Inuit Culture and Arctic Communities You'll Encounter in East Greenland
When most people think about Greenland, they imagine glaciers, towering icebergs and whales. While all of those are part of the experience, East Greenland offers something Antarctica never can — the chance to meet the people who have called the Arctic home for centuries.
An expedition through East Greenland isn't only about spectacular landscapes. It's also an opportunity to experience one of the world's oldest Arctic cultures, visit remote Inuit communities and discover how people continue to live in harmony with one of the harshest environments on Earth.
A Living Arctic Culture
Unlike Antarctica, Greenland is home to permanent settlements. Around 56,000 people live across the island, with many communities connected only by boats, helicopters or small aircraft.
East Greenland remains one of the country's most traditional regions. Many residents still hunt, fish and travel using knowledge passed down through generations. The rhythm of daily life follows the seasons, sea ice and wildlife rather than busy roads or city schedules.
During your sailing expedition, you'll experience this culture firsthand—not in a museum, but in real communities where people continue to live and work today.
Kulusuk — Your First Introduction to Greenland
For many expeditions, the journey begins in Kulusuk, a small village surrounded by mountains, glaciers and the open waters of the North Atlantic.
Home to only a few hundred people, Kulusuk offers an authentic first impression of Greenland. Colorful wooden houses stand against a backdrop of dramatic peaks, sled dogs wait patiently outside homes, and fishing boats replace busy roads.
Before setting sail, you'll have time to walk through the village, visit the local museum and learn about everyday life in East Greenland.
The museum provides an excellent introduction to Inuit history, displaying traditional hunting equipment, handcrafted clothing, household items and even narwhal tusks that reflect centuries of Arctic life.
Tasiilaq — East Greenland's Cultural Center
The largest town in East Greenland is Tasiilaq, home to fewer than 2,000 residents.
Despite being considered the region's "capital," Tasiilaq feels remarkably peaceful. Brightly painted houses climb the hillsides overlooking the fjord, children play outside schools, fishing boats arrive throughout the day and sled dogs can still be heard from the outskirts of town.
Here you'll have time to explore at your own pace.
Visit local cafés, browse small artisan shops, send postcards from one of the world's most remote post offices or simply walk through the streets to experience everyday life in Greenland.
Many travelers are surprised by how welcoming the town feels despite its isolation.
Small Arctic Settlements
One of the greatest advantages of traveling by sailing yacht is the ability to reach tiny settlements that larger ships simply can't visit.
Communities like Kuummiit and Tiniteqilaaq have populations of only a few hundred—or even fewer—people.
Life here moves slowly.
Fishing boats line the shoreline. Children play freely between colorful houses. Drying fish hang outside homes, and sled dogs rest on the edge of the village, waiting for winter.
Visiting these settlements offers a rare glimpse into a way of life that has remained remarkably connected to nature.
Because expedition groups are small, visits are quiet and respectful, allowing guests to observe daily life without overwhelming the community.
Greenland Dogs
One of the highlights for many visitors is meeting Greenland's famous sled dogs.
Unlike pet dogs, Greenland dogs are working animals bred for pulling sleds across snow and sea ice. Strong, independent and incredibly resilient, they have helped Arctic communities survive for generations.
During summer, when there is little snow, the dogs rest near the villages. You'll often have the chance to observe them up close and, where appropriate, interact with curious puppies.
They're an unforgettable part of East Greenland's identity.
Local Museums and Traditions
Several communities along the route feature small museums that preserve the history of East Greenland.
Inside you'll discover:
- Traditional Inuit clothing made from sealskin
- Kayaks and hunting equipment
- Handcrafted tools
- Historical photographs
- Narwhal tusks and other Arctic artifacts
- Stories of exploration and survival
These museums provide valuable context for everything you'll experience during the expedition, helping visitors understand how people adapted to one of Earth's most challenging environments.
A Taste of Greenland
Visiting local grocery stores may not sound exciting—until you step inside one in East Greenland.
Alongside everyday products, you'll often find foods unfamiliar to most travelers.
Depending on the season, local shops may sell:
- Whale meat
- Greenland shark
- Arctic char
- Musk ox
- Reindeer
- Local seafood
Even if you're simply browsing, it's a fascinating look at how Arctic communities source and prepare food.
Small Groups Make a Big Difference
Traveling with a small expedition yacht changes the experience for both guests and local communities.
Rather than arriving with hundreds of passengers at once, groups of just 10–18 people can visit quietly and respectfully.
This allows for more meaningful interactions while minimizing the impact on everyday life.
Supporting local cafés, museums, craft shops and small businesses also helps contribute directly to the communities you visit.
More Than Beautiful Landscapes
Many travelers come to Greenland expecting glaciers and icebergs.
They leave remembering conversations with local residents, curious sled dog puppies, colorful villages tucked beneath towering mountains and the feeling of discovering a culture that still lives in close connection with nature.
The combination of spectacular Arctic scenery and authentic cultural encounters is what makes East Greenland unlike anywhere else in the polar regions.
If you'd like to experience Greenland beyond the glaciers, Moretime Expeditions offers small-group sailing journeys that combine breathtaking nature with unforgettable encounters in East Greenland's remote Arctic communities.
