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 might 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 unbelievable, and though you’ll by no means see all of it (it’s colossal), you may simply go to among the high 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, you can too simply bounce 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 probably the most out of your go to to Greenland, I’m sharing among the high 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 at all times, ask away if in case you have another questions on visiting Greenland. It truly is a surprising nation to discover, and we’re at all times glad to assist.
1.) Disko Bay (Eqip Sermia)
Disko Bay is well one of the standard 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 enormous glacier that’s an arm of the Greenlandic Icecap.
Actually, images 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 acquired to see how pristine and delightful the world round Eqip Sermia is. Although, don’t at all times take Greenlandic climate as a right—it may well change at a second’s discover.
As soon as right here, you’ll possible must discover Eqip Sermia by way of a zodiac, especailly if you wish to get nearer and head via the smaller growlers that slush up the waters right here.
Nonetheless, don’t count on to get too shut – the glacier is continually 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 might be extraordinarily harmful. So, at all times observe 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 finest 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 might say is that Nuuk isn’t massive 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 among the different smaller cities in Greenland, it’s nonetheless properly 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 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 here are attractive and you may see the vista down the fjords and inlets that encompass Nuuk metropolis itself.
For those who’ve acquired 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 plenty of Greenlandic artwork and worldwide items that seasonally change all year long.
Not solely that, you may 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 be sure you 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, preserve some room for a scoop or two.
For those who’re on the lookout for 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. For those who’re on the lookout for one thing genuine, then choose up a Tupilak that’s carved out of bone. These are conventional Innuit ‘protectors’ or ‘destroyers’ that would solid 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 beautiful.
Lastly, in case you’ve acquired time, take a stroll alongside the coastal boardwalk that strains the shore of Nuuk. It’s an effective way to see plenty of stunning shorelines and takes round 25 minutes.
Learn extra: The right way to spend a day exploring Nuuk
3.) Prince Christian Sound
Perched close to the southern tip of Greenland, Prince Christian Sound is likely one of the nation’s most gorgeous ‘sounds’ to sail via.
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 among the oldest on the planet.
These have, over time, been crushed, carved, eroded and polished into the formations you see at present.
It’s simply among the finest locations in Greenland to discover on a Southern Greenland expedition and is completely stunning. The waters are sometimes protected and calm, and the views are dramatic.
Learn extra: What’s it prefer to sail via Prins Christian Sund
4.) Ilulissat
Ilulissat would possibly simply be considered 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 properly value visiting for a day journey.
As soon as right here, be certain to move on a tour of Ilulissat’s Icefjord. It’s one of the 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 and so they weaved us via 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 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 present 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, in case you fancy staying a number of days longer within the space, there are a good few eating places and inns.
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 likewise ebook 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 complete however what it lacks in dimension it makes up with appeal. It’s a vibrant little city that’s so beautiful to spend few hours explroing.
As soon as right here, take a stroll via the colorful streets and cease off at Lodge Disko Island for a espresso or a chew to eat. It’s a number of 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 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, be sure you head over to whale-watching level 0000. We cherished 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: The right way to go to Qeqertarsuaq in Greenland
6.) Qassiarsuk (BrattahlÃð)
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 might entice folks to reside 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 may discover the small group store and cafe, ramble to the statue of Erik the Purple, and cease by the reconstruction of the unique church and low homes that have been commonplace centuries in the past.
The world is gorgeous and completely stunning.
Learn extra: The right way to go to Qassiarsuk in Greenland
7.) Uunartoq Scorching Springs
Uunartoq Scorching Springs was a type of glad ‘mistake’ for us to go to. You see, our journey particulars needed to be ammended barely attributable to 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 considered 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 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 fundamental) picket shack to vary in, which you type of solely want in case you’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 right way to go to Uunartoq Scorching Springs
8.) Kangerlussuaq Fjord
Stretching over 100-miles in size, the Kangerlussuaq Fjord is absolutley gorgeous. Now, for many 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 count on vibrant streets or another notable settlements that you simply would possibly need to discover.
That being mentioned, Kangerlussuaq Fjord is gorgeous and properly value seeing whenever you go to Greenland. As you sail the fjord, you’ll absorb all of the glacial rock formations that make this stretch so particular. It actually is gorgeous, and we cherished 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 could throw your physique into shock, and it’s solely advisable to undertake a polar plunge with enough supervision.
Yaya undertook an Arctic Circle polar plunge with the assistance of the expedition workforce 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.
For those who plan (and need) to take a polar plunge, be certain to solely do it with a certified information. The dangers might 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 residence.
As soon as right here, you’ll stroll via 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 inside 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 workforce onboard Ocean Albatros, and we cherished each second of it.
Learn extra: What it’s like to go to Itilleq in Greenland
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