East Greenland

East Greenland differs markedly from the west coast of Greenland, both in terms of the number of inhabitants, the number of visitors, and nature itself.

In East Greenland, you will find rugged and steep mountains, which surround deep fjords and impressive glaciers. Until 120 years ago, the East Greenlanders lived in isolation from the rest of the world, and this is still evident.

Their language is different, and the culture is deeply rooted in myths and legends, which, among other things, are expressed in East Greenlandic art.

Alpine mountain tops and traditional Inuit culture

The word „Tunu“ translates into „backside“ and is used by the Greenlanders of West Greenland to describe East Greenland. This part is said to be mysterious, even to other Greenlanders, but also mentioned as one of the most beautiful places in Greenland. Many who have travelled the world are certain that this might be the most beautiful place on earth.

Not many places on earth are as remote and pristine as this one. The 2,700 km stretch of the east coast includes the world’s largest national park and there are only about 3,000 inhabitants.

In fact, East Greenland is gorgeous, rough and remote in its own way, since it is not visited by many tourists. It is the perfect place for those who love to experience high-end unspoiled nature.

East Greenland will impress your guests with enormous glaciers, the continental ice sheet as well as the ragged and steep terrain which comprises the deep fjords. This part of Greenland is actually more alpine and rough in comparison to the rest.

The People of East Greenland

East Greenland is one of the least populated areas in Greenland, along with the national park area and northern Greenland near Qaanaaq. When compared to the rest of Greenland, the people of East Greenland are living more isolated, which further leads to a limited flow of visitors.

Kulusuk in East Greenland

You can access East Greenland through Kulusuk Airport. The Kulusuk settlement is situated on a small rocky island, which is almost always surrounded by icebergs and a glistening arctic sea. This place, which has about 320 inhabitants, presents your guests with the opportunity to stay in one of the best situated hotels in Greenland. Hotel Kulusuk offers splendid views of the fjord, the mountains and the glaciers.

Tasiilaq in East Greenland

Not many places on earth can pride themselves on the beauty of Tasillaq. The town is also known by the name of Ammassalik (earlier Angmagssalik). It is situated on the stretch of the Kong Oscars harbor, surrounded by gigantic mountains and deep fjords, topped with a hinterland that invites to hiking and sailing trips.

In Tasiilaq, you can enjoy a stay in Hotel Angmagssalik which will naturally win you over with its excellent location and stunning views. You can participate in an arranged boat cruise to the fantastic Sermilik fjord, where Greenland’s second-most-productive glacier fills the bay with icebergs (The Ilulissat ice fjord in the Disko Bay on the west coast of Greenland is the most productive glacier in Greenland).

Lights hiking: The Flower Valley in East Greenland

The hinterland of Tasiilaq presents the Flower Valley, which is a magnificent valley that surprises with an impressive arctic flora. If you enjoy light hiking, you should check this out. Access is easy and there is no need for knowledge of maps and compasses.

The world’s biggest national park – East Greenland National Park

East Greenland is home to the world’s largest and probably least visited national park in the world. The national park is difficult to access, though.

How to get to East Greenland

Typically, you would reach East Greenland from Iceland. From Reykjavik, you fly to Kulusuk and take the helicopter further to the beautiful town of Tasiilaq. From this town you can enjoy a marvelous view of the Ammassalik fjord.