A Most Surprising Cruise Stop In Tasiilaq Greenland
The best laid plans don’t always materialize. Weather issues derailed the entire itinerary originally planned for Greenland on our Nordic cruise. Our surprise cruise stop in Tasiilaq, Greenland offered us a view of the small and charming town.
This town used to be called Ammassalik and was the most populated town on the east side of Greenland. But we were sure they did not know what hit them when our cruise ship arrived with little warning!
Changing Greenland Plans On Our Nordic Cruise
The cruise ship left the port of Isafjordur in Northern Iceland for Greenland. We were so surprised to find that the seas were calm and the sun shone bright. The ship seemed to have slowed down so we wondered what was up. But we enjoyed the sunshine and flat waters well north of the Arctic Circle.
We soon learned why we were loitering in place. When the Captain did his update we got a surprise. Bad storms developed around the south end of Greenland. These high seas made it hard for the radar to detect icebergs. And after much discussion, Oceania Cruises decided to change our Greenland plans.
On the original plan, we cruised through the fjord at the south end of Greenland. And then went up the west side of Greenland for stops in Paamiut and Qaqortoq. Instead we sat and wallowed at sea for a day, so slow we almost bobbed like a cork. And then headed for a cruise stop in Tasiilaq on the East coast of Greenland.
Changes in cruise itineraries are subject to the vagaries of nature and sometimes politics. Our cruise ports around Cuba at Christmas one year were entirely changed when we reversed direction to avoid a major storm. We missed the chance to see the pyramids in Egypt when the ship could not get insurance to land in Cairo. Luckily we spent two great days in Luxor and saw some great Egyptian sights. This would not be the last time our cruise itineraries would change.
The one upside of the change in plans was that we got three full days in Reykjavik, Iceland. Not a bad consolation prize on a cruise through the Nordic countries.
We Sailed Into Greenland In The Fog
We woke in the morning off the coast of Greenland in the fog. The ship moved in slowly and we watched the fog slowly lift. As we did, we got our first glimpse of the rocky coast of Greenland and the town of Tasiilaq.
On our cruise to Alaska, we had our first close encounter with icebergs. But Greenland was the first real icebergs we saw on this cruise through the Nordic countries. Much like clouds, we were amused to look for shapes in the ice. I was pretty sure that one of the icebergs was shaped like a perfect seahorse. Or maybe a camel? And the other iceberg reminded us of the Merlions in Singapore. What do you see?
Tasiilaq was far too small a town for our cruise ship to dock. So we anchored in the bay. The tender boats went in while the fog was still thick to get things prepared for us before we descended on this very small town. Oceania Cruises did a good job of scrambling to get us a spot to visit in Greenland when our other cruise ports were cancelled. But I was not sure if another cruise ship had ever landed in this town.
We were not the only ones surprised by a cruise stop in Tasiilaq Greenland!
The Colourful Port Town Of Tasiilaq
There were no formal cruise excursions available in Tasiilaq. So we took our time and waited for the tender boats to become less full before we headed into town. As we approached the shore, we got a close up view of the colourful port town.
We headed off up the hills and explored this lovely small town. The colourful houses were everywhere as we walked up and up. We saw yards littered with both traditional wooden sleds and snowmobiles. Fish dried on lines at many houses.
When we reached the top of the hill, we looked out over our Nautica cruise ship in port. The mountains were a beautiful backdrop to this scene.
We smiled at locals that passed us by. We were sure they had no idea why 600 passengers plus crew suddenly wandered in town. But we were delighted with our first view of this surprise cruise stop in Tasiilaq.
Climbing For A Panoramic View Above Town
We climbed the hills towards the small church in town. Beside the church we saw a large rock. And people climbing up to the top for a panoramic view.
David quickly scrambled up the rock. But I was a bit more hesitant and scouted out the easiest way up. I was not going to miss this viewpoint.
At the top, there was a bench and a rock cairn. People wandered from side to side and enjoyed the views. There was a great view of the whole town from this point.
It was definitely worth the climb to get such an amazing view of Tasiilaq.
Stopping In Spots Around Tasiilaq
Before we headed down the hill, we went inside the church. It was a simple interior. But we were interested to find a boat hanging from the ceiling. We first encountered this tribute to the fishing industry when we visited the Faroe Islands.
As we walked down the hill we saw the local tourist information centre. Outside the building was an interesting sign that pointed in all directions. It was amusing to look at what places were pointed to from Greenland.
A mural adorned the side of a building. It showed scenes of life in this northern community. At the bottom of the hill we came to the inner harbour. And found it filled with fishing boats back from the early morning runs.
The last stop on our walk through Tasiilaq was at the local museum built into the side of a hill. We did not have time to go inside. But we walked around the local native art sculpture that stood on this site.
We went full circle around the small town of Tasiilaq and were back at the cruise tender dock. It was a short ride back to the ship after our surprise cruise stop in Tasiilaq.
A Charming Surprise Port Stop In Tasiilaq Greenland
We were definitely disappointed when the whole of our original Greenland cruise itinerary was removed. We really looked forward to the trip through the fjords. And the ports on the west side of Greenland.
