One of many least habituated nations on this 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 a number of 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’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 large problem may appear to be getting round, however belief me, it’s not as sophisticated because it seems to be. You may, in fact, hop on an expedition ship like we did with Albatros Expeditions. That being mentioned, you may also simply leap 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 can assist 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 might be completely beautiful 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 in case you have some other questions on visiting Greenland. It truly is a surprising nation to discover, and we’re all the time glad to assist.
1.) Disko Bay (Eqip Sermia)
Disko Bay is well one of the crucial standard 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.
Among the best locations in Greenland to go to must be Eqip Sermia. Finest 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, 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 received to see how pristine and delightful the world round Eqip Sermia is. Although, don’t all the time take Greenlandic climate without any consideration—it may possibly change at a second’s discover.
As soon as right here, you’ll probably have to discover Eqip Sermia by way of 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 at the very least 15 occasions while we had been there (for round 3 hours).
Which means the waters round Eqip Sermia may be extraordinarily harmful. So, all the time 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 large for a metropolis. Beneath 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 a number of the different smaller cities in Greenland, it’s nonetheless properly price 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 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 the 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 beautiful and you’ll see the vista down the fjords and inlets that encompass Nuuk metropolis itself.
In case 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’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 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.
In case you’re in search of a Greenlandic reward 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. In case 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 scale of small balls and are so pretty.
Lastly, in case you’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: Find out how 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 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 number of the oldest on this planet.
These have, over time, been crushed, carved, eroded and polished into the formations you see right now.
It’s simply among the finest 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 wish to sail by way of Prins Christian Sund
4.) Ilulissat
Ilulissat may 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 price 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 personal 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 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 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 number of memento retailers promoting domestically 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 resorts.
Lastly, one of many different large 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 dimension it makes up with attraction. 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 by way of the colorful streets and cease off at Resort 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 in case you dock on the harbour, pop into the Qeqertarsuaq Museum. Sure, it’s small, however you will get a great 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 liked it right here! Whereas we didn’t see any whales, we did get to see an unlimited collection 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: Find out how 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 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 entice 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 may solely be reached by boat), you’ll be able to discover the small group 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 realm is beautiful and completely stunning.
Learn extra: Find out how 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 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 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 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 alter in, which you type of solely want in case you’re visiting in bigger teams. If not, the island is fairly desolate, and you’ll 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: Find out how 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 anticipate vibrant streets or some other notable settlements that you just may wish to discover.
That being mentioned, Kangerlussuaq Fjord is beautiful and properly price 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 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. 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 mentioned, it’s not for these with coronary heart points or underlying well being situations. It could possibly throw your physique into shock, and it’s solely advisable to undertake a polar plunge with satisfactory 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.
In case you plan (and need) to take a polar plunge, ensure to solely do it with a certified information. The dangers may 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 individuals 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 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 properties 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 liked each second of it.
Learn extra: What it’s like to go to Itilleq in Greenland
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