travel in greenland

The 12 BEST Places to Visit in Greenland

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Are you looking for the best places to visit in Greenland? From Nuuk to Ilulissat, here’s where I recommend you visit on your trip to Greenland!

I feel like I’ve been flying the flag for Greenland ever since I visited there in 2016. I can’t believe it was that long ago now and I’ve been dying to go back ever since.

On that trip I spent two weeks travelling around some of the best places to visit in Greenland and I just fell in love with the county. For me, nowhere quite captures the imagination like Greenland does. Honestly, you’ll be very hard pushed to find anywhere more beautiful than this country. Hopefully some of these photos in my post will highlight that!

For those of you planning a trip to Greenland , make sure you read my blog packed full of travel advice & information before you go. In it I answer loads of important questions like what to wear and how to get around.

If you’re looking for some wanderlust though then these are the most beautiful places to visit in Greenland. If you visit a couple of these on your trip to Greenland then you’re in for an amazing time!

Best Places to Visit in Greenland

Let’s kick things off with the capital of Greenland – Nuuk .

Nuuk is home to 17,000 people. Now, that may sound like a tiny number for a capital city, and it is, but when you consider the total population of Greenland is 56,000 people then it’s a lot.

Like many places in Greenland, Nuuk is built on a peninsula and is surrounded by water. Considering there are only about 60kms of paved roads in the country, it’s really important being by the water so you can get around by boat.

With a university, high school, cultural centre, microbrewery and nightclub, Nuuk is the epicentre of modern culture in Greenland. There’s plenty to do here compared to the small villages in the countryside which is why it’s so popular among young adults.

My favourite place in Nuuk is down by the harbour. Nuuk Cathedral (the Church of Our Saviour) overlooks the water and it is in such a beautiful spot. That whole area along the coastline is just stunning. Stand there and really take in the capital.

If you’ve got time, I’d really recommend a day trip to Kangeq (you can find out more about it in this tour ). This is only a 20-minute boat from Nuuk but hardly anyone visits here anymore.

Kangeq was once a thriving village, but now it is completely abandoned with decaying colourful houses dotted all over the place. It almost feels like a forgotten about place in Greenland. It’s eerie but incredibly beautiful at the same time.

It is thought that Inuits lived in Kangeq before 1000AD, but the first Danish settlers came here between 1721 and 1728. Many of them built the community you see today and called this place home. It wasn’t long before the island was dubbed Haabets Oe , the ‘Island of Hope’, almost a sign of things to come.

However, due to its remote location, life became harder and harder for the people of Kangeq until they eventually abandoned it in 1978.

From walking around this place, it’s hard to imagine that this settlement lasted for 250 years, that anyone would be able to survive here, but they did.

Kangeq gives you a really good insight into what life would’ve been like in Greenland which is why I recommend you visit. Remember this is one of the hardest places to live on earth – Kangeq showcases that.

You can read all about what it’s like visiting Kangeq here !

Narsaq is one of my favourite places to visit in Greenland and I can’t recommend this town enough. It’s just so peaceful and tranquil here. And again, the views are just something else.

Located in Southern Greenland, Narsaq has a population of around 1,500 people. This means it’s a real tight-knit community with everyone supporting each other.

The town is built up on a small incline towards the surrounding mountains. I stayed in Hotel Narsaq , and one morning as I pulled back the curtains I could see the valley floor of Narsaq before me. No matter where I looked I could see cute colourful houses almost as if they were pieces on a board game.

In the distance I could see hundreds of icebergs dotted along the horizon framed by jagged mountains, snow already on their peaks. As I said, this place is something else. Drink in those views because I just love this place.

Narsarsuaq Glacier

You can’t come to Greenland without seeing a glacier up close in all its glory. These glaciers are always in the news as they’re melting as a severely rapid rate through global warming (you can read more about it here ).

It’s only when you see a glacier like this for yourself that you understand how severe this is. At Narsarsuaq Glacier there are small blocks of ice and icebergs for as far as the eye can see. It’s so easy picturing what the effect that the rising water temperature would have on all the ice here.

The best way of getting to Narsarsuaq Glacier is by boat from Narsaq. I went on a tour while I was here so I could see some of the bigger icebergs. It’s hard to describe how majestic they are up close but I’ve tried here if you fancy reading about the beauty of icebergs .

If you don’t head north to Ilulissat (more on that below), then this is one of the best places to see a glacier for yourself.

One of the most popular places to visit in Greenland is Ilulissat . Announced as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2004, the Ilulissat Icefjord stretches 40km from the Greenland ice sheet to Disco Bay.

This is where you’ll find the most productive glacier in the Northern Hemisphere. Approximately 20 billion tonnes of icebergs get pushed out of the fjord each year which is just a crazy amount.

The best way of seeing the glacier and Ilulissat Icefjord is on a boat tour . Then you can see a few different places along the coast. Alternatively, this is an amazing spot for a helicopter ride over the icefjord. Helicopters are one of the more common methods of getting around Greenland so it’s easier to do than you’d imagine.

One of the top things to do in Illulissat is to visit Knud Rasmussen’s Museum. This is a museum dedicated to the famous Danish explorer Knud Rasmussen and it goes into his voyages to Greenland in a lot of detail.

Disko Bay is one of the most historic places in Greenland. This was the spot that Erik the Red, a Norse explorer, first settled in Greenland in 985 AD. However, Inuit artifacts date back here as far as 2400BC – it’s so crazy imagining people living here over 2,000 years ago.

Due to the nutritious water, Disko Bay is the best place to go whale watching in Greenland. During spring you can go whale watching here and see bowhead whales, humpback whales, killer whales and even narwhals.

All year round, Disco Bay is the most visited place by visitors to Greenland. Even though boat tours are the number one thing to do here, you can also go dog sledding.

There are dog sleds and sled dogs everywhere, and it is a very exciting experience to go out across the ice or the hills, while the dogs in front of you enjoy pulling the sled. If you do this during winter you’ve got an amazing chance of seeing the Northern Lights which is just another reason to visit!

Qaqortoq couldn’t be further from the capital of Nuuk.

Located on the southern tip of Greenland, Qaqortoq is the fourth largest town in Greenland. To put that into proportion for you, that’s still only 3,000 people. To say it’s small is an understatement.

One of the top things to do in Qaqortoq itself is to visit the museum. One thing you quickly learn about Greenlandics is there’s a such huge sense of community. They’re also extremely proud of their history which is why a visit to the museum is a must.

There’s a really nice hike in the area too. It only takes about 30 minutes to get from the town centre to Lake Tasersuaq, and then you’re up in the mountains. If you really wish to explore the city’s backcountry, the five-day hike to the Norsemen’s old Episcopal residence and the sheep farming settlement of Igaliku is mega.

There’s also one other place I’d recommend below…

Uunartoq Hot Springs

About an hour’s boat ride away from the small town of Qaqortoq in Southern Greenland sits the island of Uunartoq, which literally means “the warm place”.

This is where you’ll find some hot springs in Southern Greenland and I’d argue that they’re the most beautiful hot springs in the world.

Hot springs are abundant in Greenland. However, Uunartoq is the only hot spring that is actually warm enough to bathe in. The water consistently sits at a pleasant 38 degrees.

Again, I can’t tell you how stunning this spot it. Surrounded by mountains and icebergs, the hot springs are a warm oasis in an otherwise freezing country.

Apparently old Vikings used to bathe here after battle. Nowadays, the occasional tourist makes the journey here to rest their weary bones. I tried to make the occasion a little more magical by bringing along a bottle of wine. This place is so special and I wanted to enjoy it as much as I could.

For me, this is without a doubt one of the best places to visit in Greenland.

When I arrived in Igaliku I stood overlooking the town and I counted the total number of houses. As there was only a handful it didn’t take me long. It was only when I checked into Igaliku Country Hotel that I found out the population was 28. That’s a town made up of 28 people. A “town”. No matter where I went in Greenland it seemed as if each place was getting smaller and smaller.

Igaliku is at the bottom of a valley, and even in Greenlandic terms it’s remote. With a population of 28 people it has to be. The thing is, being in a place that small I immediately felt like I was a part of the community. I liked that feeling.

There’s not a huge amount to do in Igaliku other than immerse yourself in being somewhere so remote. Fishing is really big here, so that’s one of the things you can do for an afternoon. There are also some really nice hikes in the area to a couple of waterfalls, so I’d recommend doing that if you’ve got time.

I know I keep going on about it though, but it’s so rare being somewhere so remote. Just enjoy the silence because you may never be somewhere like this ever again.

From Igaliku, as if things couldn’t get any smaller or quieter, I went to Nunataaq, a place that only had two families living there.

There are 4 houses there, and one of them you can rent for a few days. The reason why this is such a cool spot to visit is you can go kayaking among the icebergs. And with the mountains in the distance and icebergs for as far as the eye could see, you couldn’t ask for a more beautiful place to do it in.

It’s hard to describe the feeling of being in a kayak alongside an iceberg. Like with the rest of Greenland, you can’t help but be overawed by the beauty of these things, you can’t help but find peace from being within touching distance of them too.

We set off late in the afternoon around 5/6pm for a reason, and as the sun started to get lower and lower bathing these things in gold it truly felt like we were explorers, like we were the only ones on the water navigating these channels for the first time. It was such a good feeling and one that will live with me forever.

There are only a few places that you can visit in East Greenland, and Tasiilaq is by far the most popular. With a population of 2,000 people, this is just another small spot you have to visit in Greenland.

Everything seems a little bigger in Tasiilaq. The mountains, the distances, the adventures, the challenges loom and beckon both summer and winter. It lies on the island of Ammassalik about 100 kilometers south of the Arctic Circle.

This place offers pretty much every kind of adventure you could wish for. Boat tours, dog sledding, snowmobiling, hiking, Tasiilaq has it all and more.

The Flower Valley behind the town is a popular place for short or long hikes. This is where you should head to experience the great outdoors.

Also, make sure you speak to the local community here. Unlike most of the other places in Greenland, Tasiilaq is cut off from the rest of the world in such a unique way. Because of this it’s really fascinating hearing how people live here.

The Midnight Sun

One of my favourite things to do in Greenland was go out at night and see the midnight sun. Nothing can beat having a glass of wine and watching the sun on the horizon

It’s hard to find anything but an incredible view in Greenland and of course, the further North you are, the longer the sun lingers.

It’s so peaceful to just sit and watch the world go by, to have a moment all to yourself. For me, it’s one of those moments where you feel so energised and it’s such a rare experience too.

Are you planning a trip to Greenland? Where would you like to go? Let me know in the comments below!

You can check out some of the best things to do in Greenland here for a little more inspiration.

Like this blog post? Then make sure you Pin it for the future!

About the Author

Macca Sherifi is the founder of the multiple award-winning blogs An Adventurous World and the Great British Bucket List. Every month he inspires over 200,000 avid readers to travel the world.

6 thoughts on “The 12 BEST Places to Visit in Greenland”

Very interesting – thanks for posting! Did you arrange the ferries and everything yourself when you got there or did you book things ahead of time? We will visit In July 2024 and are looking at some tour agencies for assistance with lodging and transportation. Thoughts?

We booked the ferries beforehand. For getting around a couple of the smaller places, we organised water taxis when we arrived somewhere which was very easy to do. Let me know if you need any other help at all.

Loved your comments about the top places to visit in Greenland! We were first in Qaqortoq in 2006, via narsaq. We traveled 2-2 1/2 hours by boat to qaqortoq. It was amazing. We bought Greenlandic coats at the tiny airport gift shop because we had no luggage! Nuuk was our next visit in 2016. Of course dreams of Greenland never stop. As soon as we can get back we will. Covid is in the way. We are closely following the new commission drafting the new constitution. Our “daughter” is over that select commission. It’s exciting. Thank you, again, for wonderful information! Jan Ps: apologies for grammatical issues…my phone has a mind of its own!

Thanks for your comment Jan! It must’ve been amazing visiting in 2006. I’ve been desperate to go back to Greenland ever since I went there in 2016 – I can’t believe it’s been 6 years already. Hopefully we’ll both make it back there one day – it really is one of the best countries in the world!

Very interesting trip… Ho match is (in euro) for 1 week in G ? Thanks.

I’m not going to lie, it’s a lot of money. We budgeted about £1,000 per person per week, but we probably came in well under that. It’s essentially Scandinavian prices, and then some. If you want to do all the activities and travel around a bit, then it can definitely add up that’s for sure.

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• Destinations

Wild Junket

Greenland Travel Guide: All You Need to Know 2024

Last Updated on March 14, 2024

Welcome to Greenland, one of the last frontiers of our modern world. Greenland travel is a rewarding experience for adventure seekers and wildlife lovers.

Located far north in the Arctic Ocean, Greenland has some of the most dramatic and spectacular polar landscapes in the world. It is home to icebergs as tall as buildings, glaciers glowing in different shades of blue, and a massive ice sheet that covers almost 80% of the mega-island.

After traveling Greenland twice (as a researcher and media), I have completely fallen under its spell. I don’t consider myself a Greenland expert, but I am excited to share all that I have learned about the country in this comprehensive Greenland travel guide .

To help you plan your trip to Greenland, I have included info on the best places to visit in Greenland, recommended Greenland tours and where to stay in Greenland.

Table of Contents

Why Visit Greenland?

Fun facts about greenland, how to travel to greenland, best time to visit greenland, how much time to travel greenland, 10-day greenland itinerary, 2-week greenland itinerary, travel greenland independently or book a tour, ilulissat icefjord boat trip, kayak in the ilulissat icefjord, hike the routes that surround ilulissat, explore the old inuit settlement of sermermiut, wander around the town of ilulissat, go dogsledding in ilulissat, take a day trip to eqi glacier, camp on greenland’s ice cap, sail in the nuuk fjord, hike the nuuk mountains, enjoy traditional inuit food and storytelling , go to a local’s home for kaffemik, wander around the colonial harbor of nuuk, visit the greenlandic national museum, kangerlussuaq: old camp, ilulissat: hotel icefiord, nuuk: hotel hans egede, nuuk: greenland escape, nuuk: inuk hostels, what to eat in greenland, kangerlussuaq: restaurant rokklubben, ilulissat: cafengguaq, nuuk: sarfalik, nuuk: katuaq, nuuk: restaurant unicorn, nuuk: charoen porn, greenland travel cost, internet and data in greenland, people of greenland, language in greenland, my greenland packing list, planning your trip to greenland, travel resources, greenland travel guide.

Greenland is the world’s largest island, and yet very little of it is known to the outside world. There is a lot more to Greenland than glaciers and ice. The nation has layers of culture and history that will unfold once you’re here.

One of the reasons to visit Greenland is its fascinating people. Almost 90% of them are Inuit (native Greenlanders) who have a distinctive language and culture. They are incredibly proud of their roots, and always have a myth or story to tell.

Since most of Greenland is covered in ice, snow and glaciers, the Arctic nation is mostly white. So how did it get its name Greenland?

Greenland actually got its name from  Erik The Red , an Icelandic murderer who was exiled to the island. He called it “Greenland” in hopes that the name would attract settlers. According to scientists, Greenland was actually green more than 2.5 million years ago.

Although Greenland is geographically a part of the North American continent, it has been politically associated with Europe for about a millennium. Since 1721, Denmark has held colonies in Greenland. Until today, Greenland continues to be an autonomous nation ruled under the Kingdom of Denmark.

Because of its remote location, it is expensive to travel to Greenland. There are no direct flights from North America to Greenland. Anyone traveling to Greenland has to fly through Reykjavik (Iceland) or Copenhagen (Denmark). 

It is a good idea to combine Iceland and Greenland in one trip , as you will fly through Iceland to get here. Check out my Iceland travel guide .

Kangerlussuaq is the main gateway to Greenland. You will have to transit through this town regardless of where in Greenland you’re traveling to.  Flights from Copenhagen to Kangerlussuaq take around 4-5 hours and cost around US$700 return. 

Search for Flights to Greenland

The best time to visit Greenland is in summer (July and August), when temperatures are comfortable and conditions are good for outdoor activities.

Summer in Greenland is glorious: everything turns green, while lakes and fjords will shine under the midnight sun. The midnight sun is a natural phenomenon that Greenland experiences between May 25th to July 25th. The sun does not set at all.

If you visit Greenland in spring (April-June) or autumn (Sept-Nov), expect lots of snow. The temperature ranges between 5°F (-15°C) and 40°F (5°C). Greenland has extremely harsh winters and the sun does not rise for months. The temperature can go as low as -49°F(-45°C).

Greenland is a huge island, and there are many interesting small towns worth visiting. I recommend spending at least 1 week in Greenland, since you have already spent a big chunk of money getting here.

In one week, I suggest just focusing on one part of Greenland. Ilulissat is the most popular town for travelers. It is home to the famous Ilulissat Icefjord , a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for the icebergs that dot the fjord all year round.

With 2 weeks in Greenland, you can get a good sense of what Greenland is all about. I recommend visiting Nuuk, Kangerlussuaq and Ilulissat , following my Greenland itinerary below.

If you want to do the Arctic Circle Trail , most people take around 7-12 days to complete the trail.

1-Week Greenland Itinerary*

• Day 1: Wander around Ilulissat town
• Day 2: Walk the hiking routes around Ilulissat
• Day 3: Take a boat trip into Ilulissat Icefjord
• Day 4: Go dog sledding in Ilulissat
• Day 5: Go to a traditional kaffemik
• Day 6: Take a day tour to Eqi Glacier
• Day 7: Home!

*For more details on this itinerary, scroll down to the section on ‘Best Things to Do in Greenland’.

• 3 days in Kangerlussuaq
• 4 days in Ilulissat 
• 3 days in Nuuk
• 3 days in Sisimut

How to Get Around Greenland

As Greenland is largely covered by the Ice Sheet, all of the settlements are located on the coast and are not connected by roads. All travel between towns is done by plane, boat, snowmobile or dogsled.

The best way to get around Greenland is by flying. Air Greenland flies the main routes regularly, often with more than one flight each day.

Domestic flights are not cheap, which is why Greenland travel is so expensive. For example, return flights from Kangerlussuaq to Nuuk cost around $450. Flying from Nuuk to Ilulissat costs around $560 return.

Search for Flights in Greenland

Once you’re in a town, it is relatively easy to get around on foot as Greenlandic towns are small. Even Greenland’s capital and biggest city, Nuuk , only has a population of 18,000. Just dress warmly and be prepared to walk in the snow even in summer.

There are public buses in Nuuk and Kangerlussuaq. A bus ride costs around 15 DKK ($2.20). There are plenty of taxis in Ilulissat and a taxi ride usually costs around 40-50 DKK ($6-8) each way.

There are no ferry connections between Greenland and mainland Denmark. The only ship that runs in Greenland is the M/S Sarfaq Ittuk, run by Arctic Umiaq Line . It sails between Qaqortoq (South Greenland) and Sisimiut (North Greenland) from March/April to January and from Qaqortoq to Ilulissat (North Greenland) from May to January.

Greenland vacation packages  are very expensive — expect to pay around US$3500 for a 4-day tour. Check out these multi-day tours to Greenland .

It is absolutely possible to travel Greenland independently. I encourage you to book your own flights, hotels, and then book day tours like boat trips or dogsledding excursions. Day tours cost around US$100-199.

Guide to Greenland is a good resource to book tours directly through an automatic booking system. Here are some Greenland tours that I have been on and highly recommend:

• Sail Amidst Icebergs in the Ilulissat Icefjord
• Camp on Greenland Ice Sheet in Kangerlussuaq
• Dog sledding in Disko Bay
• Kayak in Ilulissat Icefjord
• Boat tour of Nuuk’s fjord
• Traditional Kaffemik in a Local’s Home

Best Things to Do in Greenland

Without a doubt, an Ilulissat icefjord boat tour is the #1 thing to do in Ilulissat . The Ilulissat Icefjord is listed as a UNESCO world heritage site, and for good reason! A n astronomical 35 billion tonnes (46km 3 ) of ice make its way through Disko Bay in Ilulissat every year.

Some of the icebergs in the Ilulissat Icefjord stand at 100m above the level of the water (remember this is only 7-10% of the total size!). But it is only by looking up at these icebergs from the water that you get a true sense of their massive scale.

Book this Boat Trip here!

The Inuit have been using kayaks for thousands of years. In fact, kayaks were invented by the Inuits and the word “kayak” comes from the Inuit language.

Kayaking in the Ilulissat icefjord gives new meaning to iceberg sightseeing from the water as you get up close to the sheer ice towers. It is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that shouldn’t be missed.

Guide to Greenland runs kayak tours both during the day and in the evening during Midnight Sun. Your local guides will provide all the proper equipment including a dry suit. Whale sightings are a real possibility!

Book Your Kayak Experience!

Ilulissat is one of the best places to visit in Greenland, mainly because of the range of outdoor activities you can do in the area. Hiking in Ilulissat is a great way to explore the backcountry without spending much.

There are three marked routes just outside of Ilulissat. Each one offers hiking with spectacular views of both Ilulissat and the ice fjord. Below is a hiking route map from Ilulissat Guesthouse .

