Nanortalik

Nanortalik is on Nanortalik Island in southern Greenland.

Understand
Nanortalik is one of Greenland's "larger" towns, with a population of 1,256 in 2018. It is similar in size to Narsaq, and like Narsaq, is much smaller in number of restaurants and attractions than major town Qaqortoq. The name Nanortalik is Greenlandic for "the polar bear place," but the chance of seeing any polar bears in Nanortalik these days is not very big. However, a few polar bears can be spotted during spring as they hitch rides on the drifting ice from eastern parts of Greenland.

Nanortalik is home for one of South Greenland's most comprehensive museums set up in the old colonial buildings, each one of them telling a piece of the history of Nanortalik. This "Open Air Museum" offers visitors a chance to see kayak's, the women's boats, pit huts and other interesting things form the past.

Like many towns in Greenland, Nanortalik is slowly decreasing in population. Settlements like Nanortalik are in danger of disappearing.

Get in
Basically there are 2 ways to get to Greenland, it is either from Iceland by Icelandair or Denmark by Air Greenland. During summer season port of entry to South Greenland is via Narsarsuaq Airport which is between mid June to the end of September. From then on means of transportation is by sea or air with Diskoline from Narsarsuaq to Nanortalik.

There is a ferry stop and a heliport in Nanortalik. Otherwise, like most towns in Greenland, there are no roads connecting it to other towns. Getting to anywhere in Greenland without a tour guide is a challenge.

Get around
The town is only a few hundred yards wide, so getting around Nanortalik should not be a problem.

Eat
There are no restaurants in Nanortalik, although there are two cafés (see below).

Go next
Narsarsuaq, small town with major airport and easy access to glaciers and Valhaltinde.

Igaliku, farming village near Narsarsuaq

Qaqortoq, town of 3,000 people with restaurants and hotels