West Greenland | From the Capital to North of the Arctic Circle

Nuuk to Aasiaat, a journey through rocky uncharted inside passages, breathtaking anchorages and glaciers cascading down into the sea - AWEmazing!

Our arrival into the capital of Nuuk was refreshingly simple. One phone call, and customs came directly to the boat to welcome us. After a few busy days of resupplying and savoring restaurant meals, it was time to leave the city behind and begin exploring the fjords.

Weekend hunting and fishing cabins appeared along the way, tucked into idyllic settings of glaciers, towering cliffs, and drifting icebergs. Navigating the protected inside passages was an absolute treat. Quaint fishing villages dotted the shoreline, boat traffic serving as the primary means of transportation, and every turn revealed another breathtaking anchorage. Despite a few nerve-wracking moments in shallow, narrow, rocky passages, Greenland’s west coast proved majestic from start to finish.

Shore walks we always a treat —never venturing too far, always keeping one eye on the boat. As we continued north, we crossed the Arctic Circle, and soon after came the return of icebergs, freshly calved and drifting south from Disko Bay.

Eventually, we arrived in Aasiaat, a distinctive Greenlandic fishing village. It felt good—deeply good—to finally slow down after traveling on an aggressive schedule since April. After 3,450 nautical miles, we were ready to pause for the year. This would be our northernmost viable location to haul out.

One has not truly hauled out a sailboat until they’ve done it in Greenland. These communities simply aren’t equipped for it, and the day was undeniably stressful. But somehow, with ingenuity, teamwork, and perseverance, it all came together. What a day.

Nord Hus will spend the winter here on land, waiting for our return in mid-June, when we’ll put it back together and return the boat to the water. From there, we’ll head north—as far as the ice will allow.

With exciting science programs, meaningful cultural visits, and extraordinary scenery ahead, it feels like the best is yet to come.