Qaanaaq Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Photo provided by NASA / Michael Studinger/visitgreenland.com

Experience Inuit culture or go on an adventure through the Arctic wilderness at the top of the world, touted by ancient philosophers as the edge of known territory.

Qaanaaq, formerly known as Thule, has long been known to poets, explorers and philosophers as the edge of the known world. Ancient Inuit people were the first pioneers to this rugged region and many cultural traditions are still a part of everyday life. Go kayaking in Baffin Bay or dogsledding through a staggeringly beautiful landscape of sweeping white slopes and craggy mountaintops.

Visit the Qaanaaq Museum to learn about this fascinating outpost’s history. Officially established in 1953 by the American air force, Qaanaaq began as an accompanying township to the Thule Air Base. Chat to local Qaanaaq people to learn the customs of the town, which include traditional hunting and concerts of local Inuit music. Admire local handicrafts made from walrus and narwhal tusks or watch the local choir dressed in Greenlandic costumes. Learn about the expeditions of Robert Peary and Knud Rasmussen and their adventures to the North Pole.

Exceptionally high latitudes mean you can go dogsledding almost year-round. With more huskies than humans, Qaanaaq is the perfect place to experience the snow-laden terrain with a team of dogs. Discover breathtaking landscapes from your sled as the dogs dash over the frozen sea. You can check out the southern mountains or join a local on an ice-fishing trip.

Go on an unforgettable hike under the midnight sun in summertime and wander over the hillsides to glimpse views of Baffin Bay. You can reach Greenland’s Ice Sheet within a few hours on foot. Go sailing around the bay to spot islands and icebergs or visit nearby villages.

Reach Qaanaaq via cruise ship or plane. Get to Qaanaaq Airport via Upernavik from the international airport in Kangerlussuaq. You may need to get permission from the Danish Government to arrive at Thule Air Base. The town is 18.6 miles (30 kilometers) from the Canadian border in far northwestern Greenland. Experience 24-hour sunlight between April and late August. Visit Qaanaaq at any time of the year to experience the fortitude of one of the world’s most northerly towns.

Hotel Hans Egede
Hotel Hans Egede
4 out of 5
Aqqusinersuaq 1-3, Nuuk
The price is Rp5.113.443 per night from 11 Jun to 12 Jun
Rp5.113.443
Rp5.113.443 total
11 Jun - 12 Jun
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Nuuk. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Popular attractions Katuaq Cultural Centre and Nuuk Art ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (80 reviews)
"Great location and helpful staff. Will miss Nuuk!"

Reviewed on 4 May 2025

Hotel Hans Egede
HOTEL SØMA Nuuk
HOTEL SØMA Nuuk
2.5 out of 5
Marinevej 3, Nuuk, Nuuk
The price is Rp2.231.052 per night from 24 May to 25 May
Rp2.231.052
Rp2.231.052 total
24 May - 25 May
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Nuuk. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Popular attractions Nuuk Harbour and Nuuk Art Museum are located ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (76 reviews)
"This is an older hotel but nice. Friendly and helpful staff. Restaurant attached was adequate. One night stay swapping planes. Would come back."

Reviewed on 14 Jan 2025

HOTEL SØMA Nuuk
Tuukkaq Apartments
Tuukkaq Apartments
1 out of 5
Tuukkaq, Nuuk, Sermersooq
The price is Rp2.466.490 per night from 26 May to 27 May
Rp2.466.490
Rp2.466.490 total
26 May - 27 May
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hostel in Nuuk. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Nuuk Golf Club and Nuuk Harbour are located nearby.
Excellent hostel in Nuuk
"A fabulous hostel in Nuuk. Modern, spacious, very clean and with everything one would need. Its only 5 minutes in taxi from the airport, but 10-15 mins into city centre by car, so if you have a car its really easy. If not there is a bus stop about 5 mins walk (which I didn't do), or a taxi fare one ..."

Reviewed on 24 Mar 2025

Tuukkaq Apartments
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Hotel Nordbo
Hotel Nordbo
3 out of 5
Vandsøvej 13, Nuuk
Stay at this 3-star apartment in Nuuk. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Nuuk Art Museum and Nuuk Stadium are located ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (22 reviews)
"Good place."

Reviewed on 5 Mar 2025

Hotel Nordbo
Nordbo i Centrum
Nordbo i Centrum
3 out of 5
Samuelkleinsmidtsvej 11, Nuuk
Stay at this 3-star apartment in Nuuk. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Katuaq Cultural Centre and National Greenland ...
"Der er behagelig at bo her i centrum der er stille og roligt"

Reviewed on 16 Dec 2024

Nordbo i Centrum
Nuuk Hotel Apartments by HHE
Nuuk Hotel Apartments by HHE
3.5 out of 5
Samuel Kleinschmidtip Aqqutaa, Nuuk, Sermersooq Kommune
Stay at this 3.5-star aparthotel in Nuuk. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and premium bedding. Popular attractions Nuuk’s Boardwalk and Katuaq Cultural ...
"Great apartment close to everything."

Reviewed on 17 Jul 2024

Nuuk Hotel Apartments by HHE
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.