Making the most of Qaanaq Thule
Use these notes to shape a realistic day ashore, then confirm any time-sensitive information for the date of your call.
Arriving at the port
Ships moor or anchor at this port, so tenders bring passengers ashore.
Qaanaaq is the world's northernmost municipality, while Siorapaluk is the world's most northerly settlement. The Qaanaaq area brings visitors particularly close to what many regard as the original Greenlandic hunting culture. It is also celebrated for exceptionally high-quality Ultima Thule arts and crafts, sold across Greenland.
When the American air base at Thule, also known as Dundas, expanded in 1953, the original residents were relocated 100 km (60 miles) north. An entirely new town, Qaanaaq, was built there.
Several dramatic events are associated with this far-northern town. Seven of polar explorer Knud Rasmussen's expeditions departed from Qaanaaq, and American explorer Robert Peary also set out from here in his 1909 attempt to reach the North Pole.
Getting around
No roads connect Greenland's towns, leaving travel to planes or ships. The Arctic climate can sometimes be extreme and places substantial safety demands on transport, all of which Greenlandic operators meet. For shorter trips outside town, local residents use their own boats, dogsleds or snowmobiles.
Food and shopping
Greenlandic souvenirs are distinctive handmade works of art unlike anything available elsewhere in the world. A Greenlandic artist shapes and designs every piece, following tradition and custom while also producing a unique creation that incorporates personal ideas and skills. As a visitor, you will have plenty of opportunities to find precisely the kind of object you are seeking.
Money
Many hotels, restaurants and shops accept credit cards, but bringing a small quantity of Danish kroner to Greenland is recommended because some ATMs may be out of service at weekends.
Staying connected
Visitors to Greenland will understand absolutely nothing when Greenlandic, or ‘kalaallisut', is spoken; the name actually means ‘the Greenlanders' language'.
Danish is more or less the second language, with English used less widely.
For Internet and e-mail, take your laptop. Most major hotels have established hotspots for Internet access. Several larger towns contain Internet cafés, and some tourist offices also allow visitors to check web mail.
Greenland's mobile phone network uses GSM 900/1800.
Opening Hours and
Supermarkets in the principal towns typically open on weekdays from 10:00 – 17:30, extending to 18:00 on Fridays, and from 09:00 – 13:00 on Saturdays. Many towns also have corner shops and grocers with longer hours that include Sundays.