From Nuuk to Ilulissat: Must-Visit Places in Greenland
Greenland showcases magic in its own unique way. This destination in the North Atlantic is unlike anywhere else on Earth.
Towering icebergs, midnight sun, untouched fjords, and a rich Inuit culture create a travel experience that feels as remote as it is rewarding.
For solo travelers with a taste for adventure and introspection, a journey from the capital city of Nuuk to the iceberg-dotted Ilulissat is a bucket-list-worthy expedition.
Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, photographer, or cultural explorer, this route showcases Greenland’s greatest treasures in a way few ever get to experience.
Let’s embark on a virtual journey that will preview your travel experience in this fantastic destination. What are the must-visit places in Greenland?
1. Ilulissat Icefjord
There are lots of fjords all over Europe, but in Iceland, the geography gifts these fjords to be named “icefjords.” The Ilulissat Icefjord is the most popular destination in Greenland. They say, you haven’t been to Greenland if you don’t drop by this place.
This has been Greenland’s most visited area since 2004. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this mesmerizing berg-strewn section of a coast in Disco Bay features gigantic glaciers that appear in such a way that the icebergs break off from the glaciers and float out into the coastal waters. Imagine penguins and seals walking and perched on top! Then, don’t forget to stop by to see the collection of Greenland landscapes in the Emanuel A Petersen Art Museum.
2. Nuuk
Then, continue your journey in Nuuk, the capital and cultural epicenter of Greenland. Though small in size, Nuuk brims with personality and contrast. Colorful houses dot the coastline, set against a backdrop of fjords and mountain silhouettes.
A must-see attraction here is the National Museum of Greenland, National Museum of Greenland. For the outdoorsy person, hike Lille Malene for panoramic views of Nuuk and its surrounding fjords.
Afterward, don’t miss Katuak Cultural Center, which hosts films, art exhibitions, and musical performances by Greenlandic artists. Nuuk is the perfect place to get your bearings, learn about the island’s deep-rooted traditions, and prepare for the raw wilderness ahead.
3. Disko Bay (Eqip Sermia)
This is also easily among the most popular places to visit in Greenland, and for all the good reasons. Discovered and roamed around by Greenland’s Norse explorers and its Inuit population, let them share the natural beauty of this bay that makes Greenland so special.
Disko Bay is referred to interchangeably as Eqip Sermia. This is best explored on a cruise, as you book a private yacht expedition to Greenland, revealing a vast glacier arm of the Greenlandic Icecap. Goosebumps.
4. Kangerlussuaq
From Nuuk or its surrounding areas, go ahead and fly to Kangerlussuaq, home to one of the longest runways in Greenland and your access point to the Greenland Ice Sheet. This region offers surreal experiences not easily found elsewhere.
The highlight here is your guided trip to the Russell Glacier, where walls of blue-tinged ice tower over the valley floor.
You may also go wildlife spotting. Keep an eye out for musk oxen, Arctic hares, and even reindeer that roam freely across the tundra.
And, for solo travelers, joining a small-group ice cap tour provides both companionship and safety, without compromising the thrill of venturing far from civilization.
5. Scoresbysund
Not as popular as the Icefjord, but this is, hands-down, one of the favorite places tourists want to visit in Greenland. It houses the world’s biggest multi-branched fjord system that features enormous, intimidating icebergs, as well as steep mountains and several species of Arctic wildlife. Visiting Ittoqqortoormiit and exploring the fjord system at Scoresbysund are forever highlights to any trip to Greenland.
6. Sisimiut
Then, continue north to Sisimiut, the second-largest town in Greenland and an outdoor lover’s paradise. Located just above the Arctic Circle, this town is alive with activity year-round.
Try this: In summer, embark on a kayak excursion through pristine fjords or tackle the famous Arctic Circle Trail, a multi-day trek between Sisimiut and Kangerlussuaq.
Chancing Greenland in winter? Sisimiut turns into a snowy playground for dog sledding, snowmobiling, and skiing.
Overall, Sisimiut blends traditional and modern Greenlandic life—an ideal place to reflect on the island’s evolving identity while connecting with locals in cozy cafés and family-run lodges.
7. Ittoqqortoormiit
Of course, Ittoqqortoormiit. It is undoubtedly a mistake not to visit this place, as it is the most isolated destination in Greenland. It’s the perfect destination for hardcore adventurers in search of the last frontier.
Situated between the most extensive fjord system in the world that Greenland calls its very own and the largest national park in the world that will get Yosemite cringing, Ittoqqortoormiit is primarily a community of hunters that continue to live a very traditional life.
In conclusion, Greenland is Greenland. There are no skyscrapers like those in Tokyo or Seoul, nor are there old temples such as those in China or Cambodia. However, this place is paradise for the outdoor adventurer. Or, instead, it sets the scene for every outdoor enthusiast, as you will appreciate your outdoorsy side more when you set foot on Greenland.
Traveling across Greenland—from the cultural hub of Nuuk to the iceberg sanctuary of Ilulissat—is not just a trip, but also t’s a journey into one of the last great wildernesses of our planet. You’ll leave with more than memories—you’ll carry the humbling silence of ancient ice, the resilience of Arctic communities, and the clarity that only comes from being fully present in the wild. For those ready to step off the map and into something profound, Greenland awaits.