One of many least habituated nations on the planet, Greenland may not come to thoughts when considering of locations to go to. Nonetheless, that might be a mistake; there are such a lot of epic and greatest locations in Greenland to go to which are 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 number 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 number of the high 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 sophisticated because it appears to be like. You possibly can, after all, hop on an expedition ship like we did with Albatros Expeditions. That being stated, you can too simply soar on home flights (with Air Greenland) and home ferries/boats that hyperlink a number 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 number of the high locations to go to which are completely beautiful to discover. I’ve included heaps of pure sights (which are lovely), however I’ve additionally included some smaller cities and cities which are 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 shocking nation to discover, and we’re at all times joyful to assist.
1.) Disko Bay (Eqip Sermia)
Disko Bay is well some of the widespread locations in Greenland to go to, and with good purpose. Explored by Norse explorers and Innuit populations, it’s a area good for seeing the pure magnificence that makes Greenland so particular.
Probably the greatest 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.
Truthfully, 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 had been actually fortunate with the climate once we visited, and we obtained to see how pristine and delightful the realm round Eqip Sermia is. Although, don’t at all times take Greenlandic climate with no consideration—it will probably change at a second’s discover.
As soon as right here, you’ll probably have to discover Eqip Sermia through 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 consistently calving, and we noticed this occur at the very least 15 instances while we had been there (for round 3 hours).
Because of this the waters round Eqip Sermia will be extraordinarily harmful. So, at all times 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 concerning 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 individuals 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 number of 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 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 beautiful and you may see the vista down the fjords and inlets that encompass Nuuk metropolis itself.
Should you’ve obtained 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 you’ll want 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, hold some room for a scoop or two.
Should you’re on the lookout for a Greenlandic reward or memento, then make sure 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 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 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 scale of small balls and are so pretty.
Lastly, should you’ve obtained 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: The 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 beautiful ‘sounds’ to sail via.
You see, what makes it so particular is the geological formations and rock within the space. Actually, it’s stated that the rocks round Prince Christian Sound are a number of 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 prefer to sail via Prins Christian Sund
4.) Ilulissat
Ilulissat may simply be one in every 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, make sure that to move on a tour of Ilulissat’s Icefjord. It’s some 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 non-public RIB tour with Ilulissat Journey they usually weaved us via the towering icebergs and rolling growlers which are ‘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 couple of memento retailers promoting regionally made Tupilacs and soapstone figures which are made all throughout Greenland. Plus, should you fancy staying a couple of 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 should 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 best locations in Greenland to go to should you’re already exploring the broader Disco Bay Space.
Now, the city itself is fairly small by worldwide requirements, it perhaps has 40 homes in complete however what it lacks in dimension it makes up with allure. It’s a vibrant little city that’s so pretty to spend a great few hours explroing.
As soon as right here, take a stroll via the colorful streets and cease off at Resort Disko Island for a espresso or a chunk to eat. It’s a couple of minute’s stroll from the harbour, and you may keep right here, too.
Oh, and should you dock on the harbour, pop into the Qeqertarsuaq Museum. Sure, it’s small, however you may get a great 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’ll want to 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 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 way to 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 might entice individuals 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 Pink, and cease by the reconstruction of the unique church and low homes that had been commonplace centuries in the past.
The world is beautiful and completely lovely.
Learn extra: The way to go to Qassiarsuk in Greenland
7.) Uunartoq Scorching Springs
Uunartoq Scorching Springs was a form of joyful ‘mistake’ for us to go to. You see, our journey particulars needed to be ammended barely as a consequence 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 Scorching Springs is one in every 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 should 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) wood shack to alter in, which you form of solely want should 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 way to go to Uunartoq Scorching 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 count on vibrant streets or every other notable settlements that you simply may wish to discover.
That being stated, Kangerlussuaq Fjord is beautiful and properly value 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 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 stated, it’s not for these with coronary heart points or underlying well being circumstances. It might 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 staff onboard Ocean Albatros. They tied the required 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, make sure 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 dwelling.
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 lovely. It’s one of many final settlements inside 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 perhaps a couple of candy treats.
Ours was organised with the assistance of the expedition staff 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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