Things To Do
in Savissivik

Savissivik is a tiny coastal village in northwest Greenland, perched on the shores of Baffin Bay. Its remote Arctic setting preserves traditional Inuit culture and dramatic landscapes dominated by sea ice, open water, and rugged hills. Access is seasonal and often requires planning around ice conditions, with travel guided by local boats or charter flights.

Visitors can experience a serene, stark beauty and opportunities for northern lights in winter and midnight sun in summer.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Arrival and Exploration
morning
:

Arrive in Savissivik and settle into your cozy accommodation. Enjoy a warm breakfast while gazing at the stunning views of the icy landscape. Take a leisurely stroll around the village to familiarize yourself with the surroundings.

afternoon
:

Join a guided tour to learn about the local Inuit culture and history. Discover the traditional hunting methods and engage in meaningful conversations with the locals. Taste traditional Greenlandic dishes for lunch, immersing yourself further into the culture.

evening
:

Relax in the evening with a traditional meal prepared by a local family. Share stories with your hosts around a warm fire, soaking in the shared experiences. As night falls, look up to the sky to witness the breathtaking Northern Lights if conditions permit.

day 2
Hiking the Arctic Terrain
morning
:

Set out early for an adventurous hike through the stunning Arctic terrain surrounding Savissivik. Breathe in the crisp air as you traverse the rugged trails that lead you to magnificent viewpoints. Spot wildlife, such as arctic foxes or migratory birds, adding to the experience.

afternoon
:

Pause for a packed lunch atop a scenic overlook with panoramic views of the iceberg-dotted sea. Spend your afternoons exploring hidden valleys, keeping your camera ready to capture the stunning vistas. The guide shares fascinating insight about the flora and fauna unique to this habitat.

evening
:

After a long day, enjoy a hearty dinner in the village to replenish your energy. Relish the stories shared by fellow hikers around a communal table. As twilight sets in, take a quiet moments outside to absorb the tranquil beauty of the Arctic night.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant$25-40
🧋Coffee/tea$4-6
🧀Groceries (basic staples)$60-100 per week
🛶Boat trip$150-300 per trip
🏨Guesthouse accommodation per night$120-180

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Remote Arctic beauty and solitude
  • Strong cultural heritage and welcoming hosts
  • Fresh seafood and traditional flavors
  • Low crowds outside peak season
  • Very limited services and accommodations
  • High travel costs and logistical challenges
  • Harsh weather can restrict activities
  • Short seasonal windows for some experiences
  • "Hej" - Hello (Danish)
  • "Tak" - Thank you
  • "Taler du engelsk?" - Do you speak English?
  • "Hvor meget koster det?" - How much does it cost?
  • "Hvor er toilettet?" - Where is the toilet?

Places to Visit in Savissivik

Visit one of these nice places.

Coastal Ice Edge

Dramatic ice edge and sea water meeting a gray Arctic sky, especially striking at dawn or dusk.

Hills Overlook

Open viewpoints above the village offering sweeping views of the bay and ice floes.

Meteorite/Geology Site

Historic geological site near the area with distinctive rock formations and access to panoramic shots.

Culinary Guide

Food in Savissivik

Greenlandic cuisine centers on seafood and foraged berries, with simple preparations that honor the Arctic environment.

Savissivik Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Greenlandic fish soup

A hearty soup made with locally caught fish (often halibut or cod) and vegetables.

Must-Try!

Arctic char or halibut fillets

Freshly caught fish prepared simply, often pan-seared with butter.

Seal or whale meat preparations

Traditional proteins available to locals; dietary choices vary and may be seasonal.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

General Store & Co-op

Limited groceries; supplies arrive by boat or air, with essential staples and local products.

Climate Guide

Weather

Savissivik has an Arctic climate with very cold winters and cool summers, sea ice dominates much of the year, and weather can be unpredictable. Precipitation is low but snow is common in winter; wind chill is a major factor.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Hospitality and Modesty

Respect privacy, ask for permission before entering homes, and dress modestly during community visits.

Photography Etiquette

Ask consent before photographing people or private spaces; be mindful of sacred sites and local sensitivities.

Safety Guide

Safety

Exercise caution around ice edges and during extreme weather; inform someone of your itinerary, carry a beacon or satellite messenger in winter, and travel with a local guide for safety. Wildlife such as polar bears can be present in some regions; avoid approaching. Emergency services are limited; plan contingencies.

Tipping in Savissivik

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

Tipping is not customary in small Greenlandic communities but appreciated for exceptional service; carry cash for small purchases.

Payment Methods

Cash (Danish Krone preferred) or mobile payments where available; in remote areas, card facilities may be limited.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Summer

Long daylight hours, relatively milder temperatures, opportunities to photograph ice floes and wildlife; be prepared for bugs and spray.

Winter

Polar night with opportunities for the aurora borealis; very cold and windy; roads and access can be limited; fragile sea ice can be dangerous.

Nightlife Guide

Savissivik at Night

Nightlife is limited in Savissivik; evenings are typically quiet, with gatherings at guesthouses or communal spaces and occasional cultural events or storytelling sessions.

Hiking in Savissivik

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Coastal tundra trail

A moderate route along the coastline with views of ice edges and distant mountains

Airports

How to reach Savissivik by plane.

Ilulissat Airport

Access point for many flights to Nuuk and other towns; lower population alternatives may be used for access to Savissivik by charter or boat.

Nuuk Airport

Main Greenland hub; occasional connect flights to remote communities; helicopter charters available to some settlements.

Getting Around

Walkability

The village is compact and walkable; most points of interest are within a short distance of the harbor. Terrain can be uneven, and weather can affect walking conditions; be prepared for snow, ice, and wind.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Inuit community

Predominant population with strong ties to traditional Greenlandic culture

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Ice fishing

A traditional locals activity and winter sport

Transportation

Traffic

There is very limited public transportation in Savissivik; access is by air or sea. Within the village, walking is the primary mode of movement; roads, if present, are basic and unpaved.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Savissivik.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Vegetarian options exist but are limited; plan ahead, pack protein-rich snacks, and ask hosts for vegetables and grains when available.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Healthcare is limited in Savissivik; a small clinic serves basic needs. For major care or emergencies, patients typically rely on air or boat transport to Nuuk or Ilulissat, with possible referrals to larger facilities.

Discover Greenland

Read more in our Greenland 2025 Travel Guide.

Greenland Travel Guide