Sailing in Greenland is just as natural a part of everyday life
as driving a car is for others. However, sailing in Arctic waters
is often much more than just a question of getting from A to B.
Sailing is a lifestyle and almost a law of nature in and around the
world's largest island, where none of the towns are linked by
roads.
For the native population a sailing trip into a fjord is the
natural respite and highlight of a working week, as long as the
weather permits it and the season is suitable for sailing. The
majority ready their boats in May and take them ashore during the
autumn. This is also the season for tourists to sail, where
adventures range from meeting whales up close to the chance to
study icebergs and go on excursions to settlements, natural
phenomena, cultural sites and much more.
Sailing is the maritime lifeblood
As a tourist you can sail in most of Greenland; the sea is quite
simply the country's lifeblood. In the bigger towns, excursions
ranging in duration and content are run by the local tourist
offices. Such excursions can include a midnight sailing trip
through the icebergs at
Ilulissat or a whale
safari in Nuuk. In South Greenland you
can go on an excursion from Qaqortoq to the beautifully situated
settlement of Alluitsup Paa, which is famous for its hot springs on
the island of Uunartoq.
If you would prefer a voyage of greater duration and more comfort,
then you should instead consider a cruise with a dedicated operator
such as Hurtigruten or a scheduled service with Arctic
Umiaq Line's good ship Sarfaq Ittuk, which sails from Qaqortoq
in the south of the country to Ilulissat
in the north.
Facts about
Go sailing
No towns or settlements are connected by roads. Boats play a
major role and to many they are what cars and summerhouses are for
others.
Practical info about Go sailing
Adventure level
Easy:
No physical requirements. No previous experience needed.
Moderate:
Little or no requirements on physical condition or previous experience.
Demanding:
Some requirements on physical condition. Previous experience may be needed for some activities.
Strenuous:
Highly demanding activities, requiring good physical condition and endurance. May involve extremely low temperature, rough terrain, etc. Previous experience needed.
Please note that some activities can be found on several adventure levels, and offerings may vary by location.
Available in...
What time of the year?
The green bars show when you can experience the place or the phenomenon, or do the activity or the event.