Port information & tips for Amerloq Fjord
The Amerloq Fjord is an impressive natural jewel on the west coast of Greenland and the gateway to the vibrant city of Sisimiut. The region impresses with its untouched Arctic wilderness, rugged mountain massifs, and an authentic Inuit culture that immediately enchants visitors thanks to the colorful wooden houses and the traditional sled dog culture. Cultural highlights include the Sisimiut Museum with its striking gate made of whale jawbones, the historic blue Bethel Church, and the impressive local mountain Palasip Qaqqaa, which offers spectacular panoramic views. Cruise ships dock at the central Atlantic Quay in the port of Sisimiut, from where the charming city center and all sights are easily accessible in a short, ten-minute walk.
Amerloq Fjord in Greenland is not a conventional cruise port, but rather an impressive fjord landscape on the west coast visited by expedition ships. Arrival for guests from the DACH region is primarily by air to Greenland's international airports, from where transfers to the respective embarkation points are organized, as there is no traditional port infrastructure or road connection to the fjord.
Airplane
The most important international airports for traveling to Greenland are Nuuk (GOH) as the current main hub and Kangerlussuaq (SFJ), which remains relevant for charter flights by cruise lines. Direct flights to Greenland primarily depart from Copenhagen (CPH) with Air Greenland and SAS, as well as from Reykjavik (KEF) with Air Greenland and Icelandair. The flight time from Copenhagen to Nuuk is approximately 4 hours and 50 minutes. Due to the long journey from the DACH region, at least one stopover is required, usually in Copenhagen or Reykjavik.
Transfer & Shuttle
Since Amerloq Fjord itself has no docking facilities and ships anchor in the fjord, embarkation often takes place from larger settlements such as Kangerlussuaq or Nuuk. From Kangerlussuaq (SFJ) and Nuuk (GOH) airports, transfers to the ship or tender point are usually organized by the cruise lines and are often included in the travel package. In Kangerlussuaq in particular, independent transfers from the airport to the anchorage, which is about 13 to 20 kilometers away, are hardly practicable without a prior booking. In Nuuk, taxis and local shuttle buses are also available to travelers to get comfortably from the airport (approx. 6 km from the city center) to hotels or the cruise pier.
Pre-Cruise Hotel
Due to the long international flights to Greenland and the potentially complex logistics with connecting flights or transfers to remote embarkation points, an overnight stay in the arrival city at least one day before the planned embarkation is strongly recommended. This allows for a relaxed start to the cruise. In Kangerlussuaq, there are accommodations such as Hotel Kangerlussuaq, Polar Lodge, or Old Camp, often near the airport. In Nuuk, numerous hotels in the city center offer comfortable options, some including airport transfers.
Check-in & Embarkation
Please note that you will generally receive a fixed time slot for check-in with your travel documents, which is binding for your embarkation. Plan sufficient time for the journey to the port accordingly and take into account that the latest embarkation time - depending on the cruise line and destination area - is usually scheduled about one hour before the planned departure.
The following also applies during the journey: For shore excursions, you should be back on board at least one hour before departure. Always pay attention to the current announcements and notices on board, as mooring and departure times can change at short notice.
Amerloq Fjord in Greenland is not a conventional cruise port, but rather an impressive fjord landscape on the west coast visited by expedition ships. Arrival for guests from the DACH region is primarily by air to Greenland's international airports, from where transfers to the respective embarkation points are organized, as there is no traditional port infrastructure or road connection to the fjord.
Airplane
The most important international airports for traveling to Greenland are Nuuk (GOH) as the current main hub and Kangerlussuaq (SFJ), which remains relevant for charter flights by cruise lines. Direct flights to Greenland primarily depart from Copenhagen (CPH) with Air Greenland and SAS, as well as from Reykjavik (KEF) with Air Greenland and Icelandair. The flight time from Copenhagen to Nuuk is approximately 4 hours and 50 minutes. Due to the long journey from the DACH region, at least one stopover is required, usually in Copenhagen or Reykjavik.
Transfer & Shuttle
Since Amerloq Fjord itself has no docking facilities and ships anchor in the fjord, embarkation often takes place from larger settlements such as Kangerlussuaq or Nuuk. From Kangerlussuaq (SFJ) and Nuuk (GOH) airports, transfers to the ship or tender point are usually organized by the cruise lines and are often included in the travel package. In Kangerlussuaq in particular, independent transfers from the airport to the anchorage, which is about 13 to 20 kilometers away, are hardly practicable without a prior booking. In Nuuk, taxis and local shuttle buses are also available to travelers to get comfortably from the airport (approx. 6 km from the city center) to hotels or the cruise pier.
