Things to Do in Nanortalik
Nanortalik offers different activities. Explore the museum, hike a scenic trail or take a boat trop through the stunning fjord. Find suggestions for activities in Nanortalik here.
Remark: Greenland by Topas do only arrange package tours. If you are visting Nanortalik with a cruiseship. Please contact your cruisemanager or a local operator for local tours and excursions.
Explore the Outdoor Museum
The museum in Nanortalik is one of the most interesting in Greenland. It’s set in old colonial houses, where you can see replicas of Norse clothing from Herjolfsnæs, collections of kayaks and umiaks (skin boats), and a recreated Inuit settlement with sod huts and summer tents. There’s plenty more to explore, making it a great place to learn about the area’s history and culture.
The town’s church is a charming wooden building and a symbol of Nanortalik’s strong community spirit. It’s located near the old town, where preserved buildings and peaceful streets invite you to take a stroll.
Boat Tours and Tasermiut Fjord
From Nanortalik, you can take a boat tour to the stunning Tasermiut Fjord. Its steep, pointed peaks and towering granite walls rise nearly 2,000 meters into the sky. The area is world-famous among climbers and mountaineers, but you don’t need to be an expert to enjoy it.
A boat trip on the fjord or a visit to one of the nearby settlements—Tasiusaq, Narsarmijit (Frederiksdal), and Aappilattoq—offers a unique glimpse into a place where time seems to stand still. It’s best to arrange these trips in advance.
Hiking and Outdoor Adventures
Nanortalik is a gateway to some of Greenland’s most spectacular hiking trails. You can take shorter hikes to scenic viewpoints overlooking the town and fjord, or walk to the original colonial settlement, “old Nanortalik” (“Sissarissoq”), just a couple of kilometers outside the city.
And while dog sledding isn’t available, Nanortalik offers plenty of outdoor activities for anyone who loves solitude and untouched nature.
About Nanortalik
Nanortalik is known as a place for adventure in South Greenland, drawing mountaineers, climbers, kayakers, and extreme sports enthusiasts from around the world.In spring, pack ice drifting from East Greenland sometimes brings polar bears along for the ride. While sightings are rare, the town’s name means “where the polar bears go.”
The population is about 1,100 people. Like other Greenlandic towns, Nanortalik has a fish factory, elementary school, church, children’s institutions, and a few supermarkets.The old town is just a short walk away and offers a glimpse into life as it was 50 years ago. See if you can spot Knud Rasmussen’s face profile in the landscape.
Dog sledding: Not available
Midnight sun in the summer: No, but there are long daylight hours
Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis): Yes, visible on dark nights with the right conditions
Practical Information
Getting There:Nanortalik sits on a small island near the mouth of Tasermiut Fjord. To reach the town, fly into Narsarsuaq Airport and then take a helicopter or boat transfer. You can also visit Nanortalik on an international cruise ship during the summer.
Weather and Best Time to Visit:
Nanortalik has a subarctic climate with cool summers and cold, snowy winters. Summer temperatures range from 5°C to 15°C (41°F to 59°F), offering long daylight hours but no midnight sun.
Winters are colder and darker, with a chance to see the Northern Lights on clear nights. In spring, drifting pack ice can sometimes bring polar bears near the town.
Map and Location:
Nanortalik is on a small island off the southern coast of Greenland, right at the entrance to Tasermiut Fjord. Its remote location makes it feel like a true frontier town, surrounded by some of the most stunning landscapes in the Arctic. This makes Nanortalik a special starting point for exploring the natural wonders of South Greenland.