• Yellow Route – 1.7 miles or 2.7 kilometers (1.5-2 hours). This is the most popular route as you get fantastic views of the Ilulissat Icefjord without doing a long or difficult hike.
• Blue Route – 4.3 miles or 7 kilometers (4 hours). A relatively challenging trail that offers amazing views of the ice and surrounding area.
• Red Route – 0.6 miles or 1 kilometer (30min). This is not a loop trail i.e. you need to walk back the same way you came from. If you are short on time, this route will take you directly to a viewpoint where you can see the icefjord.

Sermermiut is an old Inuit settlement located on the outskirts of Ilulissat. The entire area has been designated as part of the Ilulissat Icefjord UNESCO World Heritage Site.

In summer, it is possible to make this short hike from the center of town. There is not much to see here per se, just a few stone ruins to mark an area. But there are spectacular views of the Ice Fjord from Sermermiut.

As Ilulissat is the main tourist town of Greenland , it definitely has the most interesting sights and tourism infrastructure. The town is located next to the sea filled with icebergs, and a stroll around town will reveal lots of beautiful viewpoints.

Besides having lots of scenic spots for photo opps, Ilulissat also has two great museums. One of them is the Ilulissat Museum , showcasing expeditions of the explorer Knud Rasmussen. The other is the Inuit Art Museum , which features paintings from Greenland, Faroese and Denmark, with the most notable by Emanuel A. Peterson.

If you’re looking for a local guide to show you around, I highly recommend Jan Cortsen (pictured), an experienced guide born and raised in Ilulissat. He’s fun and engaging, and is passionate about Greenlandic culture and history.

Dog sledding in Greenland has been a mode of transportation and hunting for approximately 5000 years. Contrary to other Arctic locations, dog sledding in Greenland is a way of life, by choice if not by necessity.

Ilulissat is known for having almost the same number of sled dogs as people, currently the town is home to 4600 people and nearly 3500 sled dogs. This is definitely one of the best places to go dog sledding in Greenland.

During the dogsledding tour , you will first meet a local musher who introduces you to his dogs. The Greenlandic sled dog is the purest dog race, due to is isolation from other dog races. The dogs are raised as work dogs, and therefore it is not safe to approach the dogs on your own. 

Book Your Dogsledding Tour here!

Located 80km from Ilulissat is Eqi Glacier, one of the most active glaciers in Greenland. On this Greenland tour , you will sail north, passing the small settlement of Oqaatsut/Rodebay, the huge fjord system of Pakitsoq, and through the Ataa Strait lined with tall mountains.

This journey is beautiful in and of itself and you may be lucky and see whales and seals along the way. You will also most likely see chunks of the glacier face break off and fall into the fjord. Just make sure you are hanging onto the railing when the resulting wave reaches the boat!

Book Your Glacier Day Trip here!

Camping on the Greenland Ice Cap is literally the coolest (no pun intended!) experience I’ve ever had! Granted, it was the coldest I had ever been, but I wouldn’t trade the experience for anything. We had an excellent guide, who showed us amazing spots and took great care of us.

Kangerlussuaq is the only place in Greenland where you can literally drive to the Greenland Ice Sheet (which is only 25 km from town). The mini expedition took us to Point 660, for a fantastic panorama of the Ice Cap. We then hiked onto the Ice Sheet, wandered around ice valleys and slopes, and spent the night sleeping on ice. That night, we even saw Northern Lights in the dark sky above us.

Book the Camping Trip here!

Nuuk fjord is the biggest fjord in the world, and it covers an area of almost 2,000 square kilometers. There is so much to see, you will probably need a lifetime to experience everything in the fjord system. Book a boat trip to experience the best of the fjord : from icebergs and waterfalls to whales.

The highlight of any boat trip to Nuuk fjords is catching your own fish! Because of the amount of fish here, it is incredibly easy to catch a fish (even if you have no fishing experience!). In summer, you can even bring the fish you caught to Qooqqut Nuan , a restaurant/guesthouse in the heart of the fjord. They will whip up authentic Thai dishes with your catch!

Greenland’s capital city, Nuuk , is enveloped by snow-peaked mountains which are surprisingly accessible all year round, right from the outskirts of the city. The iconic landmark of Nuuk is Sermitsiaq is the most prominent peak in the area. It stands at 4,200 feet (1,280m) tall and most can hike up to its peak in 2.5 hours (steep ascent though!). 

Two other peaks that are easy to conquer are Lille Malene (also known as Quassussuaq in Greenlandic) and Store Malene (Ukkusissat in Greenlandic). The trail heads for both routes are found in the neighborhood of Uiffak.

We climbed Lille Malene in just under 3 hours and the views of the surrounding fjord was mind-blowing. From the top, you can enjoy views of Nuuk and the Kangerluarsunnguaq Fjord with its spectacular glaciers.

For centuries, Greenlanders have sustained themselves on animals found in the region, such as whale and seal meat. Today, the tradition continues, but locals are putting a modern spin on them. For those who are concerned about wildlife conservation, read this section .

If you are curious about Inuit culture, I recommend trying traditional Inuit food and learn about Inuit myths and legends at Inuk Hostels  in Nuuk. They serve interesting fusion dishes like grilled seal meat, muktuk  (raw whale skin and blubber), and musk ox burgers. The owner Lisse is a well-known persona in Greenland and has a wealth of knowledge on Greenlandic culture.

The Greenlanders are extremely proud of their kaffemik , a local tradition that’s a huge part of their culture. Greenlanders hold kaffemik to celebrate special events of all kinds – births and birthdays, first days of school and confirmations.

Most people start preparing days in advance and reserve fine china and decorative table linens for such occasions. When the big day comes, their home becomes a revolving door of celebration with old friends, family, and colleagues all through the day.

I was lucky to join a kaffemik in Nuuk — it was an incredibly fun and immersive experience going to a Greenlander’s home and talking to the family about their food and traditions. 

Book a Kaffemik Experience here!

The colonial harbor is the oldest part of Nuuk and also where colonisation began. This was where the person who founded Nuuk, a Danish missionary Hans Egede, landed and settled in 1721. 

Egede’s house still stands today, right on the water front, alongside rows of other colorful Scandinavian high-roofed houses. Unfortunately, the house is not opened to the public as it is used  to host special events.

Walk along the waterfront to the rocky shore and you’ll find a brass statue of  Sedna , the goddess of the sea and marine animals in Inuit mythology. At low tide, you’ll see it in its full glory: Sedna, with long flowing hair, is depicted with a walrus and polar bear around it.

For a crash course in Greenland’s history, head to the Greenland National Museum right behind Nuuk’s colonial harbor. Greenland’s largest cultural history museum houses artifacts from all over the country.

The most impressive exhibits include the famous mummies and costumes from Qilakitsoq in northwest Greenland, as well as the world’s oldest and almost complete intact skin boat – the Pearyland Umiaq. Admission is free in winter, and DKK 30 in summer.

Where to Stay in Greenland

Accommodation is limited in certain towns in Greenland, so be sure to book a few months before your Greenland vacation to ensure availability! For instance, there are only three hotels in Kangerlussuaq and they get booked up early especially in summer.

One of the two budget options in Kangerlussuaq, Old Camp is simple, clean and well run. Rooms are small, but comfortable and designed in Scandinavian style. It offers free transfers from the airport and the reception can organize Greenland tours for you. Check latest rates.

One of the best hotels in Ilulissat, Hotel Icefiord has awesome views of the ice fjords from most rooms. I loved waking up to see icebergs right outside my window. Its dining room has good Greenlandic snacks and steaks. Well worth splurging to stay here! Check rates here.

The city’s best hotel is  Hotel Hans Egede , a modern four-star hotel with bright, comfortable rooms and a great view of the harbor and the sea. It has a central location in the heart of town, within walking distance from the colonial harbor and nearby museums. Check rates here.

A great budget place to stay is  Greenland Escape , which is surprisingly affordable for the high quality accommodation and proximity to town. A single room is around 50euros per night. Check the latest prices.  

Overlooking the beautiful Nuuk fjord is the Inuk Hostels (pictured), that is located in the hills surrounding Nuuk. Rooms here have a log cabin feel and are quaint and charming. The owner Lisse is a well-known character in Greenland and she has a wealth of knowledge on Greenlandic culture. Check the rates.

Because of its location, you can expect to find lots of incredibly fresh seafood in Greenland. There are quite a few good restaurants in Nuuk and Ilulissat that serve amazing fish stews and fillets ( see this section ).

Food is expensive in Greenland. If you’re looking for a proper fish or lamb meal in a nice restaurant, expect to fork out at least $50 for a full meal. There are cafes and Asian diners that serve more affordable options that cost $15 for a meal. For those on a shoestring budget, check out local supermarkets for ready-made hot dogs and sandwiches.

Traditionally, Greenlanders eat marine animals like whales, walruses and seals. To prevent overfishing, each administrative area  in Greenland is assigned a certain quota for each species. Certain species like the blue whale are protected and thus cannot be fished.  Also, no export of whale and seal meat is allowed — they are only consumed locally.

Where to Eat in Greenland

The only upscale restaurant in Kangerlussuaq serves an excellent buffet with traditional Greenlandic dishes and fantastic lamb chops. They run shuttles to Old Camp and Polar Lodge for guests staying there. Read Tripadvisor reviews.

A casual cafe and diner that serves healthy and sumptuous salads and paninis. They have excellent shakes and lunch dishes. We ended up coming here almost everyday! Read Tripadvisor reviews.

The best restaurant in Nuuk is undoubtedly Sarfalik , on the highest floor of Hotel Hans Egede . The fine dining restaurant serves contemporary gourmet meals using a mixture of local ingredients. The tasting menu includes dishes like musk-ox tartare, pan seared scallops and roasted Greenlandic halibut. Book a table here.

A excellent spot to try modern Greenlandic food is  Katuaq , the in-house bistro at the Katuaq Cultural Centre in Nuuk. The stylish cafe dishes up Greenlandic tapas in hefty portions. If you’re ready to indulge, try the enormous seafood platter made up of snow crabs, marinated scallops, and shrimps. Read reviews here.

This newly opened restaurant (owned by the same couple behind Qooqqut Nuan in Nuuk fjord ) stands right at Nuuk’s colonial harbor. Its fish and meat dishes are excellent and really well worth splurging on. Read the reviews.

Craving for something more international? This family-run restaurant serves outstanding, authentic Thai food right in the center of Nuuk. I’ve eaten here so many times, that I only have praises for it. Get address here.

Let’s face it: Greenland travel IS expensive. Besides the pricey flights to Greenland, accommodation and transport are pretty expensive too.

• Accommodation — A twin room at a basic hostel with shared bathroom costs US$150-200 per night. A more upscale hotel with nice views can go for $300-400 per room.
• Food — A restaurant meal in Greenland generally costs around 200-300 DKK ($29-43) per person. The cheaper options are Asian diners that usually have Thai dishes for around 100 DKK ($14).
• Day Tours — Greenland tours are around $100-$199 for a 2-hour boat trip or dogsledding experience. Guide to Greenland has a huge range of tours and an automated booking system.

Getting connected in Greenland is sadly not easy or cheap. The harsh weather conditions often disrupts the internet network. Sometimes the internet connection in Greenland can drop for a few days, and there is no way of going online except to wait.

Most hostels charge for their WiFi service, and they can cost up to $10/hour. If you do need to get online, I suggest staying at upscale hotels to make sure you can get a stable internet connection.

Alternatively, you can get SIM cards at the Telepost shop outside of the Kangerlussuaq airport or Nuuk’s city centre. Note that even EU SIM cards do not work in Greenland.

Today, 88% of Greenland’s population are Inuit (predominantly Kalaallit) or mixed Danish and Inuit. The remaining 12% are of European descent, mainly Danish.

Greenlanders do NOT appreciate being called ‘eskimos’. The proper name for them is Inuit or Kalaallit, which actually means ‘Greenlander’ in the native Inuit language. The Inuit Greenlanders identify strongly with Inuits in other parts of the world, like Canada and Alaska.

The Greenlandic national costume is a beautiful and colorful display of their culture. Today it is used on special festive occasions such as Christmas, Easter, confirmations and weddings. I got lucky and met a lot of people dressed in traditional wear at the church on a Sunday.

The majority of the population in Greenland speaks both Greenlandic (mainly Kalaallisut) and Danish. The two languages have been used in public affairs since the establishment of home rule in 1979.

The Greenlandic language is an interesting language with a long history. It is closely related to the Inuit languages in Canada, such as Inuktitut. “Kayak” and “igloo” are Greenlandic words that have been adopted directly by other languages.

Today, the young generation learn both languages, as well as English, in school. Almost everyone I met in Greenland speaks English.

What to Pack for Greenland Travel

Regardless of the time of year you are visiting Greenland, b e sure to bring high quality winter gear. I have been in Greenland both in summer and winter, and can assure you you’ll need proper warm gear.

For those traveling Greenland in summer, I advise wearing 3 layers: wool bottom, fleece and a waterproof jacket.

If you visit Greenland outside of summer, I recommend wearing 4-5 layers: thermals, wool bottom, fleece and a thick winter parka.

1.  Long Sleeve Moisture Wicking Tees : The key to staying warm in Greenland is layering. Bring some long sleeve t-shirts that are great for hiking, that you can easily remove throughout the day and night. 

2.  Fleece-lined Long Sleeve Thermal Underwear :  Pack thermals even if you’re traveling in summer. Temperatures can dip below zero – and they’ll be particularly useful if you’re kayaking or dogsledding.

3.  Fleece Base : This is my favorite gear for cold climates. It’s thick but lightweight, and keeps me warm even in sub-zero temperatures. Plus most fleece are cheap and easy to find everywhere. 

4.  Soft Shell Jacket : Pack a thin waterproof, soft shell jacket regardless of the season you’re traveling. I used this almost everyday on my summer trip in Greenland.

5.  Waterproof Ski Jacket : It may be heavy and a pain to travel with, but you’ll need it if you’re traveling outside of summer. Don’t skimp on a quality coat as it will keep you comfortable. 

6.  Quick-Dry Pants : These pants are lightweight, thin, comfortable and waterproof. I can wear them in winter and summer, without feeling too warm or cold.

7.  Fleece-lined Leggings :    For ladies, these are brilliant to keep warm and comfortable. You can use them as they are in summer, or as a base layer in winter.

8.  Beanie :You’ll definitely need something warm on the top of your head in winter.

9.  Ski Gloves : Bring thick ski gloves as they’re good for snow and rain. I would recommend getting a pair of gloves with touchscreen pads so you don’t need to take them off to snap photos on from your smartphone.

10.  Wool Socks : Invest in some high quality wool socks that can keep your feet dry and warm when hiking in the mushy tundra of Iceland.

Any trip to Greenland is an adventure, so be sure to bring your intrepid spirit and an inquisitive mind! Wrap up warm regardless of the time of the year you’re visiting Greenland. Bring a good camera and prepare to be blown away by the beauty of Greenland.

Do you have any other questions on Greenland travel? I hope my Greenland travel guide has helped you plan your own Greenland vacation. Leave a comment below and I will try my best to help!

Here are more of my Greenland articles:

• 13 Cool Things to Do in Ilulissat
• 13 Cool Things to Do in Nuuk
• Summer in Greenland: Cruising Nuuk Fjord
• Svalbard Photo Essay
• Iceland Travel Guide

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links to companies I use and trust. I get a small commission when you click on my links, at NO EXTRA COST TO YOU.

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Over the years (and traveling to 140+ countries), I’ve learned a thing or two about travel planning. I’ve put together this list of travel resources that I personally use to find the best deals and book travel! For more details, check out my travel tips resource page .

• Booking Flights : Kayak is brilliant for finding the best dates to fly as it allows you to search for the lowest airfares within a 3-day period. Then I use Skyscanner as they’ve consistently given me the lowest airfares.
• Accommodations:  I always use  Booking.com   to book hotels, mainly because of the flexible cancellation policy and good customer service. You can also find short-term rental apartments there (I prefer not to use Airbnb due to the extra charges).
• Travel Insurance:  It’s important to have travel insurance, regardless of whether you’re traveling for a few days or months. Safety Wing is the most popular travel insurance company for COVID19-coverage. I use their Nomad Insurance plan , which covers any healthcare expenses I may have worldwide. Refer to my travel insurance guide for more details.
• Health Advice:  I always refer to the travel guides on the   CDC website  for recommended medications and vaccines. You can get them at your travel doctor’s office or a walk-in pharmacy.
• Tours:  If you’re looking for all-encompassing tours, I recommend small-group adventure tour outfitter, G Adventures . I’ve traveled with them to Antarctica, Mongolia, Svalbard, and Nepal, and loved every single trip. For day tours, I always book with  Viator  and  GetYourGuide ; they have easy booking systems and free cancellations.
• Car Rental: I always book car rentals on Discover Cars , as they’ve consistently given us the best rates and customer service (with free cancellations). We’ve used them in Seychelles, South Africa, Spain, Peru, and Mexico.
• Transportation : Whenever possible, I book local transportation online using  Bookaway and Busbud . They’re more reliable than many local transport websites and cover trains, buses, and car hire.
• Restaurants: TripAdvisor is my go-to resource for restaurant reviews and bookings. I also make restaurant reservations on OpenTable .

Nellie Huang

Nellie Huang is the founder of WildJunket. Originally from Singapore, Nellie has traveled to over 150 countries across 7 continents. She is a book author and Lonely Planet guidebook writer. As an adventure travel blogger, she has a special interest in unusual destinations and deep experiences. Follow her travels on her Facebook and Instagram .

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The Comments

Jane E House

Great blog. But could you say something about the insects one might encounter in Greenland at certain times of year? And what to do to protect oneself?

hey Jane, the mosquito season lasts between mid-June to end of August in most parts of Greenland. The pupa (which have hibernated under the ice all Winter) hatch as soon as the ice melts from the shallow pools of water. The best way to protect oneself is to wear a mosquito net and pile on layers of mosquito repellent. Hope this helps!

Philip Olenick

Planning trip for Summer 2023 or 2024. We have 2 weeks. How do you recommend traveling if we want to echo your 2 week itinerary ?

hi Philip, good to hear you’re planning to travel Greenland. I’d recommend catching domestic flights in Greenland, there are regular departures. But make sure you have some flexibility in your travel schedule as it’s common for flights to be delayed/cancelled due to the weather. Summer should be fine though!

Planning trip for Winter in December 2024 (sole traveler) for 2 weeks. Hope you can assist to provide a valuable information to me for my planning:

(1) recommendation good travel agency for tour and accommodation (budgeted trip or within my budget) (as will fly from Copenhagen to Greenland).

Hope to hear from you soon. Thank you.

Cristiana Bardella

Great blog! So many useful tips! Thanks for that!

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Top Greenland Attractions

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Top Attractions in Greenland

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14 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Greenland

Written by Andrew Birbeck Updated Dec 27, 2023 We may earn a commission from affiliate links ( )

Greenland, an autonomous nation within the Kingdom of Denmark , can truly be said to be a world apart. Icebergs and glaciers are the most famous of Greenland's natural attractions, and the Ilulissat Ice-fjord in Disko Bay is a popular place to visit if you want to see the colossal shapes of blue and white float on an azure sea.

Green mountains with beautiful wildflowers, breathtaking fjords, precipitous cliffs, hot springs, and crystal-clear skies perfect for viewing the northern lights are all waiting to be discovered. Seals and whales flourish in the sea, and impressive animals like polar bears and reindeer roam the land.

Nature isn't all Greenland has to offer tourists, though. The nation's weather and isolation have helped preserve evidence of cultures long past, allowing tourists to visit sites like a 2,000-year-old Eskimo village and several Norse Viking settlements.

Because of the unique topography, there are virtually no roads between towns, so if you want to explore, it will be by boat, airplane, sled, or snowmobile. In fact, you'll find that some of the best things to do in Greenland are active ones — dogsledding, snowmobiling, hiking, walking on the ice cap, and traveling its waters by boat.

Explore this fascinating land with the help of our list of the top attractions and things to do in Greenland.

See also: Where to Stay in Greenland

1. Ilulissat Ice-fjord

2. whale watching, 3. nuuk and the greenland national museum, 4. the northern lights (aurora borealis), 5. uunartoq hot springs, 6. qaqortoq museum, 7. viking ruins, 8. sermermiut eskimo settlement, 9. exploring by boat and ferries, 10. dogsledding and snowmobile tours, 11. tasiilaq, east greenland, 12. walking on the ice cap from kangerlussuaq, 13. katuaq cultural center, 14. nuuk art museum (nuuk kunstmuseum), where to stay in greenland for sightseeing.

Justifiably Greenland's most visited area and a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2004, this amazing berg-strewn section of coast in Disko Bay is where huge glaciers "calve," an expression meaning that icebergs break off from the glaciers and float out into the coastal waters.

This is the perfect place to visit, if you're lucky enough to get the timing right, to witness this awe-inspiring natural spectacle. Unlike other ice fjords in Greenland, it can be watched from land.

