Upernavik

Travel Guide

Photo provided by Glenn Matsing/visitgreenland.com
Photo provided by Søren Nikolaj Sørensen/visitgreenland.com
Photo provided by Glenn Matsing/visitgreenland.com

Whether you want an off-the-grid adventure amid ice fjords or cultural discovery with the comfort of a cruise, there’s plenty to see in this northern outpost.

Upernavik is the perfect destination for travelers who want to experience the rugged beauty of the Greenlandic north without straying too far from a lively township. With a name that translates to the Springtime Place, the town has long been associated with Inuit traditions of ice fishing and hunting for sea mammals. Cruise around iceberg-flecked waters on a fishing trip or experience a kayaking expedition with an Inuit guide and traverse the mesmerizing waters of the Upernavik Icefjord. Explore the snowy slopes of the surrounding mountains with the northern lights guiding your path.

Explore the heart of town to find the world’s northernmost open-air museum, which tells of the town’s colonial history and Viking heritage. In summer, witness the muskox-hunting season in the backcountry regions of Upernavik. Don’t miss exploring the Upernavik Archipelago and the pristine waters of Baffin Bay. See thousands of islands interspersed with icebergs stretching off into the distance as you kayak or sail around the waterways. Go island hopping to visit outlying villages and learn about the different dialects from island to island. Cruise north to see the monumental Upernavik Icefjord up close or head south to see Apparsuit, the world’s largest bird cliffs.

In winter, you can explore the icy terrain by dogsled or snowmobile. Check out the inland river systems and warm up with a meal of freshly caught grilled trout or Arctic char.

The town does not have a hotel, but there is a range of guesthouses that accommodate visitors year-round and present the chance to enjoy warm local hospitality.

Upernavik can be reached by cruise boat or by small propeller plane to a hilltop airport that overlooks the town. Fly into Upernavik from the international airport in Kangerlussuaq. Visit the town in winter to experience the magic of the northern lights or in summer to make the most of endless daylight hours. The town has plenty of maritime traffic in the summertime and convenient connections to some of the surrounding tourist destinations.

Café de Upernavik

Café de Upernavik

3.5 out of 5
Niuertup Otto-P Aqq. B-10, Upernavik, Vestgrønland
$197 nightly
The price is $197 total per night from Jul 16 to Jul 17
$197 total
Jul 16 - Jul 17
Total includes taxes and fees
Stay at this 3.5-star B&B in Upernavik. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking.
10/10 Exceptional! (7 reviews)
"Wonderful house in a beautiful location, with a lovely view of the water. Hosts are exceptionally kind and friendly, the rooms and beds are very comfortable, and the whole town is very walkable. There was some on-site, self-service laundry but I did not make use of it on this trip. Could not have ..."

Reviewed on Jun 10, 2023

Café de Upernavik
Gina's Guesthouse  - Upernavik

Gina's Guesthouse - Upernavik

2 out of 5
Ukuarluup aqq B-193, Upernavik, Grønland
Stay at this guesthouse in Upernavik. Enjoy free parking, free airport pick-up, and daily housekeeping.
Gina's Guesthouse - Upernavik
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Hotel Nordbo

Hotel Nordbo

3 out of 5
Vandsøvej 13, Nuuk
Stay at this 3-star apartment in Nuuk. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Nuuk Art Museum and Nuuk Stadium are located ...
9/10 Wonderful! (35 reviews)
Great hotel!
"Hotel Nordbo was such a lifesaver! So much of our trip was derailed because of weather issues. The hotel went the extra mile to help us along the way. They emailed the airline on our behalf when we hadn't gotten updated information, they helped make travel arrangements around town, and they made ..."

Reviewed on Jul 10, 2025

Hotel Nordbo
Hotel Nordbo City

Hotel Nordbo City

3 out of 5
Samuelkleinsmidtsvej 11, Nuuk
Stay at this 3-star apartment in Nuuk. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Katuaq Cultural Centre and National Greenland ...
7.8/10 Good! (51 reviews)
"It was great stay, very spacious apartment"

Reviewed on Jul 10, 2025

Hotel Nordbo City
Ilimanaq Lodge - World of Greenland

Ilimanaq Lodge - World of Greenland

2 out of 5
Fredericiap Aqq. 4, Ilimanaq, Avannaata
Stay at this cabin in Ilimanaq. Enjoy free breakfast, a picnic area, and a coffee shop/cafe. Popular attraction Ilulissat Icefjord is located nearby.
Ilimanaq Lodge - World of Greenland
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Reviews of Upernavik

5
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
1
5 - Excellent 100%
4 - Good
0
4 - Good 0%
3 - Okay
0
3 - Okay 0%
2 - Disappointing
0
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

isolated but all the basics available . icebergs very scenic .