Best Small Towns in Greenland That Tourists Rarely Visit

When the average traveler hears Greenland, they imagine huge icebergs, glaciers that stretch to the horizon and the capital, Nuuk. However, the real beauty of Greenland is in its small towns- distant, colorful villages where pace of life is slower and culture is in balance with nature. Thinking of your next Arctic adventure, and already working on your Greenland visa, it is worth thinking beyond the big cities to explore these hidden gems.

Small towns of Greenland are not only beautiful but they provide the traveller with real taste of life in the Arctic. These towns are not too populated and you will have the chance to meet the locals, learn all the peculiarities of the traditions and feel the real magic of Greenland. These are some of the best small towns in Greenland that majority of the tourists do not visit.

1. Qeqertarsuaq -The Island of Whales

The town of Qeqertarsuaq, situated on the Disko Island, is one of the most magical towns in Greenland. Qeqertarsuaq is quiet and calm in contrast to the Ilulissat nearby which is busier and has more natural wonders. Dramatic basalt cliffs and lush valleys that are unusual in the icy landscape of Greenland surround the town.

The major peculiarity of Qeqertarsuaq is the close connection to the marine life. Its name is translated to mean Big Island, and it is one of the best areas where one can view the humpback whales during the summer. Hiking trails are also available to the traveler where one can get to amazing viewpoints, hot springs and even lava formations that are as old as they are. Qeqertarsuaq is a place you must visit when you are a nature lover looking to escape the hectic life.

2. Narsaq -A combination of history and green landscapes

Narsaq is a small town that is frequently neglected by travelers but it is one of the most distinctive small towns in Greenland. Narsaq is known to have green valleys and sheep farms, not much common in arctic towns.

This lovely town is also renowned as far as minerals and semi precious stones are concerned. Narsaq has rare rocks and geologists all over the world visit the town to study the rocks. To visitors, it implies that you can take guided tours to be informed of the geology as you marvel at the fjords of the town.

There is also Norse history in the town. Nearby there are Viking ruins that can be visited to get an insight into the fascinating history of Greenland. Narsaq is a gem to any person who is interested in nature and history.

3. Ittoqqortoormiit The Most Remote Town on Earth

Ittoqqortoormiit is one of the most remote destinations, should you be looking to explore an off-the-beaten path. The small town is situated on the east coast of Greenland and is surrounded by ice most of the year and can only be accessed during summer by helicopter or boat.

Ittoqqortoormiit is a highly gratifying destination even though it is very distant. The town is located on the entrance to the largest national park of the world, Northeast Greenland National Park. Here, you may enjoy pristine wilderness, observe polar bears, and observe some of the most dramatic sceneries on the planet.

Ittoqqortoormiit is one of the most memorable experiences in Greenland to those who are looking to adventure and solitude.

4. A Viking Legacy Qassiarsuk

Qassiarsuk is a small village with a huge history. Here Erik the Red, who was a renowned Viking explorer, settled during the 10 th century. The town now features replications of Norse ruins, including a longhouse of Erik the Red, and is an interesting destination to the history-minded.

However, Qassiarsuk is not only the history. The surrounding natural scenery is spectacular, with lush valleys, fjords and hilly landscapes. Sheep rearing remains an important way of life here and tourists can get a taste of Greenlandic hospitality by staying in local guesthouses.

Qassiarsuk is the place to visit in case you are interested in knowing about the Viking history and see where the Norse history meets the Greenlandic tradition.

5. Uumnaq The Heart Shaped Mountain Town

Uummannaq is a small, but beautiful town with a dream backdrop of the heart shaped Uummannaq Mountain. Not only is this town aesthetically beautiful, but also the community is one of the friendliest in Greenland.

Life is all about fishing and hunting here and tourists can get a clue about the culture of the Greenlanders. Dog sledding is still popular and in winter you will hear the hounds of huskies howling around town.

Uummannaq is also known by its children home which at one time received a letter sent by Santa Claus, it made headlines worldwide. Children across the globe continue to write to this place, which adds to the beauty of the town.

6. Kangaatsiaq -Peace and Simplicity

Kangaatsiaq is a very small town in Greenland, yet it is where you can get a sense of peace and simplicity. This town is found in the west coast and it has a population less than 600. There are not so many tourist facilities, which is exactly the reason why it is so special.

Kangaatsiaq offers visitors the chance to kayak in fjords, go fishing with local people and endless photographic prospects. The colorful houses on the town are a contrasting beauty against the Arctic landscape, and it is an ideal destination to tourists who love serene, original experiences.

Why Go to the Small Towns of Greenland?

The lesser-known towns of Greenland are where the heart and soul of Greenland lies. These small settlements present visitors with an up-close experience of Greenlandic culture, traditions and lifestyles unlike in bigger cities. Whether you want to see whales in Qeqertarsuaq, learn about the Viking past in Qassiarsuk, or just relax in Kangaatsiaq, these towns are more than enough evidence that Greenland is not all about its biggest attractions.

Travelling in the Middle East or other countries, the Greenland visa from Oman is the first step to the opening of these hidden treasures. When you get there, it will be like entering a new world when you first step into these small towns, it is quiet, uncivilized, and memorable.

Conclusion:

Tourism in Greenland is not old yet and that is what makes it special. By traveling to small towns that other tourists do not visit, you get the opportunity to get a feel of something real. The stories of the towns range wilderness in Ittoqqortoormiit, to the Viking past in Qassiarsuk.

Therefore, when you are planning your trip to the Arctic and getting a Greenland visa, do not forget to view other destinations. The true adventure is in the rural areas--the world where time moves slower, traditions are being preserved and nature is being preserved.