The immense glacier Sermeq Kujalleq , more than five kilometers wide and one kilometer thick, feeds into the bay and flows at a rate of about 25 meters (82 feet) a day. Be prepared for stunning vistas and nature at its most majestic. Disko Bay is also notable for its historic significance; it's the site of Norse Explorer Erik the Red's 985 CE settlement.

While in Ilulissat, stop to see the collection of Greenland landscapes in the Emanuel A Petersen Art Museum.

Read More: Best Winter Holidays with Snow

One of the top things to do for visitors in Greenland is to experience an up-close encounter with whales. Most of the fjords melt by May, so June and July are usually the best months for cruising among icebergs and whale watching along the breathtaking coastline.

Tours usually depart from towns such as Qeqertarsuaq, Nuuk, and Aasiaat and are offered by operators like Disko Line . Typical encounters are with humpback, minke, and fin whales, but occasionally also blue whales, killer whales, narwhals, beluga whales, sperm whales, and pilot whales. Patience is required but richly rewarded.

Nuuk, the capital and administrative center of Greenland, has a population of around 16,000 and is especially popular with visitors thanks to the Greenland National Museum . Its collections of hunting equipment, kayaks, carvings, and Viking finds paint a vivid picture of life here from the earliest times.

The 500-year-old mummies of women and children (discovered in 1978) are so well preserved that some of the facial tattoos and various colors of the clothing material are still recognizable. The museum also hosts regular exhibitions of geology and the arts.

Nuuk is the departure point for tours of the Godthåb Fjord, one of Greenland's most beautiful regions, and the atmospheric buildings of the old colonial harbor are well worth seeing.

Address : Hans Egedes Vej 8, Nuuk

The northern lights are often referred to as "the biggest light show on earth," and during your visit to Greenland, you shouldn't miss this incredible natural spectacle. If you're planning to visit for the sole purpose of seeing the aurora borealis, then make sure you travel in winter.

There's a good chance of seeing the northern lights anytime between November and March, although December through February are the best months because the nights are clearer. The Northern Lights are visible across Greenland. Qaqortoq (south), Ittoqqortoormiit (east), and Kangerlussuaq (west) provide the best views.

Hot springs are found throughout Greenland, but on the uninhabited island of Uunartoq, the springs are the perfect temperature for bathing. Here, three naturally heated springs merge into a small pool, where you can immerse yourself surrounded by icebergs and stunning mountain peaks.

Uunartoq is a short boat ride from the town of Ilulissat . There are literally thousands of springs elsewhere in Greenland, most notably on Disko Island, whilst on the easterly side of the country there are around a hundred more.

Qaqortoq is a rock-bound fishing village of brightly painted houses climbing a hillside above the harbor. Set in an 1804 building that was once the Julianehåb colony manager's house, the Qaqortoq Museum displays artifacts from the Dorset, Thule, and Norse cultures, each with its separate exhibits and interpretation.

Norse history is especially well-represented with artifacts that include harpoons and kayaks, along with an authentic replica of a peat hut. There is also a replica umiac, a traditional Greenland boat.

On the top floor are the beautifully reconstructed "Blue Room" and "Red Room," where the explorer Knud Rasmussen and aviator Charles Lindbergh respectively stayed. Lindbergh was here when he was scouting sites for a Pan Am stopover airport.

Address: Torvevej B 29 3920, Qaqortoq, Greenland

Among the most popular things to see in southern Greenland are the remnants of Eric the Red's thousand-year-old Norse colonies. At their peak, it's estimated that something around 5,000 Norsemen lived throughout Greenland. Why the settlements died out remains a mystery.

A visit to the sites of the ruins is a fascinating journey back in time into the lives of these hardy hunter-gatherers. There are several Viking ruins found in the region including the Hvalsey Fjord Church (the oldest in Greenland and highly recommended) and Brattahlid near the town of Qassiarsuk (a 20-minute boat ride from Narsarsuaq international airport).

Roughly two kilometers from the town of Ilulissat, you'll find this ancient Eskimo settlement, first excavated at the beginning of the 20th century, which has some of the best-preserved remnants of indigenous Eskimo cultures in the Arctic. The ancient village is abandoned, but you can still see artifacts from the inhabitants who lived here more than 2,000 years ago.

To get to Sermermiut by foot takes roughly an hour. From the center of Ilulissat, walk south to the old Heliport and then follow the boardwalk a further 1.2 kilometers south to the shore of the Icefjord. Finds from the site are displayed in the Ilulissat Museum .

Whether you take a short afternoon cruise among the icebergs to a glacier or a multi-day cruise into the bays and fjords, boats are the best way to get a look at most parts of Greenland. Most of these mighty walls of ice are visible only from the sea, and boats are such a vital part of Greenland life that wherever you go there will be opportunities for sea excursions.

Small excursion boats have the advantage of no set itinerary, so in addition to the icebergs and glaciers, you may see waterfalls and wildlife, like an eagle guarding her nest. You can also find tour operators like Blue Ice Explorer in Narsarsuaq that offer custom tours to suit your interests and your schedule.

You can also take a longer multi-day cruise to see more of Greenland's wonders or get a feel for local life by joining Greenlanders on one of the many ferries that ply the small coastal ports. The Arctic Umiaq Line operates ferries that are the local transport, so unlike the cruises designed especially for tourists, these ferries give you a chance to meet and mingle with Greenlanders.

Without a doubt, exploring the wild landscape is one of the top things to do in Greenland, and the best way to experience the country's unique natural environment when snow is on the ground is on a tour by dogsled or a snowmobile excursion.

Naturally, the winter months are the time for dogsled tours and snowmobile trips. Some of the most popular areas to explore are Disko Bay , Tasiusaq Fjord , Qaanaaq , and Thule . You'll find numerous tour operators all over Greenland offering trips to suit different budgets.

Although it has just 2,000 inhabitants, Tasiilaq is the largest town in East Greenland. It lies on the island of Ammassalik, about 100 kilometers south of the Arctic Circle. Set amid breathtaking scenery on a fjord surrounded by soaring mountains and bisected by a small river, Tasiilaq should be high up on any visitor's agenda.

The Flower Valley behind the town is a popular place to visit for short or long hikes. Popular winter activities are skiing trips and dog-sled tours. In summer, activities include hiking, climbing, helicopter rides over the ice sheet and glaciers, sea kayaking between icebergs on the fjord, whale watching, and fishing. As Tasiilaq remains one of the most isolated settlements on Earth, expect an experience like no other.

Kangerlussuaq is a small town of about 500 people that has two reasons for a visit: it's the favorite starting point for hiking the 200-kilometer (124-mile) Arctic Circle Trail and it has the closest access to the Greenland ice sheet. You can book a half-day tour to the ice sheet, which is only about 30 kilometers away, and once there, walk on its surface.

This is one of the few places the ice cap can be reached without a helicopter. It's like no other experience-ice stretching to the horizon, cut by blue rivers of meltwater. Hikers looking for something shorter and less demanding than the Arctic Circle Trail can climb the nearby Sugarloaf Mountain for sweeping views that include the ice cap.

The Katuaq Cultural Center is located in Nuuk, housed in a beautiful modern building that was designed to emulate the movements of the northern lights. For tourists, the highlights of this attraction are its art exhibits and variety of live performances.

Visual arts exhibits change every one to two months and highlight the work of Greenland creators, both well-known and emerging artists. Performances include not only musical and theatrical productions, but also comedy shows and lecture series.

The center also has a very nice restaurant that features international food made with locally sourced ingredients.

Address: Imaneq 21, 3900 Nuuk

The Nuuk Art Museum began as the private collection of Svend and Helene Junge, which represented their love of all things Greenland. The collection includes paintings of Greenland and works by those who lived and stayed here, as well as a variety of craft-art pieces.

Tourists interested in local handcrafts can see the process of traditional Greenlandic costume-making up close at the Kittat Economusée , also located in Nuuk. It is a working museum, giving visitors the opportunity to watch as the skins are prepared, designs are drafted, and the art form is implemented. Visitors can also touch and examine the work and can purchase items made on-site.

Address: Kissarneqqortuunnguaq 5, 3900 Nuuk

Hotels in Illulissat:

• The closest to posh you're likely to find in Greenland, Hotel Arctic Ilulissat bills itself as "the world's most northerly 4-star hotel." Views from rooms facing the bay are stunning, and breakfast is free, as are rides to the airport and the hourly shuttle into town.
• Conveniently located in the town center, the mid-range Hotel Icefiord sits right on the edge of Disko Bay. All rooms face the bay for views of the icebergs drifting past. The restaurant is popular, and breakfast is included, along with airport transportation.

Guesthouses in Nuuk:

• Right on the water, with beautiful views from the rooms, Eagle View is a boutique guesthouse with a well-equipped kitchen, lounge area, and baths shared by guests.
• Guest rooms are spacious and cheerful. Greenland Escape is close to the airport, and about a 20-minute walk or a taxi ride from the center of town, Rooms have a modern, minimalist décor, and the guest kitchen and baths are shared.

Hotels Elsewhere in Greenland:

• Popular with hikers and visitors seeking outdoor experiences, Kangerlussuaq is not a place to find luxury resorts, but you'll be comfortable in the small rooms of the Old Camp , a hostel-style lodge where guests can make their own breakfasts in the kitchen.
• Perched high above the colorful village of Tasiilaq, in East Greenland, the Angmagssalik Hotel has stunning views of mountains across a bay filled with ice. The hotel has a restaurant, and breakfast is included in the rate.

More Related Articles on PlanetWare.com

Where to Go from Greenland: Most visitors flying here from North America connect to Greenland through Reykjavik , the capital of Iceland and the closest international airport to Greenland. A stopover here gives you a chance to explore the tourist attractions of Iceland .

More Arctic Regions to Explore: If glaciers, icebergs, Arctic landscapes, and the midnight sun fascinate you, then you'll enjoy the fjord-cut coastline of the Kenai Peninsula and 700-square-mile Harding Icefield, south of Anchorage in the US state of Alaska . You might also like to explore the Arctic reaches of northern Finland .

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20 Epic Things to Do in Greenland (Besides Looking At Ice)

Greenland is truly one of the last frontiers remaining in the world for travelers to explore. Despite its isolation, there are some amazing things to do in Greenland for those that make the trip to the far north.

Isolated in the far reaches of the Atlantic Ocean, this huge landmass might be the largest island in the world, but it’s also the least densely populated.

It’s a land of extremes, where the long winters see constant snow, ice, and perpetual darkness, while the short summers see an almost unbelievable transformation into a verdant land that becomes full of life and sunshine.

This is not a place that is either cheap or particularly easy to travel to and to travel around, but the rewards are almost infinite for those who take the time to explore.

There are many incredible things to do in Greenland, from exploring remote fishing villages on the edge of the Arctic to witnessing the Midnight Sun or the Northern Lights.

Here’s our guide to the best things to do in Greenland, to help you to plan your trip to this extreme, but unparalleled island of beauty.

Don’t leave home without your   Greenland & The Arctic (Lonely Planet Travel Guides)

20 Epic Things to do in Greenland

Table of Contents

1. Hike the Arctic Circle Trail

Take on a grand traverse across Greenland by hiking from the edge of the ice sheet in Kangerlussuaq to the coast in Sisimiut along the Arctic Circle Trail.

We did it and it was the highlight of our trip to Greenland, also a world’s Top 100 Travel Adventure . 

The route is 105 miles/165km taking you through the beautiful backcountry of Greenland. You have to be self-supported, carrying all of the food and camping gear that you will need and an average crossing lasts 9 days.

You’ll have the chance to experience gorgeous lakes, mountains, and valleys along the way. The ACT is one of the best hikes in Greenland and year after year it gets voted as one of the best hikes in the world .

2. Kayak in Ilulissat

Imagine being surrounded by towering icebergs in tranquil waters as you paddle and immerse yourself into pure nature.

Ilulissat, Greenland is one of those places where its shoreline with towering icebergs will hypnotize you.

If you are going to go kayaking anywhere in the world, I would put kayaking in Ilulissat at the top of your list when visiting Greenland.

3. Hike around the UNESCO Sermermiut

When visiting  Ilulissat, Greenland  every traveler must go for a hiking adventure through the Sermermiut Valley.

This UNESCO World Heritage Site is truly one of the most beautiful places to visit in Greenland and arguably the world. The hiking paths twist and wind through the valley where on a nice day locals will be out picking mushrooms.

Explore old settlements and remains that date back 4500 years. A local guide will lead you through this UNESCO site pointing out fauna and flora that are only found here.

The hiking path will lead you to amazing viewpoints of the Icefjord located on the outskirts of Ilulissat, where you’ll have iconic views of icebergs floating in the bay, next to a towering ice wall. 

It’s truly an incredible place and we visited more than once when we stayed in Ilulissat. 

4. Go Whale Watching

Whale watching is fantastic in Greenland. It is truly exciting watching these amazing creatures in their natural habitat coming up to the surface to breach next to giant icebergs just feet away from you. 

The best time to view whales in Greenland is from mid-summer to fall and this is when you will have a very good chance to see the whales when they are the most active.

Greenland is home to 15 species of whales and a few are active all year round. 

The best place to go whale watching in Greenland is Ilulissat, Disco Bay, Paamiut, Nuuk, Aasiaat, Uummannaq, Kulusuk and Tasiilaq.

In Southern Greenland, you will find fin whales, minke whales, and sometimes sperm whales. It is common to find humpback whales near Paamiut, Maniitsoq, Aasiaat, and in the fjords around Nuuk.

Humpback whales, minke whales, fin whales, and Greenland whales are often sighted in Disco Bay and Ilulissat.

5. Cruise the Ilulissat Icefjord

There is no other way to experience the amazing icebergs of Ilulissat than on a cruise, it is a must-do when visiting Ilulissat and to tell you the truth it is hands down the best place to do it in Greenland.

The Icefjord and its surrounding area is a protected UNESCO World Heritage site and that’s for good reason. 

This natural wonder will have you amazed on land once you show up in Ilulissat but hypnotized once in the water. You will feel small next to the towering icebergs as they reflect perfectly in the Arctic water. 

There’s plenty of great cruising options from photography-based cruises to midnight sun cruises and will be a highlight of anyone’s trip to Greenland. 

6. Journey to Point 660

Jump aboard a souped-up 4×4 vehicle and explore enchanting sceneries of mountains, sweeping plains and an Arctic desert along the way to one of the most iconic ice cap points in Greenland, Point 660. 

This is one of the most popular things to do in Kangerlussuaq and it is even offered as a layover trip.

Along the twisty and windy valley named Sandfugtsdal to get out and explore a fighter plane wreck and crystal clear lakes as the landscape changes from wild rolling green hills to rocky snow-covered rolling hills.

7. See the Russel Glacier

Greenland has many glaciers throughout its whole country, but one of the most popular ones to visit is the great Russel Glacier from Kangerlussuaq.

This real-life Game of Thrones ice wall is truly spectacular to see in person. Its 60-meter face will make you feel small standing next to it.

Here you can not only view this glacier but have a chance to get up close and personal with it by climbing on its massive boulders, exploring its icy rocks and watching its bright blue water cut through the ice.

It is not only fun but a fascinating trip that cannot be missed when visiting Greenland. 

Most people only visit this Glacier on a long layover but for the adventurous, this is where the start of the ACT begins and you can hike, as we did, along the Arctic Circle Trail.

8. Visit Oqaatsut Village

If you are looking to experience what life is truly like in Greenland, you have to head Oqaatsut.

Here you can explore a settlement that sees few tourists and you can sit down and have a traditional meal with one of its 42 residents who live here year-round.

Visiting Oqaatsut was one of our favorite things to do in Greenland. It gave us a look into a fascinating life and what it is like to live in such a harsh environment.

Oqaatsut is remote, there are no roads to this village and most visitors will visit by boat or kayak. You can also hike to this remote village that takes a half-day from Ilulissat.

There is plenty of fascinating places to visit in Greenland but a trip to the Oqaatsut village is a must when visiting Ilulissat.

9. Take a City Tour of Sisimiut

Sisimiut, Greenland  is situated in a naturally beautiful location in Western Greenland. It is the picture-perfect town in Greenland with colorful houses overlooking its fjord.

It has a great mix of Inuit and Scandinavian settlers that have called this place home for generations. 

Sisimiut is Greenland’s second-largest settlement and is very popular for adventure travelers however the city itself is worth exploring on a city tour before heading out on those epic adventures. 

Sisimiut may be small but there are lots to be seen here.

Be transported back into time through thousands of years of culture and history with your local guide at the Sisimiut Museum that’s located down by the harbor.

This settlement is one of the best in Greeland that showcases what it was like to live and survive in such harsh environments. 

You can spend hours walking the streets, poking your head into local shops and admiring the colorful houses that are unlike anywhere else in Greenland.

There’s also a great variety of amazing viewpoints that can be seen right from the city. We suggest taking a look at the local fish market that has a variety of different items from the sea every day.

Another popular spot to learn about this city’s history is at the Arctic Circle monument and let’s not forget checking out the Greenlandic huskies located on the outskirts of town. 

10. Buy Muskoxen clothing at Qiviut

One of the most exclusive and rare wool available in the world is Musk ox wool. Qiviut is the Greenlandic word for the downy wool that the wild musk oxen hide underneath their coarse overcoat.

This is a unique material that is not only fashionable but provides warmth. Which is extremely important in Greenland. 

As a visitor in Sisimiut, you can experience this process first hand from start to finish at the Qiviut shop.

This interactive shop walks you through the whole process not only giving you an insider look on how its harvested but how and why they make certain items the way do.

After watching the process don’t forget to explore the shop where you have the chance to buy Musk ox yarn, gloves, hats, scarfs, jackets, vests, and boots.

Musk ox wool makes for a great gift and is one of the few local products allowed to be explored, unlike polar bear, whale, or seals products. 

11. Sample the local delicacies

Since Greenland is mostly covered by permanent glaciers most of their food comes from the sea.

There are a few items that come from the land but those are only available for a short period of time, on top of that Greenland’s rugged landscape makes farming very difficult.

Many of their dishes are prepared fresh or smoked. A few of the must-try foods in Greenland are Whale Meat, Seal, Muskox, Eider Sea Duck, Lumpfish Roe and Greenlandic Lamb.

Keep in mind when visiting Greenland that they have eaten many of these foods for hundreds of years.

It’s a cultural thing and as travelers, we may not like the taste or agree with eating certain items but we should respect their culture. 

12. Explore the abandoned settlement of Assaqutaq

Greenland has many great abandoned settlements but one that simply can not be missed is the abandoned settlement of Assaqutaq. This abandoned settlement is just a short boat ride from Sisimiut located on a remote island.

Assaqutaq is truly a fascinating place and when we visited the island, caretakers ran out to greet us. They had fish drying on the outside racks and you could tell they don’t see many tourists.

During the summer months, it acts as a place for summer camps for children and a place for sourcing fish to be used as food for many of the sled-dogs in Sisimiut.

We explored this abandoned settlement on a local tour that gave us an insight from those who have lived there for generations and who are passionate about preserving its history.

There’s a good amount of abandoned buildings, some restored and some left to deteriorate. There is even a good size gravesite where we heard stories about ghost hauntings on the island. The chilling silence of this settlement will captivate you as it did to us.

If you are not visiting Sisimiut, another popular abandoned settlement is located just outside Nuuk.

The Kangeq abandoned settlement will give you a look into what it is like to explore Greenland’s hidden gems that are found throughout the coastline.

13. Meet the Greenlandic Husky

It does not matter if you are exploring a little city like Ilulissat or a larger city like Nuuk, throughout all of Greenland it is easy to find the Greenlandic Husky everywhere you go.

These cute animals are iconic to Greenland. Most of the time they are found in designated areas on the outskirts of the cites where owners have dog houses set up for them to live.

Greenland contains the largest population of huskies in the Arctic and is unique in maintaining its traditions of dog sledding culture.

Today the Greenlandic Husky population is decreasing rapidly, this means Greenland’s unique dog sledding culture is in danger of disappearing.

If you are an animal lover or if you want to experience these magical creatures in their natural habitat we suggest joining a dog sledding adventure.

This will allow you to understand these creatures and how they have become a special breed throughout all of Greenland.

These are not the average dogs that you have at home. These dogs are used for work as dog sleds, not as your household pet. They are friendly but they are aggressive, there have been incidents where dogs have bitten tourists.

It is always best to keep your distance from animals unless the owner is there to tell you it is ok to get close.

14. Take a photo with the Kangerlussuaq Airport Sign

Located just outside on the runway side of Greenland’s main airport is one of the best signs in Greenland showing distances from all around the world. This sign will put Greenland’s location into a great perspective for you.

The North Pole is 3 hours and 15 minutes away, Tokyo is 10 hours and 5 minutes away and Los Angeles is 6 hours and 45 minutes away. 

Most people only fly through Kangerlussuaq but we recommend staying and exploring that area.

