Nanortalik, Greenland

The port of Paamiut was canceled due to horrendous fog conditions, and we instead sailed an additional day to Nanortalik, Greenland.  A tender port, Cheryl and I were among the first passengers off the ship and once again, wondered where the local residents were. It was, afteall, 8:30 in the morning!

Travel to a small island near the mouth of the Tasermiut Fjord at the very southern tip of the world’s largest island – Greenland – and you’ll find the small town of Nanortalik, which translates to the “place of polar bears.” The city’s settlement dates back to the late 18^th century with Norsemen firsts setting foot on the land. It wasn’t until later when the far north Inuit arrived on the scene and a trading depot was erected.

Today, the area’s main industries are crab fishing, seal hunting, fishing, and gold mining. Nanortalik serves as a unique tourist destination for those folks seeking pristine wilderness, simple living, and magnificent wildlife.

We walked our farthest today – a good 2.5 – 3 miles. That said, it was a good hour before we ran into local residents. Unfortunately, English wasn’t spoken, at least by those we ran into – but all were friendly.