Santa Claus is Coming to Uummannaq!

Uummannaq, Greenland

September 21, 2026

Uummannaq  means heart-shaped, referring to the granite mountain near town with twin peaks.

So far on this trip we have been very fortunate to have good weather. I hope I didn't jinx that by mentioning it! The crew on board says this has been the best weather of the season (this is their last cruise here this year). Just to clarify - good weather means sun and not too windy. It definitely doesn't mean warm! It was actually 30 degrees F when we woke up this morning, and at least 3 degrees warmer when we out in the zodiac boat.

Today we are in Uummannaq. This is the 8th largest city in Greenland, although it only has 1400 people. The main business is Halibut fishing. The large bay sometimes freezes over in the winter, or the water way may get so clogged with icebergs that boats can't get in. So, they have to plan ahead to be sure they have enough fuel and supplies to survive through the winter.

Fun Facts about Uummannaq

• Known as Santa’s Summer Home.

• The rock that makes up the mountain is granite and believed to be 3 billion years old.

• For many years the town hosted the “World Ice Golf Championship".

UUmmannaq is well known as having Santa's Summer House on the island, and for having a big red mailbox that receives letters sent to Santa from all over the world.

Indigenous culture:

Like other villages in Greenland, Uummannaq still follows many indigenous ways of life. Since there aren't any roads, and ships can't always get through in the winter, sustenance hunting and fishing are a way of life.

And the best way to get around in the winter is by dog sled.

During our zodiac ride we saw a local hunter preparing a seal he had caught. He was working on the rocks next to the water. Almost all parts of the animal are used for either food or clothing. The seagulls were doing clean up in the ocean and rocks as the man worked. We saw this floating by our boat - seal fat!

History and culture:

In 1972, eight mummies were found in a cave nearby. The bodies were of 6 women and 2 children; they were very well preserved, dating back to the 1470s. It was notable that even their skin was well preserved and showed distinct facial tatoos. This discovery revived and inspired that ancient tradition among current native women.

Culture and the Arts:

A group of native people performed songs and Drum Dancing on the ship today. They were very good and we enjoyed watching and listening to them. The children in the group live in the Uummannaq Children's Home founded in 1929. This home now gives children, ages 0-18, a safe life that promotes success and improves their self-worth and self-esteem. One pathway at the home uses music as therapy.

Working Dogs - the dogs in Western Greenland are almost all working dogs, used to provide transportation for hunting trips. They are not treated as family pets and stay outside 12 months. Many of the dogs in this area are part wolf. Here are some pictures from a family home where the dogs are being raised and trained.

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These two are tussling over a glove!

Turf Houses - Uummannaq has two turf houses. These houses are built from local stone, dried peat and turf walls with driftwood roofs. The houses were built in the 1880's and families lived in them until the 1980's.

More icebergs:

There were many icebergs here also. Some were very large; so large that the bottom of the glacier gets caught on the bottom of the bay. As a result, the iceberg are unable move around. The stress of getting "grounded" like this can eventually cause the iceberg to break apart, and then to possibly flip over.

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Dogs (and possible other wildlife) of the Day

See section above on dog sledding.

Daily Selfie

All dressed up in our arctic gear!

September 22 (Happy Birthday Chris), we are sailing Baffin Bay. This means we have a "sea" day. Typically on a down or sea day, we share information about the ship and staff! This is an incredible expedition ship with an exemplary staff. Additionally, during this sea day we are signed up for a wine tasting. Hope all is well wherever you are in the world.