One of many least habituated international locations on the planet, Greenland may not come to thoughts when pondering of locations to go to. Nonetheless, that will be a mistake; there are such a lot of epic and finest locations in Greenland to go to which might 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 among 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 among 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 difficult because it seems. You may, after all, hop on an expedition ship like we did with Albatros Expeditions. That being stated, you too can simply soar on home flights (with Air Greenland) and home ferries/boats that hyperlink among the hottest locations to go to in Greenland.
So, that can assist you get essentially the most out of your go to to Greenland, I’m sharing among the prime locations to go to which might be completely gorgeous to discover. I’ve included heaps of pure sights (which might be lovely), however I’ve additionally included some smaller cities and cities which might be simpler to go to throughout your journey to Greenland.
Oh, and as all the time, ask away you probably have some other questions on visiting Greenland. It truly is a surprising nation to discover, and we’re all the time completely happy to assist.
1.) Disko Bay (Eqip Sermia)
Disko Bay is well one of the vital well-liked locations in Greenland to go to, and with good purpose. Explored by Norse explorers and Innuit populations, it’s a area excellent for seeing the pure magnificence that makes Greenland so particular.
Top-of-the-line locations in Greenland to go to must be Eqip Sermia. Greatest explored through an tour from locations like Ilulissat or through a cruise, Eqip Sermia is an unlimited glacier that’s an arm of the Greenlandic Icecap.
Actually, pictures 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 after we visited, and we received to see how pristine and delightful the world round Eqip Sermia is. Although, don’t all the time take Greenlandic climate as a right—it might change at a second’s discover.
As soon as right here, you’ll probably must discover Eqip Sermia through a zodiac, especailly if you wish to get nearer and head by way of 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 a minimum of 15 instances while we have been there (for round 3 hours).
Which means the waters round Eqip Sermia will be extraordinarily harmful. So, all the time comply with native recommendation and head right here with a certified 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 best locations in Greenland to go to if you wish to be taught extra in regards to the nation’s lengthy gelogical and cultural historical past.
Now, what I’d say is that Nuuk isn’t large for a metropolis. Underneath 20,000 individuals stay 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 among the different smaller cities in Greenland, it’s nonetheless effectively price 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 be taught extra in regards to 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 beautiful and you’ll see the vista down the fjords and inlets that encompass Nuuk metropolis itself.
Should you’ve received 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 a lot of 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 town and shoreline and really easy to identify as you stroll round.
Oh, and remember 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 that 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 choose up a Tupilak that’s carved out of bone. These are conventional Innuit ‘protectors’ or ‘destroyers’ that might solid unhealthy luck on enemies.
Alternatively, if that’s not for you, seize one of many Innuit figures carved out of soapstone. These are usually the dimensions of small balls and are so pretty.
Lastly, if you happen to’ve received time, take a stroll alongside the coastal boardwalk that traces the shore of Nuuk. It’s a good way to see a lot of lovely shorelines and takes round 25 minutes.
Learn extra: How one can 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 gorgeous ‘sounds’ to sail by way of.
You see, what makes it so particular is the geological formations and rock within the space. The truth is, it’s stated that the rocks round Prince Christian Sound are among the oldest on the planet.
These have, over time, been crushed, carved, eroded and polished into the formations you see right now.
It’s simply among the best locations in Greenland to discover on a Southern Greenland expedition and is completely lovely. The waters are usually protected and calm, and the views are dramatic.
Learn extra: What’s it wish to sail by way of 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 price visiting for a day journey.
As soon as right here, be certain that to go on a tour of Ilulissat’s Icefjord. It’s one of the vital well-known in the entire 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 personal RIB tour with Ilulissat Journey they usually weaved us by way of the towering icebergs and rolling growlers which might 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 of 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 offer your self two hours to accommodate the strolling instances and leisure time when you’re on the viewpoint.
In Ilulissat itself, you’ll additionally discover a number of memento retailers promoting regionally made Tupilacs and soapstone figures which might be made all throughout Greenland. Plus, if you happen to fancy staying a number of days longer within the space, there are a good few eating places and motels.
