Uunartoq, Greenland: Best Things to Do – Top Picks

Did you know that Uunartoq is home to the only hot springs in Greenland warm enough for bathing? At a consistent 38°C (100°F), these geothermal pools offer one of the world’s most surreal bathing experiences — where else can you soak in warm waters while watching icebergs drift by in the distance? This remote island in South Greenland, whose name literally translates to “the warm place,” provides an otherworldly experience that few travelers ever get to enjoy.

Getting to Uunartoq & Planning Your Journey

Reaching Uunartoq requires some planning, as this uninhabited island sits in a remote corner of South Greenland. The journey is part of the adventure, taking you through some of Greenland’s most spectacular fjord landscapes.

Step-by-Step Travel Route

• Fly to Greenland (typically via Copenhagen or Reykjavik) to either Narsarsuaq or Qaqortoq. should be booked well in advance as options are limited.
• From Qaqortoq, arrange a boat transfer to Uunartoq Island (approximately 1-1.5 hours by fast boat).
• If arriving at Narsarsuaq, you’ll need to take a boat to Qaqortoq first, then continue to Uunartoq.

Most visitors experience Uunartoq as a day trip from Qaqortoq, though adventurous travelers can arrange camping permits for overnight stays. Local tour operators in Qaqortoq and Nanortalik offer regular boat excursions during the summer season.

Best Time to Visit Uunartoq

The hot springs maintain their warm 38°C (100°F) temperature year-round, but accessibility varies dramatically with the seasons. Here’s when to plan your visit:

Summer offers the most reliable access and comfortable experience. The contrast between the warm water and cool air creates a magical steamy atmosphere. In September, you might even catch the Northern Lights while soaking in the hot springs – a truly unforgettable experience.

Getting Around Locally

Uunartoq is an uninhabited island with no roads or vehicles. Here’s what you need to know about local transportation:

• Water taxis and tour boats are the only way to reach the island
• The hot springs are a short 5-10 minute walk from the boat landing
• No public transportation exists on the island
• Qaqortoq (the nearest town) has limited taxi services for getting to the harbor

If you’re staying in Qaqortoq, most accommodations are within walking distance of the harbor where boats depart for Uunartoq. For those planning to explore more of South Greenland beyond Uunartoq, are available in larger towns, though their use is limited to local road networks.

Where to Stay Near Uunartoq

While camping on Uunartoq is possible with proper permits, most visitors stay in nearby towns. Here are your best accommodation options:

Qaqortoq Accommodations

Nanortalik, another town from which tours to Uunartoq depart, offers similar accommodation options though with fewer choices. Booking accommodations well in advance is essential, especially during the peak summer season.

Dining & Local Cuisine

There are no dining facilities on Uunartoq Island, so visitors typically bring picnics or snacks to enjoy at the hot springs. Many tour operators include light refreshments in their packages.

Dining in Qaqortoq

Before or after your hot springs visit, explore these dining options in Qaqortoq:

• Hotel Qaqortoq Restaurant – Offers Greenlandic specialties including musk ox, reindeer, and fresh seafood
• Cafe Heidi – Cozy spot for coffee, pastries, and light meals
• Napparsivik Restaurant – Local favorite serving traditional dishes with modern touches

What to Pack for Your Hot Springs Visit

Attractions & Activities at Uunartoq

The Hot Springs Experience

The main attraction of Uunartoq is, of course, the hot springs. Here’s what to expect:

• A stone-dammed pool with sandy bottom (much more comfortable than muddy hot springs elsewhere)
• Consistent 38°C (100°F) water temperature
• No sulfur smell (unlike volcanic hot springs)
• Changing facilities in a small white hut near the springs
• Breathtaking views of mountains and drifting icebergs

There are actually two pools on the island – the main one near the changing facilities, and a smaller one closer to the fjord. Both offer similar temperatures but slightly different views.

Beyond the Hot Springs

While the hot springs are the main draw, Uunartoq offers other activities for visitors:

Cultural Significance & History

Uunartoq’s hot springs have been known and used for thousands of years, with a rich history that adds depth to your visit:

Viking Connections

The Norse settlers who arrived in Greenland around 1,000 years ago were well aware of Uunartoq’s healing waters. According to local stories, Leif Erikson himself bathed in these springs before his voyage to North America. A Benedictine Abbey once stood in the fjord near Uunartoq, with monks likely using the springs for their therapeutic properties.

Local Legends

Despite its allure, Uunartoq has never been permanently settled. Local folklore speaks of ghosts that haunt the springs, hiding in the sea fog that often envelops the area. These stories may explain why such a seemingly valuable resource remained uninhabited, though the harsh climate and limited vegetation likely played a more practical role.

Today, the hot springs serve as an important recreational site for local Greenlanders as well as visitors, continuing a tradition of enjoyment that spans centuries.

Practical Travel Tips

Safety Considerations

• Always wear the flotation suit provided on boat transfers
• Bring warm, windproof clothing even in summer
• The temperature difference between the hot springs and air can be shocking – exit slowly
• There are no medical facilities on the island – basic first aid is available on tour boats
• Weather can change rapidly – be prepared for rain or wind

Communication & Connectivity

Cell phone coverage is limited or non-existent on Uunartoq Island. Your last chance for reliable connectivity will be in Qaqortoq or Nanortalik before departure. Consider this a perfect opportunity to disconnect and fully immerse yourself in the experience.

Final Thoughts: Is Uunartoq Worth the Journey?

Uunartoq represents one of those rare travel experiences that truly deserves the overused term “unique.” The juxtaposition of warm, soothing waters against a backdrop of icebergs and Arctic mountains creates a sensory experience unlike any other on Earth.

While reaching this remote corner of Greenland requires effort and planning, those who make the journey are rewarded with an unforgettable memory. Soaking in these ancient waters connects you not only to the raw beauty of the Arctic but also to the Vikings who discovered these springs a millennium ago.

Whether you’re an adventure seeker, a nature lover, or simply someone who appreciates extraordinary experiences, Uunartoq deserves a place on your travel wish list. The effort to reach this remote paradise only makes the warm embrace of its waters all the more satisfying.