We did and we were surprised about all the great things you can do there that most travelers simply miss because they are jetting off to another part of Greenland.

15. Book A Scenic Flight

Greenland is one of the best places to take a scenic flight since its landscape is so diverse. You have fjords, glaciers, mountain peaks, bright blue rivers and let’s not forget the iceberg dappled coastline.

There’s no other place in the world where you can take a scenic flight and have all of those amazing views in close distance. 

The view from above is as impressive as the view on the ground. Flying in Greenland is spectacular. It truly will put the size of everything into perspective.

16. View the Northern Lights

Greenland has many natural beauties and one that always seems to amaze me is the Northern Lights. They are not something you can view in many places around the world.

That said, Greenland is a top destination for viewing the Northern lights since there’s little to no artificial light pollution.

Greenland often has clear skies that make for the best conditions for seeing the Northern Lights.

This surreal light show can be seen across the island, but it is best experienced them from September until the beginning of April when the colors appear at their most vibrant.

A few of the most popular places to view Northern Lights in Greenland are Kangerlussuaq, Disko Bay, East Greenland, and Nuuk.

Keep in mind this is a natural occurrence so that means the more time you spent outdoors the higher your chances of seeing them.

There are endless options for you to view the lights in Greenland including remote camping trips to luxury 4×4 or snowmobiling trips.

Recommended Tour: Northern Lights – Private charter 1-6 Passengers – Cabin boat

17. Visit the National Museum in Nuuk

There are many great adventures to be had in Greenland however one of the most inspiring ones is a visit to the National Museum in Nuuk.

Located near the waterfront, it is one of the best museums I’ve visited in all of our travels and one of the top things to do in Nuuk .

Just stepping foot through the doors you will be transported back in time by Greenland’s largest cultural history museum. The museum has great displays of traditional kayaks, mummies, and clothing dating back centuries.

They have preserved the Greenlandic history with items from all over this amazing country and all displays have information about every artifact. 

If you’re going to add one thing from our list of things to do in Greenland, you must add a visit to the National Museum in Nuuk on to your list.

18. Ride the Sarfaq Ittuk

Discover a side of Greenland that many travelers don’t get to experience on a slow but beautiful adventure sailing on the Sarfaq Ittuk passenger ferry.

The Sarfaq Ittuk passenger ferry is the only passenger ferry in Greenland that carries 238 passengers and stops at 12 different settlements, towns, villages, and cities along its route.

This sailing journey will take you along the west coast between Ilulissat in the North and Qaqortoq in the South, operating on a weekly loop.

For some local Greenlanders, the Sarfaq Ittuk is the only mode of transportation linking them to the rest of Greenland and the outside world.

For anyone visiting Greenland, this is a chance to slow down and experience a local side of Greenland. You’ll visit places where you’ll be the only tourist due to it being so difficult to access.

On top of that, it is a chance to enjoy Greenland’s amazing wildlife that calls the coastal waters home.

This is hands down one of the best sailing adventures in the world and this ultimate sea journey on the Sarfaq Ittuk passenger ferry should be added to your can’t miss things to do when you are visiting Greenland.

19. Soak in the Uunartoq Hot Springs

Greenland has many great hot springs located throughout the country however the island of Uunartoq is home to the only hot springs in Greenland that warm enough to bathe in.

Located on an uninhabited island in South Greenland are three naturally heated springs that run together ending in a small natural stoned pool.

This is hands down one of the best places in Greenland to relax. Just sit back and enjoy its warm waters being surrounded by towering mountain peaks and an outer bay that’s dappled with drifting icebergs.

It is the true definition of being surrounded by natural beauty, so if your someone who’s looking for a great experience for your body and soul, you should add a soak in the Uunartoq hot springs on to your Greenland bucket list. 

20. Kayak the Blue River

If you are looking for one of the most unique kayaking experiences in the world, you must head up north to a place where bright blue ribbons of water cut through a snow-white landscape.

It is a place unlike anywhere else in the world and it should be added to the top of your list of things to do in Greenland.

The melting waters of the Petermann Glacier split out like veins creating a bright blue river where adventure travelers come from all around the world to kayak.

Every year the river has a different shape snaking across this amazing icy landscape. 

Kayaking the Blue River in Northern Greenland is a true adventure and not for those who have not done kayaking expeditions before, there are no infrastructures and on top of that, the logistics are challenging.

It is a remote and rugged place that’s only accessible by helicopter at the right time of the year. Spend your days snaking through its waterways and nights remote camping among the world’s last true frontier where you won’t find any other travelers.

More on Greenland:

• 10 Fascinating Places to Visit in Greenland (That May Surprise You)
• 10 Cool Things to Do in Nuuk, Greenland
• Sisimiut Greenland: 15 Things to Do + Planning Tips
• 11 Things to Do in Kangerlussuaq, Greenland
• Kayaking in Greenland: An Adventure Like No Other
• 9 Epic Reasons to Visit Ilulissat, Greenland
• Best Sleeping Bag for Cold Weather
•   9 Unreal Northern Lights Tours

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About david stock.

I have always been an outdoorsman so becoming an adventure traveler was just the next natural step. I love nature, I love to get off the beaten path and I like to explore. I enjoy scuba diving and cars. And yes, Lina and I have a naked dog.

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• 3 Other destinations
• 4.1 Location
• 4.2 Climate
• 4.3 Visitor information
• 6.1 Passports and visas
• 6.2 Expedition permits
• 6.3 By plane
• 6.4 By boat
• 7 Get around
• 9.2 Driving a dog-sled
• 9.3 Kayaking
• 9.4 Mountaineering
• 10.2 Shopping
• 10.3 Supermarkets
• 16 Stay safe
• 17 Stay healthy
• 18.1.1 Newspapers
• 18.1.2 Radio
• 18.1.3 Television
• 20.1 Phones
• 20.2 Internet

Greenland ( Greenlandic : Kalaallit Nunaat ; Danish : Grønland ) is the world's largest non-continental island, in the Arctic far north-east of North America . For thousands of years this icy landmass has been inhabited by Arctic peoples. In the 10th century, it was settled by Vikings (or at least a small part of it was), and to this day it is part of the Danish Realm.

Greenlandic places generally have two names: the (traditional and now official) Greenlandic , or Kalaallisut , and the (no longer official) Danish. Greenlandic is abbreviated 'kl;' Danish is 'da.'

• 64.175 -51.738889 1 Nuuk (da: Godthåb ) – the capital
• 70.485278 -21.966667 2 Ittoqqortoormiit (da: Scoresbysund ) – settlement in the sparsely populated eastern Greenland
• 67.008611 -50.689167 3 Kangerlussuaq (da: Søndre Strømfjord ) – known for research facilities and the former US Bluie West Eight base; comparably mild weather, while the glacier is in easy reach; good site for viewing the northern lights .
• 65.575278 -37.183333 4 Kulusuk (da: Kap Dan ) – one of the largest towns in Eastern Greenland
• 77.466667 -69.230556 5 Qaanaaq (da: Thule ) – one of the world's northernmost civilian settlements, with a U.S. airbase
• 66.938889 -53.672222 6 Sisimiut (da: Holsteinsborg ) – second largest city
• 65.613611 -37.631111 7 Tasiilaq (also Amassalik, for its municipality and the island it is on) – the largest city in Eastern Greenland
• 72.786944 -56.147222 8 Upernavik – unique wildlife, the largest bird cliff (Apparsuit)
• 70.674722 -52.126389 9 Uummannaq – whale watchers' paradise

Other destinations

• 76 -30 1 Northeast Greenland National Park – the largest natural reserve in the world. There are no towns or settlements, only a couple of weather stations. The coast of this area is accessible on cruise expeditions.

According to the Icelandic Sagas, Erik the Red chose the name " Green land" to entice settlers from Iceland . In fact, Greenland has far more ice cover (about 84% of its surface area) than Ice land does, but the southern coasts the Vikings settled are green in summer, and were likely more so during the Medieval Warm Period.

Be careful with maps of Greenland, as many Greenlandic names simply reference a particular geographical feature. For example, "Kangerlussuaq" means "Big Fjord" and so is not only the Greenlandic name for Søndre Strømfjord.

When visiting a city or village, don't be afraid to ask for directions of shops, places to eat or somewhere to sleep, even if you think there might not be any. Most places (even Nuuk ) are small enough for everyone to know where everything is, and therefore no one bothered to put up a sign. Don't be surprised to find a fully equipped supermarket inside a grey factory-like building in the middle of nowhere.

Politically, Greenland is a member of the Nordic Council and still part of the Kingdom of Denmark , though it was granted self-government in 1979. In 2008, it voted for more autonomy, in effect making it a separate country with formal ties to Denmark. Some inhabitants are now projecting the eventual road to full independence. Copenhagen remains responsible for its foreign affairs and defence, and is a source of investment.

Although some projections of the globe (including the common Mercator) make Greenland look as big as Africa, (geographers call this "the Greenland problem") it is actually about the size of Mexico . Greenland has the lowest population density among autonomous entities.

Greenland accounts for 97% of the area of the Kingdom of Denmark, which encompasses metropolitan Denmark, Greenland, and the Faroe Islands . The Danish territorial claim is rooted in the 10th-century explorations of the Vikings, though administrative power has changed hands several times over the centuries due to developments in Europe. The native Greenlanders , or Kalaallit , are Inuit descendants of nomads from northern Canada.

Although all of Greenland is known for being cold, different parts of Greenland have significantly different temperatures. For example, parts of Southern Greenland , have in the past reached 86 °F (30 °C); meanwhile, temperatures in the high central plateau and far north of Greenland can get as low as −87 °F (−66 °C).

Coastal regions on the northern half of Greenland experience winter temperatures similar to or slightly warmer than the Canadian Archipelago, with average January temperatures of −30 °C to −25 °C (−22 °F to −13 °F). The coastal regions in the southern part of the island are influenced more by open ocean water and by frequent passage of cyclones, both of which help to keep the temperature there from being as low as in the north. As a result of these influences, the average temperature in these areas in January is considerably higher.

The interior ice sheet escapes much of the influence of heat transfer from the ocean or from cyclones, and its high elevation also acts to give it a colder climate since temperatures tend to decrease with elevation. Snow cover, combined with the ice sheet's elevation, keep temperatures on the ice sheet lower, with July averages between −12 °C and 0 °C (10 °F and 32 °F).

In summer, the coastal regions of Greenland experience temperatures averaging just a few degrees above freezing in July, with slightly higher temperatures in the south and west than in the north and east. Along the coast, temperatures are kept from varying too much by the moderating influence of the nearby water or melting sea ice. Temperatures above 20 °C are rare but do sometimes occur in the far south and south-west coastal areas.

Visitor information

• visitgreenland.com

The official language, Greenlandic (Kalaallisut) , is that of the more populated western coast. The eastern dialect is slightly different. Both are highly challenging languages to learn, as words are very long and often feature "swallowed" consonants; try uteqqipugut or Ittoqqortoormiit . Though you won’t be able to quickly pick up the language on a visit in the way that you might for Danish, Greenlandic words may come in handy for visitors wanting to experience the "real Greenland".

Almost all Greenlanders are bilingual with Danish , and in urban areas like Nuuk there are many first-language Danish speakers, and many also have a functional command of English. However, English proficiency in rural areas and villages is rare, so it is best to learn some Danish for exploring these areas.

Greenlandic is sufficiently different from Inuktitut, the language of the Canadian Inuit who share similar historical roots to the Greenlanders, that the two peoples have difficulty understanding each other. However, attempts are being made to unify the Inuit language, and Greenlandic – with its existing libraries of translated Shakespeare and Pushkin – seems the most useful option.

Passports and visas

Although part of the Kingdom of Denmark, Greenland is neither part of the European Union nor the Schengen Area . Everybody but citizens of the Nordic countries needs their passport, and even Danish residents may need an entry permit.

If you do not need a visa for Denmark, you can generally visit Greenland for up to 90 days without a visa, although your passport must be valid for at least three months after your visit.

Nordic citizens (Danish, Finnish, Icelandic, Norwegian and Swedish) do not need visas for any length of stay, do not need working permits, and can use any form of identity documentation to enter. However, your transport may require a passport or formal ID stating your citizenship, and if your transport is diverted in bad weather, you may need a passport for e.g. Scotland. Foreign residents of Denmark need to apply for an entry permit instead of a visa.

If you do require a visa for Denmark, Schengen area visas for mainland Denmark are not valid for Greenland. You will need a separate visa , which can be applied for at any Danish diplomatic post or embassy along with your Schengen visa for Denmark or Iceland if you are transiting through one of those countries. If you are flying through Nunavut, you would need a Canadian temporary resident or transit visa.

If you're planning work or study in Greenland, you'll need an appropriate permit, although some types of work (teaching, consulting, artists, installation technicians, and a few others) as well as short term research are exempt from needing a work or study permit if the time spent in Greenland is less than 90 days. For Nordic citizens, see above.

There is no border control on entering or leaving Greenland – all document checks are performed by the airline during check-in and at the gate. Thus, if you need your passport stamped (e.g. for a residence permit) you will normally have to seek out border staff yourself or get in touch with Greenland Homerule to obtain the stamp.

Expedition permits

If you stay on the typical tourist paths you do not need any permissions, but any expeditions (including any trips to the national park , which by definition are expeditions) need a special permit from the Danish polar centre. If travelling with an agency they will usually take care of the paperwork. If you are entering or travelling through Thule Air Base , you also need a permission from the Danish department of foreign affairs, since it is a US military area (except for children under 15, Danish police and military, US military or US diplomats). See Qaanaaq for details.

Trans-oceanic service to Greenland either lands at 67.011 -50.717 1 Kangerlussuaq ( SFJ  IATA ) (Danish: Søndre Strømfjord, English: Sondrestrom), or 61.1588 -45.4255 2 Narsarsuaq ( UAK  IATA ), the only airports in the country that can accept anything larger than a turboprop. These two airports are in unpopulated areas without road connection, and almost every passenger continues with local flights, helicopters or boats.

The capital 64.193 -51.676 3 Nuuk ( GOH  IATA ) receives some international services from Iceland each summer.

Except on the Reykjavík-Nuuk route, where there is some competition (Air Greenland and Icelandair), getting to Greenland is expensive , although sometimes travel agents are able to get discounts through agreements with Greenland Tourism.

Air Greenland , the flag carrier, offers several options for reaching Greenland. They only sell tickets through their own website and travel agents. Fares are not advertised on any consolidator website. Despite minority ownership by SAS, Air Greenland is not part of the Star Alliance network, nor does it have codeshares through SAS or any other major carrier. Interlining baggage and a single reservation may be possible: consult a travel agent.

• Year-round, a daily return between Copenhagen Airport and Kangerlussuaq , with a second daily return in the summer season contracted out to Danish carrier JetTime. From Kangerlussaq, you can reach any other city or settlement in the country, including the capital Nuuk, through Air Greenland's domestic network.
• Seasonally, several departures each week between Copenhagen and Narsarsuaq, operated by JetTime.
• June to September, two weekly returns from Keflavik Airport in Iceland (Icelandair's hub) to Nuuk and Narsarsuaq. With plenty of flights between Iceland and the United States, this is by far the easiest way to get to Greenland from North America. It's also the most affordable as it's the only route Air Greenland has any competition on.

The flights to Greenland typically leave in the morning and flights to Iceland in the afternoon. This means together with the transfer time that a night's sleep is probably needed in Iceland. If you are in Iceland, a popular day excursion is to fly from Reykjavík to Kulusuk , where traditional handicrafts are on sale, before returning to the comparative comforts of Iceland.

• Year-round flights from Reykjavík city airport to Kulusuk , Ittoqqortoormiit and Nuuk and additionally to Narsarsuaq and Ilulissat during the summer months.

There are also many charter outfits serving Greenland from Europe and mainland North America, and if you're on a package tour to Greenland from the rest of North America, a chartered flight is frequently included. Scientific and technical personnel travelling from North America for research purposes typically fly into Kangerlussuaq aboard New York Air National Guard C-130s.

Greenland's airports are private aviation-friendly if the weather is right. The name of Greenland's airport service is Mittarfeqarfiit.

Realistically, there is no ferry service from Europe or the rest of North America. Royal Arctic Line is the national freight operator, but they don't take passengers to or from Greenland.

There are cruise ships from both continents that visit Greenland:

• Hurtigruten , has cruises from or to Iceland.
• AdventureSmith Explorations - Expedition cruise wholesaler with over 30 small ship cruises to Greenland.

It is possible to transport a car as container cargo. Royal Arctic Line transports containers and other goods from Aalborg. This is however very expensive (kr 30,000 return) and time consuming and considering there are no roads between settlements, this is done only when moving or buying a car, not by visitors.

There is no road or rail system. The easiest way to get around Greenland is by plane, particularly Air Greenland. In the summer, Arctic Umiaq Line passenger ships provide service to destinations between Narsarsuaq and Uummannaq along the west coast. Royal Arctic Line can take passengers on local routes.

• Icebergs and glaciers (especially the Ilulissat Icefjord)
• Animal life - Whales, seals, walruses, musk oxen, reindeer/caribou and polar bears; see North American wildlife .
• The midnight sun - In the northern 2/3 of Greenland, the sun stays above the horizon for days or even several weeks in the summer. In the remainder, the weeks around the summer solstice (21 June, a national holiday) see the sun dip below the horizon for only a short while each night, with the sky never getting truly dark. (Of course the reverse is true in the winter.)

You can freely hike near most settlements in Greenland as there is no property ownership anywhere in the country. Do go off the few small walking paths that exist. You will easily find yourself in offbeat locales, and wonder if you are perhaps the first person to ever stand in that particular spot. This rare sensation is by far the best reason to travel in Greenland.

Hiking does require permits in some cases, though. The government requires expedition permits [dead link] for all traffic on the glacier, in the Greenland National Park and East Greenland except areas around Illoqqortoormiut and Tasiilaq. There is a non-refundable application fee of kr 4000 for the expedition permit.

There are hiking trails or trail networks in some parts of Greenland. The longest and the most famous is the Arctic Circle Trail, which spans 167 km from Kangerlussuaq to Sisimiut, is well marked and frequented by 600-1000 hikers annually. Hikers typically complete it in 7-11 days.

Nuuk is connected with Kapissilit by a trail which is not marked but frequented by a considerable number of hikers, typically in 5/7 days, 103 km.

In Southern Greenland the settlements of Narsarsuaq, Quassiarsuk and Nasaq can be linked by a hike, partially on gravel roads and paths, approx 80 km in total.

Driving a dog-sled

Mountaineering.

As with hiking, you need permits for some destinations. The peaks in the western part of Greenland and especially those nearby towns do not require any permits, and often have a path leading to the top. The helicopters on Greenland are not equipped for mountain rescue.

Like the rest of the Kingdom of Denmark, the official currency is the Danish krone (plural, kroner ), denoted by the abbreviation " kr " (ISO code: DKK ). Icelandic króna, euros, and Canadian dollars are sometimes accepted in tourist areas (but always check first), exchange other major currencies (such as pounds sterling, Swiss francs or U.S. dollars) for kroner at any bank or post office for a minimal charge.

Greenland is largely a cash economy. With improvements to the infrastructure over the past few decades, the number of merchants accepting credit cards or debit cards is increasing, although many still do not. As a general rule, apart from hotels or mainland chains with a presence on the island (e.g. supermarkets) don't expect that credit cards are accepted: carry some cash as a backup. Every settlement has at least one ATM and if all else fails, banks may be able to give you a cash advance from your credit card.

Tourists to Greenland sometimes buy:

• Inuit art and crafts
• Sealskin – which the Great Greenland fur company has fashioned into everything from coats to thick belts to purses and pencil cases. If considering sealskin products, check import restrictions of your home country and intermediate ones.
• Duty-free – most flights land at Kangerlussuaq, where you can buy duty-free after landing. Stock up on cheap booze, smokes and everything else at prices far lower than the rest of Greenland. Greenland is not a member of the EU , so although you may be travelling from Denmark, the custom rules are the same as for a trip out of the EU.

Supermarkets

• Pilersuisoq - Chain of larger supermarkets usually found in small villages. Has a little bit of everything.
• Pisiffik - Chain of larger supermarkets present in the cities.
• Spar - Dutch supermarket chain with a few shops in Greenland.
• Brugsen - Danish supermarket chain with a few shops in Greenland.

Food in Greenland is generally not that different from American or continental European tastes. Restaurants carry typical European fare. Local food can be purchased at local markets in each town. Many Greenlandic restaurants combine traditional foods (locally-caught fish, shrimp, whales and seals; also muskox and reindeer) with more familiar dishes. Expect to find whale meat at a Thai restaurant and caribou in a Chinese one. Nuuk also has several burger bars and a couple of very high-end restaurants, most notably Nipisa, which specializes in (very expensive) local delicacies. Prices are high everywhere, but servings are generally large, especially with fries.

Vegetables are expensive and therefore not very common.

