The Best Hiking Spots in Greenland

Erin

Nov 23, 2023

3 min read

On the west coast of the island of ice is the capital of Greenland. Many of you may know that Greenland is located just northeast of the mainland of Canada, but the name is a bit deceiving. Greenland is covered in glaciers. As part of the Kingdom of Denmark, Greenland has built on the Nordic traditions of Denmark creating their own culture around maritime industries.

Nuuk

As Greenland's capital city, Nuuk is a must visit town. Nuuk is the epicenter of Greenland, with the main university of Greenland calling it home as well as many other influential economic institutes, cultural centers, and even medical centers. This means it is an ideal destination to learn more about the people and even find some great activities.

A rugged, snow-dusted mountain summit featuring loose boulders and expansive views of distant peaks under a clear blue sky. — Lille Malene

Hiking Outside of Nuuk

My best recommendation while you are in Nuuk is to get outside. The outdoors is where Greenland shines. The main hike outside of Nuuk is Lille Malene. The hike wraps around the mountain of Quassussuaq. The hike is just under 7 miles and can be completed in a day with proper planning. This amazing hike starts in the center of Nuuk, wraps behind the airport, and then will lead you off into the beautiful scenery. The route takes you through deep snow, amazing vistas of the fjords, Circus Lake, and even an impromptu ice skating rink. One of the greatest aspects of this hike is that you can start and end in the center of the capital of Greenland.

A small meltwater stream trickling through a frozen, snow-covered landscape in front of steep, rocky mountain cliffs. — Circus Lake

Advanced Hiking Outside of Nuuk

If you are looking for a more advanced route, for a view from the top of the mountain, hike to Store Malene, or Ukkusissat. This hike starts the same as Lille Malene, but at Circus Lake, the route deviates from the trail around the mountain. Once you begin up the mountain, you will start to see amazing views of the longest fjord in the southwest of Greenland. As you continue up the mountain, you'll begin to climb quickly and be led to steep drop-offs. The views are stunning, but it isn't for the faint of heart. This hike is the best during June and July and is virtually inaccessible through the winter.

A massive glacier flowing into a bright blue fjord filled with floating ice against a backdrop of distant mountains. — Glacier near Narsarsuaq

Hiking In Narsarsuaq

If you move a little further away from Nuuk to southwest Greenland, there is amazing hiking in Narsarsuaq, Greenland. This spot is full of amazing sights and a great place to see some of the most stunning glaciers. There are a variety of hikes of all lengths and levels of difficulty. You can hike along ridges to peaks for spectacular views of the fjord.

A hiker standing on a rocky, snow-spotted ridge overlooking a blue bay dense with floating ice and glaciers in Ilulissat, Greenland. — Hiker on Coast of Ilulissat

Greenland Is Calling

Greenland rarely fits the picture people carry in their heads. It is quieter, wilder and far more welcoming than its icy reputation suggests. In Nuuk, you can spend the morning in a capital city shaped by Nordic tradition and Greenlandic culture, then by afternoon stand above a fjord where the only sound is wind moving across the snow. Whether you circle Lille Malene, climb toward the summit of Store Malene in the long light of summer, or follow the trails of Narsarsuaq to the edge of ancient glaciers, this island rewards travelers who are ready to step outside and simply look.

This is a destination for the curious and the unhurried, for anyone who has ever wondered what lies at the top of the world. The ice has been waiting for thousands of years. Your adventure can begin now.

Ready to explore Greenland's fjords, glaciers and mountain trails? Schedule a consultation with me, and let's craft a journey that matches your pace, your interests and your sense of wonder.