.
Stop 1: Sisimiut – Arctic Winter Safari
With about 5,500 inhabitants, Sisimiut is Greenland’s second-largest town and the perfect introduction to Arctic life.
Snowshoeing & UNESCO Landscapes
A 6-kilometre snowshoe hike leads to breathtaking viewpoints over the sea and toward Aasivissuit–Nipisat, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2018. This immense cultural landscape stretches from the ice sheet to ancient Inuit hunting grounds, fjords and islands dotted with abandoned settlements that still serve as summer camps for local children.
Winter Activities Galore
Sisimiut is a true Arctic playground:
• Cross-country skiing
• Snowmobiling
• 4×4 excursions across snowy hills
• Dog sledding
• Off-road winter safaris
A sunset snowmobile ride to one of the highest viewpoints above town reveals orange Arctic light melting into blue ice fjords.
Dog Sledding: Greenland’s Beating Heart
Dog culture defines Sisimiut. Around 1,100 Greenlandic sled dogs live here, and feeding time is an unforgettable chorus. This town hosts Greenland’s most famous sled dog race and keeps centuries-old Arctic transport traditions alive. Riding a sled pulled by 12–15 powerful Greenlandic dogs across frozen terrain is not just an activity — it’s an immersion into Arctic heritage.
Northern Lights Hunting
With minimal light pollution and vast open skies, Sisimiut offers exceptional aurora viewing. On clear nights under a new moon, the Northern Lights ripple above the frozen landscape in surreal green waves.
Stop 2: Ilulissat & Disko Bay – The Cathedral of Ice
After a short flight north, you reach Ilulissat — home to the legendary Ilulissat Icefjord, one of the most dramatic natural sites on Earth. Gigantic icebergs calve from the Sermeq Kujalleq glacier and drift majestically through Disko Bay. From land, sea and air, the scale is overwhelming.
Ilulissat Icefjord Centre
Start at the architecturally striking Ilulissat Icefjord Centre, designed by Danish architect Dorte Mandrup. The centre blends science and culture, explaining the story of Arctic ice, climate change and Inuit life. It gives essential context before you step into the landscape itself.
Walking Among Giants
A coastal walk toward the fjord reveals enormous icebergs drifting silently until they crack and thunder apart. Their slow movement is magnetic — you simply stand and watch.
Sailing at Sunset
A boat excursion at sunset among the icebergs is unforgettable. The shifting Arctic light turns white ice into gold and blue sculpture. The cold is intense — but the beauty even more so.
Overnight in an Igloo
Adventurous travellers can head inland by snowmobile and spend a night in insulated igloos under Arctic skies (with emergency heated cabins available). Temperatures hover around –13°C in winter, but polar sleeping bags and hot water bottles make it surprisingly manageable.
Back in Ilulissat, a more comfortable option awaits at Hotel Arctic — the world’s northernmost four-star hotel — whose glass “Aurora Cabins” offer panoramic views of both sea and sky. Watching the Northern Lights dance above Disko Bay from inside a heated glass suite is pure Arctic magic.
Arctic Cuisine: What to Taste
Greenlandic cuisine is based entirely on what the land and sea provide that day:
• Halibut
• Shrimp
• Snow crab
• Reindeer
• Musk ox
• Seal and whale (traditional but not for everyone)
At Hotel Arctic, Restaurant Ulo offers contemporary Nordic-Greenlandic cuisine with iceberg views, while its more casual Brasserie version keeps things relaxed.
Events to Mark in Your Calendar
Arctic Circle Race (late March): 160 km cross-country ski race over three days, often called the world’s toughest ski competition.
Arctic Sounds Festival (early April): Nordic contemporary music festival in Sisimiut, sometimes held aboard the coastal ferry Sarfaq Ittuk.
Why This Journey Matters
Sisimiut and Disko Bay are not just travel destinations. They are living frontiers — culturally, environmentally and politically. Greenland stands at the crossroads of Arctic geopolitics, climate change and economic opportunity. Yet when you stand before a drifting iceberg or hear the synchronized barking of sled dogs at dusk, what you feel most is not politics — but scale. Silence. Light. Ice. In the Land of Giants, nature still decides.
Practical Notes
Getting There: Flights connect Copenhagen to Nuuk International Airport, then onward to Sisimiut or Ilulissat with Air Greenland. Ilulissat’s own international runway is also nearing completion/operational status, which may eventually allow direct flights from Europe.
Alternative Route: The coastal ferry Sarfaq Ittuk offers a scenic maritime journey along Greenland’s western coastline.
Best Season for Aurora: September–April
Light Conditions: Avoid the darkest winter weeks if you prefer longer daylight.
