Things To Do
in Savissivik
Savissivik is a small settlement located in the Qaasuitsup municipality of northwestern Greenland. It is situated on the shores of Melville Bay, surrounded by breathtaking Arctic landscapes. The community primarily relies on fishing and hunting for sustenance, as well as tourism during the summer months.
With a population of around 80 residents, Savissivik offers a peaceful and remote retreat for those seeking to experience the beauty of the Arctic.
- "Aaja" - Yes
- "Ajuga" - No
- "Kissaat" - Please
- "Qujanaq" - Thank you
- "Aluu" - Hello
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $100 - $200
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $20 - $40
- ☕ Coffee: $3 - $6
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $5 - $10
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $75 - $150
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $50 - $100
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a hearty breakfast at a local café. Afterward, take a stroll around the small town to admire its unique architecture.
Visit the local museum to learn about the Inuit culture and history of Savissivik. Enjoy a picnic by the coast while soaking in stunning views of the Arctic landscape.
Dine at a nearby restaurant, sampling traditional Greenlandic dishes. Take an evening walk to experience the quiet beauty of the northern sunset.
Begin your day with an early breakfast and prepare for a hike. Discover the picturesque hiking trails around Savissivik that lush with native flora.
Continue your hike, taking breaks to enjoy the views and nature. Look for local wildlife and enjoy the serenity of the Arctic wilderness.
Return to town for a warm dinner and share stories from your hike with locals. End your day with a cozy gathering around a fire if available.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Unique Arctic landscape and natural beauty
- Rich cultural heritage and indigenous history
- Opportunity for outdoor activities like hiking, fishing, and wildlife observation
- Low population density and a close-knit community
- Potential for ecological tourism
- Harsh Arctic climate with extreme weather conditions
- Limited access to modern amenities and services
- High cost of living due to remote location
- Infrastructure challenges and limited transportation options
- Potential for isolation and limited social interaction
Best Activities in Savissivik
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Explore the breathtaking landscapes of Savissivik by hiking the various trails that offer stunning views of the mountains and fjords.
Paddle through the serene waters around Savissivik, experiencing the unique coastal environment and observing local wildlife.
Try your hand at fishing in the nearby rivers or coastal waters, where you can catch a variety of fish species.
Take guided tours to observe the rich wildlife, including seabirds, seals, and potentially whales, in their natural habitat.
Capture the stunning Arctic landscapes and unique cultural aspects of Savissivik through photography.
Experience the tranquility of nature by camping in designated areas, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the Arctic environment.
In winter months, explore the snowy terrain around Savissivik by snowmobiling, enjoying the thrill of speed and the beauty of the landscape.
Tours
Uncover the best of Savissivik with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in Savissivik
Visit one of these nice places.
The floating icebergs near Savissivik provide stunning views and excellent photography opportunities, especially during sunrise and sunset when the light reflects beautifully off the ice.
The fjord surrounding Savissivik boasts dramatic cliffs and serene waters, making it a perfect spot for capturing the natural beauty of Greenland's landscape.
Exploring the area on horseback allows for unique perspectives and the chance to photograph the rugged terrain and wildlife that inhabit the region.
Taking a flight over Savissivik can provide aerial views of the stunning scenery, where you can capture the vastness of the landscape and the contrasts of the ice and land.
Photograph the cultural heritage by exploring traditional Inuit dwellings within Savissivik, providing insight into the local way of life against the backdrop of breathtaking landscapes.
Depending on the season, witnessing and photographing the midnight sun during summer or the stunning northern lights in winter offers incredible opportunities for capturing natural phenomena.
Food in Savissivik
Savissivik Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A traditional Inuit dish of whale skin and blubber, prized for its rich and unique flavor. It can be found at local markets or in traditional restaurants such as Ulo in Ilulissat.
Must-Try!
A delicacy made from whole auks (small seabirds) fermented in a hollowed-out seal carcass. This rare dish is usually prepared at home and enjoyed on special occasions.
A hearty and uncommon dish that showcases the local game. It's occasionally featured on the menus of upscale restaurants in cities like Nuuk and Qaqortoq.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
The local trade center offers a variety of fresh and dried fish, as well as a selection of seal and muskox meat. It's a great place to experience traditional hunting culture and purchase authentic local ingredients.
While Savissivik may not have a bustling street food scene, during festivals and community gatherings, you can find vendors offering grilled fish, whale kebabs, and pickled seal specialties.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
In Savissivik, as in many Inuit communities, elders are highly respected for their knowledge and experience. Always address them politely and listen to their stories and advice.
