To take the road less traveled has been a mantra for several tourists, especially those who have been flying abroad for years. This is the world of underrated travel adventures. Think of visiting New York City, but skipping places like Times Square and the Statue of Liberty for hidden gems like the Roosevelt Island Tramway and The Cloisters. The same goes for Greenland, part of the kingdom of Denmark.
Greenland has long been known for its colossal glaciers, dramatic fjords, and pristine Arctic wilderness, yet much of its beauty remains undiscovered by the average traveller.
While destinations like Ilulissat and its UNESCO-listed Icefjord capture most of the attention, countless other corners of this vast island offer equally breathtaking experiences without the crowds.
For travelers taking that route, a different vantage point for Greenland’s remote beauty awaits. Greenland yacht charters by EYOS open access to all the remotely hidden fjords, secluded coastal villages, and rarely visited islands that are unreachable by traditional routes. This approach transforms the journey itself into the destination, allowing visitors to experience the island’s grandeur with both intimacy and exclusivity.
A Journey to the Most Stunning Underrated Travel Spots in Greenland
If stage musicals have alternate actors and if movies have support characters, Greenland has these places, adding more excitement to your journey:
1. Tasiilaq: Jagged Mountains, Deep Fjords, and Ice-Choked Waters
Located on the southeast coast, Tasiilaq is Greenland’s largest town in East Greenland, yet it retains a small-community feel. It is surrounded by jagged mountains, deep fjords, and ice-choked waters that make for a dramatic backdrop to daily life. This area is ideal for travellers interested in both culture and adventure.
Tasiilaq is the main town of the Ammassalik region, where you can have fun kayaking among icebergs and hiking through flower-dotted valleys. There are also opportunities to learn about Inuit traditions from local guides.
2. Uummannaq, Greenland’s Heart-Shaped Island
Far to the north, Uummannaq is famous for its striking heart-shaped mountain rising 1,170 meters above sea level. This small town is not only visually captivating but also steeped in Greenlandic culture. Colourful houses cling to rocky slopes, sled dogs rest near the shore, and the sea teems with marine life. Uummannaq’s remote location makes it ideal for travellers seeking solitude and unspoiled nature.
Nearby, you can explore archaeological sites from the Thule culture, visit small settlements accessible only by boat, and witness some of the most dramatic iceberg formations in Greenland. Don’t forget to drop by the Uummannaq Fjord, one of the deepest in the world, providing a surreal setting for photography and wildlife spotting.
3. Kangerlussuaq and the Inland Ice Cap
While Kangerlussuaq is best known for being Greenland’s primary international airport hub, few travellers take the time to explore the remarkable landscapes just beyond the runway. This area offers one of the easiest accesses to the Greenland Ice Cap, where you can stand on the ancient ice sheet that covers 80 percent of the country. The experience is undeniably breathtaking.
From Kangerlussuaq, there are guided tours that can take you onto the ice, past blue meltwater lakes, and into surreal crevasses.
For travelers who want to bond with the wildlife, this place offers wonders. The surrounding tundra in Kangerlussuaq is home to musk oxen, reindeer, and arctic foxes, making it a rewarding destination for wildlife lovers. Make this destination, one of the sunniest spots in Greenland, yours.
5. Qeqertarsuaq: From a Volcanic Spot to a World-Class Destination
Disko Island, or Qeqertarsuaq, offers a striking contrast to Greenland’s mainland. Its volcanic origin has given rise to black sand beaches, basalt columns, and fertile valleys filled with wildflowers. Considering how its geography was once a volcanic spot and has now evolved to what it is today, you can just imagine the striking visuals here. The small town of Qeqertarsuaq is known for its charming harbour and easy access to both cultural experiences and wilderness adventures.
Travellers can hike to the Lyngmark Glacier, which offers sweeping views over Disko Bay, or take boat trips to spot humpback whales feeding in the nutrient-rich waters. Disko Island’s unique geology and biodiversity make it a must-visit for anyone looking to experience a different side of Greenland.
