North Greenland Map
North Greenland is the perfect destination if you dream of experiencing the Arctic wilderness in its purest form. Here you’ll find gigantic icebergs, remote settlements, and a unique Inuit culture that has survived for millennia under extreme conditions. The region offers polar nights where the northern lights dance across the sky, and summers with endless daylight. Visit the Thule region or the world’s northernmost town, Qaanaaq, and feel Greenland’s untouched beauty for yourself.
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Qaanaaq
The legendary Thule district where the hunters’ everyday life is “true adventure.”
In northern North Greenland, about 1,000 km north of Disko Bay, lies the town of Qaanaaq and its surrounding settlements—the last civilization before the North Pole. From Ilulissat, you fly via Upernavik to Qaanaaq, passing the Nuussuaq Peninsula and Melville Bay, the same route that polar hero Knud Rasmussen traveled countless times by dog sled. Up here in the north, the concept of hunting is still very much alive, and the game includes walrus, musk ox, polar bear, and narwhal, hunted from kayaks.
The contrast between the seasons is enormous. From late October, the polar darkness reigns until mid-February, when the light slowly returns. After a short and hectic spring, the midnight sun shines high in the sky from late April to late August. In summer, millions of little auks nest in the bird cliffs behind the world’s northernmost settlement, Siorapaluk, and narwhals breed in Inglefield Bredning in front of Qaanaaq.
In winter, it’s dog sled season, and the fjord and sea ice open up the terrain for travelers. Sitting on a dog sled in the vast and breathtaking nature, the landscape passes by in the form of mountain slopes, sea ice, pressure ridges, and perhaps frozen-in icebergs, all while you breathe the purest air in the world. Overnight stays take place in settlements, sled tents, or small hunting cabins.
Population: 630
Former Danish name: Thule
Dog sledding: Yes – world-class
Midnight sun in summer: Yes – from late April to late August
Northern lights: Yes – from September to early March
In northern North Greenland, about 1,000 km north of Disko Bay, lies the town of Qaanaaq and its surrounding settlements—the last civilization before the North Pole. From Ilulissat, you fly via Upernavik to Qaanaaq, passing the Nuussuaq Peninsula and Melville Bay, the same route that polar hero Knud Rasmussen traveled countless times by dog sled. Up here in the north, the concept of hunting is still very much alive, and the game includes walrus, musk ox, polar bear, and narwhal, hunted from kayaks.
The contrast between the seasons is enormous. From late October, the polar darkness reigns until mid-February, when the light slowly returns. After a short and hectic spring, the midnight sun shines high in the sky from late April to late August. In summer, millions of little auks nest in the bird cliffs behind the world’s northernmost settlement, Siorapaluk, and narwhals breed in Inglefield Bredning in front of Qaanaaq.
In winter, it’s dog sled season, and the fjord and sea ice open up the terrain for travelers. Sitting on a dog sled in the vast and breathtaking nature, the landscape passes by in the form of mountain slopes, sea ice, pressure ridges, and perhaps frozen-in icebergs, all while you breathe the purest air in the world. Overnight stays take place in settlements, sled tents, or small hunting cabins.
Population: 630
Former Danish name: Thule
Dog sledding: Yes – world-class
Midnight sun in summer: Yes – from late April to late August
Northern lights: Yes – from September to early March
Qaanaaq.
The legendary Thule district where the resident’s lives are filled with true adventure.
Uummanaaq
Experience one of the most beautifully situated towns on Greenland’s west coast. Be captivated and feel small in a vast and stunning landscape.
Uummannaq is one of the most beautifully located towns on Greenland’s west coast, with views of Uummannaq Fjord, Store Island, enormous icebergs, the Nuussuaq Peninsula, and not least the heart-shaped mountain on the island itself, Uummannaq.
Until the summer of 2017, there were seven settlements under Uummannaq, but after a natural disaster (a landslide), the government closed two of the settlements and people were relocated. Most came to Uummannaq, and suddenly the population increased by 200, which is significant by Greenlandic standards. There are now about 1,300 inhabitants in Uummannaq.
In addition to the grand nature, you’ll find Santa Claus’s summer house just 2.5 km from town. This is also the area where the Qilakitsoq mummies were found, now housed at the National Museum in Nuuk.
In summer, it’s pleasantly warm and the midnight sun shines. In winter, it’s beautifully cold and you can go dog sledding.
Population: 1,407
Dog sledding: Yes (winter)
Midnight sun in summer: Yes
Northern lights: Yes, possible to see when it’s dark
For excursions: Call for guidance at 737 9339
Uummannaq is one of the most beautifully located towns on Greenland’s west coast, with views of Uummannaq Fjord, Store Island, enormous icebergs, the Nuussuaq Peninsula, and not least the heart-shaped mountain on the island itself, Uummannaq.
Until the summer of 2017, there were seven settlements under Uummannaq, but after a natural disaster (a landslide), the government closed two of the settlements and people were relocated. Most came to Uummannaq, and suddenly the population increased by 200, which is significant by Greenlandic standards. There are now about 1,300 inhabitants in Uummannaq.
In addition to the grand nature, you’ll find Santa Claus’s summer house just 2.5 km from town. This is also the area where the Qilakitsoq mummies were found, now housed at the National Museum in Nuuk.
In summer, it’s pleasantly warm and the midnight sun shines. In winter, it’s beautifully cold and you can go dog sledding.
Population: 1,407
Dog sledding: Yes (winter)
Midnight sun in summer: Yes
Northern lights: Yes, possible to see when it’s dark
For excursions: Call for guidance at 737 9339
Uummannaq.
Experience one of the most beautiful cities on the west coast of Greenland.
Upernavik
Here in Upernavik, polar explorer Peter Freuchen’s wife Navarana is buried.
With its nine settlements, Upernavik is the town in Avannaata Municipality with the most settlements attached. About 1,000 people live here, and the main occupation is fishing. Some of the country’s most dedicated fishermen come from this area.
The town doesn’t have a hotel, but there are lovely rental houses of good standard. The view is great almost everywhere you look.
The town’s museum is the country’s northernmost open-air museum, consisting of several buildings in the old part of town.
Population: 1,090
Dog sledding: Yes (winter)
Midnight sun in summer: Yes
Northern lights: Yes, possible to see when it’s dark
As far as we know, there are no local excursion providers. Ask at the museum if needed.
With its nine settlements, Upernavik is the town in Avannaata Municipality with the most settlements attached. About 1,000 people live here, and the main occupation is fishing. Some of the country’s most dedicated fishermen come from this area.
The town doesn’t have a hotel, but there are lovely rental houses of good standard. The view is great almost everywhere you look.
The town’s museum is the country’s northernmost open-air museum, consisting of several buildings in the old part of town.
Population: 1,090
Dog sledding: Yes (winter)
Midnight sun in summer: Yes
Northern lights: Yes, possible to see when it’s dark
As far as we know, there are no local excursion providers. Ask at the museum if needed.
Upernavik.
Here in Upernavik, the Polar explorer Peter Freuchen's wife, Navarana is buried.