Ittoqqortoormiit Deep Dive
The most isolated town in Greenland, Ittoqqortoormiit’s neighbours include the World’s largest national park to the north and the World’s largest fjord system to the south. Ittoqqortoormiit’s backyard is an unspoiled, pristine wilderness where wild animals thrive, millions of seabirds nest, enormous icebergs form a constantly changing sculpture gallery, and local hunters still follow the ancient traditions. Ittoqqortoormiit is the best place in Greenland to experience the traditional Inuit style of living and where you have the highest chance/risk of meeting a polar bear. Some have termed the life here as “on the edge” and from experience that is accurate.
There is even more information on the r/greenlandtravel subreddit and my personal blog below.
This is the most extreme experience in Greenland that is accessible commercially.
For a town of its size, Ittoqqortoormiit possesses a remarkable range of facilities. From a church, a municipality office, and a community hall to a school and a kindergarten, it caters to the spiritual, administrative, communal, and educational needs of its inhabitants. The town also has a hospital, a police station, and a fire station, ensuring the well-being and safety of its residents. Additionally, a tourist office, a museum, a tank station, a sports hall, and a football field offer recreational and cultural opportunities to both residents and visitors alike.
Known for its abundant wildlife and fauna, Scoresbysund stretches over an area of around 38,000 square kilometres, offering an extraordinary landscape that is both serene and majestic. The fjord system is a testament to nature’s raw power and artistry, offering vistas that are humbling and awe-inspiring.
An Intimate Community
Despite its remote location, Ittoqqortoormiit is a lively settlement with a population of 363. Its residents, a resilient and vibrant community, breathe life into this remote corner of the world, making Ittoqqortoormiit much more than just a natural spectacle.
The overland experience is far more compelling and authentic than the excursions offered by the luxury expedition cruises that are starting to visit the area.
The Isolated Splendour
Ittoqqortoormiit, with its remote charm and breathtaking natural beauty, offers a unique glimpse into the heart of the Arctic wilderness. The town’s rich wildlife, vibrant community, and remarkable adaptability offer a fascinating study in resilience and coexistence. Here, at the edge of the habitable world, life thrives against the odds, testifying to the unyielding spirit of humanity and the enduring splendour of nature.
I spent seven weeks in this town for a scouting expedition I self-organized in 2022 and it was a trip that changed my life. The provider is Nanu Travel, a local family-owned business.
Nanu Travel: Embrace the Arctic Adventure
For those looking to explore the majestic landscapes surrounding Ittoqqortoormiit, Nanu Travel offers a gateway to Arctic adventures. From dog sledding across the frozen tundra to sailing the icy waters of the fjords, they provide an array of experiences that allow you to fully immerse in the wild, untouched beauty of East Greenland.
If wildlife is your priority, this is the destination for you but you must give yourself a minimum of two weeks in Ittoqqortoormiit to give yourself the best chances of seeing them. We will need to coordinate with Nanu about what’s possible during that time of year and if any permits are necessary.
Carved out of the world’s largest and deepest multi-branched fjord system, Scoresbysund, lies the picturesque town of Ittoqqortoormiit, formerly known as Scoresbysund in Danish. At 70°29’07″N 21°58’00″W, it nestles on Liverpool Land, east of Hurry Inlet near the mouth of the northern shore of the Kangertittivaq fjord, which empties into the Greenland Sea. Bordered by the vast National Park of Greenland, Ittoqqortoormiit is the epitome of nature’s grandeur and solitude.
Facilities in Ittoqqortoormiit
Supermarket, with post office, local bank office and petrol station
Kiosk
Service house with shower
Police station
Fire station
Hospital
Petrol station
Local tourist office
Grill Café
Majoriaq’s Artshop
Museum
Municipality office
Community house
Church
School
Kindergarten
Free-time facility for the youth
Football field
Sports hall
A Helistop: A Key Connection
Ittoqqortoormiit boasts a helistop, its primary connection with the outside world. This transport hub facilitates travel and supply routes, connecting the town with other parts of Greenland and beyond.
This was footage I took while filming on location in Scoresbysund in April 2022. No animals were harmed in the making of this film.