But our surprise cruise stop in Tasiilaq provided us with a charming view of a small town in Greenland. I suspect that it was similar to one on our original itinerary. We definitely wished there had been time for excursions away from the port town.
The other upside to the change in cruise itinerary was that we added 2 full days to our next stop in Reykjavik. And we definitely made the most of that extra time.
Have you done a cruise stop in Tasiilaq? Or visited another part of Greenland? If we re-plan a visit to Greenland, what do we need on our “must see” list?
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It’s a bummer when cruise itineraries change but honestly it looks like it was a great substitute! This little village is so colorful and unique. I’ve never seen anything like it! Thanks for sharing!
Lannie, We were so glad we at least got to see one small part of Greenland. Although I am sure we overwhelmed the locals when we descended en masse! Linda
It’s always fun reading about new places, and Tasilaq is certainly one of them! The architecture is classically Scandinavian and so colourful too. I also saw the Merlion in the iceberg!
Lisa, We were happy we did at least get one stop in Greenland. It was a charming little town. Linda
What an adorable and charming little town! I never would have thought of visiting Greenland but this looks like a wonderful time. Not to mention the scenery is absolutely beautiful! It’s awful that your cruise itineraries got changed. I would be very bummed to miss seeing the Pyramids in Egypt. Overall your trip here looked like a great experience. It had a little bit of everything to offer!
Kaitlin, We were very glad we got to do at least one stop in Greenland. This little town was quite charming. Linda
I just saw the Conan O’Brien special on Netflix on his visit to Greenland and I thoroughly enjoyed it! This is really cool how you went here, I mean not many people can say they’ve been to Greenland! I’m so amaze by your travel here, I hope to be able to visit there like you have someday!
Mick, we were glad we got a small taste test of Greenland. Although it was disappointing to miss a cruise through the fjords. A lovely small town to visit. But I am sure we need to go back to see more. Linda
That little town is adorable! The nice part about it not being a regular stop is that you got to see a part of Greenland that even those who have visited the island before haven’t seen. I think the boat in the church is pretty unique, but cute!
Lia, I agree with your point. I am sure the other small towns we were scheduled to visit were a bit better prepared for us to descend on them! It was nice to see a town many people miss. Linda
Wow, Greenland! Something amazing! It is my dream! You had a great adventure during your cruise. Tasiilaq town looks pretty, colorful houses are so photogenic. The views from the top are fantastic! The museum seems interesting.
Agnes, We were quite excited to get a stop in Greenland. We definitely want to go back and see more. But nice to see a small non-touristy town. Linda
oh my god! Tasiilaq looks like a destination out of a fairy tale. I am sure this was a very good surprise even though the plan changed for you. Greenland has been high on my list of places to visit. That is the first place I will plan once things get back to normal.
Raksha, Tasiilaq was a wonderful surprise stop for us. I am sure it would have been great to explore more from that stop. Another visit perhaps! Linda
Surprises a lot of times turn out to be so pleasant. And this one for you surely seems a great town. I love the small town of Tasiilaq. It is so cute. The iceberg on the way seemed like a seahorse to me. And some of the houses and the direction signs reminded me so much of Bergen in Norway. Loved this trip of yours.
Roy, Tasiilaq was such a cute town. Although I am sure the locals felt like they had been invaded! The iceberg looked like a seahorse to me too. So cool. The colourful houses reminded me of Norway too! Linda
I have not yet been able to visit this part of everything, but it looks amazing.
Andre, We were definitely charmed by Tasiilaq. A lovely small town to explore. Wish we had time to explore more. So guess we need another trip. Linda
At first I thought that the iceberg looked like the Merlion but by the time I saw the Native art at the end of your post, I think it was fashioned after that 🙂 Loved the nature and cultural tour of Tasilaq. From its colorful homes to the the way they fish and display them, there is so much to experience. The directions to various places seems like a quirky addition to the whole aura.
Ami, We enjoyed our surprise stop in Tasiilaq. It was great to just wander and see the quirky sights. I am sure there would be so much more to see on a longer stay. Linda
Really nice that the change in itinerary worked for you. Tasillaq seems so raw and unspoilt! And I’ve never seen an iceberg in real life. I never thought they’d look so pretty!
Nish, We were so glad we got at least one stop in Greenland. Tasiilaq was a cute stop. Linda
I’m sorry that you original plans got cancelled, but it looks like Tasilaq was a great alternative! It’s great that the cruise line put in so much effort at finding an alternative for you. I find that the unplanned “events” are sometimes the most memorable! I love the colors of the houses, so beautiful. And the cruise ship with the mountains in the background is a great image!
Melissa, Our day in Tasiilaq was a great consolation prize. But just a small taste test. We hope to get back to Greenland one day. Linda
I was also on this trip and enjoyed our day walking in Tasiilaq. I am interested in this native art statue. Do you have any other information on it? I have the same picture and would love to find out more about the statue.
Sadly I do not have any more information on the state either. It was a great stop and a wonderful opportunity to wander this small town.