One of the least habituated countries in the world, Greenland might not come to mind when thinking of places to visit. However, that would be a mistake; there are so many epic and best places in Greenland to visit that are dotted nationwide.
Now, one of the things that makes Greeland so special is it’s natural history. It’s like no other place on earth and totally surreal to experience as part of an expedition, cruise, or visiting local area with guides from some of the larger towns like Nuuk or Ilulissat.
We visited Greenland and sailed around for 11 days. It was incredible, and although you’ll never see all of it (it’s colossal), you can easily visit some of the top places on a trip in the summer months.
With any trip to Greenland, the big challenge might seem to be getting around, but trust me, it’s not as complicated as it looks. You can, of course, hop on an expedition ship like we did with Albatros Expeditions. That being said, you can also easily jump on domestic flights (with Air Greenland) and domestic ferries/boats that link some of the most popular places to visit in Greenland.
So, to help you get the most out of your visit to Greenland, I’m sharing some of the top places to visit that are absolutely stunning to explore. I’ve included heaps of natural sights (that are beautiful), but I’ve also included some smaller towns and cities that are easier to visit during your trip to Greenland.
Oh, and as always, ask away if you have any other questions about visiting Greenland. It really is a stunning country to explore, and we’re always happy to help.
1.) Disko Bay (Eqip Sermia)
Disko Bay is easily one of the most popular places in Greenland to visit, and with good reason. Explored by Norse explorers and Innuit populations, it’s a region perfect for seeing the natural beauty that makes Greenland so special.
One of the best places in Greenland to visit has to be Eqip Sermia. Best explored via an excursion from places like Ilulissat or via a cruise, Eqip Sermia is a vast glacier that is an arm of the Greenlandic Icecap.
Honestly, photos 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 were really lucky with the weather when we visited, and we got to see how pristine and beautiful the area around Eqip Sermia is. Though, don’t always take Greenlandic weather for granted—it can change at a moment’s notice.
Once here, you’ll likely need to explore Eqip Sermia via a zodiac, especailly if you want to get closer and head through the smaller growlers that slush up the waters here.
However, don’t expect to get too close – the glacier is constantly calving, and we saw this happen at least 15 times whilst we were there (for around 3 hours).
This means that the waters around Eqip Sermia can be extremely dangerous. So, always follow local advice and head here with a qualified guide or your expedition crew.
Read more: What it’s like to visit Eqip Sermia
2.) Nuuk
Nuuk is the capital city of Greenland and one of the easiest places to visit whilst you explore the western coastline here. Not only that, it’s one of the best places in Greenland to visit if you want to learn more about the country’s long gelogical and cultural history.
Now, what I would say is that Nuuk isn’t big for a city. Under 20,000 people live here, so imagine it like a small town. It’s easily visited in a day, and although it isn’t quite as charming as some of the other smaller towns in Greenland, it’s still well worth a visit.
Once here, you’ll get to visit the Greenland National Museum and Archives, which is right on the shoreline. Here, you’ll learn more about the country’s Innuit populations and the tools, boats, and history that have developed over the centuries.
Afterwards, take a stroll up the rocky hill towards the statue of Hans Egede. He’s one of the country’s first pilgrims that intorduced Christianity to the country of Greenland. The views from here are gorgeous and you can see the vista down the fjords and inlets that surround Nuuk city itself.
If you’ve got more time, make a 30-minute visit to the Nuuk Art Museum that’s around a 15-minute stroll from the Greenland National Museum and Archives. Here, you’ll find lots of Greenlandic art and international pieces that seasonally change throughout the year.
Not only that, you can see art installiations dotted all across Nuuk. They are all around the city and shoreline and so easy to spot as you stroll around.
Oh, and be sure to stop off at Kunguak Café for their musk-ox burger, which is mouthwateringly good. Plus, they make their own gelato, which is so good. So, keep some room for a scoop or two.
If you’re looking for a Greenlandic gift or souvenir, then make sure to stop by Anori Art or Tupilak Travel. These are both great places to buy some local art and crafts made within Greenland itself. If you’re looking for something authentic, then pick up a Tupilak that is carved out of bone. These are traditional Innuit ‘protectors’ or ‘destroyers’ that could cast bad luck on enemies.
