Cruise Ship Passenger Port of Call Guide to Upernavik, Greenland

Essential Port Information

Port Guide: Upernavik, Greenland

You’ll find Upernavik port on an island in northwest Greenland’s Qaasuitsup region. This Arctic gateway serves cruise ships travelling the Northwest Passage during summer and fall. Your ship will need icebreaker support for docking.

Travel Options:

• Fly to Upernavik Airport with connections to Ilulissat, Qaanaaq and Qaarsut
• Use Royal Arctic Line ferries between villages in summer

Nearby Fjords:

• Upernavik Icefjord: 27.73 km
• Karrat Fjord: 167.39 km
• Kullorsuaq: 202.19 km

Local Features:

• Population: 1,200 residents
• Climate: Subarctic
• Services: Basic amenities
• Activities: Shore excursions through local operators

Your cruise ship will stop here as a key port along the Northwest Passage route, letting you explore this remote Arctic settlement.

Best Time to Visit

Visit Upernavik between mid-July and mid-August for the best cruise ship experience.

During this period, you’ll find mild temperatures and snow-free coastal areas.

Summer brings the midnight sun, giving you 24 hours of daylight to spot wildlife and enjoy outdoor activities.

Want to see the Northern Lights?

You can catch them during autumn or winter when the nights grow longer, creating perfect viewing conditions.

Summer Peak Season

Peak Season: June to September

You’ll find perfect Arctic conditions in Upernavik during summer, with 24-hour daylight and mild temperatures of 6.4°C. The clear waters welcome cruise ships, making it easy to explore the region.

The late summer months offer excellent wildlife spotting. You can watch whales glide through the waters and spot migratory birds along the coast. The snow-free coastal paths create ideal routes for hiking and kayaking adventures.

July brings minimal rainfall of 29mm, though you’ll need mosquito repellent during this period.

Your ship can navigate freely through the ice-free fjords, taking you to hidden settlements across the Upernavik Archipelago. You can step ashore at well-kept landing spots to visit the Upernavik Museum and meet local residents in their communities.

Northern Lights Viewing

You can spot the Northern Lights in Upernavik from September to April, with the best views between December and March. This Greenland cruise port sits far from city lights, making it perfect for aurora watching.

You’ll need these conditions for successful viewing:

• Clear, dark skies
• Patience
• Late-night hours (except in summer)
• A spot away from artificial light

Winter cruise ships offer aurora wake-up calls when displays appear. Strong solar activity boosts your chances of seeing brighter lights. You should join guided tours that take you to darker viewing spots away from the ship’s lighting.

Remember: Summer cruises won’t show the Northern Lights because the midnight sun keeps the sky bright all night.

Best tips for viewing:

• Check weather forecasts regularly
• Dress warmly for outdoor viewing
• Let your eyes adjust to darkness
• Bring a camera with manual settings
• Stay updated on aurora forecasts

Midnight Sun Period

The Midnight Sun transforms Upernavik from May 6th to August 8th, giving you constant daylight. The sun stays visible above the horizon throughout this period, creating perfect conditions for exploring and photography.

You can enjoy these activities during the endless daylight:

1. Take evening boat trips to see sunlit icebergs
2. Walk the town’s hiking trails at any hour
3. Watch and photograph arctic wildlife in constant light

Your cruise visit will give you 24-hour daylight, but the temperature changes regularly. Pack warm layers despite the continuous sun, as Arctic weather can shift quickly.

Tips for your midnight sun visit:

• Bring eye masks for sleeping
• Use sunscreen throughout the day
• Keep track of time, as your body clock might get confused
• Take advantage of the extended photography hours

You’ll find this unique Arctic phenomenon creates an otherworldly experience, making even midnight adventures possible and safe.

Shore Excursion Highlights

Upernavik offers you exciting shore activities for every interest and adventure level. You can join iceberg tours, watch whales, and paddle through icy waters in kayaks.

You’ll experience the northern lights and dog sledding in winter, whilst summer lets you witness the midnight sun.

