Uunartoq Hot Spring, Natural hot spring on Uunartoq Island, Greenland
Uunartoq Hot Spring is a natural thermal source on an island off Greenland where multiple springs merge into a stone-lined pool. The water maintains around 38 degrees Celsius (100°F) and provides views of glaciers and snow-covered peaks in the distance.
The area was discovered roughly one thousand years ago by Norse settlers who used the warm waters for healing and rest after difficult journeys. This early use shows how valuable this natural resource became for people living in such a harsh landscape.
The springs serve as a gathering place where visitors and locals can bathe while taking in the surrounding landscape. This site holds special significance as a natural retreat in the Arctic, offering a rare opportunity to experience warmth in an otherwise frozen environment.
Access is only by boat departing from Qaqortoq harbor, with the journey taking around one hour each way. Book your ride in advance through local operators, as service does not run daily and availability can be limited.
The pool is one of the few places on Earth where you can bathe in warm water while icebergs drift past and frozen ocean surrounds you. This contrast between warmth and extreme cold creates an unusual bathing experience found nowhere else.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