Be aware and respectful of local traditions, such as hunting and fishing practices, which are integral to the community's lifestyle. Participating in or observing these practices should be done with understanding and respect.
Communities in Greenland often value modesty and quietness. Excessive noise, especially in communal settings, may be deemed disrespectful. Maintain a calm demeanor and speak softly in social situations.
Safety
Tipping in Savissivik
Ensure a smooth experience
In Savissivik, as in many parts of Greenland, tipping is not a common practice and is generally not expected. Service industries, including restaurants and hospitality, often include service charges in the bill. However, if a visitor appreciates exceptional service, leaving a small tip as a gesture of gratitude may be welcomed but is not obligatory.
Payment practices in Savissivik typically involve the use of cash, with the local currency being the Danish Krone (DKK). Credit and debit cards are increasingly accepted in larger establishments, but it is advisable to carry cash, especially when visiting smaller shops or services. ATMs may be limited, so it's important for visitors to ensure they have sufficient funds during their stay.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Winter in Savissivik lasts from November to March, characterized by long nights and extreme cold temperatures. This is the best time for winter sports such as dog sledding and snowmobiling. The northern lights can be seen frequently during this season.
Spring occurs from April to June and offers a gradual warming of temperatures and melting snow. This is an excellent time for wildlife sightings, such as seabirds returning to the area. The days slowly become longer and the scenery transforms as the ice recedes.
Summer spans from July to August and features milder temperatures and almost continuous daylight, thanks to the midnight sun. This is the prime time for hiking, fishing, and exploring the beautiful landscapes, including glaciers and fjords.
Fall lasts from September to October, marked by cooler temperatures and stunning autumn colors. It's a transitional season where visitors can enjoy berry picking and witness the return of migrating wildlife. The nights begin to lengthen, allowing for potential northern lights sightings.
Savissivik at Night
Hiking in Savissivik
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Explore the local trails around Savissivik that provide stunning views of the Arctic landscape and nearby fjords. The trails vary in difficulty and are suitable for both beginners and experienced hikers.
Located a short distance from Savissivik, Nuussuaq Peninsula offers breathtaking hikes along the coastline with opportunities to see wildlife such as seals and various bird species.
These mountains offer more challenging hikes with rugged terrain, rewarding hikers with panoramic views of the Greenlandic landscape and the ocean beyond.
A bit further away but worth the trip, Kongsfiord provides numerous hiking opportunities along its frozen fjord, with chances to observe glaciers and icebergs.
Aiports
How to reach Savissivik by plane.
The largest international airport in Greenland, located in Kangerlussuaq, approximately 290 km from Savissivik.
The main airport serving the capital city of Nuuk, located about 500 km south of Savissivik.
An important airport located in Ilulissat, approximately 600 km southwest of Savissivik.
Located in Sisimiut, this airport is about 400 km south of Savissivik and serves regional flights.
As the national carrier, Air Greenland operates flights connecting various international and domestic airports, serving the needs of travelers in and out of Greenland.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The indigenous people of Greenland, constituting the majority of the population in Savissivik.
A smaller community of Danish settlers and citizens residing in Savissivik, often involved in administrative roles.
Other Arctic indigenous peoples who may reside temporarily or partake in cultural exchanges.
Occasional visitors from around the world, typically involved in tourism activities in the region.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
A traditional sport in Greenland, dog sledding is popular for both transportation and recreation during the snowy months.
Ice fishing is a popular activity in Savissivik, where locals drill holes in the ice to catch fish, a vital source of food.
Skiing, both downhill and cross-country, is enjoyed by residents as a way to navigate the snowy landscape and for recreational fun.
With the availability of snow-covered hills, snowboarding is increasingly popular among the youth in Savissivik.
In the summer months, canoeing becomes a favored sport, allowing locals to explore the fjords and waterways.
Various traditional Inuit games are played, which not only provide entertaining physical challenges but also help preserve cultural heritage.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Savissivik.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
While traditional Greenlandic cuisine heavily features meat and seafood, some restaurants and cafes in larger towns like Qaanaaq and Upernavik offer vegetarian and vegan options, often emphasizing locally sourced vegetables and dairy.
Although bread and grains are an important part of the local diet, many eateries in urban areas like Uummannaq provide gluten-free alternatives, and chefs are generally willing to adapt dishes to accommodate gluten intolerance.