Camp Itivi: A Hidden Gem in Nuup Kangerlua
Nestled in the breathtaking expanse of Nuup Kangerlua, Camp Itivi has emerged as a treasured retreat for both local and international adventurers eager to immerse themselves in the untouched beauty of Greenlandic nature. Here, surrounded by pristine wilderness, guests find tranquility without the distractions of internet or phone service.
The camp has quickly gained popularity not just among tourists, but also among local businesses seeking a serene venue for meetings and team outings. Nikolaj Jensen, the camp’s sole proprietor, runs the facility from the weekend before Easter until October, with the closure date determined by the fjord’s ice conditions.
The recent opening of a new airport has paved the way for an influx of visitors, including a recent group of twenty from Asia. “I’ve been thrilled to receive positive feedback from both local businesses and international guests,” Jensen notes, “and I’m now fielding inquiries from travel agencies in England and Switzerland for next year’s bookings.”
A Snapshot of Camp Itivi
Camp Itivi features five cabins: three rental lodges—brightly colored yellow, blue, and green log cabins—alongside a staff cabin with guest amenities and a communal kitchen and living area. Each cabin is equipped with a solar energy system, and upcoming plans include enhancing the staff cabin with a more robust solar panel system.
Jensen envisions an ambitious expansion for the camp, including additional cabins and a restaurant dedicated to his guests.
Guests at Camp Itivi revel in activities such as wilderness baths, sauna sessions, guided hikes, and fishing trips in both the fjord and the river. There’s even the opportunity for scenic boat tours around Nuup Kangerlua and visits to nearby islands, with many coming away delighted by encounters with whales along the way.
Navigating Challenges
Jensen’s journey into the tourism sector began in the tumultuous years of 2019 and 2020—a time marked by the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, followed by rising material costs stemming from the Ukraine conflict. Despite these hurdles, he has reported profits each year, reinvesting them to enhance and expand the camp’s offerings.
He notes, “I manage everything on my own, from ensuring guests are safely transported in an inflatable boat to overseeing shopping, cleaning, and providing camp services. I’m grateful for the assistance of good friends like Otto Frank Hansen and Stefan Josefsen during busy periods.”
The Boat Dilemma
However, as the camp’s popularity grows, so does Jensen’s need for a larger boat—a reality he brings to light. “When numerous guests require transport at once, I need to hire a bigger boat. Unfortunately, prices soar when cruise ships are in port,” he explains.
Despite his efforts and savings to purchase a boat suitable for ten guests and two crew members, he has encountered an obstacle: the Bank of Greenland has declined to provide financing. “I was ready to cover over half the cost myself, but it seems their support is not as accessible for small, one-person businesses like mine,” he laments, highlighting his frustrations with a system that appears to overlook the potential of small enterprises.
As Jensen contemplates his next steps—pondering whether to sell the business or pivot back to his roots in electrical work—a sense of determination remains. “I’ve built something special here, and it’s hard to let go. Yet, I need to consider what’s best for my future,” he concludes.
As Camp Itivi continues to attract a diverse clientele, its future may hinge on Jensen’s ability to navigate these challenges, fostering a cherished slice of Greenland’s wilderness amid the winds of change.