Plan your visit
A small island community north of the Arctic Circle, surrounded by high mountains, glaciers, wildlife and a living hunting and fishing culture.
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Uummannaq takes its name from the 1,170-metre heart-shaped mountain rising directly behind the town. The 12-square-kilometre island lies about 460 kilometres north of the Arctic Circle at 70°40′N, 52°08′W, with long days and midnight sun through the spring and summer season.
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The town has grocery shops, cafés and takeaway, a school, small specialist shops, a church, a museum and services connected to the local fishing industry. It is a working Greenlandic community rather than a purpose-built resort.
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The Uummannaq region is defined by steep mountains, sparse Arctic vegetation, more than ten glaciers and icebergs in every season. Hunting, fishing, sailing and dog-sledding remain natural parts of everyday life, together with strong hospitality and respect for the surrounding nature.
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Seven settlements belong to the wider Uummannaq area: Niaqornat, Qaarsut, Ikerasak, Saattut, Ukkusissat, Nuugaatsiaq and Illorsuit. Many can be reached from Uummannaq in less than two hours by boat when conditions allow.
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The surrounding waters are home to fin, minke, humpback and pilot whales as well as several seal species. Belugas, narwhals and bowhead whales may also be seen in the colder part of the year. Wildlife sightings are always dependent on nature and cannot be guaranteed.
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Uummannaq Museum occupies the former hospital from 1880. Its collections include material connected to the eight Qilakitsoq mummies, Alfred Wegener's expeditions, traditional kayaks and umiaq boats, tools, tents and Greenlandic crafts.
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Visitors can see the granite church built in 1935, historic buildings and preserved turf houses. A popular walk leads towards Santa Claus' summer house beneath Uummannaq mountain, around an hour from town depending on conditions.
Productions for which the team helped with transport, accommodation, translation or local guiding.
