Things To Do
in Qaanaaq
Qaanaaq is a remote town located in northwestern Greenland, known for its stunning Arctic landscapes and icy fjords. With a population of just over 600 residents, it is one of the northernmost inhabited places in the world. Qaanaaq is a hub for traditional Inuit culture, with residents practicing hunting, fishing, and dog sledding.
The town experiences long, harsh winters with temperatures dropping well below freezing, making it a challenging yet captivating destination for adventurers.
- "Aaja" - Yes
- "Ajuga" - No
- "Kissaat" - Please
- "Qujanaq" - Thank you
- "Aluu" - Hello
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $100 - $250
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $30 - $80
- ☕ Coffee: $3 - $6
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $5 - $10
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $100 - $200
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $50 - $100
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a hearty breakfast at a local café. Explore the beautiful landscapes surrounding Qaanaaq, taking in the fresh Arctic air.
Visit the Qaanaaq Museum to learn about the local culture and history. Enjoy a leisurely walk along the coastline, observing the unique wildlife.
Indulge in a traditional Greenlandic dinner, featuring fresh seafood. As night falls, take a moment to gaze at the stunning Arctic sky.
Begin your morning with a guided tour of the nearby glaciers. Capture breathtaking photos of the ice formations and learn about their significance.
Embark on a boat tour to explore the waters around Qaanaaq. Keep an eye out for seals and other marine life along the way.
Return to Qaanaaq for a cozy dinner with the community. Share stories of your adventures as you enjoy local delicacies.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Unique Arctic culture and traditions
- Stunning natural landscapes and wildlife
- Rich history and indigenous heritage
- Opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, fishing, and whale watching
- Extremely cold and harsh climate for most of the year
- Limited access to modern conveniences and services
- High cost of living due to remote location
- Isolation and limited social opportunities due to geographical constraints
Best Activities in Qaanaaq
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Experience the traditional mode of transport in Greenland by taking a dog sledding tour through the stunning Arctic landscapes. Navigate the snowy terrain and enjoy the breathtaking scenery.
Explore the beautiful tundra and coastal areas around Qaanaaq with various hiking trails suitable for all levels. Enjoy wildflower blooms during the summer months and stunning views of the surrounding fjords.
Engage in fishing in the pristine waters surrounding Qaanaaq. Both freshwater and saltwater fishing opportunities are available, providing a chance to catch species such as Arctic char and halibut.
Join photography tours to capture the striking landscapes, wildlife, and the Northern Lights during winter months. Local guides will help you find the best spots for unique Arctic photography.
Explore the coastline and nearby icebergs by kayaking. It’s a unique way to experience the Arctic environment, with opportunities to see seals and various seabirds.
For thrill-seekers, partake in extreme sports like ice climbing or snowboarding on the nearby glaciers. These activities provide a mix of adrenaline and exploration.
Learn about the local Inuit culture by participating in cultural tours that include traditional storytelling, crafts, and insights into the daily life of the Qaanaaq residents.
Tours
Uncover the best of Qaanaaq with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in Qaanaaq
Visit one of these nice places.
A stunning lookout point just outside Qaanaaq that offers panoramic views of the surrounding glaciers and distant mountains, especially breathtaking during sunrise and sunset.
An elevated area near Thule Air Base that provides a unique perspective of both the base and the natural beauty of the rugged terrain, including icebergs and the Arctic Ocean.
Famous for its dramatic cliffs and vistas, this spot is perfect for capturing images of the northern lights during the winter and the midnight sun in the summer.
The harbor area of Qaanaaq offers an excellent opportunity to capture local fishing boats against the backdrop of the colorful town and the majestic mountains.
A short hike away, this view spot provides a breathtaking vista of Uummannaq Mountain, which is recognizable by its unique shape and towering height.
In winter, the dog sledding trails around Qaanaaq offer mesmerizing landscapes with a chance to photograph sledding teams against a picturesque Arctic backdrop.
Food in Qaanaaq
Qaanaaq Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Also known as whale skin and blubber, a traditional Inuit delicacy usually served raw. It’s a must-try for experiencing the authentic taste of the Arctic.
Must-Try!
A traditional Inuit dish made from auks (birds) stuffed into a seal skin and fermented for several months. It’s a unique and culturally significant delicacy.
Seal meat is a staple in Inuit cuisine, often prepared in stews, soups, or even eaten raw. It offers a distinct flavor and is a true reflection of the local hunting culture.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Visit the Qaanaaq Market to experience the local food scene. Here, you can find freshly caught seafood, local game meat, and traditional Inuit ingredients. It's a great place to immerse yourself in the local food culture.
While wandering through Qaanaaq, keep an eye out for street vendors selling traditional snacks such as dried fish, smoked meats, and other local delicacies. Engaging with these vendors provides an opportunity to taste authentic Inuit street food.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Familiarize yourself with the Inuit traditions and customs that are prevalent in Qaanaaq. Respect for elders, communal sharing, and traditional hunting practices are integral to the culture, and understanding these can help visitors engage respectfully.
