Uummannaq

Uummannaq is a town in western Greenland, part of the Avannaata municipality. It is situated on the southern shore of the Uummannaq Fjord on Uummannaq Island, with a sheltered harbor that serves as a local center for fishing and services. The town is dominated by the nearby Uummannaq Mountain, a high, heart-shaped peak that rises behind the settlement and gives the town its name.

The area has long been inhabited by Inuit populations, and in modern times Uummannaq developed as a fishing port and service hub for the surrounding coastal settlements. The local economy relies largely on fishing and fish processing, with tourism playing a growing but still modest role, particularly for hiking and boating in the fjord region. The community includes essential facilities such as a school, a health clinic, and local services to support residents and visitors.

Governance and access: In 2018, Greenland reorganized its municipalities, and Uummannaq became part of the Avannaata municipality (prior to that, it was within Qaasuitsup). The town is connected by air to Ilulissat and other towns via Air Greenland, and by sea through its harbor, with ships linking Uummannaq to Ilulissat and other coastal communities. Road connections to the rest of Greenland do not exist, so travel is primarily by air or sea.

Climate is subarctic, featuring long, cold winters and short, cool summers. Uummannaq remains a focal point for northern Greenland’s coastal culture, economy, and tourism.