Tunu is the Greenlandic name for East Greenland. The region includes the towns of Ittoqqortoormiit and Tasiilaq, as well as the settlements of Kuummiut, Kulusuk, Sermiligaaq, Tiilerilaaq and Isertoq. First decide which places suit your travel interests; this will help you narrow down your search for a base.

Fjords, landscapes and places to stay

Ittoqqortoormiit is located on Jameson Land. Kangertittivaq, the world's largest fjord system, lies on one side, and Northeast Greenland National Park on the other. A gravel road connects Ittoqqortoormiit with Walrus Bay. The Lutheran church is also part of the townscape: it was completed in 1928.

From Tiilerilaaq, residents and visitors have an unobstructed view of the Sermilik Icefjord and, in the distance, the Greenland Ice Sheet. Ice Camp, with five cabins for overnight stays in winter and summer, is located near the settlement. From there, you can explore Sermilik Fjord on foot, on snowshoes, by snowmobile or by dogsled. Check the current operating status and arrangements directly with the operator before travelling.

In Tiilerilaaq, basic accommodation in a bunk bed can be booked at the Service House. It is one of the few places in the settlement with running water, showers and flush toilets. Check booking details and availability directly before your trip.

Churches, museums and history

Built in 1989, the church in Tasiilaq has a pentagonal floor plan, a stone facade, a low, tapering roof and a central pointed dome. In Flower Valley, well-worn paths lead through the valley. They are suitable for short walks as well as longer hikes, and offer views and encounters with the local wildlife and plant life.

The family-run Kulusuk Museum showcases the region's traditions, art and history. Through the stories of a local family, visitors gain a personal insight into the life of the Tunumiit on the coast of East Greenland. Visits are possible by arrangement; contact Justine and Frederik Boassen to arrange one.

A statue on the shore near the church on the outskirts of Kulusuk commemorates Milka Miilikka Kuitse. During the early colonial period in East Greenland, missionaries banned the drum dance. Kuitse defied the ban and continued the dance. The church also tells the story of a specific event: around 1922, it was built using timber from a Danish fishing vessel that had run aground near the settlement.

Kulusuk Island is also home to the DYE4 station, part of the US Distant Early Warning Radar Line System and a historic site from the Cold War. It is located on a mountain at the southern end of the island and overlooks the Atlantic Ocean. The station closed in 1991; its remains are still there.

Kuummiut and choosing when to travel

Kuummiut is the largest settlement in the Ammassalik area and lies deep in Angmagssalik Fjord. The church was built in 1957. Behind the altar is a stained-glass window in a traditional style; a Greenlandic women's boat hangs from the ceiling at the front of the church. The mountains around Kuummiut offer heli-skiing in winter, with runs down to the beach, and hiking in summer. Local conditions can vary; check them before making specific plans.

Getting around East Greenland

When planning a trip to Greenland, it is worth considering East Greenland as a broader travel region. In summer, travel between towns and settlements is mainly by boat; in winter, it is by dogsled or snowmobile. Air Greenland connects some places with a limited helicopter service; there are no road connections for car travel between the places. Individual transport services may vary. Take the location and the appropriate regional connection into account when choosing your accommodation and travel dates.

See the broader travel overview: Greenland.