Local Shopping

Gift / souvenir idea: anything local!

There's loads of shops that sell unique handmade items, made in South Greenland by South Greenlandic hands, with South Greenlandic materials. We like to call this trifecta "hyper-local"!

What can you expect to find? Hand-carved figurines and jewelry made out of juniper wood, reindeer antler or sheep's horn tupilaks or other carvings and jewlery, small-batch hand-spun yarn, framed artwork, pottery made with glacial clay from the Greenland Ice Sheet and special sands from distinct locations, recycled artwork made with driftwood and other foraged materials, skincare with local hand-picked herbs, or with South Greenlandic beeswax or sheep's tallow, beaded jewelry, books on Greenlandic mythology, polished minerals and stones, hand-knit muskox wool accessories, local herbal tea, handpicked herb sachets and sea salt... and so much more!

Browse all the specialty shops and boutiques in South Greenland below, including in the following locations:

#BUYLOCAL is a conscious action while travelling that promotes sustainable tourism through supporting the cultural integrity and local economy of a place.

Ask shop owners about the stories and people behind their items. Ask "who made this? What is the material? What significance does it have for South Greenland?"

Already know where you're going? Jump to see that town's shops here.

QAQORTOQ

Amazing Tours Greenland

A wonderful locally-owned boutique in Qaqortoq town center that is full of hyper local and inuit-made art, crafts, jewelry, home decor and more. The boutique is shared with Inua Care, so you can also shop for high quality Greenlandic skincare at the same time. Look for the large beach flags near the fountain.

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byNanna

A quaint unique boutique in the centrally-located private home of artist Nanna Høegh. Primarily selling home decor and artwork, Nanna sure does put her own personality into every one of her pieces. Colour, beads, feathers and foraged materials are the flair that make byNanna pieces completely one of a kind.

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Great Greenland

Sealskin is the primary material you will find here at the headquarter tannery on the far side of the harbour. You will find everything from luxurious outwear, handbags and footwear to small kitschy gifts like holiday ornaments and wine bottle stoppers. Peek behind the counter and you will see the workshop where all the items are hand-crafted.

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Greenland Sagalands

Pop into this locally-owned boutique & tour company perfectly located close to the Qaqortoq Harbour for great carvings, jewelry, postcards and t-shirts, plus book an excursion or two while you're at it! As a family-run business you are highly likely to meet the shop owner, Pitsi, or any of her children.

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Inua Care

Shop at the flagship store of the original South Greenlandic brand that boomed internationally! Inua Care is located in Qaqortoq town center right by the fountain. Shop for high quality skincare made with hand-picked herbs and essential oils extracted on site.

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Jaaraatooq Shop

Everything under the sun - that's what this shop has! Keep a keen eye out for the local items, they are there amongst the tables and shelves full of kitschy items. With a location right next to the heliport, this is the perfect place to grab a coffee on the go.

Qaqortoq Museum

The large old black building in town center across from the fountain houses both the museum headquarters and a small gift shop selling books, postcards and locally-made souvenirs. Their selection of especially books for sale is one of the best in town.

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Sermeq Pottery

The newest boutique in Qaqortoq is located just across from the Greenlandic food market and is a hybrid pottery studio and showroom, where the owner is always in one part or the other. Here you can find a wide selection of stoneware often made specifically with the sand or glacier silt from a very particular place, adding an extra special and custom touch to the wares.

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QASSIARSUK

Cafe Thorhildur

This hyper-local cafe and boutique in the heart of South Greenland's UNESCO World Heritage Site is a can't miss. Located right in the harbour upon arrival, it is absolutely the gathering point for the settlement. It is farmer-owned and operated with lamb on the menu and South Greenlandic beers available as well. There is also a kid's menu and sweet treats suitable for anyone.

The cafe also sells a fantastic selection of local, handmade items that make the perfect gifts and souvenirs - like jewelry made from local wood and gemstones, knitwear, hand-spun Greenlandic yarn and skincare.

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NARSARSUAQ

Hotel Narsarsuaq

Find the glass-enclosed gift shop in the lobby of Hotel Narsarsuaq featuring gifts like Great Greenland sealskin items, locally made hand cream, bone carvings, maps, gemstone jewelry and more.

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Blue Ice Cafe

This little shop is absolutely buzzing on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays with the direct flights to/from Copenhagen and Reykjavík. It's a great place to sit and have a quick bite or beer and shop for souvenirs like stone jewelry and nature books. There's also an outdoor terrace where you can keep a good eye on what's happening on the nearby runway!

NANORTALIK

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Souvenir Shop

If you are looking for stylish places to shop in Nanortalik, look no further. Souvenir Shop's local owners know quality, and they source beautiful items that express Greenlandic Inuit culture. Of course, you will also find classic items like postcards and small gifts, but always with special flair. Like holiday decorations - it is never too early to buy holiday decorations! But make them in luxurious Greenlandic materials like sealskin!

Look for the pretty purple building about two blocks from Nanortalik Church and old town area. This boutique is under the same ownership as South Greenland Boat Charter 44.

Serano Boat Tours

The large red building on the way to old town Nanortalik is home to Serano Boat Tours, Arctic Adventure, and Kimmernaq women's clothing store. Pop in to see their selection of souvenirs and gifts. Especially in the summer cruise season, they have many handmade items by local residents.

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NARSAQ

Ulu Net Cafe

This cafe/gift shop combo has a great selection of the owner's own skincare, Ulu Care, as well as jewelry, knitwear and polished stones from Narsaq.

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Hotel Narsaq

The reception in Hotel Narsaq has a nice counter with locally made stone jewelry and carved figurines. They can also help coordinate a tour with a local self-taught mineralogist who goes into the hills to forage his own gemstones in the Narsaq backcountry to take home to polish and turn into beautiful jewelry.

And, of course, always leave time to check out the Qajaq Beer brewery, under the same ownership as Hotel Narsaq. Sampler packs are always a good choice for souvenirs!

IGALIKU

Igaliku Hotel & Lodges

In the main dining area you will find shelves with a few choice items for purchase. Note that this company's largest selection is found at the Blue Ice Cafe in Narsarsuaq.

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ALLUITSUP PAA

Seaside Whale Hotel

This quaint family-run hotel is a central player in the local economy of the small settlement, Alluitsup Paa. Their values of community and helping each other are evident. One of the ways the hotel owners, Nuunu Eli Olsen and Herluf Grønlund, support local residents is by selling local hand-made jewelry items at Seaside Whale Hotel. They will happily tell you a litle bit about the creators.

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Local Shopping

#BUYLOCAL is a conscious action while travelling that promotes sustainable tourism through supporting the cultural integrity and local economy of a place.

Ask shop owners about the stories and people behind their items. Ask "who made this? What is the material? What significance does it have for South Greenland?"

QAQORTOQ