The community of Itilleq and Moods of Greenland have during the last 15 years had a tradition of inviting cruise ships to the village. Here, guests are welcomed into the community and invited to experience everyday life in a small Greenlandic settlement, meet local people, share stories and discover the place through the eyes of those who live here.
It is not about simply visiting Itilleq.
It is about connecting, listening and becoming part of the community — even if only for a little while.
We believe that meaningful encounters are what make a journey truly memorable.
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Itilleq - Open Community
Itilleq is placed on a small island just a few 100 meters north of the Arctic Circle – 45 km south of Sisimiut on the west coast of Greenland. In Itilleq lives 100 people who mainly make a living from fishing and hunting. There are places that seem to hold a presence of their own. Itilleq is one of them.
Set between the sea, the fjord and rugged mountains, this small Greenlandic settlement lies surrounded by a landscape that has shaped generations of people who call it home. Visit the small church and cemetery rest quietly on the hillside, overlooking the fjord. From here, the view stretches into the vast Arctic landscape — a place where nature, memory and everyday life seem to meet. It is a place that invites you to slow down and look a little closer.
Come and experience Itilleq — not only as a place you visit, but as a place you can feel.
The Spirit of Itilleq
Be part of the community
What could be better than a football match to bring people together — young and old, locals, guests and crew? ⚽️
Guests, crew and local residents come together on the same pitch, sharing laughter, friendly competition and a chance to connect beyond the usual visitor experience. For our guests, it is a memorable way to finish the day — and for the people of the community, it has become something they genuinely look forward to. A simple game, a shared moment, and a wonderful opportunity to interact, meet and enjoy each other’s company. 🇬🇱💙 The soccer match is taking place in the middle of the village on a dirt pitch. Guests and expedition team will play against the local team toward the end of the landing. Those who don´t want to participate are welcome to cheer.
A Visit to the school
Step inside the Greenlandic school system and gain a deeper understanding of everyday life in Greenland.
During this visit, Jimmy Hymøller, former headmaster of the school, shares his experience and insights into life, teaching and education in Greenland — including the opportunities, realities and challenges faced by students, teachers and communities.
It is an open and engaging conversation that offers a different perspective on Greenland, beyond the landscapes and the usual travel experience.
For those who want to understand more, meet the people behind everyday life and experience Greenland from a local perspective, this is an insightful opportunity to look a little deeper. 🇬🇱
Nassuk is our mobile Arctic Atelier, bringing a collection of handmade crafts directly to our guests. Each piece is inspired by the landscapes, everyday life and stories of Greenland.Our collection is created in collaboration with local artists and makers from Itilleq, bringing together different perspectives, skills and stories from the community. More than a souvenir, Nassuk is a small part of the Greenlandic experience — a chance to discover something handmade and meaningful, connected to the landscape and people you have encountered.
A small piece of Greenland to take home — a personal reminder of a special place and your time in Itilleq.
Mobile Craft Shop Nassuk
Kaffemik
As a traveler, attending a kaffemik tour is more about getting a special look at Greenlandic life than celebrating. You will step into the actual personal homes of locals, and get a feel of what it’s like to live like a Greenlander. Notice how the furnishings and design might be of Scandinavian influence yet the impressive collections of artwork, crafts, and skins make no mistake that you are in Greenland. Just like in your country, homes reflect individual personalities. You might also notice how facial expressions and body language can speak more than verbal words. You’ll see that cultural exchange is unfolding right before your eyes.
About Moods of Greenland - Itilleq Open Community: Established by Jimmy Hymøller, who has lived in Itilleq for more than seven years. He has great experience and has been working in expedition teams on different cruise ships during the last 15 years, so by any he knows about what to expect, when it comes to offer products of a high quality. Moods of Greenland guarantee you professional and flexible solutions, when it comes to visits and do the best to make your visit a win-win situation for both guests and the local communities and will ensure that your visit results in a happy, friendly and sustainable experience for everyone.
Personalized Planning
Sisimiut - Through Local Eyes
Town Walks – Beyond the Facades
A walk through Sisimiut can tell you its history. But to truly understand the town, you have to look beyond the stories written on the signs.
We share more than historical facts and landmarks. We open a window into everyday life in Sisimiut: the traditions that are still part of life today, the relationship between people and nature, the challenges and joys of living in the Arctic, and the stories that rarely make it into a guidebook.
You will discover the town beyond its colourful facades – not as a visitor simply passing through, but through the eyes of people who live here, love this place, and are proud to call it home.
This is Sisimiut beyond sightseeing. This is Sisimiut from within.
Cultural Hike – Arctic Stories, Scenic Views & Artistic Encounters
Walk across the historic Teleøen - Sallinnguit and discover a quieter side of Sisimiut. This gentle hike is connecting Inuit history with the coastal landscape and breathtaking photo stops overlooking Sisimiut, the sea and the mountains of Itilleq - perfect moments to pause, take photographs and simply take in the Arctic landscape.
The walk is kept moderate and accessible for all ages, focusing on atmosphere, stories and memorable moments, rather than distance.
The experience continues at our Arctic Boutique, where you are invited to discover Greenland through the eyes of an artist who lives and works here. Explore the Mythologie, materials and cultural meaning behind her handmade pieces, all created from materials collected in the backcountry – and perhaps take home a small piece of the experience.
Greenland Comes Aboard
Stories and insights from a life, deeply rooted in Greenland. Jimmy Hymøller comes aboard for a personal one-hour talk about life in Greenland – from education and teaching to everyday life, culture and the realities of living in the Arctic.
Jimmy is a former headmaster in Greenland. As co-founder of the NUIKI project and with over 25 years of professional experience working in remote Greenlandic communities, he has a deep connection to Greenland’s people and nature.
Jimmy shares stories and insights that go beyond what guests usually hear in standard talks or lectures. Preferably booked after arrival in Sisimiut, this talk gives guests the opportunity to step ashore with a deeper understanding of Greenland, its people, culture and remote landscapes.
Polar Bear Safety & Firearm Training for Expedition Crews
Assistance and coordination of shooting range activities for expedition teams in Sisimiut, ensuring safe, culturally respectful, and well‑organized operations.
We provide full on-site support for expedition crews, including shuttle transport to the shooting range and all required training materials. Jimmy Hymøller, a trained Polar Bear Safety Trainer with many years of Arctic experience, is available for on-site support and guidance.
Training in how to respond safely and responsibly to polar bear sightings during shore excursions — protecting both people and wildlife while respecting the delicate balance of the Arctic environment.
Inside the Arctic Atelier
Step into Nassuk Greenland, a place shaped by the Arctic. Meet the artist Wibke behind Nassuk and discover the inspiration behind her work. Her handmade creations are deeply influenced by Greenlandic Mythologie, life and the landscape surrounding her — offering a personal and creative way to learn more about Greenlandic culture. Located at the New Pier, just one minute from the ship’s berth.
Wibke speaks English, German and Danish. You will have the opportunity to see the creative process up close, learn how the materials are transformed into unique pieces, and discover the stories and traditions that inspire them. More than a visit to a boutique, it is a story to take home.
The Artist comes Aboard
An intimate encounter with Greenland through art. With a small selection of her handmade creations, Wibke, the artist, invites guests into the stories, inspiration and mythology behind her work. She shares how each piece comes to life – from the first idea to the finished figure. Guests can touch and explore the natural materials themselves: musk ox wool, antler, feathers, driftwood and stones, collected in the Greenlandic landscape and transformed into unique works of art, found nowhere else.
More than an encounter with an artist, it is a meeting of cultures — a bridge between Greenland and the wider world.
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