One of many least habituated international locations on the earth, Greenland won’t come to thoughts when pondering of locations to go to. Nonetheless, that may be a mistake; there are such a lot of epic and greatest locations in Greenland to go to which can be dotted nationwide.
Now, one of many issues that makes Greeland so particular is it’s pure historical past. It’s like no different place on earth and completely surreal to expertise as a part of an expedition, cruise, or visiting native space with guides from a few of the bigger cities like Nuuk or Ilulissat.
We visited Greenland and sailed round for 11 days. It was unimaginable, and though you’ll by no means see all of it (it’s colossal), you’ll be able to simply go to a few of the prime locations on a visit in the summertime months.
With any journey to Greenland, the massive problem would possibly appear to be getting round, however belief me, it’s not as sophisticated because it seems. You possibly can, in fact, hop on an expedition ship like we did with Albatros Expeditions. That being mentioned, it’s also possible to simply leap on home flights (with Air Greenland) and home ferries/boats that hyperlink a few of the hottest locations to go to in Greenland.
So, that will help you get essentially the most out of your go to to Greenland, I’m sharing a few of the prime locations to go to which can be completely beautiful to discover. I’ve included heaps of pure sights (which can be lovely), however I’ve additionally included some smaller cities and cities which can be simpler to go to throughout your journey to Greenland.
Oh, and as at all times, ask away you probably have every other questions on visiting Greenland. It truly is a surprising nation to discover, and we’re at all times completely satisfied to assist.
1.) Disko Bay (Eqip Sermia)
Disko Bay is well one of the crucial common locations in Greenland to go to, and with good motive. Explored by Norse explorers and Innuit populations, it’s a area excellent for seeing the pure magnificence that makes Greenland so particular.
Probably the greatest locations in Greenland to go to needs to be Eqip Sermia. Greatest explored by way of an tour from locations like Ilulissat or by way of a cruise, Eqip Sermia is an unlimited glacier that’s an arm of the Greenlandic Icecap.
Truthfully, photographs don’t do it justice—the hanging glacier towers over Disko Bay, and the views are spectacular. It’s like a wall of ice. Now, we have been actually fortunate with the climate once we visited, and we bought to see how pristine and delightful the realm round Eqip Sermia is. Although, don’t at all times take Greenlandic climate without any consideration—it could change at a second’s discover.
As soon as right here, you’ll seemingly have to discover Eqip Sermia by way of a zodiac, especailly if you wish to get nearer and head by the smaller growlers that slush up the waters right here.
Nonetheless, don’t anticipate to get too shut – the glacier is consistently calving, and we noticed this occur at the very least 15 occasions while we have been there (for round 3 hours).
Because of this the waters round Eqip Sermia could be extraordinarily harmful. So, at all times observe native recommendation and head right here with a professional information or your expedition crew.
Learn extra: What it’s like to go to Eqip Sermia
2.) Nuuk
Nuuk is the capital metropolis of Greenland and one of many best locations to go to while you discover the western shoreline right here. Not solely that, it’s among the finest locations in Greenland to go to if you wish to study extra concerning the nation’s lengthy gelogical and cultural historical past.
Now, what I’d say is that Nuuk isn’t massive for a metropolis. Beneath 20,000 folks dwell right here, so think about it like a small city. It’s simply visited in a day, and though it isn’t fairly as charming as a few of the different smaller cities in Greenland, it’s nonetheless effectively value a go to.
As soon as right here, you’ll get to go to the Greenland Nationwide Museum and Archives, which is true on the shoreline. Right here, you’ll study extra concerning the nation’s Innuit populations and the instruments, boats, and historical past which have developed over the centuries.
Afterwards, take a stroll up the rocky hill in direction of the statue of Hans Egede. He’s one of many nation’s first pilgrims that intorduced Christianity to the nation of Greenland. The views from listed below are attractive and you may see the vista down the fjords and inlets that encompass Nuuk metropolis itself.
Should you’ve bought extra time, make a 30-minute go to to the Nuuk Artwork Museum that’s round a 15-minute stroll from the Greenland Nationwide Museum and Archives. Right here, you’ll discover numerous Greenlandic artwork and worldwide items that seasonally change all year long.
Not solely that, you’ll be able to see artwork installiations dotted all throughout Nuuk. They’re throughout the town and shoreline and really easy to identify as you stroll round.
Oh, and make sure to cease off at Kunguak Café for his or her musk-ox burger, which is mouthwateringly good. Plus, they make their very own gelato, which is so good. So, maintain some room for a scoop or two.
