A far-northern fishing town on a rocky Arctic island
A town of around 1,100 people on a tiny, steep island in far northwest Greenland, one of the northernmost towns in the country. Its name means 'springtime place', and it survives on halibut fishing amid a scatter of small hunting settlements along the ice-bound coast.
Founded as a trading post in 1772, Upernavik is home to what is often described as Greenland's oldest museum. Nearby, on Kingittorsuaq island, a small runestone carved by Norse Greenlanders in the 13th or 14th century was discovered — among the northernmost traces of medieval Norse activity in the Americas.
Best Jul–Sep (midnight sun) · Dark Oct–May — this reflects Greenland's seasonal weather and crowds.
Schengen-adjacent — visa-free (most passports). Entry rules depend on your nationality and change often — always confirm with the official Greenland government or embassy before you travel.
Danish Krone (DKK). You can convert USD to the live local rate right on this page.
Greenlandic is the primary language in Greenland.
Dial 112 for emergencies in Greenland.
Tap water here is generally rated "Tap safe". When unsure, choose sealed bottled or filtered water.
Type C/E/F/K. Bring a compatible adapter — you can build a full packing list for Upernavik on this page.
Safety varies by neighbourhood and changes over time, so there's no one-word answer. The local emergency number is 112. Check SkyOSK's safety notes for Upernavik and your government's current travel advisory before you go.