Cruise Ship Passenger Port of Call Guide to Sisimiut, Greenland

Essential Port Information

Sisimiut Port at 66.9°N latitude serves as your gateway to western Greenland.

You can access multiple berths that handle ships with 8-10 metre drafts. The port stays open throughout the year, but you should expect ice from late autumn to early spring.

You will need a local pilot to help you navigate your ship into the port. Your ship will experience tidal changes of 3-4 metres during docking.

You can get essential services at the port, including:

• Fresh water
• Waste disposal
• Fuel supplies

You can reach the Sisimiut Port Authority through:

• VHF radio
• Phone

The port staff will help you manage all docking procedures and service requirements.

Getting Around Sisimiut

Getting around Sisimiut is easy on foot from the harbour area. You can walk to most attractions, though you’ll need to climb one steep hill.

The historic centre stays compact, and you’ll find walking maps at Hotel Sisimiut for self-guided tours.

Town buses run every 20 minutes if you want to avoid walking. These buses take you to popular spots like ‘dog town’ and the Arctic Circle Trail start point, but don’t serve the airport.

You can call Sisimiut Taxi or Jakob Davidsen Taxi for direct transport.

Want to explore beyond town? You have several options:

• Water taxis for fjord trips
• ATV and bike rentals
• Guided tours
• Dog sledding (winter only)
• Snowmobile trips (winter only)

Local Weather and Conditions

Pack for Sisimiut’s distinct Arctic weather patterns. You’ll find summer temperatures reach 4-7°C with cloudy skies.

Winter temperatures drop to -16°C. You need windproof clothing for the strong winds that blow at 30-47 km/h throughout the year.

Summer months (June-August) bring constant daylight due to the polar day effect.

Winter visitors on cruises face snow and cold but can spot the Northern Lights. The high humidity levels of 78-91% make waterproof gear essential in all seasons.

You’ll get the best experience by visiting between June and October. These months offer milder temperatures and better conditions for exploring outdoors.

UK measurements:

• Summer highs: 4-7°C
• Winter lows: -16°C
• Wind speeds: 30-47 km/h
• Humidity: 78-91%

Cultural Highlights and Attractions

Sisimiut offers you a fascinating mix of Inuit and Scandinavian culture. You can explore 18th-century buildings like Gammelhuset and Bethel-kirken along the harbour.

The Sisimiut Museum displays local history through open-air exhibits and traditional peat house remains, highlighting the town’s role in Arctic trade.

The Taseralik Cultural Centre lets you experience modern Greenlandic culture. You can enjoy art shows, watch performances, and relax at the lakeside café.

The red Zion Church stands out with its beautiful sealskin artwork. You can observe local craftspeople making traditional sealskin clothing, including jackets and slippers.

For geology enthusiasts, the KTI Secondary School houses Greenland’s most extensive rock and mineral collection.

The town combines modern facilities with traditional culture, giving you a genuine Arctic experience.

Shore Excursion Options

Sisimiut offers you both cultural and adventure excursions during your shore visit.

Take a guided walking tour through the historic centre to explore the Sisimiut Museum, featuring buildings from the 1700s and 1800s that showcase Inuit heritage. You can discover the town’s outskirts on modern e-bikes for an energetic experience.

Winter activities let you experience dog sledding and snowshoeing adventures.

Summer brings options for hiking local trails, kayaking in crystal-clear fjords, and joining boat trips to spot whales. You can buy a fishing licence to catch fresh cod, wolffish, halibut, and snow crab in local waters.

Two must-see landmarks await your visit: the distinctive red Zion Church displays unique sealskin artwork, while the KTI Secondary School houses an impressive collection of local rocks and minerals.

Shopping and Local Markets

Shopping in Sisimiut offers you both chain stores and local markets for your needs.

Main Supermarkets:

• Brugseni: Open 7am-9pm
• Pisiffik: Open 7am-9pm
• Akiki: Open until midnight

You can buy fresh seafood at Royal Greenland’s market, which sells cod and shrimp from their local processing plant.

Outdoor Equipment Shops:

• Sisimiut Sport: Full range of hiking gear
• Sisimiut Outdoor: Complete outdoor equipment
• Stark: Camping gas and hardware
• Sirius Greenland: Camping supplies and tools
• Hotel Sisimiut: Basic outdoor gear and local advice

You should bring essential items from home, as Sisimiut’s shops focus on:

• Basic daily needs
• Outdoor equipment
• Local products

The town’s remote location means limited shopping options, but you’ll find all necessary basics for your stay.

Dining and Local Cuisine

You’ll discover a mix of Greenlandic and international food in Sisimiut’s restaurants.

The Nasaasaaq Restaurant offers fine dining, while Hotel SØMA Cafeteria provides casual meals. JS Bakery, the only dedicated bakery in Greenland, serves fresh pastries daily.

You can taste authentic Greenlandic dishes at most local restaurants. Popular choices include suaasat (a hearty meat and potato soup), mattak (traditional whale skin with blubber), and locally-caught Arctic char and halibut.

The Sisimiut Harbour Grill serves pizzas and burgers, while Café Jasmine and Nana’s specialise in Thai food.

