Uunartoq is a remote island located off the southern coast of Greenland, known for its natural beauty and geothermal activity. While several places in Greenland boast naturally heated springs, including many areas of eastern and southern Greenland, Uunartoq, whose name translates to 'the warming island,' is unique as being one of few locations in Greenland with springs that are warm enough to bathe in, year-round.
Uunartoq's geothermal pools, a unique feature of the island, are nestled within its rugged terrain, offering a striking contrast. For many, the draw of the serene experience of bathing in consistently warm water against the backdrop of the breathtaking Arctic scenery makes a visit to remote Uunartoq worthwhile.
A link to Greenland's Norse past
Uunartoq itself is uninhabited and relatively undisturbed by the modern world. It is believed that Norse settlers in the area used the surrounding region's geothermal activity and warm spring waters as early as the 10th century. While no remains can be found on the island, a visit to Uunartoq offers a tantalizing link to the historical presence of Norse settlers in the area.
In the modern day, the surrounding fjords are home to several settlements, such as Qaqortoq, Alluitsuq Paa, and Ammassivik.
Picture by Mads Pihl | Visit Greenland
A haven for wildlife and relaxation
The main draw for visiting Uunartoq is the hot springs. Compared to other hot springs in Greenland, such as those on Disko Island, the springs on Uunartoq are consistently warm at around 37°C. Even in the extremely frigid Greenlandic winter, Uunartoq's hot springs offer a warm retreat from the biting cold. When sitting in the warm waters, plenty of icebergs float by in the fjords on either side of the island, carved and shaped by the wind and water of this beautiful part of Greenland.
Beyond the hot springs of Uunartoq, the island also offers superb opportunities for hiking and exploring the Arctic environment. Seals and whales can sometimes be spotted in the waters surrounding the island, while bird life, depending on the time of year, can be vibrant in line with migration routes. Icebergs are a common feature of the fjords in the area, and, like much of Greenland's coastline, several glaciers actively calve immense bergs into the waters in the fjords surrounding Uunartoq.
During spring, the island is alive with the colors of various flower species, with the colors of the tundra following throughout late summer and autumn. This makes the island of Uunartoq and the surrounding area incredibly picturesque, especially in dramatic late-season light.
Main image by Lars T. Christiansen | Visit Greenland