A local speciality is Greenlandic coffee. Its creation in some places is a performance and it hits hard: it's coffee laced with liberal amounts of kahlua, whisky and Grand Marnier. One of the best places to buy is at the Sukhumvit Thai Restaurant, for about Canadian $22.

Accommodation in Greenland tends to be pricey, world class hotels exist in all of the more visited areas (Hotel Hans Egede in Nuuk, Hotel Arctic - with its igloo rooms - and Hotel Hvide Falke in Ilulissat), but cheaper options exist. Try for the Seaman's Home hotel in Maniitsoq, Nuuk, Qaqortoq, Sisimiut and Aasiaat.

For less expensive options, you can check with the Nuuk Tourism office for its hostel program, where locals have rooms they will rent out for a third the price of the town's hotels. It's a great way to experience the real Greenland, although knowing a few words of Danish or Greenlandic is very helpful as your hosts may or may not understand English. You can also camp in any field or plain for free if you're equipped to handle the elements.

Skilled workers (K-12 teachers and doctors in particular) are always needed, knowledge of Danish or Greenlandic (preferably both) are necessary, although the University of Greenland in Nuuk does offer some programs in English. Foreigners, including most EU/EEA nationals (Greenland is not part of the EU/EEA) require a work permit in advance, which needs to be vetted and approved both by the Danish immigration authorities and the Government of Greenland. Only citizens of the Nordic countries are exempt. Certain types of short-term work (teaching, performing, installation technicians, construction, among others) for less than 90 days does not require a work permit, nor does short-term research. See this page .

If you have residency (permanent or temporary) in Denmark, you do not have any automatic immigration privileges in Greenland, although you can visit for up to 90 days without a visa even if you are a citizen of a country that would normally require one. Under Danish immigration law, time spent in Greenland is considered time outside of Denmark for residence permit purposes, and a long visit or work assignment in Greenland (i.e. 6 months or more) could cause your permit to lapse. Contact the immigration department if this may apply to you. (For purposes of applying for Danish citizenship, time spent in Greenland fully counts as it is part of the Kingdom of Denmark.)

Crime , and ill-will toward foreigners in general, is virtually unknown in Greenland. Even in the towns, there are no "rough areas." So long as you use basic common sense and etiquette, you should be fine.

Cold weather is perhaps the only real danger the unprepared will face. If you visit Greenland during cold seasons (considering that the further north you go, the colder it will be), it is essential to bring warm enough clothing.

Stay healthy

The very long days in the summer can lead to problems getting sufficient sleep and associated health issues.

During the summer, also watch out for the Nordic mosquitoes . Although they do not transmit any diseases, they can be irritating.

The availability of emergency health care is limited in smaller communities. Evacuation by helicopter or airplane might be needed. This is quite expensive, so make sure you have travel appropriate insurance.

Tap water is drinkable.

• Sermitsiaq (in Danish and Greenlandic)
• Kalaallit Nunaata Radioa ( Radio Greenland ) broadcasts one national radio station with a wide variety of news, music, cultural, and entertainment programs, primarily in Kalaallisut (Greenlandic) but some features (particularly news) are also in Danish.
• In Nuuk only, a second frequency re-broadcasts Danmarks Radio from Copenhagen.
• Kalaallit Nunaata Radioa broadcasts KNR TV nationwide, with a similarly broad selection of programs in both Greenlandic and Danish.
• Many settlements have a secondary commercial television station, such as Nuuk TV and Sisimiut TV with locally produced news, current affairs and entertainment programs.
• Nuuk TV also offers Nuuk TV Digital an encrypted over the air digital network available by subscription. 40 channels are available, comprised of Danish terrestrial networks (DR Television), Canal+ film channels, and several Danish and international cable networks, such as CNN and Discovery. Some channels on Nuuk TV digital are in English.
• Terrestrial TV networks do not broadcast around the clock. KNR Television has a breakfast news program from 06:00-11:00, closes down until 16:00 and then signs back on for the evening program until 00:00 or 01:00, hours are expanded slightly on weekends and may be expanded further for football or other sports coverage. The local commercial stations only broadcast in the evening. Nuuk TV Digital is on the air 24 hours a day.

Although Greenlanders used to be commonly known as "Eskimos", the term is today considered to be a racist slur in Greenland and should never be used. The native inhabitants of Greenland call themselves Kalaalleq (plural Kalaallit), though the term "Greenlander" is also acceptable. Also do not say you are in "Denmark", as this might be considered offensive. Instead, if you must make reference to Danish sovereignty, state that you are in the “Kingdom of Denmark”.

Greenland has country code 299. Tusass is the only telephone service provider. Almost every village has mobile phone coverage. The countryside has much less coverage. Greenland does not belong to the EU, and the roaming charges are much higher than they are inside EU for EU residents, closer to the high end of the world's roaming prices.

SIM cards with data can be purchased from Tusass but they are not cheap: a prepaid SIM costs 250 kr for 3 GB of data for 1 week, or 500 kr for 20 GB of data for 2 weeks. If your phone supports eSIM technology, these are available from US$9 for 1 GB for 1 week.

Thanks to undersea fibre optic cable links to Europe and broadband satellite, Greenland is well connected with 93% of the population having internet access. Your hotel or hosts (if staying in a guesthouse or private home) will likely have Wi-Fi or an internet-connected PC. Every town and village has some form of publicly-accessible internet. Just ask around.

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Greenland Travel Guide

Your ultimate greenland travel guide, with tips, and things to see and things to do in greenland. great for first-time and returning travelers..

Greenland is one of the final frontiers on the planet! It is the most sparsely populated country in the world and there are no roads connecting any of its towns. As a result,  travelers must journey around the country either by ship or by flying .

The PlanetD explored Greenland on the  Sea Spirit  ship  and enjoyed a 14-day adventure that started from the north of the Arctic circle all the way around to Reykjavik, Iceland. This Greenland travel guide will help you plan your next vacation.

Popular City Guides

• Incredible Greenland
• Kayaking in Greenland

Our Highlight

Table of contents

Table of Contents

Fast Facts about Greenland

• Greenland power voltage is 220 V 50Hz;  Plug C & K
• Currency is the Danish Krone and is around 5.4 DKK to 1 USD
• Foreigner credit cards are valid at banks and ATMs but travelers are advised to bring some cash as these foreign cards may not be accepted at all shops.
• Random fact:  Greenland is part of the Kingdom of Denmark but is  not  a member of the European Union.

Things to See and Do in Greenland

• Kayak through Uncharted Fjords  – For centuries, Greenland was known as the land of kayakers and today the tradition still holds strong.
• Take the Arctic Polar Plunge  – close your eyes and jump into icy waters.
• Go on a Greenland expedition  – enjoy the sites on board a cruise ship while disembarking for multiple shore landings to explore this magical country.
• Take a Bath at the Top of the World   – drink a glass of champagne while taking a dip in the Uunartoq thermal pool.
• Meet the locals and learn about the Inuit culture  – discover more about Greenland, a unique country where ancient culture meets the modern world.
• Eat Whale  – It is a staple food of Greenland and part of their tradition and heritage. Would you try it?

Greenland Travel Guides

• Ilulissat Greenland
• The People and Culture of Greenland

Arctic or Antarctica? How to Choose your Polar Expedition

• Hot Springs and Bubbly

Accommodation

Greenland is expensive to travel and even basic hostels can be pricey. We visited on an expedition ship and it is easiest to go to Greenland on a tour or cruise. But there are options.

Budget  – Hostels start at about $130. You can camp in Greenland, but it is recommended to have experience coming in harsh climates.

Mid Range  – Mid range hotels cost $200

High End  – High end accommodation cost $300 – $375.

Check out our favorite booking platforms Booking.com , Tripadvisor and VRBO for the best deals on accommodation.

Food : Greenland has an arctic climate so fresh fruit and vegetables are scarce.

A diet of fish and meat is the staple food for Greenland.

You will encounter marine mammals like whale and seal. Reindeer, muskox, and lamb are also on the menu.

The Best Ways to Get Around Greenland

Getting to greenland:.

Getting to : There are no direct flights from North America to Greenland. The best way to get to Greenland is from Reykjavik, Iceland via plane or as a part of an expedition. You can check for the best flights to Greenland on  Skyscanner .

Transportation:

Transportation:  Greenland doesn’t have any roads between cities and communities. The best way to get around Greenland is by expedition ship.

Taxis / Uber : Towns are small so you don’t need buses, taxis, Uber or car rentals.

You can check for the best flights on Skyscanner . You will most likely have a connection flight as there are few direct flights to Greenland outside of Iceland. International flights will fly into Nuuk.

When to go To Greenland

• April thought August is summer and the warmest time to visit this Arctic climate.
• June and July is the time to visit for 24 hour daylight.
• November through April is the best time for Northern Lights.

Where to Stay in Greenland

You’ll most likely be traveling Greenland via a tour or expedition as it is very expensive to get from town to town. With no roads connecting cities in Greenland, you will have to either fly or take a ship.

But you can find accommodation in places like Nuuk and Illulissat. Check for hotel prices here.

What to Pack for Greenland

• Insect Repellent  –  Along with natural beauty and warm weather, summers in Greenland (specifically July and August) are known for their mosquito swarms. Travels are advised to bring a mosquito net, insect spray or mosquito headnet if planning to hike a mountain, particularly near any glaciers.
• Layers  – The general rule of thumb is to pack at least four layers: a base layer,  long sleeve shirts, a fleece (mid-layer) and a top layer such as a windbreaker (waterproof!). Base layers should be make of wool or synthetic fabrics are these fabrics offer superior moisture-wicking and temperature control protection than cotton.
• Hiking Boots  – pack a good pair of boots with good grip that are waterproof and insulated for spring/winter travel.
• Binoculars   – great to have if you plan on going on cruises, and/or hiking, boating or nature tours.
• Layering Tips to Dress for the Deep Freeze
• How to Pack for a winter vacation read – Travel Tips for Winter Packing
• See our packing tips:  packing tips

Greenland Travel Guide: Best Booking Resources

Whenever we travel to we make sure to start with these companies. We have tried a lot of different ones over the years and all of these have consistently proven to be the best when it comes to offering great prices.

We have used every one of these personally and continue to do so.

• Booking.com : This is our go site to when comparing prices for accommodation. It usually has the cheapest prices, especially in Europe and we love their interface. Not to mention you get free cancellation and you are guaranteed the best price.
• Trip Advisor :  What we like about Trip Advisor is that we can look at all the reviews and then book our accommodation. TripAdvisor is where we go when we want to compare prices with multiple accommodation providers.
• VRBO : is the main search engine we use when we are looking for a home or apartment rental. It can sometimes be cheaper than hotels and it is the best way to stay in areas that offer a more local feel.
• Hostelworld :  With one of the largest databases of hostels in the world, Hostelworld is the go-to site when you are looking for budget accommodation.
• Skyscanner : This is the first place we check for flights. It consistently comes back with the cheapest and best options. It allows us to compare a lot of airlines to get the best price.
• Rome 2 Rio :  If you want to see how to get somewhere by plane, train, bus, ferry or car Rome2Rio lays it all out for you as well as related costs.I love how they show it all to you on a Google Map and it works offline.
• Get Your Guide:  For all your day trip and city guide needs, we use Get Your Guide. It has the world’s largest collection of things to do with more than 30,000 activities in 7500 destinations.
• World Nomads Insurance:  When traveling to Italy you should always have travel insurance. We have found the best bang for your buck is by far World Nomads.

Greenland Travel Guide: Related Articles

To browse all our articles and guides about Greenland click here.

Kayaking in Greenland – The Greatest Arctic Adventure in Photos

Incredible Greenland – The Final Frontier for Adventure Travel

Greenland Travel Tips & Easy Itinerary for Ilulissat and Disko Island

By Author Jurga

Posted on Last updated: April 24, 2023

Are you thinking of visiting Greenland, but don’t know where to start? This article is for you!

There is something unique about little-known, remote places. They capture your imagination and make you dream and wonder. But at the same time, the uncertainty and the unknown is very intimidating and the thought of visiting a place like that might never occur to us. And even if it does, it’s quickly pushed back and never explored further….

Greenland was like that for me.

I have been intrigued and curious about the big white spot in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean for many years. But it looked so complicated to get there, let alone get around…

Once in a while, I’d start looking at ways to visit Greenland, but would quickly give up. Traveling to Greenland on your own always looked so complicated: there are no roads to travel around, there is little information, let alone easy individual itineraries…

Time and again, I found myself looking at the expensive Greenland cruises or organized trips that no regular family could ever afford… Not even to mention that it’s not the most authentic way to visit Greenland…

If you are having the same concerns and stumbled upon this article wondering how to visit Greenland on your own or looking for ideas on places to visit in Greenland , you came to the right place. Read on!

Can you visit Greenland on your own?

Yes, you can easily travel to Greenland on your own!

In this post, I show you how to do it and share a very simple Greenland itinerary that you can easily do on your own. It’s not just any itinerary, either. It’s a dream trip that brings you to one of the most beautiful regions of Greenland – Disko Bay – and shows you an incredible diversity that I never knew existed there.

Disclosure: We visited Greenland in cooperation with Visit Greenland and Air Iceland Connect . As always, all opinions are my own.

Greenland was a bucket list destination for me, but as I said, I was intimidated just by the thought of planning a trip there. I’m so glad that I met the wonderful people from Visit Greenland, who totally changed my perception of the country and showed me that it is possible to visit Greenland on your own. And now that I know how it can be done, I want to share it with you and inspire you to discover Greenland before the rest of the world finds out!

Why travel to Greenland – is Greenland worth it?

To say that Greenland is a unique destination is an understatement. It’s a place like nowhere else we’ve ever been to. Wild, undiscovered, adventurous, yet somehow familiar and much more developed than I thought it was.

At the same time, it has preserved its rich culture and seamlessly combines a mix of old traditions like hunting and dog sledding with modern technologies and Western lifestyle.

With an ever-growing and improving network of transportation, hotels, and other facilities, Greenland is now more accessible than ever before . It’s no longer a destination solely for the rich cruise-ship passengers or adventurous backpackers. We met all types of travelers in Greenland – young people and middle-age couples, families with kids of all ages, but also retired solo travelers or groups of friends… Greenland is now truly a destination for everyone.

Greenland is also so much more than any guidebook will ever tell you. No pictures or videos will be able to show you the complete story. It’s more than a place, it’s a lifestyle. You have to feel it, taste it, smell it… In other words, you have to visit Greenland in order to truly experience what it is about. And it will leave you longing for more.

Greenland is totally worth a trip!

I hope that this article will inspire you to plan a real Greenland vacation and not just hop on to Greenland as a day trip from Iceland in order to tick the box or to impress your friends by adding one more country to your travel trophy list….

Greenland is a place for slow travel and I really advise to spend at least a few days in each place that you choose to include in your itinerary.

Where to go in Greenland?

To tell you the truth, it’s a tough choice as Greenland is so diverse and each region and each place has different things to offer. One thing that seems to be common is that everywhere you go, you’ll find picturesque little villages with colorful wooden houses and floating icebergs. Icebergs are your constant companion in Greenland – they’re always around. Icebergs are what makes every trip to Greenland so unique. The scenery changes all the time!

East Greenland is more remote and there are just a couple of thousand of people living there. It’s a region for hiking, fishing, hunting, and also a place to spot some polar bears.

Southern Greenland is actually green. You’ll find sheep farms and lots of hiking possibilities here. I was told that it’s actually so green that it’s referred to as the Banana Coast and sometimes compared with Venice since the best way to get around the region is by boat.

The area around Greenland’s capital town Nuuk is where you’ll find the biggest population of the country and most cultural activities. It’s also known for waterfalls and humpback whales.

Kangerlussuaq , also in the West, has Greenland’s busiest airport and is the best place to see Greenland’s Ice Cap (aka Greenland’s Ice Sheet).

Disko Bay in the West of Greenland is probably best known for Ilulissat Icefjord , UNESCO World Heritage Site. This is the area that we traveled to. In addition to Ilulissat, we also visited Qeqertarsuaq on Disko Island . These two places are so close to each other, yet completely different! I went there not knowing what to expect at all, and it blew me away. Disko Island is such an incredible place and is yet to be discovered by tourists.

And finally, there is the North of Greenland . It’s the most remote area and it’s not really traveled much.

How to get to Greenland and how to get around?

Greenland is big and since there are no roads connecting different towns, the best way to get to Greenland and travel the big distances in the country is by flying. Depending on where you go, you can either fly with Air Iceland Connect or with Air Greenland, from either Reykjavik in Iceland or from Copenhagen in Denmark.

Once you are in Greenland, you can cover the bigger distances by air – by a small airplane or by helicopter. In summer, there are also boats that make it easier and cheaper to visit smaller towns and settlements that are close to each other.

It might sound more complicated than it is. With some research and advance planning, you can easily plan your own dream trip to Greenland. In this article, I show you just one way to do it, but there are countless possibilities and possible itineraries.

We flew with Air Iceland Connect to Ilulissat from Reykjavik Domestic Airport, which meant that we had to make a stopover in Iceland . Twice – once on the way to Greenland and once on the way back.

Once in Ilulissat, we used (free) hotel transportation to get around when we had our luggage with us. The town is not that big and is also walkable and there are also taxis.

To reach Disko Island, we took a 2-hour boat trip with Disko Line from Ilulissat to Qeqertarsuaq (and then a few days later back to Ilulissat).

TIP: No matter where you travel in Greenland, it’s wise to schedule several days at each place you visit. See it as a safety margin for the unpredictable weather. That way if your flight is delayed or your boat gets canceled, you still have plenty of time to discover the place as planned.

We experienced this first-hand when our boat to Disko Island turned around due to huge waves ahead and we were stranded in Ilulissat till next day. It’s a frustrating experience mainly because of the uncertainty, but you realize that it’s very common in Greenland and the locals are the most relaxed people I’ve ever seen. If we don’t go today, we’ll go tomorrow, or the day after… Luckily, this doesn’t happen often in summer, but if it does, just try to make the best of it and go with the flow.

As I said, Greenland is really a place for slow travel – take a picnic to the beach and watch icebergs and whales from ashore, read a book under the midnight sun in summer, or spend a night watching the Northern Lights dance in the sky in winter….

Can you visit Greenland with kids?

Because so many of our followers asked me what I thought about taking the kids to Greenland, I think it deserves a separate mention. Yes, absolutely, you can visit Greenland with kids. But there are several things to consider.

Accommodations are mostly for 2 people, some hotels have 3-person rooms, and it’s even more difficult to find a family room for 4. I haven’t seen anything that could accommodate our family of 5 people. So chances are big that you’ll need to take two rooms, which will also be much more expensive.

Many places have discounts for kids, but many more-adventurous activities aren’t suitable for the youngest members of the family. This also means that you might not be able to do everything you want to unless you also have someone to take care of the kids.

We stumbled upon one or two public playgrounds in Greenland. Some restaurants had a kids’ menu available or were ready to prepare fish and chips if necessary. But Greenland is definitely not as kid-friendly as for example, Norway is.

At the same time, if you are coming to Greenland, you are probably here for the outdoors and adventure and know that playing with stones on the beach can be as exciting for a child as the most modern playground…

I visited Greenland with my 10-year old son and we had the most amazing time. He truly loved it! Luckily, he is quite open-minded for his age and could appreciate reindeer or fish for dinner and didn’t mind a strenuous day hike or a bumpy boat ride. I know that it would have been very different a couple of years ago… Also, he is really tall for his age and was just tall enough to be allowed to kayak.

So while you can visit Greenland with young kids, I think that the whole family will enjoy it more if you wait till they are at least 8-10 years old, maybe even older. After all, it’s an expensive destination, and it would be a shame not to enjoy it to the fullest.

That being said, I think that Greenland is an amazing destination for teenagers – it’s so different, adventurous, and exciting that you should have no problems convincing your teens to leave their smartphone in the hotel for a day.

What to do in Greenland – our trip itinerary for Ilulissat and Disko Island

We visited two places in Greenland – Ilulissat and Qeqertarsuaq and spent just 6 days/ 5 nights in Greenland. It’s enough to get a taste of what Western Greenland is about, but if I were to go back, I would plan at least a week for these two places. If time and budget permits, I suggest adding a few other destinations to your Greenland itinerary as well.

Our planned Greenland itinerary looked as follows. Keep in mind that the flights were just 3 hours and the boat just 2 hours, so there was still plenty of time to explore on travel days as well. Not to mention that the days are endless and it never gets dark in July, when we visited.

• Day 1: Flight from Reykjavik to Ilulissat (1 night at Hotel Hvide Falk )
• Day 2: Ilulissat to Disko Island by boat (3 nights at Hotel Disko Island )
• Days 3 – 4: Disko Island
• Day 5: Disko Island to Ilulissat by boat (1 night at Hotel Icefiord )
• Day 6: Flight from Ilulissat to Reykjavik

In reality, due to a canceled boat, our itinerary was slightly different. Luckily, we still had plenty of time to see and do everything we had planned on Disko Island, despite the change in plans.

