Town Walking Tour
Scenic Walks – enjoy a leisurely stroll along the waterfront, where you can admire stunning fjord views and colourful local architecture while absorbing the tranquil coastal ambience.
Photo – Trine Mogensen, Visit Paamiut
Paamiut
Fjords & Eagles
Official Name:
Paamiut
Region:
West, Greenland
Municipality:
Kommuneqarfik Sermersooq
Location - coordinates:
61´59’N/49´40´W
Postcode:
3940
Population:
1.193
Fresh Water Supply:
Yes
Ice Condition:
Field ice occurs in May/June and may occasionally pack in narrow sounds and fjords. Glacier ice likely.
Summer Time:
WGST UTC -1
Western Greenland Summer Time
Western Greenland Summer Time
Winter Time:
WGT UTC-2
Western Greenland Time
Western Greenland Time
Nearby Destinations
Arsuk: Once one of the wealthiest settlements per capita due to its fishing boom, Arsuk remains a historically and geographically significant community. It offers year-round access through its ice-free fjord and a strong local identity shaped by its deep-rooted traditions.
Ivittuut: Known for hosting the world’s only cryolite mine, Ivittuut played a crucial role in aluminium production and global industry. However, the mine closed in 1987 and has since become a ghost town, preserving a unique chapter of Greenland’s industrial history.
Kangilinnguit: Established as a strategic U.S. naval station during World War II to protect Greenland’s cryolite resources, Kangilinnguit later became a key Danish military hub before its closure in 2014, symbolising Greenland’s geopolitical importance throughout modern history.
Culture & History of Paamiut
Paamiut is a town where history and industry come together, providing visitors with an authentic glimpse into Greenland’s past, best explored through a city tour. The town’s story is closely tied to the fishing industry, which has shaped its economy, infrastructure, and community life.
A significant chapter in Paamiut’s history began in 1967 with the construction of one of Greenland’s largest cod processing plants. At its height, this plant was among the most important in the North Atlantic, driving economic growth and advancing the fishing industry in the region. This boom led to modern apartment blocks with contemporary facilities to accommodate the growing workforce. As the factory expanded, two large trawlers were introduced to increase fish catches, further solidifying Paamiut’s status as a fishing powerhouse.
To support this rapid industrial growth, the town’s port was upgraded, and new service facilities were established, making it easier for locals and visiting vessels to access resources.
A fisheries vocational school was founded to ensure that future generations were trained in the trade, keeping the industry alive and thriving.
By the late 1970s, Paamiut had one of the most modern fishing industry setups in Greenland, designed to process a variety of fish species found in its waters. This period fostered visions of the town evolving into a larger, more prosperous community where industry and local life could flourish together.
Today, Paamiut continues to carry the legacy of this remarkable era. While the fishing industry remains a cornerstone of the town, visitors can also explore its historical landmarks, modern facilities, and breathtaking coastal surroundings. The blend of rich history and evolving industry makes Paamiut a unique and compelling destination in Greenland.
About Paamiut
As Greenland’s capital and largest city, Nuuk is home to approximately 19,000 residents and is the country’s political, economic, and cultural centre. Nestled on the southwestern coast, Nuuk is surrounded by vast fjords, towering mountains, and breathtaking Arctic landscapes, offering visitors an extraordinary mix of city life and nature.
Nuuk seamlessly blends modern comforts with traditional Greenlandic heritage. Visitors can explore cafés, boutiques, and museums, including the National Museum, where Inuit history and artefacts are displayed. The city’s bustling harbour is a focal point of life, where fishing boats and cruise ships arrive, emphasising Nuuk’s role as a maritime hub. The city is also home to Ilisimatusarfik, Greenland’s only university, making it a centre for education and research.
To support this rapid industrial growth, the town’s port was upgraded, and new service facilities were established, making it easier for both locals and visiting vessels to access resources. A fisheries vocational school was founded to ensure that future generations were trained in the trade, keeping the industry alive and thriving. By the late 1970s, Paamiut had one of the most modern fishing industry setups in Greenland, designed to process a variety of fish species found in its waters. This period fostered visions of the town evolving into a larger, more prosperous community where industry and local life could flourish together.
Today, Paamiut continues to carry the legacy of this remarkable era. While the fishing industry remains a cornerstone of the town, visitors can also explore its historical landmarks, modern facilities, and breathtaking coastal surroundings. The blend of rich history and evolving industry makes Paamiut a unique and compelling destination in Greenland.
Key Activities in Paamiut
Paamiut may be small, but it offers big experiences for those looking to connect with Greenland’s wild beauty and local culture. Nestled between fjords and mountains on the southwestern coast, the town is a peaceful base for nature lovers, birdwatchers, and adventurers alike. Whether hiking through scenic landscapes, joining a local for a day of fishing, or soaking in the silence of the surrounding wilderness, Paamiut offers an authentic, off-the-beaten-path experience.
Here are five memorable activities that showcase why Paamiut is one of Sermersooq Municipality’s most surprising and rewarding destinations.
Visit Visit-Paamiut.com and start planning your experience for more inspiration and local insights.
Guidelines for Cruise Visitors in Paamiut
Paamiut is a unique destination that connects locals with guests from all over the world through cruise tourism. The destination is a small local community with a specific value-based culture. The local community is different from other destinations precisely because it is committed to welcoming guests and takes the initiative to create experience opportunities in close collaboration with tourism stakeholders.
Visiting Paamiut Local Museum
- Restrooms: The museum does not have on-site restroom facilities; visitors should use public toilets near the harbour.
- Photography: Photos inside the museum are allowed but must be taken without flash to protect artefacts.
- Capacity: Due to safety regulations, the museum accommodates a maximum of 50 guests, which may result in waiting times during peak visits.
- Entrance Fee: Admission is 40 DKK per person.
- Opening Hours:
- Monday to Friday: 9 AM – 4 PM
- Visits outside these hours, including weekends, require prior arrangements and an additional fee of 1500 DKK per hour.
- Payment: The museum accepts card payments (Visa, MasterCard, JCB, UnionPay, and Diners/Discover) and cash in US Dollars, Danish Kroner, and Euros.
- Merchandise: Visitors can purchase books, postcards, magnets, and locally made souvenirs.
- Important Facility Information: The museum is equipped with a defibrillator for emergencies.
Booking Requirements
- To provide the best experience for cruise visitors, prior coordination with the museum is required:
- Advance Booking: Cruise ships must arrange their visit with the museum at least one week in advance.
- Collaboration Agreement: Before arrival, the shipping company or the ship’s expedition leaders must establish an agreement with the museum.
- Contact Details: To confirm arrangements, contact the museum at: paamiut.museum@sermersooq.gl.
By following these guidelines, cruise visitors can help protect Paamiut’s cultural heritage while ensuring a smooth and enriching experience for all.
Nuuk
Greenland’s lively capital is where timeless Arctic traditions intersect with modern urban living. Set against the expansive Nuuk Fjord backdrop, the city thrives as a cultural and political centre, home to museums, local craftsmanship, and a growing culinary scene. Nuuk seamlessly blends natural beauty with contemporary Greenlandic life, from waterfront strolls to hikes in the surrounding mountains.