Upernavik City
Greenlandic town and remote Arctic fishing port
Arctic archipelago town where hunting and fishing sustain Inuit life. Visitors come for boat trips among ice floes, dog-sled demonstrations, midnight sun in summer and northern lights in winter.
Upernavik at a Glance#
Costs: $200-400 per day (remote Arctic pricing) - very expensive due to remoteness: air/boat transfers, tours and specialty services.
Safety: Generally safe, but environmentally hazardous - socially safe but extreme weather and sea ice present real risks; prepare properly.
Best Time: June-August (summer), February-March (aurora) - summer for midnight sun and boat excursions; winter for northern lights and polar conditions.
Why Visit Upernavik?#
Scattered across a high Arctic archipelago, this Greenlandic town attracts travelers drawn to Inuit culture, sea-ice panoramas and a compact community life. Kayak tradition, dog-sled heritage and the Upernavik Museum offer insights into local craftsmanship and history, while boat trips reveal iceberg fields and remote hunting grounds. Long polar nights bring aurora viewing and daylight in summer opens endless island-hopping possibilities, combining culture with dramatic northern landscapes.
Upernavik Bucket List#
Upernavik Museum - Visit Upernavik Museum showcasing Inuit art, tools and the archipelago’s maritime history.
Harbour and traditional wooden houses - Walk the harbour and traditional timber houses clustered along the fjord’s shoreline.
Boat tours of the archipelago - Take a boat trip into the Upernavik Archipelago for ice, seals and seabird colonies.
Local craft workshops - Meet artisans crafting tupilaks, bone jewellery and Greenlandic handicrafts in small studios.
Seasonal whale and seal spotting spots - Find quiet headlands where locals watch for whales, seals and migrating seabirds.
Small island church visits - Visit tiny island chapels in the archipelago to see local religious history and views.
Aappilattoq and neighbouring settlements - Take a day boat to Aappilattoq to visit traditional settlements in the archipelago.
Explore the Upernavik Icefjord - Explore the Upernavik Icefjord for dramatic pack ice, bergs and wildlife viewing by boat.
Best Time to Visit Upernavik#
Visit in summer for the midnight sun, boat access, and the mildest weather - though temperatures remain cool. Winter is for serious Arctic adventurers seeking polar darkness and ice.
November - March
-25 to -10 °C (-13 to 14 °F)
Brutally cold and dark with long nights; dramatic ice scenery and serious winter conditions - travel here only if you love Arctic extremes.
April - May
-10 to 2 °C (14 to 36 °F)
Thawing ice and unpredictable weather; rough travel conditions but fewer people and interesting wildlife movements.
June - August
0 to 8 °C (32 to 46 °F)
Short, cool summer with endless daylight - best time for boats, coastal hikes, and experiencing Arctic light without extreme cold.
Polar climate with cold summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in March). Temperatures range from -23°C to 8°C. Very dry conditions with minimal rainfall.
January
January is freezing with highs of -14°C and lows of -19°C. Light rainfall and partly cloudy skies.
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February
February is freezing with highs of -17°C and lows of -22°C. Light rainfall and partly cloudy skies.
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March
March is the coldest month with highs of -17°C and lows of -23°C. The driest month with just 7 mm and partly cloudy skies.
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April
April is freezing with highs of -10°C and lows of -16°C. Light rainfall and partly cloudy skies.
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May
May is freezing with highs of -2°C and lows of -6°C. Light rainfall and mostly overcast skies.
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June
June is cold with highs of 4°C and lows of 0°C. Light rainfall and mostly overcast skies.
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July
July is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of 3°C. Light rainfall and mostly overcast skies.
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August
August is cold with highs of 7°C and lows of 3°C. Light rainfall and mostly overcast skies.
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September
September is cold with highs of 3°C and lows of -1°C. The wettest month with 36 mm of rain and mostly overcast skies.
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October
October is freezing with highs of -2°C and lows of -5°C. Light rainfall and mostly overcast skies.
