Aasiaat

Aasiaat, is a settlement which was created in the 17th century to support the whaling at the mouth of Disko Bay. Its port is ice free from late spring to early winter. This 5th largest city in Greenland has a small museum and an airport.

Small colorful houses greet the eyes whether you arrive to Aasiaat by coastal ferry or propeller plane, but it is the large collection of custom artwork around town and the welcoming townspeople that set the tone for life in Aasiaat. As the educational headquarters of North Greenland, Aasiaat is becoming livelier by the year.

What Aasiaat lacks in vertical height on land it makes up for with a boat full of water adventures. Sailing, whale watching, fishing, and kayaking are some of Greenland’s best and time-honored entertainment, so you have everything to learn from Aasiaat locals, for whom the marine environment is so central to everyday life. Visit Aasiaat to experience Greenlandic culture and its close connection to the nature and sea.

Events to consider if you love to run Marathons - the summer Aasiaat Midnight Sun Marathon is a challenging, yet breathtaking, alternative to typical city sightseeing.

In Aasiaat it is that you must run the marathon track a few times, as one is hard-pressed to find 42 kilometres of road up here.

Cool things to know about Aasiaat:

• Aasiaat is a town in North Greenland with approximately 3100 residents.
• Aasiaat means “spiders” in Greenlandic.
• Aasiaat was founded by Niels Egede in 1759 as a trading post. He named it Egedesminde, to honor his father, Hans Egede.
• North Greenland Gymnasium, similar to a high school, is located in Aasiaat. Its enrollment grows gradually, particularly with students from other towns.
• The Assembly Hall features 24 paintings by the famous Danish artist, Per Kirkeby.
• In summer, the Midnight Sun Marathon takes place in Aasiaat. In winter, residents frequently use the same tracks for cross country skiing.
• Aasiaat is a good place for whale watching year round.
• Aasiaat has two accommodations: Hotel Nanoq and Aasiaat Seamen’s Home, one of only three.
• The Arctic Umiaq Line coastal ferry, Sarfaq Ittuk, stops in Aasiaat twice weekly, once heading north and once heading south.