Kulusuk: Church, Glaciers and Northern Lights

Kulusuk can be viewed from different perspectives when planning a trip: the church and small museum offer cultural points of interest, while hikes, glaciers, and icebergs shape activities in the surrounding area. In winter, there are also good views of the Northern Lights. If you are looking for a hotel in Kulusuk, you can first consider whether local history, day hikes, or longer excursions will shape your stay. Hiking options range from day hikes to treks lasting more than a week; there is also a short excursion across a frozen fjord and boat trips to glaciers and icebergs.

The Church and Its History

The church in Kulusuk was built around 1922 by the crew of a Danish fishing vessel that had run aground near the settlement. The ship’s wood was used as building material. This story remains visible inside: a replica of the ship hangs from the ceiling, made to represent the vessel whose wood was used in the construction. There are also geometric stained-glass windows, donated by a German glassworks owner. The interior also features Greenlandic details, including sealskin on the altar. The ship is therefore not only part of the building’s history but is also present as a replica inside the church.

Museum and East Greenlandic History

The small, family-run museum in Kulusuk displays numerous artifacts brought to life by the owners’ engaging storytelling. Visits must be arranged with the owners. Another historical context concerns East Greenland: during the early colonial period, missionaries banned drum dancing. Milka Miilikka Kuitse continued to dance in order to preserve this tradition. This tradition’s significance extends beyond Kulusuk and adds a regional history to the local details of the church and museum.

Hiking and Glacier Excursions

Hiking options in the area around Kulusuk include day hikes, exploring ice caves in the glacier on the nearby island of Apusiaajik, and guided and unguided treks lasting more than a week. A self-guided day hike from Kulusuk follows the road past the airport to Dye 4. A short introductory excursion crosses the frozen fjord to the Apusiaajik Glacier. The time frames differ considerably: on one hand, there is a day hike; on the other, a trek lasting more than a week. The longer treks are available in guided and unguided versions.

Boat Connections and Northern Lights

Boat trips from Kulusuk go to nearby glaciers and icebergs. There is also a tourist pier near the airport for boat connections to Tasiilaq and other settlements in the area. The boat options differ in their destinations: the trips focus on glaciers and icebergs, while the connections serve Tasiilaq and other settlements. In winter, Kulusuk offers good views of the Northern Lights because of its very low light pollution. The winter sky is therefore a seasonal consideration when choosing when to travel; the church and museum complement this natural setting with cultural points of interest.

Discover more destinations: Paamiut, Tasiilaq

Return to the main travel overview: Kommuneqarfik Sermersooq.