Port information & tips for Ittoqqortoormiit
Ittoqqortoormiit is one of the most remote and fascinating expedition destinations on the wild east coast of Greenland. This picturesque settlement on the edge of the massive Scoresby Sund fjord system impresses with its colorful wooden houses and offers a deep insight into the authentic culture of Inuit hunters. Special highlights include the charming church of Ittoqqortoormiit and the local museum, which vividly documents the settlement's eventful history and is easy to explore thanks to its central location. As cruise ships anchor in the protected bay, visitors reach the settlement's central landing pier safely by tender boat. From this arrival point, all sights and the impressive Arctic natural scenery are within easy walking distance in just a few minutes.
Traveling to Ittoqqortoormiit, one of Greenland's most remote settlements, is a challenging adventure that requires careful planning of several travel stages. Cruise ships dock here as a tender port, with guests being brought ashore by zodiacs at a small pebble beach in the village.
Airplane
Travel from the DACH region is primarily via Iceland. Flights from Reykjavik (RKV) or Akureyri (AEY) with Norlandair take you to Nerlerit Inaat (CNP), also known as Constable Point Airport. This airport is located about 40 kilometers northwest of Ittoqqortoormiit and serves as the central hub for the region.
Helicopter & Transfer
From Nerlerit Inaat Airport (CNP), the onward journey to Ittoqqortoormiit is usually by helicopter with Air Greenland. This flight takes around 10 to 15 minutes. In the summer months, boat transfers across Hurry Inlet can be used as an alternative, while in winter, snowmobiles are also used if ice conditions permit. Within the village, residents move mainly on foot as there is no public transport.
Pre-arrival Hotel & Travel Planning
Given the complex travel route and possible weather-related delays, an overnight stay in Iceland before the onward flight to Greenland is strongly recommended. This ensures a relaxed start to your expedition cruise. Directly at Nerlerit Inaat Airport, there is also simple accommodation with eight rooms available for stranded passengers, and there is also a guesthouse in Ittoqqortoormiit. Plan your time generously to make the journey stress-free.
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 bear in mind that the latest embarkation time - depending on the shipping company 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.
Traveling to Ittoqqortoormiit, one of Greenland's most remote settlements, is a challenging adventure that requires careful planning of several travel stages. Cruise ships dock here as a tender port, with guests being brought ashore by zodiacs at a small pebble beach in the village.
Airplane
Travel from the DACH region is primarily via Iceland. Flights from Reykjavik (RKV) or Akureyri (AEY) with Norlandair take you to Nerlerit Inaat (CNP), also known as Constable Point Airport. This airport is located about 40 kilometers northwest of Ittoqqortoormiit and serves as the central hub for the region.
Helicopter & Transfer
From Nerlerit Inaat Airport (CNP), the onward journey to Ittoqqortoormiit is usually by helicopter with Air Greenland. This flight takes around 10 to 15 minutes. In the summer months, boat transfers across Hurry Inlet can be used as an alternative, while in winter, snowmobiles are also used if ice conditions permit. Within the village, residents move mainly on foot as there is no public transport.
Pre-arrival Hotel & Travel Planning
Given the complex travel route and possible weather-related delays, an overnight stay in Iceland before the onward flight to Greenland is strongly recommended. This ensures a relaxed start to your expedition cruise. Directly at Nerlerit Inaat Airport, there is also simple accommodation with eight rooms available for stranded passengers, and there is also a guesthouse in Ittoqqortoormiit. Plan your time generously to make the journey stress-free.
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 bear in mind that the latest embarkation time - depending on the shipping company 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.
A visit to Ittoqqortoormiit begins with a short ride in a tender boat, which takes you directly into the heart of one of Greenland's most remote settlements. From the landing stage, you can reach all the village's important locations in a very short time thanks to the manageable distances.
On Foot
Walking is the primary mode of transport in Ittoqqortoormiit and allows you to cross the entire village comfortably within about 15 minutes. The route from the port to the church, the museum, and the local shop also offers wonderful photo opportunities of the colorful wooden houses against the Arctic backdrop.
Tender Boats and Zodiacs
Arrival on the mainland is by ship transfer, with the boats docking directly at the small pier in the center. This service is perfectly timed to the layover periods and ensures a smooth and direct transition from the cruise ship to the settlement.
Local ATVs and Motorboats
Since there are no classic taxis or buses in this small settlement, residents primarily use all-terrain ATVs or small motorboats for transport. These local vehicles are available for organized excursions in the surrounding area and, thanks to experienced guides, allow for safe exploration of the untouched tundra or nearby icebergs.
To make the most of your stay in one of the most isolated places in the world, it is recommended to focus on the colorful heart of the settlement and explore the spectacular Arctic natural backdrop directly at the harbor.
The colorful village center
The iconic red, blue, and yellow wooden houses form a wonderful contrast to the rugged Arctic landscape and, thanks to the short distances, invite you on a leisurely discovery tour where you can perfectly observe the authentic life of the Inuit community.
Ittoqqortoormiit Museum & Church
In the small museum, visitors learn fascinating details about the history of the hunter culture and can also visit the picturesque wooden church, which, thanks to its location on a hill, offers an impressive view over the village and the harbor.
The Scoresby Sund
The world's largest fjord system lies directly in front of the settlement and is ideal for exploration by boat or from the shore, as the majestically drifting icebergs and the deep silence of the Arctic create an unforgettable natural experience.
Ittoqqortoormiit Museum and Cultural Tour
The Ittoqqortoormiit Museum is located just a few minutes' walk from the pier in one of the oldest buildings in the village and offers a fascinating insight into the history of East Greenlandic hunters and life in extreme isolation. A visit is also worthwhile thanks to the iconic backdrop of colorful houses and the small wooden church, which together with the cozy "Orormersiarderdarpi Grill Café" create an authentic atmosphere. Take advantage of the early morning hours for your walk to capture the special clarity of the Arctic light and discover local handicrafts in peace. Ideally, return to the harbor about ninety minutes before departure to conclude your shore excursion in a relaxed manner and admire the monumental backdrop of Scoresby Sund once more from the shore.
In the remoteness of East Greenland, the way back to the ship is very straightforward and is usually organized directly via the ship's own means of transport. Thanks to the small size of the settlement, you can reach the landing site in a very short time from any point in the village.
On foot
Getting around in Ittoqqortoormiit is exclusively on foot, as all sights such as the church and the small museum are close together. Thanks to the village's hillside location, the path to the landing site on the shore is visible from almost everywhere and can be easily covered via the unpaved paths.
Tender shuttle
Since cruise ships lie at anchor in the bay, the ship's own tender boats or Zodiacs will bring you reliably back on board. The boats depart from the central pier below the village and run at regular intervals, so you can return to the ship flexibly and on time.
Orientation and safety
An important landmark for the way back is the Pilersuisoq store building, from which the path leads directly to the water. In addition, your ship's expedition leaders ensure easy orientation at prominent points and, thanks to their presence, guarantee a safe path back to the landing site.
