Photo: Aningaaq Rosing Carlsen – Visit Greenland
Aasiaat is located on a small island and is part of a larger archipelago that runs along the southern part of the Disko Bay.
The land of thousand islands gives nature lovers many ways to discover the southern boundary of Disko Bay. The town is characterized by colorful houses that are painted with bright and highly visible paint along the shore, howling sled dogs, art around town and fantastic kayak waters.
Aasiaat is one of the undiscovered hidden gems in Greenland, and what Aasiaat lacks in vertical height on land it makes up for with a boat full of water adventures. One of the best and time-honored entertainment among locals is sailing, whale watching, fishing, and kayaking.
The setting is unique and if you are a dedicated kayaker, Aasiaat’s archipelago environment with thousands of islands and bays is one of Greenland’s absolute best places to cultivate your passion.
Facts about Aasiaat
- The colony Egedeminde was transferred to the current town from Eqalussuit in 1763. The name Egedesminde was in 1979 officially replaced with Aasiaat. Aasiaat means “spiders” in Greenlandic.
- In 1793 there were only 64 inhabitants, today there are 2.977 inhabitants.
- In 1942 an American airplane emergency landed at Tipitooq Tasia. One of the airplanes windows was put into a house and is still intact to this day as well as other American influences.
- A short boat trip brings you to a whale graveyard
- In the assembly hall you can find 24 paintings by the famous Danish artist Per Kirkeby.
Art, music and culture
Art around town
Enjoy your tour from the comfort of your own space and experience the many beautiful works of art on your way. The town offers a varied types of stone sculptures, gable and murals.
The project “Town beautification” began in 2005, when the first mural was made by Kistat Lund and were handed over to the assembly hall. Since then, the tenement blocks have also been decorated with beautiful gable and murals inspired by the Greenlandic cultural heritage. From myth and legend to the present.
Nipiaa Rock Festival
The festival is held the first weekend in September and is described as the biggest music festival in Disko Bay.
The festival was held for the first time in 1998, and has ever since been an annual event, where it is mainly the most prominent Greenlandic bands, who are invited to play over two days, where the assembly hall provides the framework for the Greenlandic festival.
Aasiaat Midnight Sun Marathon
From the end of May and until the end of August, the sun does not set north of the Arctic Circle. In Disko Bay region, people know that during this time it is all about getting as much out of the long days as possible. Aasiaat Midnight Sun Marathon is a perfect example of this.
The marathon has existed since 1993 and is known amongst marathon-runners all over the world. It is arranged by volunteers from city and from the local running club. Usually around 300 runners from all over the world participate in the marathon. It is also possible to run a shorter distance, if you are not up for the great marathon.
Four times around the city
Since the roads of Aasiaat are not as long as a marathon demands, the runners will do four rounds of the rute, that takes the runners around in the city and to the airport. But this only increases the chance for the runners to spot whales, enjoy the midnight sun and the beautiful surrondings.
The marathon is one of the big events of the summer in Aasiaat, and even if you are not a runner it will be worth a trip to the city to attend as part of the engaged audience and experience the atmosphere and other festive events that the marathon brings along.
Souvenir shopping
Traveling is about experiences, memories and sharing them when we return home. For many of us, souvenirs that remind us of a special place on our travels also make their way into our backpacks.
Support local economy
Always try and support local producers, makers and artisans. This way, you are giving back to the community that is supporting you on your travels, you will meet fascinating people and have more interesting stories to tell.
In Aasiaat we do not have a standard tourist shop, so make the hunt for local unique craftsman into an adventure and visit the following shops.
Cafés & restaurant in Aasiaat
accommodations in Aasiaat
Local Operators in Aasiaat
Maps of Aasiaat
go on Hiking
other destinations
Qeqertarsuaq
Qeqertarsuaq is the name of Greenland’s largest island, also known as Disko Island. Qeqertarsuaq is also the name of the islands only town.
Kangaatsiaq
Kangaatsiaq is located on southern end of the Disko Bay. It means “rather small promontory” and is an untarnished small town with only 565 inhabitants.
Qasigiannguit
Qasigiannguit is beautifully located on the southeastern part of the Disko Bay and is surrounded by the 450m high mountains behind the town.
Akunnaaq
Akunnaaq is located on an island in its priceless location. It’s a place where the rhythms of nature are an integral part of daily life.
Attu
Attu means “the one that was touched” and the the southernmost village in Qeqertalik municipality.
Iginniarfik
Iginniarfik is located on a mainland, offers excellent hunting opportunities and is renowned for its rich intangible cultural heritage.
Ikamiut
Ikamiut is a charming settlement that offers a unique blend of natural beauty and historical significance.
Ikerasaarsuk
Ikerasaarsuk stands as a pearl on the archipelago coast, surrounded by numerous small and large islands that add to its unique charm.
Kangerluk
Situated approximately 35 km northwest of Qeqertarsuaq,
amidst the rugged beauty of Disko Island.
Kitsissuarsuit
Kitsissuarsuit, a place renowned for its rich historical tapestry and breathtaking natural landscapes, lies hidden, waiting to be explored.
Niaqornaarsuk
Niaqornaarsuk is located 40 km west of Kangaatsiaq. Nestled amidst the stunning landscapes of Diskobay.