Should you’re in search of a Greenlandic present or memento, then be certain to cease by Anori Artwork or Tupilak Journey. These are each nice locations to purchase some native artwork and crafts made inside Greenland itself. Should you’re in search of one thing genuine, then decide up a Tupilak that’s carved out of bone. These are conventional Innuit ‘protectors’ or ‘destroyers’ that might forged unhealthy luck on enemies.
Alternatively, if that’s not for you, seize one of many Innuit figures carved out of soapstone. These are sometimes the scale of small balls and are so pretty.
Lastly, in case you’ve bought time, take a stroll alongside the coastal boardwalk that traces the shore of Nuuk. It’s a good way to see numerous lovely shorelines and takes round 25 minutes.
Learn extra: Methods to spend a day exploring Nuuk
3.) Prince Christian Sound
Perched close to the southern tip of Greenland, Prince Christian Sound is among the nation’s most beautiful ‘sounds’ to sail by.
You see, what makes it so particular is the geological formations and rock within the space. The truth is, it’s mentioned that the rocks round Prince Christian Sound are a few of the oldest on the earth.
These have, over time, been crushed, carved, eroded and polished into the formations you see at the moment.
It’s simply among the finest locations in Greenland to discover on a Southern Greenland expedition and is completely lovely. The waters are sometimes protected and calm, and the views are dramatic.
Learn extra: What’s it prefer to sail by Prins Christian Sund
4.) Ilulissat
Ilulissat would possibly simply be certainly one of my favorite locations to go to in Greenland because it has a lot to see on its doorstep. You see, it’s a gateway to discover the broader Disko Bay Space and the Ilulissat Icefjord.
Now, that’s to not say the city of Ilulissat is only a gateway. Oh, no! It’s effectively value visiting for a day journey.
As soon as right here, be certain to go on a tour of Ilulissat’s Icefjord. It’s one of the crucial well-known in all the northern hemisphere and completely idyllic. Better of all, it’s proper subsequent to Ilulissat, and it takes a mere 20 minutes to get right here by boat from Ilulissat Harbour.
We booked a non-public RIB tour with Ilulissat Journey they usually weaved us by the towering icebergs and rolling growlers which can be ‘caught’ on this space. It’s incredile to see.
Oh, and don’t neglect to stroll the barodwalk to Ilulissat’s Icefjord. You’ll be capable to pop into the Icefjord Centre for a espresso after which head for a 25-minute stroll to the point of view for Glacier Lagoon. It’s increible to see and ensure to present your self two hours to accommodate the strolling occasions and rest time when you’re on the viewpoint.
In Ilulissat itself, you’ll additionally discover just a few memento retailers promoting regionally made Tupilacs and soapstone figures which can be made all throughout Greenland. Plus, in case you fancy staying just a few days longer within the space, there are a good few eating places and motels.
Lastly, one of many different massive attracts of Ilulissat is its airport. It’s a very easy vacation spot to go to, particularly in case you’re flying to Greenland and planning with native tour suppliers when you’re there.
You’ll simply be capable to organise home Air Greenland flights to different areas in Greenland and in addition e-book tour flights that take you over the Greenlandic Ice Cap.
Learn extra: What to do when visiting Ilulissat in Greenland
5.) Qeqertarsuaq
Nestled on its very personal island on the mouth of Disko Bay, Qeqertarsuaq is well among the finest locations in Greenland to go to in case you’re already exploring the broader Disco Bay Space.
Now, the city itself is fairly small by worldwide requirements, it possibly has 40 homes in whole however what it lacks in measurement it makes up with allure. It’s a vibrant little city that’s so pretty to spend a superb few hours explroing.
As soon as right here, take a stroll by the colorful streets and cease off at Lodge Disko Island for a espresso or a chew to eat. It’s just a few minute’s stroll from the harbour, and you may keep right here, too.
Oh, and in case you dock on the harbour, pop into the Qeqertarsuaq Museum. Sure, it’s small, however you will get a superb slice of the historical past of the Qeqertarsuaq space by visiting right here. There’s a small payment to enter, and visits take round quarter-hour.
Lastly, make sure to head over to whale-watching level 0000. We liked it right here! Whereas we didn’t see any whales, we did get to see an infinite number of icebergs and growlers that handed Qeqertarsuaq.
Time-wise, Qeqertarsuaq is a superb little city to go to for a half-day whereas visiting Disko Bay in Greenland.
Learn extra: Methods to go to Qeqertarsuaq in Greenland
6.) Qassiarsuk (Brattahlíð)
A UNESCO-World-Heritage-Website, Qassiarsuk is an absolute must-visit while exploring this area of Greenland. You see, it’s the primary everlasting settlement that ‘Erik the Crimson’ constructed in Greenland after he was banished from Iceland.