Lastly, one of many different large attracts of Ilulissat is its airport. It’s a very easy vacation spot to go to, particularly if you happen to’re flying to Greenland and planning with native tour suppliers when you’re there.
You’ll simply be capable of organise home Air Greenland flights to different areas in Greenland and likewise 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 best locations in Greenland to go to if you happen to’re already exploring the broader Disco Bay Space.
Now, the city itself is fairly small by worldwide requirements, it possibly has 40 homes in complete however what it lacks in measurement it makes up with allure. It’s a vibrant little city that’s so pretty to spend an excellent few hours explroing.
As soon as right here, take a stroll by way of the colorful streets and cease off at Lodge Disko Island for a espresso or a chunk to eat. It’s a number of minute’s stroll from the harbour, and you’ll keep right here, too.
Oh, and if you happen to dock on the harbour, pop into the Qeqertarsuaq Museum. Sure, it’s small, however you will get an excellent slice of the historical past of the Qeqertarsuaq space by visiting right here. There’s a small price to enter, and visits take round quarter-hour.
Lastly, remember to head over to whale-watching level 0000. We beloved it right here! Whereas we didn’t see any whales, we did get to see an infinite choice of icebergs and growlers that handed Qeqertarsuaq.
Time-wise, Qeqertarsuaq is a good little city to go to for a half-day whereas visiting Disko Bay in Greenland.
Learn extra: How one can go to Qeqertarsuaq in Greenland
6.) Qassiarsuk (BrattahlÃð)
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 Pink’ constructed in Greenland after he was banished from Iceland.
Centuries in the past, he was fairly profound in creating Greenland as a rustic that will appeal to individuals to stay 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 might solely be reached by boat), you’ll be able to discover the small neighborhood store and cafe, ramble to the statue of Erik the Pink, and cease by the reconstruction of the unique church and low homes that have been commonplace centuries in the past.
The realm is gorgeous and completely lovely.
Learn extra: How one can go to Qassiarsuk in Greenland
7.) Uunartoq Scorching Springs
Uunartoq Scorching Springs was a form of completely happy ‘mistake’ for us to go to. You see, our journey particulars needed to be ammended barely as a consequence of excessive winds after we sailed from Reykavik alongside the uneven Denmark Strait. Although, I used to be so glad our plans modified as Uunartoq Scorching Springs is certainly one of a form in Greenland.
You see, this geothermal hotspring is located on it’s very personal little island (Uunartoq) and is very easy to go to if you happen to’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 Scorching Springs is completely pure, so anticipate some algae while you’re right here.
Round a 10-minute stroll from the shoreline, Uunartoq Scorching Springs has a small (and fairly fundamental) wood shack to vary in, which you form of solely want if you happen to’re visiting in bigger teams. If not, the island is fairly desolate, and you’ll simply change exterior.
Spend a while heating up inside Uunartoq Scorching Springs and take within the views of Uunartoq island itself. The entire area is gorgeous.
Learn extra: How one can go to Uunartoq Scorching Springs
8.) Kangerlussuaq Fjord
Stretching over 100-miles in size, the Kangerlussuaq Fjord is absolutley gorgeous. Now, for plenty of expedition passengers, Kangerlussuaq Fjord is the beginning or ultimate 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 some other notable settlements that you just would possibly wish to discover.
That being stated, Kangerlussuaq Fjord is gorgeous and effectively price seeing once 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 beloved 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. Identical 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 stated, it’s not for these with coronary heart points or underlying well being situations. It may possibly 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 crew onboard Ocean Albatros. They tied the mandatory security ropes and monitored Yaya to make sure his power to swim as soon as he hit the water.
Should you plan (and wish) to take a polar plunge, be certain that to solely do it with a certified information. The dangers will 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 individuals calling it house.
As soon as right here, you’ll stroll by way of 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 a number of hours.
Whereas right here, we additionally undertook a conventional 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 sizzling drink (like espresso) and possibly a number of candy treats.
Ours was organised with the assistance of the expedition crew onboard Ocean Albatros, and we beloved each second of it.
Learn extra: What it’s like to go to Itilleq in Greenland
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