You’ll find local desserts at Café Taseralik and Café Ulu. Try their Kalaallit Kaagiat, a Greenlandic cake topped with whipped cream and local berries.

Safety and Emergency Services

Medical and Safety Essentials in Greenland

You’ll find basic medical care only in Greenland’s major towns. Medical services are scarce in remote areas. Response times for emergencies can take longer than you might expect.

You must carry emergency communication gear:

• A two-way satellite device (like InReach)
• An Iridium satellite phone

You should get medical evacuation insurance before your trip. If you need urgent treatment, doctors may need to transport you to a better-equipped facility.

Key safety tips:

• Keep emergency contacts handy
• Stay within reach of communication signals
• Tell others about your travel plans
• Pack essential medicines and first aid supplies

Contact emergency services via:

• Local emergency number
• Your satellite device
• Your travel insurance helpline

Medical Facilities and Resources

You can access basic healthcare at the regional hospital in Sisimiut. The facility provides:

• Basic medical consultations
• X-ray services
• Essential laboratory tests
• Emergency care
• Common prescription medicines

Your treatment options have these limitations:

• No CT scanner
• Limited specialist care
• Few English-speaking staff
• Basic medication range

You need to know:

• Complex cases require transfer to Nuuk’s Queen Ingrid’s Hospital
• Transport happens via ambulance plane or helicopter
• You must pay for medical services and transport costs
• Language barriers might affect your care quality

Remember to:

• Bring enough of your regular medicines
• Keep your travel insurance details handy
• Carry your medical documents in English
• Pack basic first-aid supplies

This straightforward structure should make the medical services information clearer and easier to understand.

Emergency Response Procedures

You can access emergency services through satellite phones and emergency devices. Your call goes to Aasiaat Radio, which connects you to the right responders.

Key Emergency Numbers:

• Police: +299 70 14 48
• Fire Services: 113

Safety Guidelines:

1. Stay on marked trails
2. Wear bright, visible clothing
3. Carry a working two-way communication device
4. Learn how to use your device before heading out

Emergency helicopters can reach you within one hour after you activate an alert.

Avoid These Hazards:

• Steep cliff areas
• Glacier fronts
• Rockfall zones
• Avalanche-prone slopes
• Landslip-risk areas
• Fire-risk activities

Your safety depends on following these measures and maintaining clear communication channels with emergency services.

Communication During Crisis

Your safety in Sisimiut’s remote areas depends on clear communication during emergencies. You need reliable methods to call for help.

Essential Communication Items:

• Satellite phone or two-way radio
• Emergency beacon
• High-visibility clothing

Key Emergency Contacts:

• Aasiaat Radio
• JRCC (rcc@naviair.dk)
• Local police stations

Your Emergency Response Steps:

1. Find shelter with a clear view of the sky
2. Activate your emergency beacon
3. Use your communication device to contact help
4. Stay visible and keep your beacon active

Your two-way communication device helps rescue teams understand:

• What happened
• How urgent your situation is
• What resources you need

Remember: Emergency services can deploy up to 18 workers for your rescue. You should only call for help in genuine emergencies.

Tip: Test your communication devices before each trip to ensure they work properly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I See the Northern Lights During My Cruise Ship Visit?

You can spot the Northern Lights best during your cruise from September to April. These months offer longer nights and clearer skies, giving you better viewing opportunities. The lights appear in the dark polar sky as colourful, moving displays. To maximise your chances, watch for them during late evening hours when the sky is darkest.

Are There ATMS or Places to Exchange Currency in Sisimiut?

You can find ATMs in Sisimiut’s town centre that work with international cards like Visa and Mastercard.

For currency exchange, head to Grønlandsbanken bank in town. They exchange foreign money to Danish Krone (DKK) on weekdays between 9:30 and 15:00.

Remember to carry Danish Krone, as it’s the official currency used throughout Greenland.

What Traditional Inuit Crafts Can I Purchase as Authentic Souvenirs?

You can find several authentic Inuit crafts in local Arctic shops:

• Soapstone carvings, including traditional tupilak figures
• Handmade sealskin boots and clothing
• Traditional ulu knives for food preparation
• Woven items made from muskox wool
• Beaded jewellery and accessories

These items represent genuine Inuit craftsmanship and carry cultural significance. Local artisans create each piece using traditional methods and materials. You’ll find these items in certified shops across Inuit communities.

Is English Widely Spoken Among Locals in Sisimiut?

You’ll encounter some English speakers in Sisimiut, mainly in tourist spots and amongst the younger population. The locals use Kalaallisut (West Greenlandic) and Danish as their main languages. If you plan to visit, don’t expect widespread English usage outside tourist areas. You might want to learn a few basic phrases in Kalaallisut or Danish to help you communicate better.

Are There Public Restrooms Near the Cruise Ship Dock?

The cruise ship dock lacks dedicated public toilets. You can find facilities in nearby venues:

• Local hotels
• Restaurants
• Shopping centres
• Public buildings

For convenience, use your ship’s toilets before you leave. This saves you time and potential hassle during your initial exploration of the port area.