6. A Low-Key Experience in South Greenland
South Greenland is often overlooked in favour of the north’s icy landscapes, but it holds some of the richest cultural and historical treasures in the country.
Take, for instance, the Kujataa UNESCO World Heritage Site, an attraction that preserves Norse and Inuit farming traditions that have endured for centuries. Here, green fields and sheep farms stand in stark contrast to the surrounding mountains and fjords.
Travellers can also explore the ruins of Norse churches, visit working farms, and hike through valleys that have been cultivated for over a thousand years. The region’s relatively mild climate also allows for an extended summer travel season, making it a comfortable choice for those unaccustomed to Arctic temperatures.
7. Treasures in the Far North
For the truly adventurous, Qaanaaq offers one of the most remote travel experiences in the Arctic. Located in the far north, this small town is part of the world’s northernmost inhabited region. Qaanaaq is home to a resilient Inuit community whose lifestyle still revolves around hunting, fishing, and dog sledding.
Reaching Qaanaaq is a journey in itself, but the reward is unparalleled access to unspoiled Arctic wilderness. Visitors can travel by boat or dog sled to nearby glaciers, hunt for narwhal sightings, and experience the stark beauty of polar night in winter or endless daylight in summer.
8. A Unique Visual Spectacle With the Blue Icebergs
Icebergs are a classic scene in the Arctic region. Their usual shade is clean white, but did you know there’s a place here where icebergs are tinted by nature as blue?
Head over to Narsaq, a scenic town in southern Greenland, too, that’s famous for these blue icebergs, floating down from nearby glaciers and taking on an ethereal glow in the Arctic light, appearing like your favorite frozen Blue Moon ice cream flavor.
9. Igaliku’s Peaceful Pastures
Idyllic in Greenland? That’s Igaliku, a small settlement in the southern regions, known for its serene atmosphere and historical significance. Once the site of the Norse bishop’s seat, the area is dotted with ancient ruins that speak to its importance during the Viking era. Today,
Igaliku is a quiet farming community where sheep graze in lush meadows surrounded by fjords.
Travellers may also hike to the Qooroq Ice Fjord, where massive glaciers calve into the sea, or simply relax and enjoy the peaceful pace of life. The combination of history, nature, and tranquillity makes Igaliku a hidden gem worth the detour.
Greenland’s Lesser-Known Destinations: How to Make the Most of Them
Take heed of these tips to enjoy exploring Greenland’s underrated travel spots to the fullest:
- Travel via yacht for flexibility: Many of Greenland’s smaller towns and settlements are only accessible by boat or yacht. Choosing sea-based travel, especially on small expedition vessels or private charters, allows you to reach places that are otherwise difficult to visit.
- Schedule your visit for the seasonal highlights: Just like how spring is Japan’s best season because of the cherry blossoms, Greenland also has surprises to offer, according to the season. Summer brings the midnight sun and easier access to hiking trails, while winter offers the northern lights and dog sledding opportunities. Spring and autumn provide fewer crowds and unique light conditions for photography.
- Respect local communities: Greenland’s small settlements thrive on close-knit community life. Always ask before taking photos of people, and support local businesses by purchasing handmade crafts or joining tours led by residents.
- Learn about the culture before you go: Understanding Greenlandic traditions, history, and language will enrich your travel experience. Many local guides appreciate it when visitors show interest in Inuit heritage and storytelling.
It’s More Than Just the Icefjords
Sure, Greenland is best known for its icefjords, its vast ice sheets, and its glaciers, but just like every other destination on Earth, this place has underrated spots that offer a deeper, more personal connection to the Arctic. That which will allow you to witness traditions that have endured for centuries, landscapes that change with every turn of the tide, and wildlife that thrives in one of the planet’s most extreme environments.
By venturing beyond the main tourist routes, you’re not just ticking off landmarks — you’re engaging with the authentic Greenland, a place where beauty is found as much in the quiet of a small fishing village as in the grandeur of a towering glacier.
Whether you explore on foot, by kayak, or aboard a luxury yacht, these underrated spots will change the way you know Greenland.
