Nanortalik is
Greenland's southernmost town and is located in a scenic area with some of Greenland's most picturesque fjords, small woodlands and steep mountainsides. The town's name means "place of polar bears", which refers to the polar bears that occasionally pass through the town in summer, together with the pack ice from the Arctic Ocean.
Nanortalik especially attracts adventurous globetrotters, who travel for themselves, but organised excursions are also arranged in the town. Nanortalik is best known for its natural "skyscrapers", the steep, craggy peaks and vertical rock walls in Tasermiut fjord, Pamialluk and the unique Prince Christian Sound.
Population and industry:
The region of Nanortalik stretches from the island of Qeqertarsuaq over Cape Farewell to the 60 km long Lindenow fjord on the east coast, totalling approx. 15,000 km2. The main industries are seal hunting, fishing, service and administration. 2200 people live in the district around Nanortalik, divided between the town, five settlements and a number of sheep farms. Besides the well-preserved old town, Nanortalik also has a characteristic wooden church from 1916 and an open air museum spread over several buildings.
How to get there:
Via the international airport in Kangerlussuaq you firstly fly to
Narsarsuaq and thereafter to Nanortalik by helicopter (Air Greenland). During the summertime you have the option to reach Nanortalik via a direct international flight to the international airport in Narsarsuaq, where both Air Greenland and Air
Iceland operate. 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.
How to get around:
The area is ideal for walking and the sea - both long and short hikes and boat trips. You can go on fishing trips and excursions by boat. In winter, cars are supplemented with skis and snowmobiles. Transportation between towns and settlements in South Greenland is made by ship or Air Greenland's helicopters.
Where to sleep:
You can stay overnight at a hotel, hostel or privately. In South Greenland you can choose to stay with a family on a sheep farm. One possibility is to put up a tent in the mountains, where the countryside and view pleases you most.
