Nanortalik

The town of adventures and polar bears
Nanortalik is Greenland’s most southerly town and lies in a scenic area consisting of some of Greenland’s picturesque fjords, small woodlands and steep mountainsides. The town’s name means the “place of polar bears”, which refers to the polar bears that occasionally pass by the town in the summer in conjunction with the field ice from the Arctic Ocean. Nanortalik tends to attract globetrotters with a spirit of adventure, but organised excursions are also arranged in the town.

Nanortaliks church from 1916

Activities and excursions in Nanortalik
Nanortalik is best known for its natural “skyscrapers”, the steep, jagged peaks and sheer cliffs in Tasermiut Fjord, Pamialluk, and the unique Prince Christians Sound. Nanortalik is a Mecca for adventurers who love mountain climbing, rock climbing, hiking and kayaking. However, the town also has more sedate excursions on offer, such as sailing trips to the Sermitsiaq glacier in Tasermiut Fjord, excursions to the hot springs close to Alluitsup Paa, and visits to the Norse ruins at Herjolfsnæs.

Population and industry
The Municipality of Nanortalik stretches all the way from the island of Qeqertarsuaq over Cape Farewell to the 60-km (37-mile) long Lindenow Fjord on the east coast, giving a total area of approximately 15,000 km2 (5,800 square miles). The primary occupations are seal hunting, fishing, service and administration. The district around Nanortalik is home to 2,200 people distributed between the town itself, five settlements and a number of sheep-holding stations. In addition to the well-preserved old quarter, Nanortalik can boast a characteristic wooden church from 1916 and an open-air museum consisting of several buildings.

How do I get to Nanortalik?
Via the international airport in Narsarsuaq you can fly to Nanortalik by means of Air Greenland’s helicopter, which makes stops in a couple of towns en route. If you sail to Nanortalik in spring or late summer (contact a local South Greenland tourist office to inquire about sailing options), there is a good chance of seeing whales in the waters around the town, where the minke whale is the most frequent visitor. The field ice can increase the normal sailing time to Nanortalik at the start of the summer.

Nanortalik weather:

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