Cruise to Aasiaat

Information about cruises to Aasiaat (Egedesminde) in Greenland, cruise arrivals and departures in Aasiaat, and examples of possible shore excursions. Cruises to Aasiaat are Greenland cruises.

Whales and fishing in Aasiaat

Aasiaat (Egedesminde) is a Greenlandic town in Disko Bay, with around 3,100 inhabitants. The largest employer in Aasiaat is the fish-processing plant. In addition, Aasiaat is home to Greenland’s northern college, with the amusing name Avannaani Ilinniarnertuunngorniarfik.

Aasiaat was founded as a colony under the name Egedesminde in 1759 by Niels Rasch Egede, in memory of his father. The residents are known for their active, sporty lifestyles. In winter, there are great opportunities for cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, and dog sledding. However, if you are visiting Aasiaat on a cruise, be sure to take the season into account: the best time to visit Aasiaat is in summer, from May to September.

Things to see in Aasiaat

The town has a museum and a community hall decorated with 24 paintings by the famous artist Per Kirkeby. Aasiaat is the town of whales, and whale-watching safaris are very popular during the summer months from May to September. Many humpback and minke whales can be found off the coast. You can sail or join a guided kayaking tour to get truly close to Greenland’s magnificent wildlife.

During the summer season, Aasiaat is regularly served by the Greenlandic ferry Sarfaq Ittuk, operated by Arctic Umiaq Line. The ferry is one of the region’s important modes of transport and is essential for maintaining connections with the small settlements and towns along the Greenlandic coast.