When the air is cold, and the sea is full of icebergs, a heated natural outdoor spa is the perfect place to be. A hot spring is a body of water that has the same temperature year round and is warmer than the outside air. Due to the volcanic activity in Greenland, there are plenty of hot springs around the island but only those on Uunartoq, an uninhabited island between Qaqortoq and Nanortalik in southern Greenland, have suitable temperatures to bathe in. Both tourists and locals love to lie back and relax in these natural pools while enjoying the beautiful views of mountain peaks and icebergs. After bathing visitors often have picnics and drink champagne near the springs. When it gets slightly colder in September it's a nice time to enjoy the contrast between the cold air and the hot water.
The map below depicts the two starting points of the Uunartoq hot springs trips—Qaqortoq and Nanortalik, so you can choose where to start off.
Practical info
Where are the Uunartoq hot springs located?
Situated between Qaqortoq and Nanortalik in southern Greenland lies the uninhabited island on which the Uunartoq hot springs are located. Visitors can only reach this island by taking ferries from either of these two points. Show more
What is the best time to visit the hot springs in Greenland for comfortable bathing?
Comfortable bathing in the Uunartoq hot springs can be experienced from June to mid-September. The temperature of these natural outdoor hot springs remains consistent throughout the year, giving visitors the ability to take a dip any time of the year. Tourists like to indulge in champagne and picnics after soaking in the springs. Show more
Are there any activities to do near the hot springs in Uunartoq?
Aside from immersing themselves in the hot springs, tourists can enjoy the picturesque view of the mountain peaks and icebergs from the island. After a relaxing dip in the hot springs, visitors often enjoy picnics with champagne. Uunartoq Island doesn't have any human inhabitants, but it's an excellent place for visitors to hike or watch the Northern Lights. Show more
How can tourists reach Uunartoq Island and the hot springs?
To reach Uunartoq Island, tourists need to take ferries from the two starting points in southern Greenland, Qaqortoq and Nanortalik. It's a three-hour trip that offers the chance to see Wilderness Greenland. There are no pathways to the hot springs, so visitors have to trek on foot to get there. As the terrain is challenging, travellers are advised to go with a guide. Show more
Can visitors stay on Uunartoq Island overnight?
Travellers can't stay overnight on Uunartoq Island as it doesn't have any hotels. Visitors can opt for accommodation in Qaqortoq or Nanortalik before or after visiting the hot springs. The ferry that ferries take visitors to the island only operates on the same day. Uunartoq Island doesn't have any essential facilities, so visitors must come prepared with food and water supplies. Show more
