Cruising to southern Greenland is a nice way to explore the coastal villages in summer. As an Acupuncturist-at-Sea, I enjoyed my walking tour in Paamiut and love sharing my experiences. So, read on to discover Paamiut Greenland highlights and top things to do in this unique destination.
About Paamiut, Greenland
Paamiut is located on the southwestern coast of Greenland on the Labrador Sea. Nestled in the Kuannersoog estuary of the Kvanefjorden, Paamiut is surrounded by natural beauty. It’s formerly known as Frederikshap, named after King Frederik VI. The population is about 1,300 and the Gulf Stream keeps the town ice free year round.
Since 1500 BC the native Kalaallisut people resided here. Later, the Norse settlers moved to Paamiut. It gained prosperity on the abundance of fur and whale products. Paamiut is home to Greenland’s largest white-tail eagle population. It’s also known for their soapstone artists. Soapstone is a softer stone with more talc making it easier for sculpting. Café Tamu is the only restaurant there and it is to the right of the Salvation Church.
Mosquitoes: This pristine port has lots of swarming mosquitoes, warranting face nets and repellant. The local natural remedy is the leaves from Labrador tea (qajaasat). Simply, rub the leaves in hand and spread the juice on skin. Also, a local at the museum explained there are more mosquitoes in Paamiut than other Greenland ports because Paamiut doesn’t have sheep. In comparison, Greenland’s Qaqortoq and Nanortalik have more sheep and much less mosquitoes. Evidently, mosquitoes can’t hatch in the water holes around sheep.
Tender Ride to the Port
The tender ride is beautiful. We rode by a large blue iceberg. Also, you can’t miss the abandoned, rusty Greenland Star ship as you cruise by.
Check out my YouTube video!
Paamiut Greenland Highlights and Walking Tour
Once you arrive by tender, walk right for five minutes to the town center. Here, you see the constellation of brightly colored buildings throughout town. On the right is the Tourist Information Center painted in red. Here, they answer questions and hand out maps. To the left is the Paamiut Museum and Salvation Church.
Seeing the Paamiut Museum is a great way to start a walking tour. At the yellow, main building tickets cost $3 for touring restored old buildings with exhibits. The Colonial Administrator lived in the main building. It offers art exhibits of local paintings, soapstone sculptures, postcards and a restroom. The Supply Storage building was also once a post office and prison. It houses exhibits of traditional boats and kayaks with information on white-tailed eagles. In the red Barrel-maker’s shop a man with an accordion played and locals sold their jewelry. Outside is a covered bell historically used for rounding up hired hands.
Next to the museum is the picturesque Fredens Kirke or Salvation Church.
This is one of the best churches in Greenland. It’s a Norwegian-styled wood or Stave church painted in red with yellow trim. You can go inside free of charge. Across the street from the church and museum is a large park with a display of a Turf house. It’s an example of a winter accommodation in the 1940’s. Next to it is an old green and white boat. Going left of the church, a red bridge goes over a creek emptying into the harbor. Here is a park with a gazebo and benches. In the park center is a sculpture of 2 crossing whale flukes and a whale bone arch at the top of stairs.
Best view in Paamiut is undoubtedly at Lookout Tower.
Walking past the visitors center up the hill is the viewpoint. Just take the stairs up through the local’s homes to the lookout. It gets a little steep and requires a bit of a scramble. Those with mobility issues may not be able to do it. At the base of the tower is the best place for a picture above the town of colorful buildings.
Ladder-like steps take you to the tower with a low overhang opening onto platform. Be cautious not to bump your head getting up there. The woman after me bumped her head hard. Once you get on the platform, the 360-degree view is stunning. I could see out into the harbor my cruise ship. And the panorama of the city is stunning with all the colorful buildings.
Other Stops Along the Way
I walked past the church away from the water to the Paamiut Cemetery. It’s picturesque with the white crosses over raised graves and colorful wildflowers. Also, I made a stop at the local grocery store, Brugseni. Being a Dutch Realm, it offers a bakery with pastries and a nice selection of food items.
Enjoy Paamiut!
In the summertime this port takes you to the real life of South Greenlanders. While its natural beauty is stunning, don’t forget to plan for the pesky mosquitoes. Please leave your comments below and share any insights you have from your visit to Paamiut!
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Charming Nanortalik, Greenland Summer Walking Tour – Wildflowers, Icebergs & Music
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