Sisimiut
A working fishing town on Greenland's central-western coast, where you can hike Nasaasaaq, see the 1775 Blue Church and watch the midnight sun in summer.
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Sisimiut, also called Holsteinsborg in Danish, is Greenland's second-largest city and the capital of Qeqqata municipality. It sits on the Davis Strait coast, about 320 km north of Nuuk and 75 km north of the Arctic Circle. People have lived on the site for about 4,500 years, and Inuit descendants form most of today's population. Fishing is the main industry, and the Royal Greenland fish plant at the port is Greenland's largest.
Sisimiut Museum sits in a historic building near the harbor and covers Greenlandic trade, shipping and Saqqaq archaeology. The Blue Church, built in 1775, is the oldest surviving church in Greenland. Nasaasaaq, a ridge with a main summit of 784 m, gives long views of the coast. Summer brings the midnight sun from 3 June to 9 July, and July and August average highs near 9 to 10 °C. Air Greenland flies to Nuuk, Ilulissat and Kangerlussuaq, and no road links Sisimiut to other settlements. Two or three days covers the museum, the church and one hike.
Sisimiut in five
- Book your Air Greenland flightAir Greenland flies from Sisimiut to Nuuk, Ilulissat and Kangerlussuaq. No road links the town to any other settlement, so flights and the weekly ferry are the ways in and out.Getting around
- Carry Danish kroneSisimiut uses the Danish krone (DKK). Ask each shop or tour operator whether it takes cards before you book a tour or buy handicrafts.Money and costs
- Set up an eSIM before you landMaps, the flight app and tour messages all need data. Set up a plan before you fly so they work from the first day.Phones and eSIM
- Pack for fog and sea windSea winds from the Davis Strait moderate the climate, and the area is known for fog. Bring a windproof layer for walks on Nasaasaaq and along the bay.
- Use the ropes on Nasaasaaq's top coneRopes secure the final passage up Nasaasaaq's top cone, a route set for less experienced visitors. Mountaineers take a harder route through a low pass, and local outfitters offer guided hikes.
Need to know
- Currency
- Danish krone (DKK)
- Entry
- Greenland is outside Schengen; check entry rules for your passport before booking
- Emergency
- 112 police, fire and ambulance
- Tipping
- Not expected
- Time
- UTC-2, no daylight saving change
Weather by month
- Best
- Good
- Mixed
- Poor
- JanuaryCold, winter
- FebruaryColdest month
- MarchCold, late winter
- AprilCold, lengthening days
- MaySpring, cool
- JuneMidnight sun
- JulyWarmest month
- AugustWarm, wet
- SeptemberWet, cooling
- OctoberCooling down
- NovemberCold, short days
- DecemberCold, short days
Right now in Sisimiut
Local time, today's weather and the exchange rate, refreshed through the day.
-5
- Feels like
- -10°
- Humidity
- 76%
- Wind
- 12 km/h
- Chance of rain
- 34%
Sisimiut
10:51 PM
Monday, November 2
- Today-3°-12°34%Monday: Snow. High -3°, Low -12°. Chance of rain 34%.
- Tue1°-6°100%Tuesday: Snow. High 1°, Low -6°. Chance of rain 100%.
- Wed-1°-9°38%Wednesday: Fog. High -1°, Low -9°. Chance of rain 38%.
- Thu-1°-4°58%Thursday: Snow. High -1°, Low -4°. Chance of rain 58%.
- Fri1°-2°91%Friday: Snow. High 1°, Low -2°. Chance of rain 91%.
- Sat-2°-5°87%Saturday: Snow. High -2°, Low -5°. Chance of rain 87%.
- Sun0°-5°72%Sunday: Snow. High 0°, Low -5°. Chance of rain 72%.
Updated 08:04 PM local time · Powered by WeatherAPI.com · Weather data by Open-Meteo.com
Money
Mid-market rate1 USD = 6.694 DKK
Rates from Nov 2, 2026 · Rates By Exchange Rate API
Day trips by train
- NasaasaaqHike from town; the main summit is 784 mA mountain ridge southeast of town with a main summit of 784 m and long views of the coast.
- Palasip QaqqaaAcross Kangerluarsunnguaq Bay, north of townA twin-summit massif of 544 m across Kangerluarsunnguaq Bay, with wide views over much of the coast.
- Kangerlussuaq by the Polar Route150 to 170 km, depending on the variantThe Polar Route runs through the Alanngorsuaq valley from Sisimiut to Kangerlussuaq.Read the guide
Before you go to Sisimiut
Rules for Sisimiut, checked
- Greenland is outside the Schengen area, so check entry and visa rules for your passport with official Danish and Greenlandic sources before you book.
- Ask before photographing people, and follow your guide's advice near hunting and fishing areas.
- Sisimiut Airport's runway suits only STOL aircraft, so confirm baggage limits with the airline before you pack.
Plan around Sisimiut
Towns, ice and the wider country beyond Sisimiut
Read the guideGetting aroundFlights, the ferry and the town bus network
Read the guideMoney and costsKrone, cards and what to pay for in town
Read the guideWhere to stayHostels, hotels and camping sites near the town and bay
Read the guideVisas and entryEntry rules to check before you book your flight
Read the guidePhones and eSIMMobile data for maps, the flight app and bookings
Read the guideSisimiut FAQ
Is Sisimiut worth visiting?
Yes, for a few days. The museum, the old church yard, the hike on Nasaasaaq and boat trips fill a short stay, and the Polar Route to Kangerlussuaq starts from town.
How many days do you need in Sisimiut?
Two to three days covers the museum, the Blue Church, Nasaasaaq and a boat trip. Plan more days if you want the Polar Route, which runs 150 to 170 km depending on the variant.
How do you get to Sisimiut?
Fly with Air Greenland from Nuuk, Ilulissat or Kangerlussuaq. The weekly Royal Arctic Line ferry also sails from Sisimiut to Nuuk.
Can you drive to Sisimiut?
No. No road links Sisimiut to another settlement. The Arctic Circle Track is a rough 130 km route for ATVs and off-road vehicles, opened in 2025 to Kangerlussuaq.
Can you swim in Sisimiut?
Yes, in the heated open-air pool, which stands on stilts so its heat does not melt the permafrost. In summer people also visit a small dark-sand beach halfway to the airport.
When is the midnight sun in Sisimiut?
The midnight sun lasts from 3 June to 9 July. There is no true polar night in winter.