Qeqqata Kommunia: Hiking, Museums and Winter Tours

A range of travel interests come together in Qeqqata Kommunia: Sisimiut has marked hiking trails, winter tours and a cultural history museum. Maniitsoq offers hiking routes with a character of their own, as well as a museum featuring art and history. In Kangerlussuaq, a museum explores the history of the town and of aviation in Greenland. The locations listed here can help you plan your trip around the subjects that interest you most.

Hiking and winter activities

The Sisimiut area has several well-marked hiking trails, ranging from a few hours to the multi-day Arctic Circle Trail. The trail is 160 kilometres long and runs between Sisimiut and the end of the 170-kilometre Kangerlussuaq Fjord. Hikers usually need eight to nine days to complete it. The shorter trails and the multi-day trail therefore suit very different timeframes. Check current trail conditions before setting out.

Another cross-country skiing destination is the Arctic Circle Race: the race lasts three days, covers 160 kilometres and takes place in the backcountry around Sisimiut. If you include it in your travel plans, check the event dates, as they may vary. In winter, dog-sledding and snowmobile tours are also offered in Sisimiut, including trips up to the ski slopes on Mount Alanngorsuaq. These winter activities are quite different from hiking on foot; the scope and providers may vary.

Marked, mostly trail-less hiking routes lead from Maniitsoq. They are suitable for experienced hikers or for people travelling with a guide. Another option is climbing 470 steps to the “Eiffel Tower” (Sakkortusaavik), which offers a 360-degree panoramic view. Local access conditions for this route may change; check the current situation before your visit.

Museums in Sisimiut, Maniitsoq and Kangerlussuaq

The Sisimiut Museum of Cultural History covers trade, shipping and industry. A major archaeological exhibition displays rich finds from Saqqaq culture settlements. The museum also includes a reconstructed turf house, illustrating how people in Sisimiut lived around 100 years ago. The museum is housed in former colonial buildings, several of which date from the 18th century. A visit thus offers different ways to explore the town’s history: archaeological finds, everyday life and historic museum buildings.

The Maniitsoq Museum uses four restored buildings of historical significance to introduce artists from the surrounding area. They also tell the story of Maniitsoq and Greenland as a whole. The museum’s other topics include traditional clothing, art and history. In Kangerlussuaq, the museum explores the town’s history as an American base and its later development into an important transport hub for Greenland. Another focus is the history of aviation in Greenland before, during and after the Second World War. For museum visits, confirm the latest visitor information directly with each venue.

Boat trips and landscapes

In summer, boat trips from Sisimiut visit UNESCO sites and abandoned settlements, including Assaqutaq. These trips are seasonal, and availability from providers may vary, so ask about current options before planning. Sailing trips explore Eternity Fjord or the closer Sermilinnguaq Fjord. You can often spot whales along the way. These trips are also seasonal; check with providers for current options.

The Russell Glacier is near Kangerlussuaq. At Point 660, visitors can reach the Greenland Ice Sheet; access depends on local transport and current conditions. Within Greenland as a broader travel destination, a dog-sled route also connects Sisimiut with the international airport in Kangerlussuaq. For preparations, follow the latest guidance on the official trail website.

Discover more destinations: Sisimiut, Uummannaq, Aasiaat, Maniitsoq, Nuuk, Kangerlussuaq.

Discover more destinations: Kommuneqarfik Sermersooq, Qaasuitsup.

Back to the main travel overview: Greenland.