Plan Your Visit
Nestled south of Nuuk, Paamiut enchants with its polar tundra climate and unique natural phenomena, from icebergs drifting in with the East Greenland Current to the unfrozen surrounding seas in winter. This gateway offers a blend of adventure and tranquility, inviting exploration in all seasons. As you consider this remarkable destination, our Planning Resources section provides essential information to help tailor your journey to Paamiut, ensuring a memorable and well-informed adventure.
Getting Here
Plan your travel route to Paamiut, exploring transportation options and travel tips.
Where to stay
Discover comfortable and authentic accommodations in Paamiut, ensuring a memorable stay.
Local cuisine
Flavours of Paamiut through its local cuisine, offering a taste of traditional Greenlandic dishes.
Time to visit?
Paamiut’s summer for hiking and sailing, or winter for snow sports and the northern lights?
Getting Here
Reaching Paamiut, a gem hidden within the captivating landscapes of Greenland, offers an adventure in itself. This remote town is well-connected by air and sea, providing visitors with a glimpse of the Arctic’s breathtaking beauty even before they arrive.
By Air
Air travel is the most direct route to Paamiut, with flights available from Nuuk, Greenland’s capital, and Narsarsuaq, a town with an international airport. These flights offer a scenic journey over Greenland’s rugged terrain, providing passengers with stunning aerial views of icebergs, fjords, and the expansive Arctic wilderness. Flight schedules and availability can vary seasonally, so it’s advisable to book well in advance and check for the latest information with airlines.
By Sea
For those seeking a more leisurely pace, the Sarfaq Ittuk passenger ferry provides a unique opportunity to travel along Greenland’s west coast. This ferry service connects Paamiut with other coastal communities, allowing travelers to experience the incredible shoreline, spot wildlife, and meet locals and other travelers alike. The ferry journey is an experience in itself, featuring panoramic views of the coast and the chance to witness Greenland’s marine life up close. Schedules for the Sarfaq Ittuk ferry are seasonal, with departures typically twice a week, so planning ahead is crucial.
When planning your visit to Paamiut, consider its burgeoning status as a unique cruise destination. This picturesque settlement on Greenland’s coast has increasingly caught the attention of cruise lines, seeking to offer their passengers an authentic and less-travelled experience. While detailed and current information about the exact number of cruises making calls to Paamiut can be found on the official Visit Greenland call list, the town’s inclusion in cruise itineraries highlights its appeal and the exceptional opportunities for visitors to immerse in its rich cultural heritage and stunning natural landscapes.
Whether arriving by air or sea, getting to Paamiut is an integral part of your Greenland adventure, setting the tone for an unforgettable visit. Each mode of travel offers its own unique perspectives and experiences, ensuring that your journey to Paamiut will be as memorable as the time you spend exploring this magnificent town.
Activities
Discover Paamiut through a spectrum of activities and experiences, spanning summer adventures, winter wonders, and the deep roots of our cultural heritage.
Photo – Aningaaq R. Carlsen, Visit Greenland
Where to stay in Paamiut
For accommodations in Paamiut, there are a few key places to consider, each offering a unique experience.
Hotel Ivaana
Hotel Ivaana is centrally located in Paamiut, providing a convenient base for exploring the town. It’s known for its welcoming atmosphere and services tailored to visitors’ needs.
Hotel Paamiut
Hotel Paamiut is another option for visitors, offering comfortable lodging and easy access to local attractions.
Mikisoq Indkvatering
Mikisoq Indkvatering offers a more personal touch, with options for private and shared accommodations. It’s ideal for travelers looking to immerse themselves in local culture.
Explore Paamiut
Discover Paamiut’s breathtaking landscapes, rich history, and vibrant wildlife
Photo – Peter Lindstrom , Visit Greenland
Local Cuisine & Dining
The local cuisine in Paamiut offers a genuine taste of Greenlandic culture, featuring fresh seafood, traditional recipes, and unique Arctic ingredients. While specific dining options in Paamiut may be limited, the town’s eateries and local guesthouses often provide meals, serving dishes made from locally sourced fish, seal, and other game, prepared in both traditional and contemporary styles.
Cafe Tamu Paamiut
At Cafe Tamu, you can experience a variety of dishes including their daily specials which feature traditional Greenlandic ingredients and flavors.
Nano Baari
Nano Baari – a local favourite, known as both a bar and pub, where visitors can enjoy a relaxed atmosphere and engage with the community.
Best time to visit Paamiut?
Situated south of Nuuk at 61.59°N, Paamiut experiences a polar tundra climate characteristic of Greenland’s west coast. The sea around it remains unfrozen in winter, yet it welcomes icebergs via the East Greenland Current, particularly in autumn.
Summer
Summer in Paamiut (April to October) offers an inviting range of temperatures between 1°C and 10°C, creating ideal conditions for exploring the outdoors. This season is perfect for sailing through the fjords, where icebergs and marine life add to the majestic scenery, and for hiking across the rugged terrain, offering breathtaking views under the midnight sun.
Winter
Winter (January to March), with temperatures hovering between -10°C and -2°C, transforms Paamiut into a winter wonderland, ideal for snow-related activities. It’s a prime time for skiing and snowshoeing across the serene, snow-laden landscapes. Additionally, the dark winter nights provide a perfect backdrop for the awe-inspiring northern lights, offering a unique spectacle that attracts visitors from around the world seeking this incredible natural phenomenon.
MEAN TEMPERATURES BY MONTH (1991-2020)
Planning Resources
For effective trip planning to Paamiut, explore these essential resources:
Travel SIM
Stay connected effortlessly on your Greenland adventure with our Travel SIM, offering seamless mobile service tailored for visitors.
Weather Forecast
For up-to-date weather forecasts, visit Windy, a tool offering detailed weather patterns including wind, rain, temperature, and more.
Mapping Portal
Explore Greenland’s landscapes, featuring satellite imagery, detailed settlement maps by Asiaq, and societal insights.
Scanmaps.dk
Visit Scanmaps.dk for a curated selection of maps, travel guides, and decorative items, ideal for travelers and decor enthusiasts alike.
Shopping in Paamiut
Paamiut offers a couple of shopping options for visitors. There are two main supermarkets, Pilersuisoq and Brugseni, along with several smaller kiosks scattered throughout the town. Campers with a light packing list might find some basic supplies at these stores or at Isenkram, the hardware shop located by the harbor.
For a unique souvenir and a chance to delve into the local history and culture, the museum is a great stop.
