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.

Autumn and winter are the wettest time of the year and spring is the driest.