Rising impressively out of the Arctic Ocean, Uummannaq is the most northerly town in Greenland, catering to both the summer and winter seasons with unforgettable excursions in the rugged Uummannaq Fjord. “Uummannaq” means “heart-shaped” in the Greenlandic language of Kalaallisut, in reference to the rough outline of the mountain it encircles, but a name which also extends to the aura of the place itself when meeting the open and friendly inhabitants and the Inuit culture.
The heart-shaped rock which gives the town its name
Enter The Twilight Zone
Uummannaq has two main seasons for tourism. The summer season generally runs from June to mid-September with the sun never setting in July and August, while winter activities in perpetual twilight mostly take place between mid-February and mid-April, though this is dependent on the extent and thickness of the sea ice.
Summer on the island
Return To Santa
The Uummannaq Museum, which contains several exhibitions and a small library, also handles letters that arrive from around the world addressed to Santa Claus, and they are responded to from this festive office space with its mailbox known as Julemanden – which translates directly as The Christmas Man.
The originator of the theory of continental drift, German geophysicist Alfred Wegener, was a fan of Uummannaaq and his propeller sled and other inventions are viewable at the museum.
The Julemanden mailbox
Uummannaq Fjord
In this land of the midnight sun, dogs, sleds, icebergs, and whales, if you come to Uummannaq during summer, departing boats from town will take you to one of the most amazing highlights of the region – the network of nine major islands and tributary fjords and that make up the majestic fjord system here. You will also of course be able to enjoy this from the vantage point of your cruise ship when sailing through such stunning scenery.
Icebergs incoming on the coastline
This is one of the most beautiful fjords in Greenland with enormous icebergs carved from giant glaciers constantly on the move here. Darting under such floating monoliths you might be fortunate enough to spot Minkes, Humpbacks, and Orcas feeding and hunting in the region.
Seagull and a diving whale’s tail in the fjord section
Ice Fields
With one of the most unusual and stunning views of any football pitch in the world, this artificial 3G pitch is located on the water’s edge (which should mean the players keep the ball on the ground more as a result!). In a town with temperatures as low as -17°C, synthetic astroturf is the only option to ensure it can be played on all year around.
Uummannaq’s incredibly placed football pitch
Canine Culture
Greenlanders have been using dog sleds for millennia to survive in the harsh Arctic climate. Historically, dog sledding was the only means of transport across the frozen fjords and sea when fishing and hunting.
Pack of huskies on the ice
Today, huskies are not used as much as they once were with modern transport such as the snowmobile having replaced them, but they are still operating as a leisure activity for both locals and visitors, who enjoy thrilling sleigh rides across the ice in winter. Dog sledding competitions are held in some places.
A husky family enjoying a sunny day on the island
The Arctic Aurora
If you visit Uummannaq between September and April, you may have the chance to witness the incredible Aurora Borealis. This part of Greenland is further north than other parts so offers a better chance of seeing such a spectacle, providing the skies are clear enough. It will be something you’ll never forget for sure!
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