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  • A lone traveller stands in Qassiarsuk and looks over Tunulliarfik Fjord toward Narsarsuaq. Photo by Stacy William Head

Greenland’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites are pure nature

Here is a peek at what you will find up here plus how to get the experience

Just look at the two places Greenland proudly calls UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Unlike other popular worldly destinations – that often sell themselves with gorgeous photos void of humans but deliver a completely different reality – when you visit Greenland’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites, you get what you saw in the images. Wide and silent landscapes that make you feel small.

KUJATAA NORSE AND INUIT FARMING (SOUTH GREENLAND)

Kujataa (pronounced koo-ya-TAH) is Greenland’s newest pride and joy, making the list in late 2017. It is one massive region of fjord and green hills, and it covers five different spots where Vikings established farms back in the 10th – 14th centuries. They have all been revived by Greenlanders as preserved ruins but also as fully-functioning settlements and farms.

Why it is perfect for outdoorswomen and men: The relatively close proximity of several of the sites (about 30 km from each other) gives great multi-day camping & hiking opportunities. Blue Ice Explorer provides start and end boat transfers for a few self-guided hiking routes, but be warned that the terrain is challenging and only for experienced trekkers. Blue Ice Explorer also offer a series of boat tours to connect the sites – an easier alternative than hiking.

A tidbit of wisdom: The Norse and Inuit each had their own names for the same sites. Here, the Greenlandic name comes first.

Qassiarsuk = Brattahlid

Qaqortukulooq (and the nearby agricultural research station Upernaviarsuk) = Hvalsey

Sissarluttoq = Eastern Settlement

Tasikuluulik = Vatnahverfi

Igaliku = Gardar

How to get there: Air Greenland offers direct international flights from Copenhagen to Narsarsuaq in summer, as well as direct domestic flights from Kangerlussuaq, Nuuk and Paamiut to Narsarsuaq year round. Air Iceland Connect offers direct international flights from Keflavik to Narsarsuaq in summer.

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Package Tours

Arctic Umiaq Line: Discover Greenland from the sea

Arctic Umiaq Line

Discover Greenland from the sea

The coastal ship Sarfaq Ittuk sails from southern Greenland up along Greenland’s west coast to Disko Bay.

FROM 500 DKK
Greenland by Topas – Dog Sledding, Igloo Lodge and Northern Lights in Ilulissat

Greenland by Topas

Dog Sledding and Northern Lights in Ilulissat

Sled dogs are in their element under the frosty sky, crackling snow and fluttering Aurora Borealis (Northern Lights) of the Greenlandic winter. Overnight stay in Igloo Lodge.

FROM €2,812
Blue Ice Explorer – UNESCO sites 5 days

Blue Ice Explorer

UNESCO sites 5 days

Visit Hvalsey, Igaliku and Qassiarsuk – 3 of the UNESCO sites – together with South Greenland’s colourful town Qaqortoq.

FROM €915
Blue Ice Explorer – South Greenland 5 days – active

Blue Ice Explorer

South Greenland 5 days – active

The famous blue icebergs of South Greenland and the charming village of Igaliku are just some of the highlights of this trip.

FROM €597
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ILULISSAT ICEFJORD (NORTH GREENLAND)

The Ilulissat Icefjord was Greenland’s first-ever UNESCO World Heritage Site, earning the status in 2004. It is a 61-km long fjord packed full of unimaginably large icebergs that have calved from its feeder glacier, Sermeq Kujalleq. As the fastest-moving glacier in the northern hemisphere, it is absolutely a ground zero for seeing a changing environment up close and understanding that one’s actions halfway around the world do impact far-away places.

Why it is perfect for outdoorswomen and men: There are so many ways to experience the Ilulissat Icefjord by land, sea and air that you could nearly focus your entire holiday around it. Self-guided hiking routes within the UNESCO area bring you close to the coastline, where you can hear the ice popping and breathing if you sit still. Small boat tours go out late every night to weave between the icebergs and catch the gorgeous evening light. There are even flightseeing tours by small helicopter or small propeller plane where everyone gets a window-seat view to Mother Nature’s horizon.

How to get there: Air Greenland offers direct international flights from Keflavik to Ilulissat in summer, as well as direct domestic flights from Aasiaat, Kangerlussuaq, Nuuk, Qaarsut and Upernavik all year round. Air Iceland Connect offers direct international flights from Reykjavík to Ilulissat in spring, summer and autumn.

NEW UNESCO SITE – SUMMER 2018

As of summer 2018, Greenland can claim a third UNESCO site which adds to our catalogue of world class nature. Head to our main UNESCO page to learn more.

Explore related articles, offers and tour providers:

  • Anytime
  • Arctic Wildlife
  • Boat Tours
  • Cultural Experiences
  • Glaciers
  • Hiking
  • Igaliku
  • Ilulissat
  • Ilulissat Icefjord
  • Narsarsuaq
  • Natural Experiences
  • Norse History
  • North Greenland
  • Qassiarsuk
  • South Greenland
  • Summer
  • Winter

By Sarah Woodall

Sarah is a former Visit Greenland employee who now continues the adventure as Destination Manager in South Greenland.

https://2kalaallitnunaatigo.wordpress.com/

Editors' pick

Stella Davidsen Olsen from Kangerlussuaq. Dogsledge musher. Photo by Aningaaq R. Carlsen, Visit Greenland

Know the story of Greenlandic women

Greenlandic women have always played a decisive role in society, and we will highlight them in celebration of International Women’s Day, 8 March.

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Two snowmobilers on pause in Sisimiut. Photo by Kim Insuk - Visit Greenland

Fulfil your winter wishes in April in Greenland

Come and visit Sisimiut in April and enjoy dogsledding, Arctic Sounds, and Arctic Spa that you have been longing for.

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Immersing overwelmed by the surroundings. Photo by Aningaaq Rosing Carlsen - Visit Greenland

Editor’s guide: How to spend 4 days in East Greenland

An occupational hazard as an editor is that I read about and collect the most beautiful bucket list destinations, and East Greenland has long been one of mine.

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Paninnguaq Pikilak. Inuit tattoos. Photo by Aningaaq Rosing Carlsen - Visit Greenland

A guide to Inuit Tattoos in Greenland

Inuit tattoos have had a revival in recent years, with many young people, among others, breathing life into the traditional lines. However, it has deep roots in Inuit communities, both spiritually and culturally.

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