What to See in Greenland

last edited Dec 11, 2019

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Location Map of Greenland

Greenland Open the interactive map

UNESCO World Heritage Sites

Greenland has three sites inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list:

Ilulissat Icefjord (2004)
This beautiful ("glacial") fjord in western Greenland is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Its glacier flowing into the sea is one of the largest iceberg producers in the Northern Hemisphere.

Nipisat Island (2018)
This uninhabited island (along with the facing mainland area) is a UNESCO World Heritage site for its archaeological remains spanning 4,200 years, represented by several small archaeological sites.

Kujataa** (2017): This is both the natural heritage (the "typical" landscapes) and the historical-cultural heritage (agriculture) of southern Greenland. The site is inscribed on the UNESCO list.

Cities and Cultural Heritage

Hvalsey Church
On the shore of the fjord of the same name in southern Greenland, the ruins of this stone church are the oldest trace of Viking colonization in the Americas.

Nipisat Island
This uninhabited island (along with the facing mainland area) is a UNESCO World Heritage site for its archaeological remains spanning 4,200 years, represented by several small archaeological sites.

Ilulissat
The third-largest settlement in Greenland has become "touristy" as it serves as the starting point for the Ilulissat Icefjord and its famous icebergs, located about thirty kilometres away. The full range of outdoor activities is also available in the surrounding area.

Narsarsuaq
In addition to being home to Greenland's only arboretum, the village serves as a base for all possible outdoor activities in the region (trekking, kayaking, dog sledding, etc.).

Nuuk
Home to a third of the island's total population, this is Greenland's "capital" and its cultural, economic, and commercial hub. It features a historic district and offers various outdoor activities on its outskirts.

Qassiarsuk
This is where Erik the Red established the island’s first Viking settlement in the 10th century. A few (rare) archaeological traces remain from that era.

Tasiilaq
Formerly known as Ammassalikk, this town on Greenland’s east coast, nestled at the head of its fjord, serves as a base for exploring the surrounding area and enjoying outdoor activities (trekking, kayaking, fishing, and even diving).

Upernavik
One of the northernmost settlements in Greenland. A chance to discover Inuit culture and enjoy various outdoor activities, from kayaking to dog sledding.

Uummannaq
Plenty of nature activities (skiing, fishing, whale watching, etc.) around this small town on the northwest coast of Greenland.

Natural Heritage

Ilulissat Icefjord
This beautiful ("glacial") fjord in western Greenland is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Its glacier flowing into the sea is one of the largest iceberg producers in the Northern Hemisphere.

Northeast Greenland National Park
The largest national park in the world (almost twice the size of France!) and the only one in Greenland. Wild and remote, it's only accessible on an organised trip or cruise.

Qinngua Valley
This valley, the warmest spot on the island, is home to Greenland's only forest. You can take a walk there.