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November
November is freezing with highs of -6°C and lows of -9°C. Moderate rainfall (31 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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December
December is freezing with highs of -10°C and lows of -14°C. Light rainfall.
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How to Get to Upernavik#
Upernavik (Avannaata, Greenland) is reached primarily by scheduled Air Greenland flights to Upernavik Airport (JUV) from other Greenlandic hubs. There is no rail network and local inter-settlement transport often uses boats or helicopters; plan connections carefully and expect seasonal timetables.
Upernavik Airport (JUV): Upernavik has an airport (ICAO/IATA code JUV) served by Air Greenland with scheduled connections to other Greenlandic hubs. Flights are the main way in - schedules vary seasonally and flights often operate via regional hops.
Ilulissat / Sisimiut / Nuuk (via connecting flights): If you’re arriving from outside Greenland you will typically connect via Nuuk (GOH), Ilulissat (JAV) or other regional airports. Connections to Upernavik are operated by Air Greenland with multiple short hops; total travel time depends on routing and can include overnight connections.
Train: Greenland has no rail network.
Bus / Boat / Helicopter: Within Greenland, many coastal communities are linked by boat or helicopter rather than roads. In Upernavik region, transfers may include small plane or helicopter legs and boat services; local transport arrangements are coordinated with Air Greenland and local operators, and timetables change seasonally.
How to Get Around Upernavik#
Expect all travel to be dominated by regional air and boat services; plan connections via Greenlandic hubs and be flexible - schedules change with seasons and weather.
- Air Greenland flights (Varies widely (book with carrier)) - Air Greenland operates scheduled flights into Upernavik from regional hubs. Flights are the main transport lifeline for passengers and cargo; book well in advance and allow margin for weather-related changes.
- Boat / Ferry (seasonal) (Varies (operator dependent)) - Coastal boat services operate in summer and link settlements in the archipelago; schedules are seasonal and weather-dependent. Boats can carry passengers and limited cargo but are not daily in all months.
- Helicopter (regional) (High (operator dependent)) - In some seasons or for specific routes, helicopter transfers serve small settlements - these are arranged by regional operators and typically more expensive than fixed-wing flights or boats.
- Taxi / Local transport (Varies (local rates)) - Within Upernavik town, taxis or small local vehicles handle transfers between the airport, harbour and accommodation. Availability can be limited - coordinate with hosts where possible.
- Walking - Upernavik’s town centre is compact and easily explored on foot; walking is the practical way to get around the settlements once you arrive. Weather-appropriate clothing is essential year-round.
Where to Stay in Upernavik#
Upernavik town centre - DKK 600-1,200/night
Upernavik is remote with a few guesthouses and simple hotels; expect basic facilities, high seasonal prices, and limited availability.
Upernavik guesthouses and guest rooms - Simple local guesthouses.
Visit Greenland listings for Upernavik - Local accommodation listings and contacts.
Upernavik harbour area - DKK 1,200-2,500/night
Mid-range choices are modest, locally run guesthouses with good local hospitality; don’t expect international hotel chains or lavish amenities.
Local mid-range guesthouses (regional listing) - Comfortable local-run stays.
Regional lodging options (Visit Greenland) - Practical info and contacts.
Region-wide / charter lodges - DKK 3,000+/night
There are no conventional luxury hotels; wealthy travellers book private lodges or expedition-charter packages for a high-end Greenland experience.
Private lodges & expedition charters - Chartered, premium adventure stays.
Greenland luxury travel operators - Arrange bespoke high-end experiences.
Shopping in Upernavik#
Shopping is limited to a small selection of general stores and co‑operative shops providing essentials. You can also find locally made handicrafts and practical outdoor gear, but selection is much smaller than in larger Greenlandic towns. For specialised purchases you’ll need to order in advance or travel to a larger hub.
Nightlife in Upernavik#
Nightlife is very modest and community-focused - a few cafés or local bars and scheduled cultural events are the main evening options. Don’t expect a tourist nightlife scene; social life often revolves around community gatherings and seasonal events.