Tasiilaq: Flower Valley, local history and nature

Tasiilaq is located on the island of Ammassalik and combines a valley with trails and nature, a remarkable local history, and activities that vary with the seasons. When planning your trip, it’s worth first considering whether you’re more interested in spending time on the water, enjoying snowy experiences, or exploring the landscape and culture. This will help you plan the length of your stay and search for a holiday apartment around the experiences that interest you most.

Flower Valley and trails around Tasiilaq

Flower Valley begins at the stream that runs through Tasiilaq and leads into the valley behind the town cemetery. Well-trodden trails wind through the valley and offer scenic views; the area is also home to a variety of wildlife and distinctive plant species. Along the stream, a waterfall lies between lakes formed by glacial meltwater. This succession of stream, waterfall, and lakes gives the valley its own distinctive landscape.

The hills overlooking Tasiilaq also make a destination for an independent outing: They are dotted with cairns, and climbing up to them is considered a safe option for a self-guided excursion. Other options include walking along Qinngimu Bay and visiting the Iddimiini protected area, where traces of earlier Inuit settlements can be seen. Follow current local advice on these outings. A local guide is recommended for hikes farther afield.

Museum, church and living history

The Ammassalik Museum, also known as the Tasiilaq Museum, is housed in the town’s former church. The building was constructed in 1908 by the crew of a Danish sailing ship that had run aground nearby; the ship’s timber was used to build it. The permanent exhibition is open year-round. Check current opening hours before your visit.

The museum also includes a house with turf walls, built in 1994 to mark the town’s centenary. It offers a glimpse of life in earlier times during the winter months. The house is usually open to visitors in summer; check current visiting arrangements before you go.

The new church in Tasiilaq reveals another side of the town’s history: It has a pentagonal floor plan, a stone façade, a gently sloping roof, and a pointed dome in the centre. Another cultural tradition leads to Iddimiini: On Greenland’s National Day, several younger and older women from Tasiilaq row a traditional umiaq to the settlement. So possible discoveries in Tasiilaq include not only buildings and exhibitions but also a shared cultural practice.

Seasonal experiences and the best time to visit

June to September is considered the best time to visit for sailing, hiking, kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, and whale watching. February to April is recommended for dog sledding, snowmobiling, ice fishing, skiing, snowshoeing, and seeing the Northern Lights. During the colder months, Tasiilaq also attracts ski tourers and heliskiing enthusiasts from around the world. Weather and operating conditions can vary, so the season is a useful starting point for planning, but it does not guarantee that any particular activity will be available.

The seasonal difference can also help you decide what to focus on during your stay: water sports and whale watching in contrast to winter snow activities. If you’re looking for a holiday apartment, you can make this decision first and then plan your trip around your preferred experiences.

Getting there and finding your way

There are no direct flights to Tasiilaq. Air travellers must first reach Kulusuk Airport and continue from there by helicopter or, in summer only, by boat. As these onward connections depend on the season, it’s a good idea to check them before travelling. Planning how to get there and choosing when to travel go hand in hand: First decide which seasonal experiences matter most to you, then tailor your search for accommodation in Tasiilaq accordingly.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Paamiut, Kulusuk.

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