Photo Story | Canadian High Arctic and Greenland

Seven of the Best Places to Travel to in Greenland

By Adventure Canada | May 24, 2022

Related expeditions: Iceland to Greenland: In the Wake of the Vikings, Greenland & Wild Labrador: A Torngat Mountains Adventure, The Northwest Passage, Heart of the Arctic, and Greenland and Arctic Canada: High Arctic Explorer

© Dennis Minty

Can’t decide where to travel to in Greenland? Enjoy this list of seven of our favourite places to visit on the world’s biggest island. Whether you love bustling cities, the remote outdoors, or historical wonders, a trip to Greenland offers something for everyone.
Museum buildings left along Nuuk waterfront

© Dennis Minty

Nuuk

Greenland’s cosmopolitan capital is also its largest city. Here you’ll find breathtaking public artworks, modern architecture, and even a golf club. Stroll along the boardwalk or bike to the city’s outer reaches for awesome views of the Sermitsiaq mountain. Be sure to stop in at the renowned Greenland National Museum, catch a performance at the Katuaq Cultural Centre, or enjoy the Arctic cuisine and excellent shopping on offer.

Smiling guest walks out of Brattahlid historic site

© Jessie Brinkman Evans

Brattahlíð

Near the community of Qassiarsuk, Brattahlíð is famous as the Norse farmers’ Eastern Settlement and former home of Erik the Red. The archaeological remains are now part of the Kujataa UNESCO World Heritage Site. Wander through the reconstructed farmstead and sod buildings to see for yourself what Viking life must have really been like. Immerse yourself in the region’s fascinating history and find inner peace amongst the fjord’s undulating green hills.

Etah Greenland huge glacier tiny people

© Dennis Minty

Etah

At Greenland’s far northwesterly reaches, you’ll find verdant Etah. Hike the jaw-dropping landscape, dominated by an enormous glacial tongue and dotted with petite tundra plants. Keep your eyes peeled for iconic wildlife, including muskoxen and dovekies. Here you’ll find abandoned remains of the village’s history as a staging ground for North Pole explorers. It was also a key site in the historical Inuit migration from what is now Arctic Canada into Greenland.

Uummannaq mountain and fishing boats

© Lee Narraway

Uummannaq

The charming town of Uummannaq is backdropped by a heart-shaped mountain of the same name. In the summertime, the glow of the Arctic’s midnight sun against these twin peaks can’t be beat. Halfway up Greenland’s west coast, this is one of the most northerly communities that is still relatively easily accessible to travellers. You’ll be delighted by this picturesque town with beautiful scenery to explore and lots of adorable working sled dogs.

Hvalsey church ruin

© Jessie Brinkman Evans

Hvalsey Church

Near the community of Qaqortoq, you’ll find the largest and best-preserved Norse archaeological site in Greenland. In fact, Hvalsey Church is famed as the last known Viking presence in the country, when it hosted a wedding in 1408. But this haunting and mysterious history is now housed on a family’s working sheep farm, so if you’re not visiting on an Arctic expedition cruise, you’ll need to go with another tour operator.

Ilulissat Zodiac cruise

© Dennis Minty

Ilulissat

Ilulissat is Greenland’s most popular tourist attraction—and for good reason! The city is home to its namesake icefjord, a UNESCO World Heritage Site at the mouth of the Sermeq Kujalleq glacier. A stop at the beautiful visitors’ centre is a must, as is a Zodiac cruise around the dazzling icebergs. Museum lovers will enjoy the collections dedicated to Danish explorer Knud Rasmussen, while foodies won’t want to miss the chance to sample a muskox burger or some of the city’s fine shrimp or halibut.

Sisimiut greenland

© Dennis Minty

Sisimiut

Last but not least, colourful Sisimiut is Greenland’s second largest city. Access the extensive museum through a towering whalebone archway and be sure to stop in at the artisan’s co-operative for the chance to purchase outstanding handicrafts. Traditional qajaq (kayaking) is in resurgence here, and there’s plenty of other fun outdoor activities for the adventurous, too—the well-known Arctic Circle Trail connects Sisimiut to Kangerlussuaq via backcountry hiking.