One of many least habituated nations on the earth, Greenland may not come to thoughts when pondering of locations to go to. Nevertheless, that may be a mistake; there are such a lot of epic and greatest 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 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 possibly can simply go to a few of the prime locations on a visit in the summertime months.
With any journey to Greenland, the massive problem may appear to be getting round, however belief me, it’s not as difficult because it appears. You’ll be able to, after all, hop on an expedition ship like we did with Albatros Expeditions. That being mentioned, you may as well simply soar 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 can assist 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 might be completely gorgeous to discover. I’ve included heaps of pure sights (which might be stunning), 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 if in case you have some other questions on visiting Greenland. It truly is a shocking nation to discover, and we’re all the time blissful 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 cause. Explored by Norse explorers and Innuit populations, it’s a area good for seeing the pure magnificence that makes Greenland so particular.
Top-of-the-line locations in Greenland to go to needs to be Eqip Sermia. Finest 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 had been actually fortunate with the climate after we visited, and we received to see how pristine and exquisite the realm round Eqip Sermia is. Although, don’t all the time take Greenlandic climate with no consideration—it might change at a second’s discover.
As soon as right here, you’ll doubtless 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.
Nevertheless, don’t count on to get too shut – the glacier is continually calving, and we noticed this occur at the very least 15 occasions while we had been there (for round 3 hours).
Which means the waters round Eqip Sermia could 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 study extra concerning the nation’s lengthy gelogical and cultural historical past.
Now, what I’d say is that Nuuk isn’t huge for a metropolis. Below 20,000 folks reside 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 nicely value a go to.
As soon as right here, you’ll get to go to the Greenland Nationwide Museum and Archives, which is correct 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 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 number of Greenlandic artwork and worldwide items that seasonally change all year long.
Not solely that, you possibly can 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 you should definitely 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 ensure 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 would forged dangerous 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 beautiful.
Lastly, for those who’ve received time, take a stroll alongside the coastal boardwalk that traces the shore of Nuuk. It’s an effective way to see a number of stunning shorelines and takes round 25 minutes.
Learn extra: The best way to spend a day exploring Nuuk
3.) Prince Christian Sound
Perched close to the southern tip of Greenland, Prince Christian Sound is without doubt one of 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. In truth, 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 in the present day.
It’s simply among the best locations in Greenland to discover on a Southern Greenland expedition and is completely stunning. The waters are usually protected and calm, and the views are dramatic.
Learn extra: What’s it prefer to sail by way of Prins Christian Sund
4.) Ilulissat
Ilulissat may simply be one in all 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 nicely value visiting for a day journey.
As soon as right here, ensure to go on a tour of Ilulissat’s Icefjord. It’s one of the crucial 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 non-public RIB tour with Ilulissat Journey and so they 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 have the ability to pop into the Icefjord Centre for a espresso after which head for a 25-minute stroll to the perspective for Glacier Lagoon. It’s increible to see and ensure to provide your self two hours to accommodate the strolling occasions and leisure time when you’re on the viewpoint.
In Ilulissat itself, you’ll additionally discover a couple of memento retailers promoting domestically made Tupilacs and soapstone figures which might be made all throughout Greenland. Plus, for those who fancy staying a couple of days longer within the space, there are a good few eating places and resorts.
Lastly, one of many different huge attracts of Ilulissat is its airport. It’s a very easy vacation spot to go to, particularly for those who’re flying to Greenland and planning with native tour suppliers when you’re there.
You’ll simply have the ability to 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 for those who’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 attraction. It’s a vibrant little city that’s so beautiful to spend a superb 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 chew to eat. It’s a couple of minute’s stroll from the harbour, and you may keep right here, too.
Oh, and for those who dock on the harbour, pop into the Qeqertarsuaq Museum. Sure, it’s small, however you may get a superb 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, you should definitely 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 unlimited number 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: The best way to go to Qeqertarsuaq in Greenland
6.) Qassiarsuk (Brattahlíð)
A UNESCO-World-Heritage-Web site, Qassiarsuk is an absolute must-visit while exploring this area of Greenland. You see, it’s the primary everlasting settlement that ‘Erik the Purple’ 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 appeal to folks to reside in. Nevertheless, 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 possibly can discover the small neighborhood store and cafe, ramble to the statue of Erik the Purple, and cease by the reconstruction of the unique church and low homes that had been commonplace centuries in the past.
The realm is gorgeous and completely stunning.
Learn extra: The best way to go to Qassiarsuk in Greenland
7.) Uunartoq Scorching Springs
Uunartoq Scorching Springs was a type of blissful ‘mistake’ for us to go to. You see, our journey particulars needed to be ammended barely resulting from 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 one in all 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 for those who’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. Nevertheless, Uunartoq Scorching Springs is completely pure, so count on some algae while you’re right here.
Round a 10-minute stroll from the shoreline, Uunartoq Scorching Springs has a small (and fairly primary) wood shack to vary in, which you type of solely want for those who’re visiting in bigger teams. If not, the island is fairly desolate, and you may simply change outdoors.
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: The best way to 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 last 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 count on vibrant streets or some other notable settlements that you simply may need to discover.
That being mentioned, Kangerlussuaq Fjord is gorgeous and nicely value seeing whenever 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. 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 may well 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 group onboard Ocean Albatros. They tied the mandatory 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, ensure to solely do it with a certified 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 gorgeous 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 way of the colorful homes, cease by the native grocery retailer, and discover the broader island of Itilleq, which is completely stunning. It’s one of many final settlements throughout the Arctic Circle, so it’s good to go to for a couple 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 couple of candy treats.
Ours was organised with the assistance of the expedition group 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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