You can explore local culture at the Upernavik Museum and Open-Air Museum, discovering both Inuit and Viking heritage. The Norse runestone remains on Kingittorsuaq Island tell ancient stories, whilst local festivals showcase living traditions.

You’ll find excellent hiking routes along the coast, and you can join guided hunting trips or fish for arctic char at Eqalugaarsuit.

Photographers and nature enthusiasts will love the Apparsuit Bird Cliffs and Upernavik Icefjord. These natural landmarks offer you stunning views and perfect photo opportunities throughout your visit.

Cultural Etiquette and Local Customs

You’ll find these simple customs helpful during your stay:

Greetings

• Say “Aluu” to greet locals
• Wait for them to offer a handshake
• Keep a comfortable distance
• Use “Aap” or “Amaq” with formal titles

Social Customs

• Accept Kaffemik invitations (traditional coffee gatherings)
• Ask permission before touching crafts or traditional items
• Follow local behaviour in community events
• Respect personal space and boundaries

Key Points to Remember

• Locals value hospitality
• Community spirit matters greatly
• Your respect for traditions will help you connect better
• Kindness is always appreciated and often returned

These customs will help you build genuine connections with Upernavik residents and make your visit more rewarding.

Dining and Local Delicacies

You’ll discover authentic Inuit cuisine throughout Upernavik’s local dining spots.

Traditional dishes include suaasat (a hearty seal stew) and mattak (fresh whale skin), alongside freshly caught fish like halibut and cod.

The town’s seafood markets let you watch local fishermen unload their daily catches of lumpfish and halibut.

Each restaurant in this compact town offers both traditional family recipes and modern takes on local ingredients.

You can walk to any dining spot within minutes, making it easy to sample the region’s specialities.

Traditional Inuit Food Experiences

Traditional Inuit foods in Upernavik let you taste authentic Arctic culture firsthand. You’ll try suaasat (seal soup) and mattak (whale skin with blubber), prepared by local families.

The Tundra to Table programme shows you how Inuit communities preserve their food and rely on sea mammals.

Your Upernavik food experiences include:

1. Arctic char and wild berries, cooked by Inuit chefs
2. Amassat and other fermented foods that showcase traditional storage methods
3. Community meals where you can eat tartarmiut and chat with locals like Miki Siegstad

Inuit foods connect directly to the Arctic landscape, using ingredients from the sea and tundra.

You’ll discover how these dishes help keep Inuit culture alive through shared meals and cooking methods.

The simple, natural approach to food shows you how Inuit people have thrived in the Arctic for generations.

Local Restaurant Options

Upernavik offers you both traditional Greenlandic food and modern dishes.

Cafe De Upernavik stands out as the main spot for breakfast and local meals. You’ll find fresh seafood, reindeer and muskox dishes on their menu.

You can experience authentic Greenlandic cooking in local guesthouses and Inuit homes. These places serve traditional items like mattak – whale skin and blubber.

While Upernavik has fewer restaurants than Ilulissat, each venue focuses on local ingredients and time-honoured cooking methods.

Local festivals give you extra chances to try Greenlandic food and drinks. You’ll join other diners in these community gatherings, making your dining experience more special.

Fresh Seafood Markets

Upernavik’s seafood scene centres on Greenland halibut from the local fishing industry. You can buy fresh catches directly from fish factories and trading posts near the fishing grounds.

Local fishing methods change with the seasons – dinghies operate in summer, while traditional longline fishing happens through the ice in winter.

The local markets offer these traditional foods:

1. Mattak – raw whale skin and blubber (often served with coarse salt)
2. Suaasat – seal meat stew with local vegetables
3. Lumpfish roe – a local alternative to caviar

Market offerings vary by season, which reflects the natural fishing cycles.

You can learn about local fishing methods and cultural traditions by chatting with the fishermen who sell their catch.

Souvenir Shopping Guide

Upernavik offers you authentic Greenlandic souvenirs through its small shops and kiosks. You can find handmade items crafted from local materials, including sealskin, reindeer horn, and muskox wool.

