Sisimiut is a town on the west coast of Greenland, lying north of the Arctic Circle. It is the island's second-largest settlement, and it has the feel of a working harbour town, with its life shaped by the sea and by the people who have fished these waters for generations.
Much of the town's appeal lies in its houses. Rows of colourful wooden buildings climb the slopes above the water, and they give Sisimiut a warm look against the stark Arctic landscape. Walking through the streets is a simple way to see how the town is arranged and how it sits between the rock and the sea.
Maritime heritage and the Davis Strait
The town's maritime history is visible along its waterfront. Boats, harbour activity and the open water of the Davis Strait are never far away, and the views across the strait are one of the reasons visitors come. Time spent by the shore, watching the light change over the water, is a quiet part of any stay.
What to do around Sisimiut
- Dog sledding, a traditional way of travelling in this part of Greenland, which the town makes a good base for.
- Hiking in the surrounding country, with the Arctic landscape opening up beyond the town edge.
- Greenlandic culture, experienced through everyday town life and the people who live here.
Because the town is compact, many visitors find it easy to settle in and move between the harbour, the houses and the nearby countryside without much planning.
Sisimiut suits travellers who want an Arctic town rather than a large city: a place to combine outdoor activity with time spent simply looking at the sea, the colours of its houses and the steady rhythm of a community on the coast.