Aasivissuit – Nipisat. Inuit Hunting Ground between Ice and Sea

Located just north of the Arctic Circle in West Greenland (a territory of the Kingdom of Denmark), Aasivissuit – Nipisat is a vast cultural landscape that tells the 4,200-year story of human survival in the Arctic. Stretching from the frozen interior ice cap to the resource-rich coastal islands, this site preserves the heritage of the Saqqaq, Dorset, and Thule cultures.

The site is a “hunting corridor” spanning 235 kilometers (2,350 km^2) between the Greenland Ice Sheet and the Davis Strait. It is not a single monument but a collection of seven key archaeological localities. These include Nipisat Island at the coast, known for its remarkably preserved Paleo-Inuit artifacts, and Aasivissuit in the interior, which features Greenland’s largest caribou-drive system—a 3.9-kilometer-long stone structure used to funnel caribou into hunters’ reach.

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Attraction

Aasivissuit – Nipisat is a rare destination for those seeking “the spirit of the Arctic.” It attracts visitors for:

• Living History: Unlike many ruins, this site is still used by local Inuit hunters today, following the same seasonal migrations as their ancestors.
• Adventure Trekking: Much of the site is traversed by the Arctic Circle Trail, a 160-kilometer trekking route considered one of the best wilderness hikes in the world.
• Archaeological Treasures: From well-preserved turf house ruins to ancient graves and stone caches for storing meat, the landscape is an open-air museum of human resilience.

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Heritage

Inscribed in 2018, the site met Criterion (v):

• It is an outstanding example of a traditional human settlement and land use that is representative of a culture interacting with a highly vulnerable environment. The site demonstrates the “transhumance” (seasonal movement) between summer caribou hunts in the interior and winter seal hunts at the coast, a tradition that has remained largely unchanged for millennia despite shifts in climate.

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Gateway

Two main hubs serve the site, both offering essential logistics:

• Sisimiut (The Coastal Gateway): Greenland’s second-largest city. It has a domestic airport (JHS) and robust lodging, including the 4-star Hotel Sisimiut and Hotel Søma.
• Kangerlussuaq (The Ice Gateway): Home to Greenland’s primary international hub airport (SFJ). It offers hotel and hostel options and is the starting point for those wanting to enter the site from the “Ice Sheet” side.

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When

• Summer (Late June to August): This is the peak season for trekking the Arctic Circle Trail and exploring the archaeological sites. You will experience the Midnight Sun, with 24 hours of daylight providing unlimited time for exploration.
• Late Winter (March to April): For a traditional experience, visit for dog sledding or snowmobiling through the UNESCO area. This is also a prime time for the Northern Lights.

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Consideration

• Invisibility of Ruins: Many archaeological sites (like tent rings or shooting blinds) are subtle stone arrangements. It is highly recommended to hire a guide to help identify and interpret these sensitive features.
• Leave No Trace: Greenland has strict conservation rules. Do not move stones, as they may be part of an ancient grave or hunting blind.
• Self-Sufficiency: If trekking, you must be entirely self-sufficient. There are no grocery stores or cell service between Kangerlussuaq and Sisimiut.
• Insects: During the summer months, the interior can have heavy swarms of mosquitoes and flies; a head net and strong repellent are essential.

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Resources

1. Inuit Heritage – Aasivissuit-Nipisat: The official site manager’s page with an interactive map of the seven key localities.
2. UNESCO World Heritage Centre – Aasivissuit-Nipisat: The official UN portal for maps, photos, and the technical justification for its status.
3. Visit Greenland – Sisimiut Guide: The national tourism board’s portal for lodging and tour operator listings in the gateway city.
4. Destination Arctic Circle: A localized guide specifically focusing on activities like the Arctic Circle Trail within the UNESCO site.
5. Guide to Greenland – UNESCO Tours: (Affiliate Marketing Site) A marketplace to book specific boat tours, hikes, and dog sledding expeditions into the Aasivissuit-Nipisat area.

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