Upernavik
in Greenland

Upernavik

Upernavik, also known as Upernavik Kujalleq, is a town in the Qaasuitsup municipality in northwestern Greenland. It is the northernmost town in the world. Located on the Upernavik Archipelago, it is situated on a small island called Upernavik Island, which is located off the west coast of Greenland.

The town has a population of 1,063 as of 2018 and is the administrative center of the Upernavik region. The town is served by Upernavik Airport and is connected by a ferry to Upernavik Kujalleq, a nearby settlement.

Upernavik has a subarctic climate with long, cold winters and short, cool summers. The average temperature in January is -13°C and in July is 8°C.

Upernavik has a long history, dating back to the 16th century when the area was first settled by the Inuit people. The area was used for hunting, fishing and trading and was an important trading center for the Inuit.

In the 19th century, the area was explored by Danish and British explorers. In 1818, the British explorer John Ross named the area Upernavik, which means “north of the navigable waters”.

In the 20th century, Upernavik was an important center for the whaling industry. The town was also a base for American and British military operations during World War II.

Today, Upernavik is a popular tourist destination. It is known for its beautiful landscape, unique culture and wildlife. The town is also home to a number of museums and galleries, as well as a variety of shops and restaurants.

Experience Upernavik with unforgettable activities by our partner GetYourGuide. The offer is also ideal as a special gift idea for family and friends who are planning to visit Upernavik. Cancellations are possible up to 24h before the start of the activity (unless otherwise stated in the activity description), with a full refund of the booking price.

The climate in Upernavik

Upernavik in Greenland experiences a cold Arctic climate with long, cold winters and short, cool summers. In winter, temperatures average -10°C to -20°C, with temperatures sometimes dropping as low as -40°C. Snowfall is common throughout the winter months, and the sea ice is usually frozen solid. In summer, temperatures are milder, averaging between 0°C and 10°C, with occasional highs of up to 20°C. Rainfall is common during the summer months, and the sea ice begins to melt. Spring and autumn are transitional seasons, with temperatures ranging from -5°C to 10°C.

Cruise weather for Upernavik

Our weather forecast for Upernavik helps plan your stay according to the weather. For sunny days, pack light and breathable clothes, swimwear, and sunscreen. For winter weather, it's recommended to bring warm clothes, gloves, a hat, sturdy footwear, and a raincoat.

Galery: Upernavik

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