We started and ended our trip in Ilulissat because that’s where the airport is, and it’s also a place that is considered must-see in Greenland. However, it was Qeqertarsuaq on Disko Island that made us fall in love with Greenland. It’s a real hidden gem!

Not only is the scenery very different on Disko Island than anywhere else in Greenland, but it also has a much more local, traditional feel that Ilulissat lacks. Not to mention that there are hardly any tourists on Disko Island and the ones that visit by cruise ship for a day, don’t seem to venture any further than the town. It’s still to be discovered…

Below is a short summary of the very best things to do in Ilulissat and in Qeqertarsuaq on Disko Island . Find out!

Ilulissat is famous for its Icefjord and is probably one of the most popular tourist destinations in Greenland. The town has an airport with direct flights to Reykjavik and several other places in Greenland. There are also quite a few hotels, hostels, B&Bs, and other accommodation options, several restaurants, supermarkets, and shops in Ilulissat. Several local tour operators offer all kinds of activities and day trips in the area.

It is extremely easy to visit Ilulissat on your own. Furthermore, the town is easily accessible in all seasons and there is plenty to do in Ilulissat any time of the year. It will come as no surprise that many people choose to spend their entire Greenland vacation here.

This also means that Ilulissat is very expensive and is also quite busy. Accommodations are often fully booked and if you are planning to visit in summer, you should book your Ilulissat accommodation at least 6-9 months in advance (best even a year in advance if your travel dates aren’t flexible or if you are traveling with a family). Here you can find our complete guide to Ilulissat hotels – it includes all the tips for where to stay in Ilulissat and why.

There is a lot to see and do in and near Ilulissat, but most organized activities and (multi-)day trips can’t be done on your own and are therefore very expensive, so you really should research what interests you the most and plan your trip well. Below is a short summary of what we did in Ilulissat and a few other suggestions. Read on!

Ilulissat Icefjord hiking trails

The good news is that the main highlight of Ilulissat – the UNESCO World Heritage Site Ilulissat Icefjord – can easily be visited individually and is completely free.

There are several well-indicated hiking trails next to the fjord offering the most stunning views of the ever-changing landscape. One of the trails – 1,4km walk to Sermermiut – is a relatively flat path on a wooden boardwalk and is accessible to everyone. If you can, climb a small hill at the end of this trail – there are several benches here where you could easily spend a few hours enjoying the amazing scenery.

We hiked all the trails in this area and loved the yellow hiking trail that starts at the Power Plant the most. It’s a moderate hiking trail of 2,7km with the most incredible views over the fjords, the town, and the sea. We even saw a group of whales here from the shore.

In our guide to visiting Ilulissat Icefjord , you can find more details about the hiking trails and other ways to visit this stunning UNESCO World Heritage Site. Check it ou for more information!

Ilulissat Icefjord by boat or kayak

Another popular way to discover Ilulissat Icefjord is by taking a boat tour among the icebergs. This seems to be the one excursion that everyone does. It’s also the most affordable one.

Taking a boat tour is also by far the best way to get really close to the icebergs. Often, you’ll see whales from the boat as well.

Whale-watching tours are usually much more expensive and you get to see pretty much the same….

If you are more adventurous and don’t mind splurging a bit, you might also want to consider a kayaking tour in Ilulissat. Just be aware that you’ll be kayaking in ice-cold waters, so there is always a risk…

Ours was a really adventurous experience. We went kayaking with Albatros Arctic Circle but were really unlucky to have picked the only rainy day of the summer.

Since this was the only company that allowed my 10-year-old son to kayak (they had a height limit of 150 cm, whereas other companies had an age limit of 12 years), and the other date that would have suited us was fully booked, we had a choice of kayaking in the rain or not kayaking at all. So kayaking in the rain it was.

Packed from head to toe in two different waterproof overalls, we felt like Teletubbies. But you really don’t want to risk falling into ice-cold water unprepared. Luckily, that was an unnecessary precaution and nobody fell in, but the suits kept us warm and dry in the rain.

You cannot get close to the bigger icebergs with a kayak as that would be much too dangerous (they can calve and start rolling unexpectedly), but we kayaked between the smaller ones and it was really special.

Kayaking between the icebergs was another bucket list item for me and I have to say that I loved it despite the rain. Of course, it would have been much more enjoyable to do it under the midnight sun as planned, but this way it turned into one of those travel experiences that we’ll definitely never forget.

Ilulissat – explore the town and meet (but don’t pet) the huskies

There are organized tours available that take you around the town, but with a guidebook and a map, you can also just explore the town on your own.

We didn’t take a town tour in Ilulissat but did the one in Qeqertarsuaq (see further). It’s nice to have a local guide at least once during your trip in Greenland, but I don’t think it’s necessary to pay for a tour in every single town, as a lot of information is more general.

A bit outside the town, on the way to Sermermiut, there is a place where many sled dogs are kept. Huskies aren’t pets in Greenland, they are working dogs, and make sure to keep your distance from them at all times.

Dogs older than 5 months are leashed and puppies run around freely. It seems to be acceptable to pet a puppy if they come to you, but approaching big dogs is not done unless the owner tells you that it’s ok.

Since huskies have no work in summer, they stay a bit outside of town, and also only get fed every other day (or so we were told). We were just there at the feeding time and it was a really impressive sight.

I can’t even start to describe the sound and the enthusiasm of the dogs… We knew something was happening long before we saw a guy arrive with huge bags of fresh fish on his motorbike. The dogs sensed that food was coming long before we saw or heard anything.

Other things to do in Ilulissat

If you stay in Ilulissat for a few days, there are many more possibilities. There are day trips available and multi-day trips to Oqaatsut, Eqi Glacier, and Ilimanaq. You can go fishing, hiking, or enjoy the incredible scenery from a small airplane or a helicopter…

In winter, there is dog sledding, snowshoeing, snowmobiling, and of course the Northern Lights, to mention just a few…

You can find some Ilulissat tours on Viator , or look for local tour operators online. Make sure to do your research before your trip as organized activities in Greenland are really expensive.

Disko Island – Qeqertarsuaq

Qeqertarsuaq is the biggest town on Disko Island and is home to 840 people, one hotel with a restaurant ( Hotel Disko Island ), a supermarket that sells everything from bread to bikes and guns, a small museum, and a local café. The only other village on the island is hours away and has just 12 inhabitants…

Disko Island is just 2 hours by boat from Ilulissat, but that means it’s much more remote and the best time to visit is in summer when there are good boat connections.

It’s here that we discovered the more traditional side of Greenland, as I always imagined it would be.

Disko Island is of volcanic origin and is therefore very different from the rest of Greenland, which is more like a huge rock. If anything, I can best compare Disko Island with the highlands of Iceland .

We only visited a very small part of the island, close to Qeqertarsuaq, and I can’t believe how diverse it is!

Black sand beaches with icebergs floating in the distance, basalt columns, waterfalls, lush green coastal areas with a big variety of plants, and even a big glacier on top of the nearby mountain that’s the only place where you can go dog sledding in Greenland in summer!

We went to Disko Island not knowing what to expect and it exceeded all our hopes. From the moment we arrived on the tiny harbor till the moment we left, we loved every minute of it.

If you are looking for the most unique place to visit in Greenland, then I think it’s really as good as it gets.

I am sure that increasing tourism will slowly change the town, but there are so many possibilities here that I think it can only get more interesting and more exciting as a tourist destination.

Let’s hope that locals will benefit from it as well. For one, they seem to be very happy with the new restaurant at the hotel – there were many locals dining there every evening and I can’t blame them. The food at the restaurant is of the highest standard. Compliments to the chef!

From everything I saw, Qeqertarsuaq has so much potential! For now, it’s a true hidden gem of Greenland and I’m so glad to have had the privilege to visit it before telling the rest of the world that it’s so worth a trip.

Below is a short summary of what we did on Disko Island and a few other suggestions. Read on!

Qeqertarsuaq town tour

Upon arrival on Disko Island, we were picked up by Caroline, a student from Denmark who worked at the hotel for the summer. She loaded all the bags in the van, asked if anyone wanted to walk, then drove some 200 meters after which she excitedly announced that we had arrived at the hotel. Of course, we all started laughing, and of course, we could have easily walked.

The first thing we did in Qeqertarsuaq was a town tour. As I said, it’s just a small place with less than a thousand inhabitants, but we learned quite a lot. Not just about this place, but more about some local habits and traditions in Greenland.

By complete coincidence, we crashed a local wedding. With handcrafted colorful traditional costumes and local traditions that involved lots of loud cheering and huge amounts of rice being thrown at the couple after they left the church. There were also fireworks at midnight. This was, of course, the absolute highlight of the town tour.

We also learned about the color-coded houses. Traditionally, each color was used for a different type of buildings, making it easy for people to quickly find their way around (street names didn’t exist in the past). Yellow houses were for anything related to healthcare – a house of a doctor or a nurse, or a hospital; red ones – for government institutions or churches; blue – for fishermen, etc.

Nowadays, everyone paints their house as they wish, but the towns in Greenland are still as colorful as in the past.

We also learned that many houses in Greenland have two numbers on them. The yellow number is the house number in the specific street, as we know it in the West. The black one indicates the order in which the houses were built in town. So the oldest house would be number 1 and so on. We found the house number 4 in Qeqertarsuaq, but for some strange reason, it’s forbidden to photograph it. Our hotel building had number 13.

Kuannit hike

If there is one thing that you absolutely shouldn’t miss in Qeqertarsuaq, it’s the Kuannit Hike. It’s a relatively easy hiking trail of 3-4 hours (total hiking time from town and back) that allows you to explore some of the most diverse scenery of Disko Island.

Starting at the black sand beach dotted with huge chunks of ice, the walk passes the beautiful coastal area, stunning basalt formations and several waterfalls, before it ends at a green lush place that locals call Kuannit.

Kuannit gets its name from the Angelica plant (Kvann in Greenland). Angelica is a type of wild celery that grows at this incredibly lush and fertile location. This plant has traditionally been one of the most important sources of vitamin C in the region and is still used a lot today.

Our guide picked some for the hotel restaurant and we had angelica sorbet for dessert in the evening.

I cannot even start to describe how beautiful the scenery at Kuannit is. Pictures don’t do it justice either. I never knew that places like that existed, let alone so high in the Arctic. Kuannit is like the very best of South Africa, the Azores, Iceland, and Greenland in one place.

What makes this beautiful coastline even more special is that the ocean below it is dotted with icebergs.

As we sat there drinking warm tea and enjoying the scenery, we also saw a whale jumping out of the water in the distance. Traveling doesn’t get any better than that!

Dog sledding at Lyngmark Glacier

Another must-do experience on Disko Island is a visit to Lyngmark Glacier. However, hiking up the high mountain where the glacier is, takes at least 2,5-3 hours one way and it’s a really strenuous hike.

It took us 3 hours to get to the top and then another half an hour to get to the hut. So if you are planning on doing this, make sure that you have an entire day allocated to this activity.

Hotel Disko Island has a hut at the glacier and it’s possible to stay there overnight as well if you like to. We opted for a day trip that included dog sledding and didn’t sleep there.

It was a very long day, but absolutely amazing. The views were well worth the hike and dog sledding was just the cherry on the cake.

I have to admit that dog sledding here on Disko Island was very different than dog sledding I had experienced in Norway . In Greenland, they use traditional sleds and working dogs. It’s less glamorous and less comfortable, also because we were sledding in the middle of one the warmest summers ever and ice on the glacier was seriously melting. But it also felt so much more authentic that way!

You understand just a little bit better how locals travel around here in winter and how sled dogs are an essential part of life in the Arctic.

To us, it was once again, a way to experience a more authentic side of Greenland and it’s an experience my son and I will never forget.

Seeing the glacier from close by was also really interesting. It didn’t look like any other glacier I had ever seen and the colors of the ice were incredible. From white to grey to pink and everything in between….

Once again, I just couldn’t believe how such a small place can be so diverse. And we only saw a tiny part of Disko Island… Incredible!

Whale watching from the shore

One of our best memories from Disko Island was an evening stroll on the beach. It was our last night here and we decided to go whale watching. Armed with warm jackets, a thermos of tea, and a telelens, we set to the beach, which is just minutes walk from the hotel (everything is really close in Qeqertarsuaq).

We had hardly arrived when we saw a whale in the distance. Whales are actually quite easy to spot in Greenland because they are always surrounded by birds that are on the lookout for some fish that whales push to the surface.

Sitting here on this misty beach with huge icebergs in the distance, watching whales from the shore, and sharing a cup of tea with my son… I will cherish this moment forever. Happiness can be as simple as that.

Other things to do in Qeqertarsuaq

As I mentioned, tourism on Disko Island is just starting to develop. In addition to the things mentioned above, there are also more hiking possibilities, you can rent a mountain bike at the hotel, or book a boat tour to spot whales from closer-by and see the beautiful coastline of Kuannit from the sea…

Is Greenland vacation for you?

That last evening on Disko Island, we met an older couple from Denmark who also came to the beach for the whales. They told us that they come to Greenland often, that they had brought their kids and grandchildren with them this time, and that it’s the best vacation they can imagine. I couldn’t have agreed with them more.

I realize that vacation in a place like Greenland is not for everyone, but if you love nature and remote places, and if simple things in life give you pleasure, you will absolutely love Greenland.

Our best memories? The most simple things, actually… Watching the smile on my son’s face as we spotted our first iceberg from the plane. Reading a book on the terrace of our hotel in Ilulissat while watching the never-ending sunset at midnight. Seeing whales from the shore so many times.

Our only regret? That we didn’t stay in Greenland longer.

More tips for visiting Greenland:

• Greenland Packing List for Summer
• Qeqertarsuaq & Disko Island
• Kangia – Ilulissat Icefjord
• Where to Stay in Ilulissat – Hotel & Accommodation Guide
• Iceland vs Greenland – Where to Travel & Why

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Monday 20th of February 2023

This itinerary was so helpful! Thank you. What is the name of the kayak company you used? We are heading there in June and will have a tall 11 year old with us and really want to kayak. Thanks again for putting this together.

Tuesday 21st of February 2023

Hello, this information is in the article already - as said, we went kayaking with Albatros Arctic Circle. I am not sure however if the company still exists (under the same name) since their site links were constantly broken recently and I ended up removing them altogether. Just contact a few local companies and ask what is possible for your family. Have a great trip!

Oksana Westerbeke

Sunday 25th of December 2022

Thank you for this article! We will be in Ilulissat in August 2023 and we only have 4 nights. I was wondering if we can do a day trip yo Disko Island as I only want to do a hike to see basalt columns. Thank you!

Tuesday 27th of December 2022

Hi Oksana, I think it’s possible but you would have to be really lucky with the weather/sea conditions. It’s just hard to predict. You would have to book the earliest boat to Disko Island and then the latest boat back.

Tuesday 5th of July 2022

Hi, Jurga! Great itinerary. I have never been to Greenland but been looking at going there for some time. I have used your site in the past when I first booked my Iceland trip and it was really helpful. I have been to Iceland 4 times and wonder what's the main difference in terms of scenery and expenses. Would you mind sharing how much the whole trip could cost for a solo traveler dong the same itinerary? Thank you so much!

Hi Judith, this is something I really cannot answer. So much depends on when you travel, which flight options you choose, where you are traveling from, how long in advance you book, which hotels you stay in, will you do any guided tours or explore on your own, will you dine at restaurants, which ones, how often, etc. You may also want to read this article - Iceland vs. Greenland - to get a better idea of how the two compare. One thing I can tell you for sure - Greenland will be much more expensive than Iceland, it's not as simple to plan a trip there as in Iceland, and you'll need more flexibility in case the weather doesn't cooperate (flight/ boat cancelations are quite common, for example as we experienced as well - or you can get lucky and everything will go as planned). Greenland is a bucket list destination, totally different than any other place I've been to. It's definitely not for every type of traveler, but it's worth it! Happy travels!

Saturday 12th of March 2022

Hi Would you recommend boat tours from Ilulissat in advance or I can book them there. I am going I. Mid June

Tuesday 15th of March 2022

@Jurga, Thanks for your reply. I will search for tours from your viator recommendations. Good to know that there’s a possibility to find tours with free cancellation. Besides what you suggested in viator, are there any tour companies that you can recommend?

Regards Jay

Monday 14th of March 2022

Hi, Jay, it's a tricky question. If you book in advance, you are sure of what you pay and that you can actually go. The weather remains a question mark. If you wait to book till you get there, it's possible that some tours will be sold out and you won't be able to do them. If you have at least a few days in Ilulissat, it shouldn't be an issue, but if your time is limited, that could mean you can't do the things you want to do. So all in all, yes, I'd book it in advance, especially if it's a tour with limited availability (and hopefully, you can find tours that offer free cancellation in case you can't go for whatever reason).

Monday 14th of February 2022

This was really really helpful. Thank you

Glad to help, Anne. Good luck with the planning and have a great time in Greenland!

How to Get to and Around Greenland by Plane and Boat

Jessie Brinkman Evans / Getty Images

Getting to Greenland by Plane

Getting to greenland by boat, travel within greenland.

• Frequently Asked Questions

Located between the Atlantic and Arctic oceans and geographically considered part of North America, Greenland is the world's largest island. It's an autonomous region that is technically part of the Kingdom of Denmark. The country is not that far from the U.S. and Canada — at one point, only 10 miles of open ocean separate remote northern Greenland from equally remote Ellesmere Island, Canada. But for travelers anxious to explore Greenland, there are only a couple of ways to get there, and very few of them go through North America.

For commercial travel, Greenland is accessible only by plane or cruise ship, and only from a few places. There are practical reasons for these limits, and there's also a concerted effort by the government of Greenland to keep travel at a sustainable level— hence the limited options for getting there. Read on for a guide on how to get to Greenland and how to get around this large island.

Despite Greenland's growing popularity with U.S. travelers, the island can only be reached by plane from two destinations in Europe: Copenhagen , Denmark and Reykjavik, Iceland. For travelers from the US or Canada, that means you must first travel to one of those two departure cities. There are more frequent options from Reykjavik. As Greenland's tourism infrastructure continues to evolve, more flight routes may appear but for the time being, Copenhagen and Reykjavik are the only options.

Flights From Reykjavik

IcelandAir offers direct flights from Reykjavik City Airport (RKV) to:

• Nuuk Airport (GOH): The capital and largest city of Greenland and home to a third of its population, Nuuk is a common stepping-off point for tours of Greenland. Nuuk is in southwest Greenland, where most of the country's settlements are located.

Connecting flights from Nuuk are offered to:

• Ilulissat Airport (JAV): With a population of around 5,000 and a position as one of Greenland's northernmost permanent settlements, Ilulissat's biggest industry is tourism. Incoming travelers head out on glacier tours, dogsled rides, and other adventures in the frozen tundra.
• Narsarsuaq Airport (UAK): Southern Greenland's only international airport serves tiny Narsarsuaq, which has fewer than 150 inhabitants. But it's a hub for eco-tourism, with wildlife tours, glacier treks, and excursions to the nearby Greenland Ice Sheet.
• Kulusuk Airport (KUS): Set on an island in eastern Greenland, the airport serves Kulusuk, another small settlement that's largely tourism-dependent. Visitors come here for a taste of Greenland's native culture, as well as mountaineering and wildlife-watching excursions.

Air Greenland also flies from Reykjavik City Airport and larger Reykjavik-Keflavik (KEF) . There are direct flights to Nuuk, and connecting flights to the airports listed, above, except for Kulusuk. Additionally, Air Greenland has direct flights from Reykjavik to the following commercial airports in Greenland:

• Kangerlussuaq Airport (SFJ): The largest airport in Greenland, Kangerlussuaq is the site of a former U.S. Naval base. Today, it's the main air transportation hub in Greenland, as well as a portal for wildlife and adventure tours.
• Sisimiut Airport (JHS): This airport serves Greenland's second-largest town, Sisimiut, which is a hub for the fishing industry, as well as a port for international cargo. Sisimiut is increasingly dependent on tourism, and heli-skiing and heli-hiking tours depart from the airport.

Flights From Copenhagen

Air Greenland is the only airline that flies from Copenhagen to Greenland. It offers non-stop flights to Nuuk, Narsarsuaq, Kangerlussuaq, and Sisimiut, and connecting flights to the airports shown above, except for Kulusuk.

There are no passenger ferries to Greenland from any other country. That said, many travelers do arrive to Greenland by boat on commercial cruise liners that originate in Canada, the U.S., Iceland, Norway, and other northern European destinations. Most of these cruise itineraries are of the long and expensive variety and many are with expedition cruise lines that are typically more costly than traditional "big ship" lines.

Some itineraries only cruise the coast of Greenland without actually going ashore. These are usually expedition ships that take passengers on excursions in Zodiac vessels to watch wildlife and get close to icebergs and glaciers.

Other itineraries stop at different ports in Greenland and may end with passengers disembarking at Kangerlussuaq for their flight home. These itineraries would allow visitors to extend their stay in Greenland and visit the country independently or as part of an organized tour.

