Greenland looks huge – how many people live there?
Though Greenland is the world’s largest island, covering almost 850,000 square miles, almost 80% is always covered with ice. Only the areas along the coastal shores in the southern part of the country are inhabitable, and the population is around a mere 56.000 people, which gives the lowest population density in the world.
What time zone is Greenland in?
The time zone in western Greenland, where we fish, is GMT -3.
What’s the weather like?
Temperatures may vary from a little below the freezing point warmer summer days in the 60s to 70s (Fahrenheit). The weather can and does change quickly, however, which means you need to be prepared for severe changes in temperature, wind, and precipitation during a day of fishing.
Is it light 24 hours a day?
The polar circle is close to Sisimiut, thus during most of the fishing season it will not be dark at night. It’s only during the latter part of August that there will be a few hours of darkness.
How do I get there?
To get to Sisimiut, you will need to fly to Copenhagen, Denmark (overnight in a hotel) and then to Sisimiut via Kangerlussuaq, Greenland. It’s approximately 4.5 hours from Copenhagen to Kangerlussuaq, and then a short domestic flight of 30 minutes to Sisimiut. You arrive early in the afternoon, settle in at Hotel Sisimiut, and have the rest of the afternoon for sightseeing and relaxation. The next day you transfer to the lodge by boat (approximately 2.5 hours transfer time).
Do I need a Visa?
Most nationalities only need a valid passport to visit Denmark and Greenland. Check online to make sure.
When is the best time to go?
The peak season is during July and August. The arctic char start running the rivers in late June, and by early September they become so interested in spawning that they need to be left alone. Also, once you get well into September, the weather can turn kind of rough.
How safe is Greenland?
Very safe! Think “modern world” without hard crime, heavy traffic, or air pollution. There are also no animals or critters that are a threat in these parts of Greenland.
Do I need trip insurance?
Highly recommended due to the volatile nature of Greenland’s weather and the constant potential for flight delays. You also need a standard medical evacuation insurance policy that will cover the costs of getting you out of camp (typically by boat or via helicopter for emergencies) and back home safely.
What languages are spoken?
Unless you are already fluent in Greenlandic (Eskimo-Aleut) you can usually get by with English – or Danish. Greenlandic people are known for their welcoming and hospitable nature. Don’t be surprised if locals strike up a conversation with you in the street.
Additional Notes on Key Pieces of Equipment
You will definitely want to bring all equipment with you to Kangia Lodge, as the operation has nothing in the way of loaner or demo gear. For rods, a 9’ 6 wt. is ideal, and it is a good idea to bring at least two in the event that one breaks. Most of the time you will be fishing floating fly lines, and we always recommend a line with an aggressive front taper that is designed to throw heavy flies in windy conditions. Tippet and leaders are all based around 16 lb. test, and having a number of tapered 9’ 16-lb. leaders as well as spools of 12 lb. and 16 lb. mono is recommended. As for flies, it is suggested to pre-order a selection of custom-tied flies upon booking. We can arrange to have them waiting for you on arrival. A pre-packaged fly selection is usually 130 Euros and includes both skating dry fly patterns as well as streamers and a few nymphs.
Other key pieces of equipment include good, breathable waders and rubber-soled wading boots. Staying dry is super important. Start each hike with few layers, as you will heat up quickly when walking long distances to each section. Pack numerous warmer layers to then add on once you arrive. You will be doing a lot of hiking with this program, so leave the felt-soled boots at home. Plan on bringing along the best raincoat you have, as well as numerous layers of fleece, Poly Capilene, a good puffy coat, under-wader layers, stocking hats, and more socks than you expect to use. There is a large amount of hiking that is required with this program, and dialing in the right layering system is important. If things are rainy and wet, it can be hard to dry clothing, so bring along more layer than you normally would pack for other destinations.