Pre-Cruise Hotel
Due to the long international flights to Greenland and the potentially complex logistics with connecting flights or transfers to remote embarkation points, an overnight stay in the arrival city at least one day before the planned embarkation is strongly recommended. This allows for a relaxed start to the cruise. In Kangerlussuaq, there are accommodations such as Hotel Kangerlussuaq, Polar Lodge, or Old Camp, often near the airport. In Nuuk, numerous hotels in the city center offer comfortable options, some including airport transfers.
Check-in & Embarkation
Please note that you will generally receive a fixed time slot for check-in with your travel documents, which is binding for your embarkation. Plan sufficient time for the journey to the port accordingly and take into account that the latest embarkation time - depending on the cruise line and destination area - is usually scheduled about one hour before the planned departure.
The following also applies during the journey: For shore excursions, you should be back on board at least one hour before departure. Always pay attention to the current announcements and notices on board, as mooring and departure times can change at short notice.
The port at Amerloq Fjord near Sisimiut gives you direct access to Greenland's second largest city and offers ideal conditions for exploration on land. Thanks to its sheltered location, you can reach the cultural highlights of the region easily and comfortably.
On foot
The city center of Sisimiut is very easily accessible from the port and a walk of about 10 to 15 minutes takes you directly to the historic core. The path along the coast also offers wonderful views of the colorful wooden houses and the imposing Greenlandic mountain landscape.
Buses (Bussii)
In Sisimiut, local scheduled buses operate, which are affectionately called Bussii by the residents and connect the port with the various districts. These buses are a reliable choice for exploring the hilly surroundings comfortably while gaining an authentic insight into the everyday life of the locals.
Taxi
Local taxis usually wait directly in the port area or can easily be called by phone to quickly take you to more distant destinations such as the museum or the culture house. Travel times within the city are short and, thanks to the local drivers, offer an efficient way for individual tours.
To make the most of your stay at Amerloq Fjord, we recommend a combination of the vibrant culture of Sisimiut and the impressive evidence of thousands of years of Inuit history in the untouched nature.
Sisimiut Museum & Colonial Quarter
The historic heart of the city welcomes visitors with the striking blue Bethel Church as well as authentic turf houses and, thanks to its central location directly at the harbour, offers a fascinating insight into Greenland's pioneer era.
Tele Island Sallinnguit
This history-steeped island is easily accessible via a short coastal path and fascinates with the archaeological remains of prehistoric settlements; travelers also enjoy a spectacular panoramic view of the wide mouth of the Amerloq Fjord from here.
Sled Dog Quarter Dog Town
In this expansive area on the outskirts of the city, guests can experience the heart of Greenlandic transport culture and learn more about the tradition of the resilient working dogs, while the view sweeps across the monumental mountain range of the 784-meter-high Nasaasaaq.
The Historic Museum District of Sisimiut
The charming museum district of Sisimiut is located just a short, ten-minute walk from the harbor at Amerloq Fjord and offers fascinating insights into Greenlandic culture and the millennia-old history of the Inuit. The collection of brightly colored colonial buildings is perfect for a cultural walking tour; additionally, the area houses the iconic blue Bethel Church as well as impressive exhibits of local craftsmanship. Ideally, visit the district in the morning to enjoy the authentic atmosphere in peace and take the opportunity to visit the integrated handicraft shop, which offers high-quality, unique local items. Plan your walk back in a relaxed manner so that you are back at the pier in good time before departure, while admiring the wide views across the glittering fjord.
The way back to the port in Sisimiut at Amerloq Fjord is very easy and safe thanks to the compact size of the town.
Taxi
Taxis are available for the return journey at the central square in front of the Brugseni supermarket as well as at Hotel Sisimiut. Thanks to the short distances, you will reach the port area within a few minutes and can rely on a punctual transfer.
On Foot
A direct path leads down to the harbor basin from the historic colonial quarter and the viewpoints. Orientation is easily possible thanks to the ship's prominent position in the fjord, and you can comfortably reach the berth in about ten to fifteen minutes.
Local Bus and Shuttle
The small town bus serves the main streets of Sisimiut and stops at central meeting points such as the town hall in the immediate vicinity of the port. Additionally, many ships organize a regular shuttle service for berths in Amerloq Fjord, which brings you directly from the sights back to the pier.