Alternatively, if that’s not for you, grab one of the Innuit figures carved out of soapstone. These are typically the size of small balls and are so lovely.
Finally, if you’ve got time, take a stroll along the coastal boardwalk that lines the shore of Nuuk. It’s a great way to see lots of beautiful shorelines and takes around 25 minutes.
Read more: How to spend a day exploring Nuuk
3.) Prince Christian Sound
Perched near the southern tip of Greenland, Prince Christian Sound is one of the country’s most stunning ‘sounds’ to sail through.
You see, what makes it so special is the geological formations and rock in the area. In fact, it’s said that the rocks around Prince Christian Sound are some of the oldest in the world.
These have, over time, been crushed, carved, eroded and polished into the formations you see today.
It’s easily one of the best places in Greenland to explore on a Southern Greenland expedition and is totally beautiful. The waters are typically protected and calm, and the views are dramatic.
Read more: What is it like to sail through Prins Christian Sund
4.) Ilulissat
Ilulissat might just be one of my favourite places to visit in Greenland as it has so much to see on its doorstep. You see, it’s a gateway to explore the wider Disko Bay Area and the Ilulissat Icefjord.
Now, that’s not to say the town of Ilulissat is just a gateway. Oh, no! It’s well worth visiting for a day trip.
Once here, make sure to head on a tour of Ilulissat’s Icefjord. It’s one of the most famous in all of the northern hemisphere and totally idyllic. Best of all, it’s right next to Ilulissat, and it takes a mere 20 minutes to get here by boat from Ilulissat Harbour.
We booked a private RIB tour with Ilulissat Adventure and they weaved us through the towering icebergs and rolling growlers that are ‘stuck’ in this area. It’s incredile to see.
Oh, and don’t forget to walk the barodwalk to Ilulissat’s Icefjord. You’ll be able to pop into the Icefjord Centre for a coffee and then head for a 25-minute stroll to the viewpoint for Glacier Lagoon. It’s increible to see and make sure to give yourself two hours to accommodate the walking times and relaxation time once you’re at the viewpoint.
In Ilulissat itself, you’ll also find a few souvenir shops selling locally made Tupilacs and soapstone figures that are made all across Greenland. Plus, if you fancy staying a few days longer in the area, there are a fair few restaurants and hotels.
Finally, one of the other big draws of Ilulissat is its airport. It’s a really easy destination to visit, especially if you’re flying to Greenland and making plans with local tour providers once you’re there.
You’ll easily be able to organise domestic Air Greenland flights to other regions in Greenland and also book tour flights that take you over the Greenlandic Ice Cap.
Read more: What to do when visiting Ilulissat in Greenland
5.) Qeqertarsuaq
Nestled on its very own island at the mouth of Disko Bay, Qeqertarsuaq is easily one of the best places in Greenland to visit if you’re already exploring the wider Disco Bay Area.
Now, the town itself is pretty small by international standards, it maybe has 40 houses in total but what it lacks in size it makes up with charm. It’s a colourful little town that’s so lovely to spend a good few hours explroing.
Once here, take a stroll through the colourful streets and stop off at Hotel Disko Island for a coffee or a bite to eat. It’s a few minute’s stroll from the harbour, and you can stay here, too.
Oh, and if you dock at the harbour, pop into the Qeqertarsuaq Museum. Yes, it’s small, but you can get a good slice of the history of the Qeqertarsuaq area by visiting here. There’s a small fee to enter, and visits take around 15 minutes.
Finally, be sure to head over to whale-watching point 0000. We loved it here! While we didn’t see any whales, we did get to see an enormous selection of icebergs and growlers that passed Qeqertarsuaq.
Time-wise, Qeqertarsuaq is a great little town to visit for a half-day while visiting Disko Bay in Greenland.
Read more: How to visit Qeqertarsuaq in Greenland
6.) Qassiarsuk (Brattahlíð)
A UNESCO-World-Heritage-Site, Qassiarsuk is an absolute must-visit whilst exploring this region of Greenland. You see, it’s the first permanent settlement that ‘Erik the Red’ constructed in Greenland after he was banished from Iceland.
