East Greenland (remote)

East Greenland, known locally as Tunu ("the back side"), is a world apart from the rest of the country. Isolated from the west coast by the massive Greenland Ice Sheet, this region has preserved its distinct language and cultural traditions with remarkable resilience. For families, visiting East Greenland is less about checking off tourist sites and more about immersing oneself in a landscape that feels prehistoric. The geography here is vertical and dramatic; unlike the rolling hills of the southwest, the East Coast is defined by alpine peaks that shoot straight out of the iceberg-choked ocean. The climate is truly Arctic, and even in summer, the air carries a crisp chill that reminds you of your proximity to the pole. The silence here is profound, broken only by the crack of calving glaciers or the howl of sled dogs.

Culturally, this region offers a deep dive into the Inuit way of life. Children will be fascinated by the visible blend of ancient tradition and modern adaptation. In the settlements, it is common to see seal skins stretching on racks outside colourful wooden houses, while hunters return to the harbour with the day's catch. The town of Tasiilaq, the region's largest hub, sits in a natural amphitheatre of mountains and serves as the gateway to the wild Sermilik Fjord. While the infrastructure is simpler than in the west—roads are virtually non-existent outside the towns—the sense of adventure is unparalleled. This is a destination for families with older children or teens who appreciate nature, hiking, and boat excursions, rather than toddlers who need stroller-friendly paths. The experience of drifting silently past massive icebergs or watching the midnight sun glow pink on the snowy peaks creates memories that last a lifetime.

Key Attractions

The primary allure of East Greenland is its accessibility to raw nature and culture immediately upon arrival. Most travelers land at the gravel airstrip on Kulusuk Island. A visit to Kulusuk Village is essential; it is a small settlement where families can watch traditional drum dancing displays, a storytelling art form that dates back centuries. The walk from the airport to the village (about 40 minutes) is a scenic introduction to the landscape, passing by wildflowers and rocky outcrops. Unlike the more manicured tourism of the west, Kulusuk feels entirely authentic and unpolished.

Beyond the village, the landscape itself is the main attraction. Boat tours into the fjords reveal the sheer scale of the ice production here. While specific named "attractions" are fewer in this remote wilderness, the entire region functions as an open-air museum of geology and glaciology. Families can take boat transfers to Tasiilaq to hike the Flower Valley, a surprisingly lush area behind the town with waterfalls and easy trails suitable for children. Exploring the coastline allows for spotting whales and seals in their natural habitat, far away from the crowds of more commercial destinations.

Practical Advice

Summer (July and August) is the best time for families, as temperatures are manageable (5°C to 10°C) and the days are long. Winter offers dog sledding and northern lights but requires serious cold-weather gear and endurance. Logistics here can be tricky; delays due to fog or ice are common, so pack extra snacks and patience. There are no roads connecting towns, so all travel is by boat or helicopter. Medical facilities are limited to a hospital in Tasiilaq and a nursing station in Kulusuk, so comprehensive travel insurance is mandatory.

Food & Drink

Typical meal times:

Lunch is typically served from 12:00 pm to 1:30 pm, and dinner from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm. Options are limited, so booking ahead or eating at your hotel is often necessary.

Typical meal costs:

Food is imported and expensive. A main course costs 160–250 DKK (approx. $23–36 USD / €21–33 EUR). Simple lunches like burgers cost 100–140 DKK (approx. $14–20 USD / €13–19 EUR).

Dietary requirements:

Vegetarian options are scarce and often limited to salads or pizza. Gluten-free options are rare. Fresh produce is flown in and depends on the weekly supply plane. Families with strict dietary needs should bring specialized non-perishable snacks.

Signature dishes:

• Suaasat – The national soup of Greenland, traditionally made with seal meat (sometimes reindeer or seabirds), onions, and potatoes, thickened with rice or barley.
• Dried Fish (Ammassat) – Small capelin fish dried on rocks or racks, eaten as a high-protein snack, similar to jerky.
• Muskox Steak – Lean, flavorful dark meat often served in the hotel restaurants in Tasiilaq, offering a taste of the tundra.