Port information & tips for Ataa
Ataa is a pristine natural jewel in the heart of Disko Bay, welcoming travelers with the raw beauty of the Greenlandic Arctic. The atmosphere at the deep blue Ataa Sund is characterized by majestic icebergs, vast tundra, and the fascinating silence of a nearly uninhabited wilderness. Special highlights include boat tours to the calving Eqi Glacier as well as hikes through the historical, abandoned settlement that tells of the traditional Inuit way of life. As Ataa is a classic expedition stop, cruise ships anchor in the protected bay while guests reach the landing pier of Camp Ataa via tender boat or Zodiac, enjoying immediate access to the impressive flora and panoramic hiking trails from there.
Arrival & Departure
Getting around
Highlights & Districts
Useful tips
Returning to the ship
Getting to and from the remote cruise port of Ataa in Greenland requires careful planning due to its island location and the lack of roads or rail connections, and is done exclusively by plane or as part of a cruise. Ataa itself is a smaller port of call, which is mainly accessed via tender boats or zodiacs.
Airplane (International Travel)
The main arrival route from the DACH region to Greenland is via Copenhagen (CPH) in Denmark or Reykjavik (KEF) in Iceland. Air Greenland offers year-round direct flights from Copenhagen to Nuuk (GOH), the capital of Greenland. There are also seasonal connections from Copenhagen to Kangerlussuaq (SFJ). Icelandair flies from Keflavik (KEF) directly to Nuuk (GOH), Ilulissat (JAV), and other Greenlandic airports. An early arrival, often with an overnight stay in Copenhagen or Reykjavik, is highly recommended due to long flight times and possible connection delays.
Local Transfers and Embarkation
Since Ataa does not have its own airport, the nearest major airport is Ilulissat (JAV), which also hosts the Ilulissat Icefjord. From international arrival airports such as Nuuk or Kangerlussuaq, you can reach Ilulissat with domestic flights from Air Greenland. The onward journey from Ilulissat to Ataa usually takes place by ship, often as part of the cruise route using tender boats or zodiacs, as it is an anchorage and there is no developed terminal infrastructure.
Pre-Cruise Hotel / Travel Planning
Given the complex flight connections and often changeable Arctic weather conditions, a pre-overnight stay in the departure city (Copenhagen or Reykjavik) or in a larger Greenlandic city such as Nuuk or Ilulissat is advisable. This minimizes the risk of missed connections and allows for a relaxed start to your cruise adventure. Many cruise lines also offer Fly & Cruise packages, which include international and local transfers as well as pre-hotels where applicable, ensuring smooth logistics.
Check-in & Embarkation
Please note that you will usually 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.
Also during the trip: For shore excursions, you should be back on board at least one hour before departure. Always pay attention to the current announcements as well as the notices on board, as mooring and departure times can change at short notice.
The former trading post of Ataa is a destination for expedition ships and, thanks to its sheltered location, offers direct access to the impressive wilderness of Disko Bay.
Expedition Ships and Zodiacs
As Ataa does not have a large port for cruise ships, arrival is comfortably managed using the ship's own Zodiacs or local boats directly at the settlement's shallow shore.
On Foot
The area around the camp and the historic buildings can be wonderfully explored on a stroll and also serves as an ideal starting point for hikes into the Arctic nature.
Water Taxis and Transfer Boats
For onward travel to neighboring locations such as Ilulissat, organized water taxis are available, which transport guests safely across the glacial sea while providing spectacular views of passing icebergs.
Since Ataa is a former settlement surrounded by untouched nature, it is recommended to spend your time primarily exploring the historic ruins and the spectacular Arctic fjord landscape.
The abandoned settlement of Ataa
The remains of the former trading post tell a fascinating story of earlier life in the Arctic and also offer atmospheric photo opportunities against the backdrop of rugged mountain walls.
Eqip Sermia Glacier
A boat trip to the nearby, actively calving glacier is the undisputed highlight of the region and, thanks to the imposing masses of ice and the thundering background noise, offers an unforgettable natural spectacle.
The surrounding hiking trails
The vast tundra landscape around the fjord invites discovery and is perfect for hikes to viewpoints that offer a wide view over the deep blue water and the drifting icebergs.
The Historical Camp Ataa
The former settlement of Ataa is located right at the boat landing stage and offers cruise guests a fascinating combination of untouched Arctic nature and insights into the former life of Greenlandic hunters. The charming Camp Ataa, with its famous "Red House," features a small, service-oriented restaurant and is the perfect place to enjoy the spectacular view of the icebergs in Disko Bay with a warming drink. Thanks to the flat paths around the camp, the terrain is ideal for a relaxed walk to soak in the historical atmosphere of this remote region. It is best to start your shore excursion early in the morning to enjoy the peace before other groups arrive, and plan your walk back to the landing stage approximately thirty minutes before the last return trip.
Returning to the mooring point in Ataa is particularly straightforward thanks to the manageable size of the area and the clear visibility at the fjord. You can reach your ship safely via the central assembly points directly on the water.
Tender Service
The ship's own tender boats shuttle regularly between the shore and your cruise ship and form the most important connection back on board. You can find the exact schedule for the last return trip directly at the landing stage with the expedition team, who will also inform you about the current weather conditions.
On Foot
In the small settlement of Ataa, all paths are short and lead directly back to the central landing place on the water. Thanks to the open landscape and the good visibility of the coastline, you can find your way back to the pier easily at any time and enjoy nature until the very end.
Water Taxis and Local Boats
If you have taken an individual excursion in the Ataa Fjord, local water taxis will bring you directly back to the agreed meeting point on the shore at Ataa Camp. These boats dock at the small pier and, thanks to flexible arrangements, enable you to arrive punctually before your ship departs.