Once travelers arrive to Greenland they're faced with another challenge, how to get around. There are no roads connecting one settlement to the other. Even Nuuk, the capital, is geographically isolated from the rest of the island's settlements. The only exception is a 3-mile (5-kilometer) gravel road between  Kangilinnguit  and the now abandoned former  cryolite  mining town of  Ivittuu . So within Greenland, travelers have the following options for getting from place to place:

• By air, on connector/commuter flights operated by IcelandAir and Air Greenland
• By helicopter, on private flights or tours
• By sea, on local/regional ferries
• By cruise ship, on an itinerary that originates in Greenland
• By snowmobile or dogsled, for shorter distances

These logistical transportation challenges are a big part of the reason that so many travelers to Greenland rely on tour companies, which book flights and other transfers, tours, and accommodations — it's just easier to leave the planning to someone else.

Flights from Reykjavik to Nuuk or Kangerlussuaq take about 3.5 hours. The flight from Copenhagen to Nuuk or Kangerlussuaq takes about 4.5 hours. On a cruise ship, you'll need at least one day to cross the Denmark Strait from Iceland to Greenland.

here's not really a low-cost way to get to Greenland. Though there are seasonal fluctuations in price, travelers should expect to spend between $600-$800 for a round-trip flight from Reykjavik or Copenhagen.

The most expensive way to get to Greenland is on an expedition cruise, which can cost from $5,000 to $25,000 or more, depending on the itinerary.

There are virtually no roads or railways in Greenland, in part because the coastal fjords would require ferry service to connect a road network. The only ways to get from place to place on the island are via commuter plane flights, passenger ferries, helicopters, snowmobiles, or dogsleds.

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What’s it really like to travel to Greenland?

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Are you looking to travel to Greenland? Do I ever have the post for you! I recently traveled to Greenland as a solo female traveler to find out what life is like in this cold and unforgiving corner of the Arctic.

Greenland is not a common travel destination. Most of the time when you tell people you’re going to Greenland, they respond with, “You can go there?” But travelers have long known that travel to Greenland is not only possible, but incredible.

I found Greenland to be a stunning and challenging destination, with spectacular natural wonders and a haunting history, all set in one of the most remote corners of the globe.

In this post, I’m collecting all of the vital information I learned from my time in Greenland — because I want you to know the truth about what to expect in Greenland.

Let’s take a look at Greenland!

This post was published in October 2023.

Table of Contents

Yes, you can travel to Greenland. Yes, people live there.

A lot of people have the belief that Greenland is nothing but a sheet of ice. While the Greenland Ice Sheet covers the vast majority of the country, Greenland is inhabited along its green coastline.

Greenland has a population of about 56,000, of whom roughly 89% are Greenlandic Inuit (including mixed race Inuit). That makes Greenland one of the most sparsely populated places in the world.

Yes, Greenlandic people are Inuit — same as the Indigenous people in Alaska and northern Canada. But they haven’t been here for thousands of years. The Inuit migrated from North America to Greenland in the 14th century.

Most of the population is concentrated on the southern and central west coast — the most populated city is the capital, Nuuk, with a population of about 19,000.

Yes, you can fly to Greenland. Air Greenland is a real airline flying from Copenhagen, Denmark. Icelandair flies to Greenland from Reykjavík, Iceland.

However, while there are roads within Greenlandic cities and towns, there are no roads connecting these towns. The only way to get from town to town is by plane or by boat. Air Greenland has small planes connecting these cities; the various boat lines are much smaller than you’d guess.

Why should people travel to Greenland?

What drew me to Greenland was the chance to visit a remote, beautiful, cold part of the world. I’m drawn to what I call “the edges of the world” — not just the polar regions, but far-north or far-south places with cold weather and quirky residents, like Newfoundland , Tierra del Fuego , Iceland , and Shetland .

Antarctica is still the most meaningful place I’ve visited , and it shattered my ego with its beauty and starkness. Since that trip, I’ve been longing to experience the Arctic as well.

The major difference is that unlike Antarctica, the Arctic is inhabited, and I’ve been curious about the Inuit people who have made their lives here for centuries. How do they live their lives, in face of harsh living conditions, colonialism, cruelty, and being on the front lines of climate change?

I didn’t get to experience Inuit culture firsthand as much as I had hoped, but I learned a lot secondhand — and the natural environment was intimidatingly beautiful. There’s something about being in isolated pockets of the world that strangely gives me comfort.

Overall, I’d say that this trip paid off very nicely — though not as astoundingly as Antarctica did.

Best Things to Do in Greenland

So many of my favorite activities in Greenland were hikes — especially the times I went solo hiking. I absolutely loved getting up at 5:00 AM to hike on Disko Island, seeing the waterfalls and black sand beaches lit up with the perfect early light.

Ilulissat Icefjord, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is probably the most famous destination in all of Greenland. I absolutely loved taking a sunset cruise among the icebergs, and admiring the glacier lagoon while hiking near Sermermiut on the mainland.

Visiting the Greenland Ice Cap was another big highlight. It’s something you’ve seen on maps since you were a kid — and here you are, actually walking on it!

One thing that really surprised me was how few opportunities there were to explore Indigenous culture in Greenland. That’s something I really wanted to explore. (Much more on that below.)

For me, my favorite “cultural” activity was visiting Greenlandic grocery stores, local discount shops, and the occasional restaurant that doubles as a casino. The kinds of places where locals actually spend their time.

Yes, you can travel to Greenland independently.

A lot of travelers assume they need to book a tour in order to visit Greenland. That’s not true — plenty of independent travelers can and do travel in Greenland independently.

You can book flights with Air Greenland. You can book hotels on Booking or Airbnb, or independently through their websites. You can book activities through tour providers.

However — booking a package in Greenland could save you a lot of money. I actually booked a package, which is very unusual for me.

When I plan a trip, I travel independently 99% of the time. Packages aren’t my thing; to me, much of the fun comes from doing the research and finding the perfect places for me!

However, I started researching Greenland travel seven months ahead and realized that this was pretty late for planning a Greenland trip, especially in summer. Travel infrastructure in Greenland is limited and places book up quickly. Not a lot of hotels were left.

I ended up booking the Dream Trip in Disko Bay package with Greenland-Travel.com (which I paid for myself — nothing on this trip was sponsored). This tour included flights from Copenhagen and all ground transport; all hotel stays; some meals; and you could add on a package to include tours and activities (which you should). Unlike a tour, this package did not include a tour guide and gave full free time outside the scheduled activities.

It turns out that Greenland-Travel is part of a company that includes Air Greenland, the World of Greenland tour company, and the Hotel Arctic in Ilulissat. Because it’s all one company, you’re able to book these tours for less.

World of Greenland, for example, is the only company offering an Oqaatsut kayaking day trip! It’s not like Iceland, for example, where you have several different companies offering similar tours. There’s no real competition in Greenland.

An additional benefit to booking a package is having someone else be in charge of logistics if anything goes wrong. Which brings me to my next point…

You should be prepared for delays and cancellations when traveling in Greenland.

Greenland has extremely limited travel infrastructure — and the natural environment here is challenging. I had read about lots of Greenland travelers having their trips interrupted with cancellations.

And unfortunately, it happened to me, too. Our boat to Qeqertarsuaq on Disko Island was cancelled due to weather. We had to spend an extra day in Aasiaat — and I had pretty much exhausted the things to do in Aasiaat after 24 hours there, which was not ideal.

Greenland-Travel took care of everything. They extended our stay at the hotel, got us food vouchers, arranged for us to take the next available boat, and even refunded us for the cost of one day of the trip as soon as we sent our bank details (another good reason to have a bank account with Wise , as I sent them the details of my EUR account and converted them to USD and transferred to my regular bank account). That was impressive!

Compare that to a fellow traveler I met who was traveling independently in Greenland. He was supposed to be on our same boat that got cancelled. And he ended up having to hang out nearby for nine hours, going back to the port every now and then and asking if there were any updates.

That alone made booking a package so worth it for me. I was very happy with Greenland-Travel and would recommend them.

You do not need to explore Greenland by cruise ship. In fact, you shouldn’t.

As someone who has worked in the travel industry for more than a decade, I’ve seen firsthand the damage that cruise ships inflict on local communities. But at first, I didn’t think it would be as bad in Greenland. Couldn’t they use the extra tourism?

Oh, was I ever wrong. Everyone I spoke to in Greenland who works in tourism HATES the cruises with a burning passion. Like everywhere else in the world, cruises dump enormous numbers of people into small spaces who crowd the streets, fill the sights to overflowing, spend little to no money, and leave.

In Ilulissat, locals told me that when cruise ships are in town, the wooden pathway to Sermermiut, a popular attraction, is so crowded that people walk on the ground, stomping on the delicate plants, despite being told repeatedly to stick to the path.

Originally I had been looking into Greenland cruises — probably with Quark Expeditions, as I had a great trip with them in Antarctica — but now that I know what I know, I would not recommend anyone do an expedition cruise to inhabited parts of Greenland.

Overall — please visit Greenland overland rather than taking a cruise. But if you are set on cruising, choose a small ship expedition that visits primarily uninhabited destinations.

Greenland is an Indigenous destination, but Indigenous people are rarely profiting from tourism here.

If there’s any one thing I want you to take away from this piece, it’s this. I was shocked at how few Indigenous people are profiting from tourism — or even WORKING in tourism in Greenland. All of the higher-level tourism jobs are taken by Danes.

I didn’t have a single Greenlandic tour guide — every guide was Danish. (Though two people I met had an Indigenous guide once.) I want to be clear that they were wonderful guides, enthusiastic and caring, many of them university students here for the summer, but I really wish I had been hearing from and interacting with Greenlandic guides.

Greenlandic people, by contrast, were often working in tourism as hotel maids, servers, cooks, occasionally hotel front desk workers or assistants to the boat captain. While one boat captain I had was Greenlandic, the rest of the boat captains were Danish.

In some ways, this is similar to any colonized region — the colonizers are privileged with more education and experience, as well as the money to make more money.

But what floored me is that there are almost no Indigenous travel experiences or activities in the parts of Greenland I visited, including Ilulissat, the most touristy place in the country.

I’ve taken part in so many Indigenous travel experiences around the world. Experiencing a Zapotec temezcal in Oaxaca ; Indigenous gallery-hopping in Alice Springs, Australia; learning about Mi’kmaq life in Cape Breton, Nova Scotia . In places like the Yucatán, Indigenous culture is so intertwined with life that locals pepper their Spanish with Mayan slang.

But there was very little of this in Greenland — a place where 9 out of 10 residents are Greenlandic Inuit.

On a Greenland travel booking website, I found two Indigenous activities in Ilulissat: a kaffemik , or a traditional local party with lots of food and cakes served, and a learn to speak Greenlandic crash course. Both cool things! I SO wanted to do the kaffemik, but alas — it was only offered one day per month, and nobody at any of the hotels knew of any other kaffemiks taking place.

You know what there COULD be in Greenland? Off the top of my head — a kayaking demonstration. Learn how to craft Greenlandic textiles or carve reindeer antlers. Have a traditional Greenlandic meal with a family. Go fishing (or ice fishing in the winter) using traditional methods. A Greenlandic music session. Go foraging for plants, Greenlandic style.

These activities would put money in Inuit pockets — and that’s the way it should be.

But until these activities exist, if you want to have a peek at Indigenous culture in Greenland, one of your best bets is to hang out outside the local church on Sunday. If there’s a christening taking place (and there often is), there will be locals in traditional Greenlandic clothing.

Other than that, I highly recommend visiting the Inuit Artist Workshop in Ilulissat, where you can chat with Greenlandic artists and buy their work.

And yet I learned so much about Greenlandic people.

Here are some things I learned:

In Aasiaat, my guide shared that Greenlandic women often have their first child at 18 or 19, they stay home with the baby a few years, and then go back to school for vocational training. Young men often work as fishermen.

The only university in Greenland is in capital city Nuuk, and there are only two fields of study: teaching and nursing. For everything else, you’ll need to study in Denmark or internationally.

There are only three police boats in all of Greenland. I saw one of them in Aasiaat. (Also, the police in that town sure do love driving the same streets over and over. Maybe they thought I looked like a criminal.)

You see purple wildflowers every now and then in Greenland, my kayaking guide in Oqaatsut told me. They’re called nivi, and Nivi is a popular name for Greenlandic women.

In the winter, some settlements (including as big as Ilulissat) can go for months without a grocery delivery due to the water freezing. When the grocery boat finally shows up, people go and line up, cheer the unloading of packages, and buy out everything in the store until the shelves are bare.

This was told to me with a smile, but it made my stomach clench. These people were starving. These people regularly starve during the winter.

Again, all of these guides were Danish, and I wish I had learned more directly from Greenlandic people.

I fell down a Wikipedia rabbit hole in Greenland and learned about the cruelties Danes inflicted on Greenlanders. Like the spiral case , where women and girls were sterilized without their knowledge or consent between 1966 and 1975. Guess when the investigation began? May 2023.

And then the “legally fatherless” case between 1914 and 1974, where the children of Greenlandic women and Danish men were legally made unable to inherit from their fathers.

And the Little Danes experiment in 1951, when 22 Greenlandic children were stolen from their families, sent to Danish families, and attempted to be reeducated as Danes. Half the children died in young adulthood. The Danish government didn’t apologize until 2020.

It’s infuriating how common these stories are around the world — how marginalized communities, from Black Americans to Indigenous Australians, are so often abused in similar ways.

Greenland Travel FAQ

Here are a few nitty-gritty things about travel to Greenland that you should know:

Is Greenland a country? Technically Greenland is part of Denmark, but it’s an autonomous territory, and many people consider it a country.

How do you get to Greenland? There are direct flights to Greenland from Copenhagen, Denmark, and Reykjavík, Iceland. Bigger airports are being built in Greenland so they can serve direct flights from North America soon. There are no public ferries to Greenland, but many cruises to Greenland depart from Iceland.

How long does it take to get to Greenland? The flight from Copenhagen to Kangerlussuaq takes 4.5 hours and you cross four time zones, so you arrive 30 minutes after you departed! The time zone is two hours later than the east coast of the United States.

Can you do a day trip to Greenland from Iceland? Technically, yes, but FOR THE LOVE OF GOD, DO NOT DO THAT.

What currency does Greenland use? Greenland uses the Danish kroner (DKK), and almost everywhere accepts credit cards. I only brought a small amount of DKK with me and used credit cards for everything else. ATMs can be scarce outside the major cities.

Is the water safe to drink in Greenland? Yes, you can drink the tap water in Greenland.

Are there special requirements to visit Greenland? Visiting Greenland is the same as visiting Denmark. You won’t need any additional documentation if you’re able to visit the Schengen Area without a visa.

“Greenland has lots of ice, and Iceland has lots of green?” Not exactly.

You may have heard this saying before, but as soon as you say you’ve been to Greenland, EVERYONE will parrot this back at you. (It’s almost as bad as everyone saying, “It’s good luck, you know!” on our rainy wedding day in Boston, thinking they were the only ones saying this, but EVERYONE WAS SAYING THIS.)

Greenland is home to the Greenland Ice Sheet, which covers 80% of Greenland’s surface. Considering that Greenland is the world’s largest island, that’s a LOT of ice.

But there’s the other 20% that is NOT covered with ice — which includes the inhabited parts of Greenland. It gets pretty green here, and there are lots of lovely wildflowers, too!

You may be traveling with lots of Danes.

Greenland might not be an obvious travel destination — but it is a major bucket list destination for many Danish people, similar to how Alaska is a major bucket list destination for many Americans.

It turned out that eight Danes had booked the same Disko Bay package as me. At 39, I was the youngest; most were 50+. While we weren’t glued to each other’s sides all day, we did go to all of our activities together, stay in the same accommodation, and share many meals together.

My fellow travelers were interesting people, who made me feel welcome. That said, there will always be a bit of awkwardness when it’s a big group dinner and you’re the only person who doesn’t speak everyone else’s language! They always switched to English when including me, which was lovely of them, but I didn’t want them to feel like they couldn’t speak Danish together.

It made me extra happy I had read The Year of Living Danishly by Helen Russell, a memoir about a British expat in Denmark trying to figure out what made Danish people tick. I put that knowledge to use and asked none of them what they did for a living!

One thing that surprised me was that the Danes, while well traveled, weren’t the extreme travelers I had expected. None of them had been to Iceland, for example.

But other nationalities traveling in Greenland were extreme travelers! The American and Swiss travelers I befriended in Greenland and I would have long, rapid-fire conversations veering from Indonesia to Uzbekistan, Guatemala to Moldova, and around and back again.

There are LOTS of cool places to visit in Greenland.

Here are some of the places I visited in Greenland:

Kangerlussuaq

Kangerlussuaq is the town where the jets from Copenhagen land. From here, smaller planes take off to other parts of Greenland. So chances are high that you will spend at least a day here.

You won’t find much traditional Greenlandic culture in Kangerlussuaq — it was originally a US military base, which the Americans sold back to Greenland for a dollar in 1992. It still has the feel of a military base today, and now has a population of about 500.

The major activity in Kangerlussuaq is visiting the Greenland Ice Sheet, which is about a two-hour drive from the town. Walking on that ice is pretty cool, and the surrounding scenery is a great introduction to the country.

If you have a chance, be sure to eat at Restaurant Roklubben on Lake Ferguson, 5 kilometers south of town. This is probably the best single restaurant that I ate at in Greenland, and everything was spectacular.

Aasiaat, Greenland’s fifth-largest city, is not an obvious tourism draw — but I appreciated visiting it because it’s a modern Inuit city. Aasiaat has a population of about 3,000.

Aasiaat has a small museum — unfortunately closed for both of the days I was there — and a beautiful church worth visiting. You can also take a boat tour to see icebergs, the whale graveyard, and the abandoned settlement of Manermiut.

Beyond that, I found Aasiaat to be a fantastic place to photograph. So many brightly colored cottages on jagged, rocky hills, long steel pipes connecting all of them.

I recommend staying at Hotel SØMA Aasiaat , which has simple but comfortable rooms and has a great little canteen popular with locals. The view from the front is lovely.

Qeqertarsuaq and Disko Island

Disko Island is Greenland’s one and only volcanic island. It’s located across Disko Bay with direct boat journeys from Ilulissat and Aasiaat, making it a fairly easy destination to add on if you’re flying into either of those cities.

Right away, the volcanic landscape makes it feel so different — it looks so much like Iceland! Because of the geothermal activity, there are hot springs everywhere, and that draws whales to the island’s shores.

There are two major hikes you can do from Qeqertarsuaq: the hike to the waterfall, and the hike to Kuannit. Unfortunately I had awful weather the first day, but I woke up at 5:00 AM to do the waterfall hike before our 8:30 AM departure!

Qeqertarsuaq is a small town (population: 800) with lots of colorful homes and a lovely black sand beach with views of icebergs. I really enjoyed staying at the Hotel Disko Island , which served a fantastic dinner of snow crab.

Disko Island was my favorite place in Greenland. I only wish I had time to do the full Kuannit hike!

Ilulissat is Greenland’s biggest tourism draw and has the best tourism infrastructure in the country — plenty of hotels, tours, and activities. Ilulissat is the third-largest city in Greenland (population: 4,600) and is home to the Ilulissat Icefjord, one of Greenland’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Here in Ilulissat, a glacier meets the sea, splintering off into thousands of icebergs. (Interestingly, some scientists believe the Titanic iceberg may have originated here.) You can see the icebergs up close, taking a sunset cruise through the glacier lagoon or kayaking close by. You can go fishing or whale watching here.

There is also nice hiking in Ilulissat. Sermermiut has a wooden pathway leading to views of the ice fjord (1.3 km or 0.8 miles), and from here you can split off and do the yellow hike back to town along the coastline (2.7 km or 1.7 miles) or the blue hike to the quarry (6.9 km or 4.3 miles). I did the yellow hike solo and loved it.

In general, I found it difficult to find quality souvenirs in Greenland — but Ilulissat is home to the Inuit Artist Workshop, where you can buy artwork directly from local artists. They’re open seven days a week and they take cash only.

I enjoyed getting to chat with an artist and take home an Inuit figure he carved from a reindeer bone. That’s where to spend your cash — into the pockets of locals.

In Ilulissat I stayed at the Hotel Arctic , an upscale hotel that is located a 20-minute walk from the main town but has a frequent shuttle. I loved my room, but they were a bit rough around the edges (like the restaurant would be half-empty but they couldn’t accommodate anyone for dinner — annoying for people who had just been offline for three days at Eqi Glacier and couldn’t call ahead!).

Oqaatsut is a small settlement an hour’s boat ride north of Ilulissat. I came here on a kayaking trip, and there is a lauded restaurant here called H8 Explorer.

The bay surrounding Oqaatsut is called Rodebay (red bay), which got its name from the blood of the whales that filled the bay. This was a popular spot for whale butchering in the past.

There’s not much to see in the town (population: 29!), but I did find it interesting to see a place like this and get some photos. I didn’t find the lunch from H8 Explorer to be that impressive (it was mostly cured lamb, whale steak, pickled halibut, and shrimp), but perhaps they’re a better option for dinner.