Dress modestly and appropriately for the climate. In Qaanaaq, practical clothing suitable for cold weather is important. Additionally, avoid wearing clothing that may be considered disrespectful or offensive in the local context.
When interacting with locals, use polite and respectful language. Be mindful of personal space and body language. Listening carefully and being considerate in conversations is vital in showing respect for different perspectives and experiences.
Safety
Tipping in Qaanaaq
Ensure a smooth experience
In Qaanaaq, Greenland, tipping is not a common practice. Services, such as those in restaurants or for guides, may include a service charge, and residents typically do not expect additional tips. Instead, appreciation for good service may be expressed verbally or through polite interactions.
Payment practices in Qaanaaq often involve cash transactions, particularly in local shops and services. Credit and debit cards are accepted in some establishments, but it is advisable to carry cash due to limited digital payment infrastructure. The local currency is the Danish Krone (DKK).
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Winter in Qaanaaq is extremely cold, with temperatures often dropping well below freezing. This is the best time for Arctic activities such as dog sledding and viewing the Northern Lights, as the long nights provide ample darkness. Expect snow-covered landscapes and opportunities to experience traditional Inuit culture during the darker months.
Spring brings a gradual warming to Qaanaaq, with temperatures rising and the days getting longer. This is a great time for wildlife watching, as animals begin to emerge from their winter habitats. The melting snow reveals stunning views and the transition from winter to summer offers a unique experience to explore the Arctic environment.
Summer in Qaanaaq is short but is characterized by milder temperatures, with the potential to reach above freezing. This season is ideal for hiking and exploring the surrounding tundra and coastlines. Days are long, and the midnight sun creates beautiful light for photography and outdoor activities. It is also a good time for cultural experiences and interactions with local communities.
Autumn in Qaanaaq marks a transition back to colder temperatures, with the return of snow in late October. This season can be unpredictable, with a mix of winter and fall elements. It's an opportunity to witness the changing colors of the landscape and prepare for the winter season. Wildlife is active as animals prepare for the cold, and there may still be opportunities for Northern Lights viewing.
Qaanaaq at Night
Hiking in Qaanaaq
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
The world's largest national park offers a rugged landscape with untouched nature, glaciers, and wildlife. Hiking opportunities include exploring the coastline and vast tundra.
A small village located northwest of Qaanaaq, Siorapaluk features various hiking trails through beautiful arctic landscapes and views of the surrounding fjords and seas.
Nearby cliffs provide scenic hiking paths along steep edges with stunning vistas of the Arctic Ocean and the surrounding area, suitable for adventurers looking for breathtaking views.
Hiking along the banks of the Isortoq River offers opportunities to experience local flora and fauna, as well as scenic views of the valley and nearby mountains.
Located northeast of Qaanaaq, this area offers coastal hiking with breathtaking views of the ocean and rugged cliffs, perfect for those looking for a challenge.
Aiports
How to reach Qaanaaq by plane.
Located approximately 61 miles south of Qaanaaq, Thule Air Base is the largest U.S. military base in the Northern Hemisphere and serves as an international airport for military and some civilian flights.
About 465 miles southeast of Qaanaaq, Nuuk Airport serves the capital of Greenland and offers domestic flights and limited international services.
Situated approximately 650 miles south of Qaanaaq, Kangerlussuaq Airport is the largest airport in Greenland and serves as the main gateway to the country, with international flights connecting to Europe and North America.
Located around 570 miles south of Qaanaaq, Ilulissat Airport primarily supports domestic flights but also offers some international connections.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The indigenous people of Greenland, making up the majority of Qaanaaq's population.
A significant number of residents work for local government and community services.
Often involved in Arctic research, contributing to seasonal population fluctuations.
Seasonal visitors attracted to the unique Arctic environment and culture.
A small number of expatriates, including various professional roles, who live and work in the area.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
A traditional sport in Qaanaaq, dog sledding is an integral part of the local culture, especially during the winter months, and is often used for transport and recreation.
With its rugged terrain and snowy landscapes, Qaanaaq offers opportunities for snowboarding, attracting both locals and tourists who enjoy winter sports.
Ice fishing is a popular activity among the residents of Qaanaaq, where they fish on frozen lakes, combining sport with sustenance.
Though not classified strictly as a sport, hunting is an essential skill and activity for the communities in Qaanaaq, contributing to their livelihoods and cultural practices.
Given the long winters, cross-country skiing is a favored sport that allows residents to enjoy the snow-covered landscapes while staying active.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Qaanaaq.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
While traditional Inuit cuisine is heavily based on animal products, many restaurants and cafes in Qaanaaq offer vegetarian and vegan options, often incorporating locally sourced plant-based ingredients to accommodate diverse dietary preferences.
Travelers with gluten restrictions will find that many establishments in Qaanaaq are attentive to dietary needs and offer gluten-free adaptations of local dishes, as well as international cuisine that caters to gluten-free requirements.