Centuries in the past, he was fairly profound in creating Greenland as a rustic that may entice folks to dwell in. Nonetheless, his historical past is considerably problematic, with murders and different illicit actions following him round.
Wahtever the case, it’s an absolute should go to in Greenland and the entire space round Qassiarsuk is gorgeous.
As soon as in Qassiarsuk (which may solely be reached by boat), you’ll be able to discover the small neighborhood store and cafe, ramble to the statue of Erik the Crimson, and cease by the reconstruction of the unique church and low homes that have been commonplace centuries in the past.
The realm is beautiful and completely lovely.
Learn extra: Methods to go to Qassiarsuk in Greenland
7.) Uunartoq Sizzling Springs
Uunartoq Sizzling Springs was a form of completely satisfied ‘mistake’ for us to go to. You see, our journey particulars needed to be ammended barely on account of excessive winds once we sailed from Reykavik alongside the uneven Denmark Strait. Although, I used to be so glad our plans modified as Uunartoq Sizzling Springs is certainly one of a sort in Greenland.
You see, this geothermal hotspring is located on it’s very personal little island (Uunartoq) and is very easy to go to in case you’re on an expedition or crusing within the southern areas of Greenland.
Now, the water temparture is round 36-38c, which makes it good and toasty. Nonetheless, Uunartoq Sizzling Springs is completely pure, so anticipate some algae while you’re right here.
Round a 10-minute stroll from the shoreline, Uunartoq Sizzling Springs has a small (and fairly primary) wood shack to alter in, which you form of solely want in case you’re visiting in bigger teams. If not, the island is fairly desolate, and you may simply change exterior.
Spend a while heating up inside Uunartoq Sizzling Springs and take within the views of Uunartoq island itself. The entire area is gorgeous.
Learn extra: Methods to go to Uunartoq Sizzling Springs
8.) Kangerlussuaq Fjord
Stretching over 100-miles in size, the Kangerlussuaq Fjord is absolutley beautiful. Now, for plenty of expedition passengers, Kangerlussuaq Fjord is the beginning or closing cease of a wider Greenland journey.
On the finish of Kangerlussuaq Fjord is Kangerlussuaq Airport. This airport has direct Air Greenland flights to locations like Reykjavik and Copenhagen, making it a very easy space to go to.
Now, there’s no actual city of Kangerlussuaq. It’s primarily the airport, so don’t anticipate vibrant streets or every other notable settlements that you just would possibly wish to discover.
That being mentioned, Kangerlussuaq Fjord is beautiful and effectively value seeing while you go to Greenland. As you sail the fjord, you’ll soak up all of the glacial rock formations that make this stretch so particular. It actually is gorgeous, and we liked it.
Learn extra: Visiting Kangerlussuaq Fjord for a daytrip
9.) Arctic Circle Polar plunge
Okay, that is much less of a spot in Greenland and extra of an exercise. Similar to locations in Northern Norway (the place we did it in Tromso) and the Antarctic area (the place Yaya took a polar plunge), there are ample alternatives to check out a polar plunge in Greenland.
That being mentioned, it’s not for these with coronary heart points or underlying well being circumstances. It will probably throw your physique into shock, and it’s solely advisable to undertake a polar plunge with ample supervision.
Yaya undertook an Arctic Circle polar plunge with the assistance of the expedition staff onboard Ocean Albatros. They tied the required security ropes and monitored Yaya to make sure his energy to swim as soon as he hit the water.
Should you plan (and need) to take a polar plunge, be certain to solely do it with a professional information. The dangers could be excessive.
Learn extra: What’s a polar plunge in Greenland like
10.) Itilleq
Nestled by itself island, solely a kilometre from mainland Greenland, Itilleq is beautiful to discover. It’s a tiny little city, with not more than 100 folks calling it dwelling.
As soon as right here, you’ll stroll by the colorful homes, cease by the native grocery retailer, and discover the broader island of Itilleq, which is completely lovely. It’s one of many final settlements throughout the Arctic Circle, so it’s good to go to for just a few hours.
Whereas right here, we additionally undertook a standard Kaffemik. This was hosted by locals who opened their houses to us, the place we sat and chatted for round 25-Half-hour. You see, a Kaffemik is a gathering centred round a scorching drink (like espresso) and possibly just a few candy treats.
Ours was organised with the assistance of the expedition staff onboard Ocean Albatros, and we liked each second of it.
Learn extra: What it’s like to go to Itilleq in Greenland
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