One of many least habituated international locations on the earth, 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 finest 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 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 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 difficult because it appears. You’ll be able to, in fact, hop on an expedition ship like we did with Albatros Expeditions. That being mentioned, it’s also possible to simply leap on home flights (with Air Greenland) and home ferries/boats that hyperlink among the hottest locations to go to in Greenland.
So, that will help you get probably the most out of your go to to Greenland, I’m sharing among the high locations to go to which are completely gorgeous to discover. I’ve included heaps of pure sights (which are stunning), 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 when you’ve got some other questions on visiting Greenland. It truly is a surprising nation to discover, and we’re at all times pleased to assist.
1.) Disko Bay (Eqip Sermia)
Disko Bay is definitely 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.
The most effective 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.
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 obtained to see how pristine and exquisite the world round Eqip Sermia is. Although, don’t at all times take Greenlandic climate as a right—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 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 not less than 15 instances while we have been there (for round 3 hours).
Because of this the waters round Eqip Sermia might be extraordinarily harmful. So, at all times comply with native recommendation and head right here with a professional 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 the most effective locations in Greenland to go to if you wish to study 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 nicely 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 study 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 below are beautiful and you may see the vista down the fjords and inlets that encompass Nuuk metropolis itself.
When 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 numerous 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 make sure 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.
When you’re searching for a Greenlandic reward or memento, then be sure to cease by Anori Artwork or Tupilak Journey. These are each nice locations to purchase some native artwork and crafts made inside Greenland itself. When you’re searching for one thing genuine, then decide up a Tupilak that’s carved out of bone. These are conventional Innuit ‘protectors’ or ‘destroyers’ that might 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 scale of small balls and are so pretty.
Lastly, in the event you’ve obtained time, take a stroll alongside the coastal boardwalk that traces the shore of Nuuk. It’s an effective way to see numerous stunning 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 without doubt one of the nation’s most gorgeous ‘sounds’ to sail by.
You see, what makes it so particular is the geological formations and rock within the space. In reality, it’s mentioned that the rocks round Prince Christian Sound are among the oldest on the earth.
These have, over time, been crushed, carved, eroded and polished into the formations you see as we speak.
It’s simply the most effective 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 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 nicely price visiting for a day journey.
As soon as right here, be sure to move on a tour of Ilulissat’s Icefjord. It’s one of the well-known in all the 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 by 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 of 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 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 are made all throughout Greenland. Plus, in the event 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 large attracts of Ilulissat is its airport. It’s a very easy vacation spot to go to, particularly in the event you’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 definitely the most effective locations in Greenland to go to in the event 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 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 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 the event you dock on the harbour, pop into the Qeqertarsuaq Museum. Sure, it’s small, however you may get an excellent slice of the historical past of the Qeqertarsuaq space by visiting right here. There’s a small charge to enter, and visits take round quarter-hour.
Lastly, make sure to 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 infinite choice 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: 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 Crimson’ 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 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 group store and cafe, ramble to the statue of Erik the Crimson, 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 way to go to Qassiarsuk in Greenland
7.) Uunartoq Sizzling Springs
Uunartoq Sizzling Springs was a sort of pleased ‘mistake’ for us to go to. You see, our journey particulars needed to be ammended barely as a result 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 Sizzling Springs is considered 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 in the event 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 Sizzling Springs is completely pure, so count on some algae while you’re right here.
Round a 10-minute stroll from the shoreline, Uunartoq Sizzling Springs has a small (and fairly primary) picket shack to vary in, which you sort of solely want in the event 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 Sizzling Springs and take within the views of Uunartoq island itself. The entire area is gorgeous.
Learn extra: The way to go to Uunartoq Sizzling 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 count on vibrant streets or some other notable settlements that you just would possibly wish to discover.
That being mentioned, Kangerlussuaq Fjord is gorgeous and nicely price seeing if 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 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 might probably 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 mandatory security ropes and monitored Yaya to make sure his power to swim as soon as he hit the water.
When you plan (and wish) to take a polar plunge, be sure to solely do it with a professional 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 individuals calling it residence.
As soon as right here, you’ll stroll by 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 standard 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 perhaps a number of candy treats.
Ours was organised with the assistance of the expedition staff 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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