Popular souvenirs include:

• Tupilaks (carved spiritual figures)
• Bone carvings
• Polar bear sculptures
• Traditional ulo (women’s knives)
• Whale baleen products

You need CITES permits for items made from animal products to clear customs. Your purchases directly support local craftspeople and help maintain Greenland’s traditional arts.

Best shopping tips:

• Visit multiple shops to compare prices
• Ask about the artist behind each piece
• Check permit requirements before buying
• Look for quality craftsmanship
• Ask about the material’s origin

Your authentic Greenlandic souvenir will serve as a lasting reminder of Arctic culture and tradition.

Weather and What to Pack

Upernavik’s Weather and Packing Guide

Temperatures in Upernavik range from -13°C to 8°C throughout the year.

You’ll experience polar nights from late October to mid-February and constant daylight between late April and August.

Pack these essential items:

• Base layer: moisture-wicking thermal wear
• Middle layer: warm fleece or wool
• Outer layer: waterproof jacket and trousers

Key Items:

• UV-protective sunglasses
• Waterproof, grip-sole boots
• Thermal blankets
• Hand warmers

Summer Cruise Tips:

You’ll need warm clothing even in summer, as temperatures stay below 10°C.

Rain is common, so your waterproof gear will be essential.

Remember:

• Your base layers keep you dry
• Your middle layers keep you warm
• Your outer layers protect you from wind and rain

You can adjust your layers throughout the day as temperatures change.

Safety and Emergency Protocols

Safety Protocols for Your Upernavik Cruise

Your ship follows strict safety rules for Arctic travel to Upernavik. You’ll notice the vessel maintains clear distances from icebergs and travels at appropriate speeds through ice-filled waters.

The crew uses powerful searchlights to navigate in dark conditions. Your vessel carries comprehensive emergency plans designed for Greenland’s remote setting.

Ships with over 250 passengers require a local navigation expert to guide the journey. Your crew members hold special Arctic certifications and follow international maritime rules.

You should understand that emergency help may take longer to reach you in Upernavik’s isolated location. Your ship works closely with local rescue teams and stays connected with nearby vessels for backup support.

Key Safety Points:

• Your ship maintains safe distances from ice
• Local pilots guide larger vessels
• Crew members have Arctic-specific training
• Emergency services coordinate with local teams
• Nearby ships provide additional support when needed

Frequently Asked Questions

Are There ATMS or Currency Exchange Services Available in Upernavik?

ATMs are available in Upernavik and accept major credit cards for withdrawing Danish Krone (DKK). You should exchange your currency before travelling to Upernavik, as local exchange services are very limited. You can use your credit cards at the ATMs, but DKK remains the preferred payment method throughout the town.

Can Cruise Passengers Visit the Local School or Meet Students?

School visits for cruise passengers require prior arrangements. You must obtain permission from school administrators before any visit. Contact the school or your cruise line’s shore excursion desk to set up official meetings with students. Many local schools have specific guidelines for visitor access, and arranging through official channels ensures a smooth, respectful experience for everyone.

What Wildlife Photography Opportunities Exist From the Cruise Ship Itself?

You can spot over 40 bird species right from the ship’s upper decks. The ship’s railings offer a stable platform for your camera equipment, letting you capture clear shots of seabirds, seals and whales. The elevated position gives you excellent viewing angles without disturbing marine life in their natural habitat.

Is There Public Wifi or Internet Access in Town?

Public WiFi options in town:

• Access at Café de Upernavik’s B&B
• Mobile internet through Tusass network
• Onboard internet on cruise ships

Internet speeds:

• Local connections are slow but functional
• Your cruise ship might offer better speeds

You’ll need to:

• Check with your cruise operator about their internet service
• Consider mobile data options through Tusass
• Plan for limited connectivity during your stay

Are There English-Speaking Medical Professionals at the Local Healthcare Facility?

Limited English-speaking staff are available at Upernavik’s healthcare facility. You’ll find most medical professionals speak Danish as their primary language. You can request an interpreter to help with communication during your visit. If you need urgent care, you can access English-speaking doctors through the facility’s telemedicine service.