Centuries ago, he was quite profound in creating Greenland as a country that would attract people to live in. However, his history is somewhat problematic, with murders and other illicit activities following him around.
Wahtever the case, it’s an absolute must visit in Greenland and the whole area around Qassiarsuk is beautiful.
Once in Qassiarsuk (which can only be reached by boat), you can explore the small community shop and cafe, ramble to the statue of Erik the Red, and stop by the reconstruction of the original church and low houses that were commonplace centuries ago.
The area is stunning and totally beautiful.
Read more: How to visit Qassiarsuk in Greenland
7.) Uunartoq Hot Springs
Uunartoq Hot Springs was a kind of happy ‘mistake’ for us to visit. You see, our trip details had to be ammended slightly due to high winds when we sailed from Reykavik along the choppy Denmark Strait. Though, I was so glad our plans changed as Uunartoq Hot Springs is one of a kind in Greenland.
You see, this geothermal hotspring is situated on it’s very own little island (Uunartoq) and is really easy to visit if you’re on an expedition or sailing in the southern regions of Greenland.
Now, the water temparture is around 36-38c, which makes it nice and toasty. However, Uunartoq Hot Springs is totally natural, so expect some algae whilst you’re here.
Around a 10-minute walk from the shoreline, Uunartoq Hot Springs has a small (and pretty basic) wooden shack to change in, which you kind of only need if you’re visiting in larger groups. If not, the island is pretty desolate, and you can easily change outside.
Spend some time heating up within Uunartoq Hot Springs and take in the views of Uunartoq island itself. The whole region is beautiful.
Read more: How to visit Uunartoq Hot Springs
8.) Kangerlussuaq Fjord
Stretching over 100-miles in length, the Kangerlussuaq Fjord is absolutley stunning. Now, for lots of expedition passengers, Kangerlussuaq Fjord is the starting or final stop of a wider Greenland trip.
At the end of Kangerlussuaq Fjord is Kangerlussuaq Airport. This airport has direct Air Greenland flights to places like Reykjavik and Copenhagen, making it a really easy area to visit.
Now, there’s no real town of Kangerlussuaq. It’s mainly the airport, so don’t expect colourful streets or any other notable settlements that you might want to explore.
That being said, Kangerlussuaq Fjord is stunning and well worth seeing when you visit Greenland. As you sail the fjord, you’ll take in all the glacial rock formations that make this stretch so special. It really is beautiful, and we loved it.
Read more: Visiting Kangerlussuaq Fjord for a daytrip
9.) Arctic Circle Polar plunge
Okay, this is less of a place in Greenland and more of an activity. Just like places in Northern Norway (where we did it in Tromso) and the Antarctic region (where Yaya took a polar plunge), there are ample opportunities to try out a polar plunge in Greenland.
That being said, it’s not for those with heart issues or underlying health conditions. It can throw your body into shock, and it’s only advisable to undertake a polar plunge with adequate supervision.
Yaya undertook an Arctic Circle polar plunge with the help of the expedition team onboard Ocean Albatros. They tied the necessary safety ropes and monitored Yaya to ensure his strength to swim once he hit the water.
If you plan (and want) to take a polar plunge, make sure to only do it with a qualified guide. The risks can be high.
Read more: What is a polar plunge in Greenland like
10.) Itilleq
Nestled on its own island, only a kilometre from mainland Greenland, Itilleq is lovely to explore. It’s a tiny little town, with no more than 100 people calling it home.
Once here, you’ll stroll through the colourful houses, stop by the local grocery store, and explore the wider island of Itilleq, which is totally beautiful. It’s one of the last settlements within the Arctic Circle, so it’s good to visit for a few hours.
While here, we also undertook a traditional Kaffemik. This was hosted by locals who opened their homes to us, where we sat and chatted for around 25-30 minutes. You see, a Kaffemik is a gathering centred around a hot drink (like coffee) and maybe a few sweet treats.
Ours was organised with the help of the expedition team onboard Ocean Albatros, and we loved every second of it.
Read more: What it’s like to visit Itilleq in Greenland
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