It bears runic characters left by Norsemen, probably from the late 13th century.

The runic characters list the names of three Norsemen and mention the construction of a rock cairn nearby.

Sailors searching for lost polar expeditions sometimes used the city as a staging ground.

[6] AUL ferries have ceased passenger services north of Ilulissat, leaving Upernavik totally dependent on Air Greenland services, which are frequently cancelled due to weather conditions.

Cargo arrives several times a year on Royal Arctic Line when sea ice permits, usually beginning in early to mid May annually.