Visit the town of Tasiilaq. With just under 2000 inhabitants, it is the largest settlement in East Greenland. It is home to an older and different Inuit culture, where shamanism and native culture are much more vibrant than in other parts of Greenland. During your expedition, learn more about local myths and legends, such as the one about tupilaqs. In the Greenlandic Inuit religion, a tupilaq was an avenging monster fabricated by a practitioner of witchcraft or shamanism by using various objects such as animal bone, skin, hair, or ligament. Tasiilaq is also known for its art scene, where local artists create prints, sculptures, and textiles mostly portraying the animals, landscapes, and traditional stories of the area.
Venture into the serenity of the Ammassalik fjord system and the small settlement of Kuummiut. This is a relatively unknown pearl of east Greenland, nestled within the Ammassalik Island group. The surrounding fjords, lined by tall mountain tops, offer perfect hiking opportunities with hidden waterfalls and spectacular views. Kuummiut has a rich Inuit heritage, and you can hope to get the opportunity to learn about the traditional practices.
Further up north is the Ikateq fjord, where you might make a landing at the abandoned military base from World War II, Bluie East Two. It played an important role as a refueling and maintenance stop for aircraft traveling between North America and Europe. It is no longer in operation today, but some remnants still exist, such as abandoned fuel drums, buildings, and vehicles.
Weather permitting, you can reach the ice-choked Tuttilik Fjord. You can hope to go ashore and explore some abandoned Inuit winter houses. The area around the fjord features mountainous terrain, offering dramatic vistas. The fjord has been a site of historical significance as well. It was near Tuttilik Fjord that the British explorer Gino Watkins tragically drowned in a kayak accident in 1932 while hunting for seals. Watkins was a notable British explorer, best known for his expeditions in Greenland. His primary interest was in surveying and mapping uncharted territories. He emphasized the importance of using local knowledge and techniques, often adopting Inuit survival methods. This approach was not only more effective but also helped foster respect and understanding between different cultures.
Further east are two impressive glaciers: Karale and Knud Rasmussen. When sailing in this area, most likely you can hear and see thundering calves from these two very active glaciers.
Continue into the mighty Sermilik Fjord. It stretches over 90 kilometers and cuts through a rugged landscape of towering glaciers and jagged peaks, and you can find yourself amongst a myriad of icebergs of all shapes and sizes. Most of them originate from the impressive Helheim glacier at the deep end of the fjord, which produces some of the largest icebergs in all of Greenland. The beauty around you is stunning!
On the southern shores of the Sermilik fjord is the tiny village of Tiilerilaaq. The wooden houses are beautifully situated on a hill, with the grand Sermilik fjord in the background. The local Inuit culture and the traditional hunting and fishing activities play a significant role in the way of life here. Before you wave goodbye, head out on a nice hike to overview the surrounding landscapes and the many icebergs!
If the ice allows, you can enter Johan Peterson Fjord. On the northern side of the entrance of the fjord is Qeertartivatsiaq Island, where you can find Inuit ruins on the southern shore of the island. At the head of the fjord are some outlet glaciers from the inland ice coming straight down to the sea. This is one of the few places you can catch sight of the actual inland ice, although please know that it is often blocked by beautiful icebergs.
You are continuously looking for Arctic foxes, seals, and different species of whales.
