Kulusuk

The gateway to East Greenland
Kulusuk is the gateway to East Greenland and the small settlement is an excellent introduction to the way of life in a settlement in the Ammassalik area. Kulusuk lies on a small rocky island between saw-toothed mountains and extensive fjords, and it is almost always surrounded by icebergs and a glittering Arctic Ocean. Although tourism and the service industry are increasing in importance, traditional hunting and fishing are still essential sources of income for many families in the settlement.

Children playing in Kulusuk

Excursions on the island of Kulusuk
In addition to being the gateway to the region, the island also has a unique landscape that is ideal for short hikes. A hike that is recommended for all visitors is to walk to the top of the Isikajia Fell at a height of just over 300 metres (985 feet). From here there is a stunning view of the enormous icebergs in the Denmark Strait and East Greenland’s magnificent mountains 100 km (60 miles) away. In Kulusuk you will find some of the east coast’s most skilful craftsmen, whose tupilaks are of exceptional quality.

Kulusuk then and now
Earlier the island of Kulusuk was the most densely populated place in the Ammassalik area due to the good fishing grounds and opportunities for hunting. In 1930 there were 165 people living in the Kulusuk settlement as opposed to just 112 in Tasiilaq. Today the 300 inhabitants in Kulusuk make it the area's next-largest settlement after Kuumiut. The main occupations of the local inhabitants are hunting and fishing, supplemented by the production of arts and crafts of very high quality – something the area is renowned for all over Greenland.

How do I get to Kulusuk?
Air Greenland flies to Kulusuk airport via the international airport in Kangerlussuaq. You can also fly to Kulusuk via Iceland with Air Iceland. From Kulusuk it takes about 10 minutes to fly the 23 kilometres by helicopter (Air Greenland) to the main town Tasiilaq, which is located on the island of Ammassalik.

Kulusuk weather:

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