Siorapaluk

Siorapaluk lies at nearly seventy-eight degrees north, about forty-five kilometres from Qaanaaq, and it is generally described as the northernmost naturally inhabited settlement in the world, meaning one that grew as a community rather than being established as a base or station. A few dozen people live there, hunting narwhal, seal and little auks, which nest in vast numbers in the scree slopes behind the village and are caught with long-handled nets.

What to look for

• The little auk colonies - the birds nesting in vast numbers in the scree behind.
• The net hunting - the long-handled nets used to catch them in flight.
• The northern latitude - the northernmost community of its kind in the world.
• The hunting life - narwhal, seal and bird hunting as the settlement's basis.

When to go

March to May for sledding and light. June to August for open water and midnight sun. Access is by helicopter or sled and both are weather dependent.

Good to know

Access is by helicopter or dog sled and neither is reliable; being weathered in is normal. There is no accommodation beyond arrangements with families. This is a working hunting community, not a destination.

Nearby

Qaanaaq is southeast, and the ice cap is inland.

Key facts