Central Greenland Map
The area is ideal for both cultural experiences and nature-based adventures such as kayaking, fishing, and hiking.
Towns and Settlements in Central Greenland
Nuuk
Nuuk was founded in 1729 by the Danish-Norwegian priest and missionary Hans Egede. Since then, Nuuk has been a city in rapid development. Today, the capital boasts several cafés, a cultural center, swimming pool, airport, multiple harbors, and is the headquarters for many things such as the hospital, court, education, and many major companies.
It is clearly the city where “culture meets civilization.” Many bohemian artists live in Nuuk side by side with the ‘strict’ businessperson. There is room for everyone, and it is clear to see that the doctor and the cashier live side by side.
Population: 19,604
Former Danish name: Godthåb
Dog sledding: No
Midnight sun in summer: Yes, from May 23 to July 23, and outside this period it is light around the clock during summer.
Northern lights: Yes, possible to see when it’s dark
Hotels in Nuuk: Hotel Hans Egede, Hans Egede Express, Inuk Hostel, and Camp Kangiusaq
Nuuk - things to do...
Nuuk is much more than Greenland’s capital city. When you look around, you’ll see you’re surrounded by beautiful nature. Mountains and fjords share the view with manmade structures.
Kangerlussuaq
For many people, Kangerlussuaq is just a “transit station” and at first glance, it doesn’t look like much. But don’t be fooled. Kangerlussuaq is much more than just an airport and an old American base.
The hinterland of Kangerlussuaq is truly unique: Here you’ll find some of the wildest wildlife and beautiful accessible nature, perfect for hiking, cycling, or excursions by bus or car. There are only a few places in Greenland where you can reach the ice sheet and even walk on it – you can do that here in Kangerlussuaq.
When darkness falls, Kangerlussuaq is also one of the best places to spot the northern lights. The weather is often good (clear and cloudless), and already in September, you might be lucky enough to see the Aurora Borealis. Kangerlussuaq is a settlement belonging to Qeqqata Municipality and about 600 people live here. It’s about 40 km to the ice sheet.
Population: 491
Former Danish name: Sønder Strømfjord
Dog sledding: Yes (winter)
Midnight sun in summer: Yes
Northern lights: Yes, possible to see when it’s dark
Hotels in Kangerlussuaq: Polar Lodge, Old Camp, and Hotel Kangerlussuaq (Airport Hotel)
Kangerlussuaq - things to do...
Kangerlussuaq is Greenland’s main air transportation gateway. This small airport town belongs to Qeqqata Municipality, and has a population of approx. 600 people. Just 40 km from the ice cap, the town offers much more than an airport.
Sisimiut
This is truly a proud city. Sisimiut is probably the city in Greenland most characterized by entrepreneurial spirit. With its location – just north of the Arctic Circle and by the year-round open sea – fishing is undoubtedly the main industry.There’s a great atmosphere in the city, and you can even sense a bit of “big city life.” After all, it is Greenland’s second-largest city with 5,600 inhabitants.
The hinterland is perfect for exploration with numerous hiking routes, both short and long. The longest route goes all the way to Kangerlussuaq. The route measures 165 km and is very varied. It takes 8-12 days to complete.
Winter in the Sisimiut area is filled with outdoor activities. Many go skiing, lots ride snowmobiles, and some also go dog sledding. Sisimiut is surrounded by high mountains, which means you’re rewarded with the best views when you reach the top by dog sled or snowmobile.
Population: 5,436
Former Danish name: Holsteinsborg
Dog sledding: Yes (winter)
Midnight sun in summer: Yes
Northern lights: Yes, possible to see when it’s dark
Hotels in Sisimiut: Hotel Sisimiut
Sisimiut - things to do...
Sisimiut’s hilly roads, colourful houses and high mountains make the city incredibly beautiful.
Maniitsoq
The town has many stairs and small bridges. There’s a reason for that. Maniitsoq means “the uneven one,” and the town’s layout is a bit quirky and very staggered. This in itself is quite charming.
We are in the town that is the northernmost south of the Arctic Circle, and therefore there are no Greenlandic sled dogs here. It would also be difficult to go dog sledding since there is open water all year round and Maniitsoq is located on an island.
The hinterland is fantastic and rich in wildlife. Many businesspeople typically spend 1-4 weeks on holiday in the area, going hunting for reindeer and musk oxen in the backcountry to fill their freezers for the winter. Besides the large mammals, fishing is naturally the main industry.
Tourism here is a bit different compared to other towns. The backcountry’s large, long, and deep glaciers make it fantastic for heliskiing – that is, flying by helicopter to a peak, jumping out, and skiing down a totally untouched glacier or mountainside.
In addition to heliskiing, many locals spend their summer holidays in the fjords, and some even have summer houses in the beautiful fjords with enormous mountains.
Population: 2,519
Former Danish name: Sukkertoppen
Dog sledding: No
Midnight sun in summer: No, but it is light around the clock during summer
Northern lights: Yes, possible to see when it’s dark
Maniitsoq.
Maniitsoq is a city between Nuuk and Sisimiut at the entrance to one of Greenland's most spectacular fjord systems.
Paamiut
If you want to see a sea eagle, you should go to Paamiut. The local club is called Nattoralik (sea eagle), precisely because there are so many sea eagles in the area. In addition to sea eagles, the area is rich in reindeer and many of Greenland’s mammals.
The town’s hinterland is ideal for hiking in summer and autumn, and in winter it’s a perfect place for “free” cross-country skiing – there are no actual trails.
The town’s church is oddly angular and artistic to look at, and it is located by the river that runs through the center of town.
Recently, the Self-Government closed the Maritime School, which had been in Paamiut for many years. This has made the town a bit quieter. About 1,100 people live here. The town has everything you need: school, childcare, hospital, etc. But most young people go to larger towns to study at high school or business school, and not many return.
Population: 1,173
Former Danish name: Frederikshåb
Dog sledding: No
Midnight sun in summer: No, but it is light for several months during summer
Northern lights: Yes, possible to see when it’s dark
Paamiut.
White tailed eagles are plentiful in and around Paamiut, as well as reindeer and other mammals. Locals have a strong affinity with their town mascot, so many sport teams are named ‘Nattoralik’, which means sea eagle.
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Temperature in Central Greenland
The climate of Central Greenland is shaped by its huge glaciers and the massive ice sheet. Even in winter, the region is full of life and beauty. The cold air is refreshing and makes you appreciate the stunning, untouched nature all around.
See average temperatures in Greenland here