10 Western Greenland attractions you must see
The birthplace of icebergs...
An ice sheet covers 80 percent of Greenland's land mass. One would think there wouldn't be much else to see, but if you plan wisely, there are tremendous West Greenland offers a world of arctic adventures and a once in a lifetime journey.
Life under the water’s surface
Greenland prides itself on having only free and wild creatures of the sea in its waters, and they’re free to swim wherever the oceans take them. Some of the mighty creatures favor certain fjords, making Greenland a unique place for whale watching, as whales tend to steal the attention from most other sea life. These enormous creatures are easy to spot and whether it is the killer whales, or extremely fast narwhals you may spot in the sea ice. Watching these amazing creatures is an experience you will never forget. Many a person have been astonished by seeing such whales up close while kayaking or on a zodiac landing craft.
Ilulissat Icefjord
The Ilulissat Icefjord, one of the northernmost UNESCO (The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) sites, is a colossal assembly of icebergs that have calved from the Sermeq Kujalleq glacier one by one. If you can get a view from high up, you’ll be able to see how grand of a scale the Ilulissat Icefjord has.
Visiting the Ilulissat Icefjord is not only about seeing a large calving glacier. It is a unique opportunity to be active in the climate change conversation, and to let your experiences in Greenland inspire your life back home.
Sisimiut. The second largest city in Greenland
Sisimiut offers plenty of stimulating experiences that are out of the norm. You will find a wide range of options for being active in nature – either taking a peaceful hike or experiencing other activities for the more hard-core travelers. Sisimiut is the second largest city in Greenland, making it a modern city – at least in the eyes of the Greenlanders.
Disko Island and their hot springs
Disko Island is the largest island on the west coast of Greenland. The island’s characteristic volcanic landscape contains hot springs, red basalt mountains, lush greenery, and amazing rock formations. The small, traditional town of Qeqertarsuaq is among of Greenland’s oldest. Hot springs in Greenland are a natural phenomenon, but the island of Uunartoq is home to the only place where the springs are warm enough to bathe in.
Surrounded by mountain peaks and drifting icebergs, hot springs are a wonderful experience for both body and soul. Greenland’s hot springs are truly surreal. Ironically, the hot springs in Greenland are not due to volcanic activity, as they are in Iceland. The water is heated by deep layers in the earth's crust rubbing against each other.
Colorful Inuit villages
Explore charming fishing villages on the west coast and learn about contemporary Inuit culture. See how people live among wild nature and harsh weather conditions, and meet the locals. Getting to know these communities is among the best things to do while visiting Greenland. An expedition cruise lets you visit remote towns and villages (such as Itilleq, Sisimiut, Aasiaat, Ilulissat, Qeqertarsuaq and Uummannaq), and gives you the opportunity to immerse yourself fully into these unique places.
Whale watching at Disko Bay
One of the main attractions for wildlife lovers on every West Greenland cruise are the waters around Disko Bay. You can spot these gentle giants in between the gigantic icebergs and get incredible pictures! With a little bit of luck you can see a great variety of species, such as humpback, minke, fin and bowhead whale (also known as the Greenland whale). Get prime views from deck or during Zodiac excursions.
Kangerlussuaq museum
Find out about the history of flying in Greenland during the Second World War. This place functioned as an American airbase from 1941. This museum is perfect for fans of aviation and for anyone who wants to learn about US relations with the country of Denmark. The town itself also features rich Inuit history and historic remains for visitors to discover
Fjord cruising
This is one of the best things to do in Greenland! Imagine gliding in a small motorized Zodiac boat over pristine waters with the most incredible scenery surrounding you! Greenland is one of the best places to travel on water and explore incredible fjords. Zodiacs are perfect for wildlife lovers, photography enthusiasts and any explorer who wants to get close to the action. Thanks to the Zodiacs, you’ll also be able to land on tucked-away bays and beaches that larger vessels cannot access.
A visit to the capital
Nuuk is a must-visit on your trip! See the modern capital with its selection of local museums (such as the Greenland National Museum and Nuuk Art Museum) and vibrant restaurant, music and art scenes. The Nuuk Art Museum even offers an Art Walk map and podcast that you can download to use while you walk around the city visiting all 19 points of interest. This walking tour is one of the best things to do in Nuuk. After a long day out exploring, be sure to try the local cuisine with dishes from musk ox to local seafood
Travel like a Viking…
..but in comfort and style aboard your small expedition ship! Discover Greenland just as the Vikings did: from the ocean. With their arrival in 986 AD in southwest Greenland, they set up numerous settlements, but by 1500 AD the Vikings had already vanished. Visit historic sites and see their ruins and artifacts, such as the 10th century farmstead established by Erik the Red’s uncle.
Although is not easy as it may take a day or so to get there, you’ll have true bragging rights that not many people will be able to identify with.