The East Coast of Greenland is renowned for its breathtaking natural beauty, featuring the world’s largest fjords adorned with colossal icebergs and framed by imposing granite cliffs. Nestled within this remote wilderness lies the settlement of Ittoqqortoormiit, often considered the most isolated inhabited community in the Western Hemisphere. Surprisingly, this remote outpost boasts a remarkable burger joint known as Orormersiardarpi, offering a simple yet delightful menu consisting of burgers, fries, sodas, and hotdogs.
Despite its unassuming exterior, Orormersiardarpi has become a beloved addition to the town, receiving five-star ratings in its three Google reviews. In this quaint village of approximately 450 residents, outsiders are embraced as part of one big family. The restaurant’s owner, Mette, happens to be tour guide Niels Rasmussen’s grand-cousin, adding a personal touch to the dining experience.
Orormersiardarpi is cherished for its greasy, on-the-go patties, although Ittoqqortoormiit’s traditional cuisine primarily revolves around locally sourced meats like muskox and polar bear, reflecting the community’s hunting heritage. Visitors are welcomed with warm smiles, creating an atmosphere of genuine hospitality.
Rasmussen, who guides approximately 250 guests to his hometown aboard the FS Fram, a Hurtigruten ship, during the expedition season of August and September, feels proud to share his roots and cultural heritage with visitors. The journey into the heart of the Scoresby Sound is only possible during this brief window when sea ice recedes enough to navigate the 200-mile-long fjord system.
While Ittoqqortoormiit offers a stunning backdrop of colorful houses on the hillside, weather balloons, and the daily life of snow dogs, it was once home to a local bar that served as a gathering place for the community. Unfortunately, it closed during the pandemic and has yet to reopen, but the town has adapted and continues to thrive.
If you wish to savor a burger at the edge of the earth, you can set sail during lunch hours with around 150 Danish Krone (approximately $25) in hand. However, embarking on a two-week cruise aboard the Fram to explore the Eastern Greenland coast comes at a separate cost, starting from a minimum of $8,200 for an entry-level cabin—a small fee for the privilege of indulging in a burger in this remote corner of the world.