North Greenland (very remote)

North Greenland is not for the casual traveler, but for families with a spirit of exploration, it offers rewards that are hard to match anywhere else on the planet. This is the "real" Greenland in the eyes of many locals—a place where dog sledding is not just a tour activity but a primary mode of winter transport, and where traditional hunting culture is vibrantly alive. The landscape is dominated by the spectacular Uummannaq Fjord, often cited as one of the most beautiful fjord systems in the world. The climate here is high Arctic; it is drier and more stable than further south, often resulting in brilliantly clear blue skies that contrast sharply with the icebergs.

The town of Uummannaq is located on a small island, overshadowed by the dramatic, heart-shaped Uummannaq Mountain. Legend says that a piece of your heart will remain here forever when you leave, summoning you back. For children, the town has a magical claim to fame: it is considered the home of Santa Claus in Danish tradition, complete with a turf hut "Santa's Castle" that can be visited. The lifestyle here is slower and more communal. Families visiting will see sled dogs chained outside nearly every home (keep children at a safe distance!) and racks of fish drying in the sun. It provides a powerful educational experience about how humans adapt to extreme environments. While the vast Northeast Greenland National Park technically falls into the northern geographic definitions, it is virtually inaccessible to tourists; the Uummannaq region is the accessible heart of the north.

Key Attractions

The visual anchor of the region is Uummannaq Mountain. While climbing it is for technical mountaineers only, its presence looms over every activity, creating a stunning backdrop for photos and family walks around the island. The island itself is small enough to explore on foot, with rocky coves and viewpoints that look out over the iceberg-filled ocean.

A boat tour into the Uummannaq Fjord is the primary excursion. The fjord is teeming with icebergs and marine life, including whales in the summer. Tours often stop at the "Desert," a unique area with yellow sand and rare minerals that looks entirely out of place in the Arctic. Another highlight for kids is the visit to Santa’s Cabin (Julemandens Hytte), a traditional turf hut located a short hike outside of town. It’s a whimsical touch in a rugged landscape that helps connect younger children to the destination.

Practical Advice

Travel here requires patience. Flights are weather-dependent and involve helicopter transfers. The best time for families is summer (July–August) for boat tours or March–April for dog sledding on sea ice. Facilities are basic; do not expect luxury hotels. Wi-Fi is often slow or non-existent, making this a true digital detox.

Food & Drink

Typical meal times:

Meal times are standard (Lunch 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm, Dinner 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm), but restaurants are very few. You will likely eat at your guesthouse or hotel.

Typical meal costs:

Dining options are limited to one or two places in Uummannaq. A dinner costs 150–250 DKK (approx. $22–36 USD / €20–33 EUR). Prices in the local grocery store (Pissifik or Pilersuisoq) are high due to air freight.

Dietary requirements:

Very difficult. Fresh vegetables are rare and expensive. Vegetarian options are virtually non-existent in restaurants unless pre-arranged. Families with allergies or specific diets MUST bring their own staple foods.

Signature dishes:

• Mattak – Raw whale skin with a thin layer of blubber. It is a vitamin C powerhouse and a chewy, nutty treat offered to honored guests.
• Reindeer Soup – A hearty, warming broth filled with chunks of reindeer meat, potatoes, and carrots, perfect after a cold boat ride.
• Catfish – Known locally as wolf-fish, this ugly but delicious fish has firm, lobster-like meat and is a staple in the north.