Founded in 1763[3] as Omenak,[4] the town is a hunting and fishing base, with a canning factory and a marble quarry.

The island is also home to Uummannaq Mountain, rising very sharply to the height of 1170 m. Climbing it requires technical skills.

In summer months, Royal Arctic Line operates its 'bygdeservice' with sailings by small ships to its neighbouring villages, including a service to Qaarsut.

Danish and Greenlandic children are told that Santa Claus lives in Spraglebugten Bay in the west of the island.

[8][9] Scottish singer KT Tunstall's third album Tiger Suit features the track "Uummannaq Song", which was inspired by her trip to the town in September 2008 with Cape Farewell.