There’s also a hotel, Hotel Nordlys, if you’d like to stay overnight.

Eqi Glacier

Eqi Glacier is a massive, incredibly active glacier a few hours’ boat ride north of Ilulissat. The glacier is five kilometers wide (3.1 miles) and brilliant shades of white streaked with bright blues. The glacier groans and cracks continuously, and this is the most reliable places to see live calving in Greenland.

Climate change is constantly on your mind while in Greenland, and Eqi Glacier is where you see it visually, the rocky landscape streaked with where the glacier used to extend before it began receding in the 1910s.

Eqi Glacier can be visited as a day trip from Ilulissat — it’s about a three-hour boat journey each way — but for something REALLY special, stay for two nights at Glacier Lodge Eqi . This is the most unusual place I stayed in Greenland. There are tiny red huts perched on a rocky hillside overlooking the glacier.

You should know that there is zero phone signal or wifi here; the power may randomly go off; and the basic huts and glamping tents have shared bathrooms. I upgraded to a hut with an ensuite bathroom and was so glad I did.

The big daytime activity here is hiking. I joined a group for a hike to the moraine, overlooking the glacier, which took about five hours; you can also do a full-day hike to the ice cap and back (that was a hard no for me). And the food is really, really good for being in the middle of nowhere!

The one issue here was the mosquitos. At certain times of day, the mosquitos and flies were NONSTOP, making it essential to wear a net. But that was mainly when the sun was shining. When it was rainy or cloudy, there were very few bugs or no bugs at all!

Other Places

There are plenty of other places worth visiting in Greenland, especially South Greenland. Two other places worth visiting are the largest and second-largest cities in Greenland — Nuuk (population 19,000) and Sisimiut (population 5,500). Each city has its own distinct flavor, and Nuuk is as cosmopolitan as it gets in Greenland.

Another place worth visiting is Ilimanaq, a settlement south of Ilulissat. This is home to Ilimanaq Lodge , one of the luxury properties in Greenland — and the two-Michelin-star KOKS restaurant of the Faroe Islands has temporarily relocated there!

I ate at KOKS in Tórshavn back in 2012 and enjoyed every bite rapturously . I wish I had had time to visit Ilimanaq, but they were closed on my one free day in Ilulissat. I did meet a couple who went and loved the multi-course tasting menu, which included a reindeer blood petit-four. “Those are three words that NEVER go together!” I joked.

Suggested Greenland Itinerary for First-Timers

If you’re planning an independent trip to Greenland and don’t want to work with an agency, I recommend you keep it relatively simple. Don’t switch destinations every day; give yourself a few days in each place to account for delays or bad weather.

Option 1: Ilulissat. The easiest option would be to base in Ilulissat, which is Greenland’s main tourism hub and has lots of different activities and accommodation options. You can do this for just a few days, or perhaps even a week.

You can easily add on all-inclusive stays at Glacier Lodge Eqi or Ilimanaq Lodge , which include boat transportation from Ilulissat.

Option 2: Kangerlussuaq, Ilulissat, and Nuuk. These are the three main hubs in western Greenland, and three very different places. You’ll easily be able to fly between all of them without having to rely on boats.

Optional Add-On: Disko Island. Once again, Disko Island was my favorite place in Greenland. I would recommend adding on two or three nights here, ideally three, just to make sure you’ll have a day with good weather for hiking. Book your boat trip from Ilulissat way in advance with Disko Line and stay at Hotel Disko Island .

Best Time to Visit Greenland

When is the best time to visit Greenland? It depends on what you’re looking for. Like many Arctic destinations, Greenland travel is divided into summer travel or winter travel.

If you visit Greenland during the summer months — as I did — you can maximize your outdoor activities with hiking, kayaking, and exploring towns on foot. The closer you are to late June, the more midnight sun you’ll have. This is the busiest and most expensive time to visit Greenland.

If you visit Greenland during the winter months, you can enjoy winter activities like dog sledding, snowmobiling, or staying in an igloo — plus all the beauty of snow-covered villages. The days are VERY dark in winter, though. But if you’re looking to see the northern lights, your best luck will be during the winter months.

Late spring brings husky puppies and much larger, more intense ice formations. Fall brings a fresh dusting of snow without endless darkness. And the aurora borealis also tends to be active around the spring and fall equinoxes.

What are hotels like in Greenland?

While the tourism industry in Greenland is underdeveloped, there are plenty of comfortable places to stay. I stayed at a variety of Greenland hotels, and every hotel had clean and comfortable accommodation with a full restaurant on site.

In Kangerlussuaq most people stay at the Hotel Airport, a basic hotel inside the airport. I stayed there my first night and ate at the cafeteria downstairs.

In Aasiaat I stayed at Hotel SØMA Aasiaat , a welcoming mid-range guesthouse with a canteen on-site that was popular with locals.

Hotel Disko Island in Qeqertarsuaq was a simple place but felt almost luxurious with the attention to detail. The restaurant on site was excellent (and is pretty much the only place in town to eat at night). Get the snow crab!

Hotel Arctic in Ilulissat at one point called itself “the world’s northernmost four-star hotel,” but I see they’re not using that phrase anymore. I’m guessing somewhere in Svalbard has that title now.

Hotel Arctic was the most high-end place I stayed, with really nice rooms and luxurious-feeling beds. While there was a restaurant (and a bar with local craft beers!) on-site, often they would be empty yet not accepting dining reservations, telling us to buy a sandwich for the night instead. For that and other reasons, I think they were a bit rough around the edges for a nice hotel.

But the most special and unique place was Glacier Lodge Eqi , with its little red huts on a rocky hillside, overlooking a massive calving glacier in the distance. It’s very basic in some ways, but the food is great.

Here the most basic huts and glamping tents have shared bathrooms, and I upgraded to a comfort hut that had an ensuite bathroom. No way was I going outside to pee in the middle of the night.

And when have you had the opportunity to be so isolated with views of a roaring glacier from the comfort of your little red cabin?

My big piece of advice: Bring an eye mask . Don’t count on hotels in Greenland to have blackout curtains.

The internet isn’t great in Greenland.

There is internet in Greenland, but don’t expect it to be great. In most places, speeds are slow.

These days, I like to buy an eSIM online when I travel so I can download a phone plan without having to get a card at a shop. I ended up getting an eSIM from Nuuk Mobile via the Airalo app . I got 1 GB of data for $9 USD, and I topped up three more times over my 11-day trip.

Did it work? Probably about two thirds of the time. When it worked, it worked fine — but it would randomly not work at all, even in busy places like the middle of Ilulissat or Aasiaat.

The one place I visited that had no internet whatsoever was Eqi Glacier — there was neither phone signal nor internet. The lodge had a satellite phone for emergencies. I knew that going in, and it was a nice digital detox for a few days.

My big piece of advice: Act like you won’t have any internet at all. Let your loved ones and job know that you’ll be unreachable.

And download all the entertainment you need BEFORE your trip (ebooks, podcasts, TV episodes, etc.). You’ll have a much easier time downloading them at home.

Greenland is very expensive.

Greenland is one of the most expensive travel destinations I have ever visited — and easily the most expensive place I’ve paid to visit out of pocket. You should know that going in.

Greenland is up there with Switzerland and Norway, and is more expensive than comparable destinations like Iceland and Finland.

Here are some prices I paid in Greenland in August 2023:

Coffee and cheesecake in Ilulissat: 65 DKK ($9 USD)

Local craft beer in Ilulissat: 95 DKK ($13.50 USD)

Gin and Labrador tea cocktail in Ilulissat: 118 DKK ($17 USD)

Two-course meal with one glass of wine at Roklubben in Kangerlussuaq: 580 DKK ($82 USD)

Greenlandic buffet at the Hotel Arctic in Ilulissat, food only: 435 DKK ($62 USD)

Kayaking excursion in Oqaatsut with transportation and lunch: 270 EUR ($286 USD)

Upgrade to a hut with a private bathroom at Glacier Lodge Eqi: 445 EUR ($471 USD) (yes, this is the cost of the upgrade alone)

The food in Greenland is not great.

I’ll be honest — I did have some wonderful meals in Greenland, but the overall quality of food in Greenland was lackluster at best. You can count on eating a good amount of seafood (particularly cod, shrimp, halibut, and the occasional snow crab or whale), with occasional lamb, reindeer, or musk ox (the beef of Greenland).

Fruits and vegetables are very limited here. I visited several grocery stores in Greenland (one of my favorite things to do in a new country!) and I was shocked at the terrible state of produce. So much produce was banged up, dried out, or moldy. Some grocery stores sold strawberries covered with thick layers of mold.

You’ll find a lot of Danish specialties, like smørrebrød (various open-faced sandwiches), and in the Danish tradition, the bread and butter is top-notch. Greenlanders also enjoy having coffee and cakes in the afternoon, which is fun!

There are a few Thai restaurants in Greenland, which might shock you if you haven’t come across lots of Thai restaurants in far northern Finland and the Faroe Islands like I have. There are a surprising number of Thai people in the Nordics.

Unfortunately, the Thai food had zero spice whatsoever. I asked the Thai servers to make it Thai spicy, the kind of spicy Thai people like. Say that in Thailand and they will happily murder you with chiles; in Greenland, it was about as spicy as mayonnaise.

But the best meals? Ooh, let me tell you about those.

In Kangerlussuaq, Restaurant Roklubben is superb. I had a fabulous potato soup and a roasted reindeer steak, which was perhaps the best meal of the trip. You’ll need to book the shuttle to the restaurant as it’s five kilometers out of town.

In Qeqertarsuaq on Disko Island, Hotel Disko Island has an excellent restaurant. If snow crab is on the menu, you need to get it. What a delicious feast that was — we ate it like barbarians.

The restaurant at Glacier Lodge Eqi made some truly delicious dishes, including a tomato-based chowder with shrimp and halibut that I’m still thinking about.

In Illulissat, Restaurant Ulo at the Hotel Arctic puts on a Greenlandic buffet on Monday nights from June through August. I didn’t find the food particularly delicious, but this is your chance to try seal soup, whale, shrimp with lots of roe and all kinds of local seafood.

And if you’re craving something NOT Greenlandic, the burger at the Hotel Arctic is pretty decent.

What’s it like to travel to Greenland with dietary restrictions? I imagine it’s a challenge, but one that is mitigated by communicating with restaurants ahead of time. If you book through a company like Greenland-Travel, they’ll probably help you with that.

But just from what I observed, you can probably get by in the larger towns with simple restrictions (vegetarian, vegan, dairy-free, gluten-free, etc.), but I wouldn’t want to travel to Greenland with a long list of food allergies.

Get ready for Greenland wildlife — just not polar bears.

A lot of travelers expect to see polar bears in Greenland. While polar bears are one of the symbols of the country, it’s very rare to see them near inhabited areas. Your best chance may be seeing them by cruise ship in uninhabited parts of East Greenland.

But you know what you WILL see, if you’re lucky? Further inland, including around Kangerlussuaq, you might see reindeer and musk ox.

In the water, you might see whales upon whales upon whales — mostly humpback whales, minke whales, the occasional fin whale. (While I went on a whale-less whale watch in Aasiaat, I saw plenty of whales north of Ilulissat, near Oqaatsut.) And there are tons of cool birds in the skies.

And my absolute favorite — the arctic fox! Probably the cutest animal I’ve ever spotted on my travels!

But don’t approach the huskies in Greenland.

You’ll see plenty of husky dogs throughout Greenland — but you should never approach or touch them. Here in Greenland, huskies are workers, not pets.

Greenlandic huskies are the only dogs you’ll find in Greenland (with one prominent exception — the drug-sniffing dog at Kangerlussuaq Airport).

If you’d like to get some time with huskies, there are a few husky experiences you can do in Ilulissat. If you visit in the winter — or, more likely, fall through spring — you can go dog sledding in Greenland! An amazing Inuit tradition.

If you visit in the spring months, there will be puppies — and puppies are the only dogs that visitors can handle. Some let you cuddle the babies! (If I had been here in the spring, I would have been ALL OVER THAT.)

Visiting at another time of year? There is a group in Ilulissat that does a “feed the husky dogs” experience. Essentially throwing meat to the dogs and having them bark ferociously. That’s not really my thing, but it might be yours.

But other than those organized experiences, you should keep your distance from huskies in Greenland. The adults will be leashed, but be careful if you’re wandering into different areas to take photos. If you try to pet one and it attacks you, the whole pack will be put down.

Is Greenland safe for solo female travelers?

I knew from the beginning that I would be traveling solo in Greenland. Not only was this one of my long-held solo travel dreams, but my husband Charlie has zero interest in visiting the Arctic.

Greenland in general is a very safe destination for travelers. Violence against travelers is rare; the risk for natural disasters or political upheaval is low.

In fact, you might have an easier time being solo. When there are only 12 seats on the Disko Line ferries, you’ll have more luck getting a single seat than two people getting two seats. Additionally, don’t be surprised if you get a room with a single bed, which I did twice.

I didn’t receive any street harassment in Greenland, and none of the men made me feel uncomfortable — locals or visitors.

I hiked alone twice in Greenland — from Qeqertarsuaq to the waterfall on Disko Island, and along the Sermermiut yellow trail in Ilulissat — and felt extremely safe both times. Those were both short and easy (under two hours round-trip). I would not have attempted an ambitious hike solo, though, in Greenland or anywhere else.

In Greenland you may want to keep extra cash hidden on you somewhere, as you might get stuck somewhere for a few days in a place without ATMs.

The only times I felt nervous or borderline scared in Greenland was when there were huskies around. I had heard Greenlandic huskies were vicious and I didn’t want to get close to them. I do not like when street dogs show aggression and have bad memories of the dogs of Bali not letting me down the street.

A few times in Greenland I accidentally walked into a husky’s territory — like when taking photos in what looked like a junkyard in Aasiaat. I backed off with my eyes down every time I came across an adult husky. But you know what? None of them showed any aggressive behavior toward me, ever. Not so much as a low growl. Perhaps that was because I kept things low-key.

But overall I found Greenland to be a very safe place to travel solo, especially with the extra security of booking a package tour, as I did with Greenland-Travel.

Read More: Top 10 Travel Safety Tips for Women

You’ll inevitably compare Greenland to Iceland.

If you’ve been to Iceland — as most Greenland visitors have, Danes excluded — Iceland will be on your mind for much of your Greenland trip. It certainly was on mine. I’ve been to Iceland four times, most recently on a two-week road trip the year before my Greenland trip.

I love Iceland and think it’s a fantastic destination for first-time solo female travelers , first-time international travelers, or anyone who wants an easy international destination.

I hate to say it, but Iceland provides much better value for money for tourists. While Greenland is beautiful, the scenery in Iceland is much better (is it any coincidence my favorite place in Greenland was Disko Island, the one volcanic island, which looked just like Iceland?). And Iceland is concentrated, with stunning natural sights around every corner.

Additionally, Iceland is much easier to get to, very easy to get around by driving, and has TONS of travel infrastructure. There are hotels at various price levels and all kinds of tours. All that…and while an expensive destination, Iceland is actually cheaper than Greenland.

Greenland is where you go for the isolation — to be removed from the world. That is much harder to find in Iceland, especially if you’re sticking to the much-traversed southwest corner of the country. You’re above the Arctic Circle in most of these places in Greenland. And Greenland gives you undeniable travel clout.

But yes. Being in Greenland reminded me just how good Iceland is as a destination. I’d love to get back to Iceland for some hiking in Thórsmörk next.

Add time in Copenhagen before and after your Greenland trip.

If you’re flying to Greenland from Copenhagen, I highly recommend giving yourself a two-day buffer on either side of the trip. Why? It gives you insulation from flight cancellations.

It’s not uncommon for flights to be cancelled to and from Greenland due to weather; since COVID, flying has been a bit of a mess with more cancellations than usual.

Luckily, Copenhagen is a delightful place to spend a few days. Some of my favorite things to do in Copenhagen include visiting Tivoli, the amusement park that inspired Walt Disney; enjoying the outdoor international food market at Reffen; admiring the Impressionist sculptures at Glyptotek; restaurant-hopping in hip Nørrebro, and taking lots of photos of Nyhavn, the colorful harbor.

And if you’ve never ridden a bicycle in a city before, Copenhagen is one of the best places to start. The infrastructure for cyclists here is second to none.

Greenland Packing List

Packing for Greenland is extra important because in most places you won’t be able to buy gear. Like most places, layers are the name of the game. You can take a look at my Iceland Packing List , which is nearly identical to what you need for Greenland.

If you visit in the summer, you can expect temperatures approximately from 35 F to 55 F (2-13 C). Temperatures will vary wildly depending on the time of day, whether there’s sun or wind, and how close to ice you are (BOY did it get cold on the ice sheet!), and how active you are makes a difference in how you feel.

In one day in Ilulissat I went from t-shirt weather while hiking to freezing and wearing everything I owned while sailing the icebergs after sunset.

I ended up having my laundry washed through my trip at the Hotel Arctic in Ilulissat, which had a surprisingly reasonable rate.

Here are some items that I found essential for a summer trip to Greenland:

Waterproof hiking boots — Yes, waterproof is a must, as you may be hiking through puddles. I brought my trail runners as alternative shoes for non-hiking days. And bring good hiking socks . I love my merino wool socks.

Base layers — Essential year-round. I love Uniqlo’s Heattech base layers (they’re super-affordable, too!) and every day I wore a Uniqlo Heattech long-sleeved top and Uniqlo Heattech leggings underneath everything. I would add a thick sweater if it was cold.

Puffer jacket and waterproof shell — Some travelers prefer to have a single jacket that does both, but I preferred the flexibility of wearing one jacket or both, especially when I got hot while hiking. I got both from the Patagonia outlet in Prague.

Hiking pants — I rotated two pairs throughout my trip (I was glad to have two, as one got very muddy!).

Eye mask — You’ll need these because it’s not easy to sleep through the midnight sun! And not all hotels have blackout curtains! I visited in August, when things weren’t so bad, but we still had the sun quite early and late.

Hat , gloves , and scarf . You’ll be glad you have them. I’m a big fan of Speakeasy Travel Supply scarves , and they would work very well in Greenland!

Mosquito net — I bought mine at Glacier Camp Eqi, which was the one place that had bad mosquitos during my trip, but I recommend bringing your own. Don’t forget the mosquito repellent , too.

Day pack for hiking — I’ve been using my Pacsafe Venturesafe as my carry-on work/hiking backpack for years, and it worked great in Greenland.

Reusable water bottle — Yes, the tap water is safe to drink in Greenland. Fill up whenever you can; it gets dry in the Arctic!

Sun protection — I got unexpectedly sunburned on my first day — because the Greenland Ice Sheet was reflecting the sun into my face! All that ice does double duty here! Don’t skimp on sunscreen or sunglasses , and consider a hat with a brim .

Strong portable charger — I was able to charge devices sufficiently in my room, but I always bring a portable charger on my travels. This is especially important if you get power outages like I did at Glacier Lodge Eqi.

All the drugstore meds you may need — Again, you probably won’t be able to buy what you need in remote areas. I was glad to have ibuprofen and motion sickness medicine .

Pre-downloaded entertainment — The internet is bad in Greenland, so I recommend coming with already downloaded ebooks for your Kindle , TV episodes, and podcasts for your downtime and travel days.

What I didn’t need — There’s no need for an umbrella when you have a hooded raincoat; I brought rain pants but didn’t need to use them; and I didn’t rent a telephoto lens this time, as this wasn’t a wildlife-focused trip.

Is Greenland Worth It?

I am SO happy that I chose to travel to Greenland. I feel enormously privileged to have visited this harsh and often unforgiving destination, to have hiked in its nature, and to be closer to understanding a bit of Greenlandic life.

However, I don’t think that Greenland travel is for everyone. I don’t think it’s one of the better choices for less experienced travelers, nor someone who wants lots of diverse activities and experiences. And as I said before, I think Iceland provides a lot more value (and wow factor) for slightly lower prices.

I do think that Greenland is an excellent destination for experienced travelers who are independently minded, enjoy getting off the beaten path, love nature, and are able to roll with the punches when things don’t go as planned.

If this post is resonating with you, I highly encourage you to look into traveling to Greenland. This is a truly special place in the world.

More on Iceland:

• What NOT to Do in Iceland
• The Ultimate Iceland Packing List
• What My Iceland Trip Cost: Detailed Budget Breakdown
• Blue Lagoon: Does it live up to the hype?
• 35 Awesome Things to do in Reykjavík, Iceland
• Why Iceland is Great for First-Time Solo Female Travelers

More on Antarctica:

• A Typical Day on an Antarctica Expedition Cruise
• The Ultimate Antarctica Packing List
• Kayaking in Antarctica: What You Need to Know
• Antarctica and the Traveler’s Ego
• My Favorite Moments in Antarctica
• Solo Female Travel in Antarctica: What’s it Like?

Have you been to Greenland? What tips would you share?

9 thoughts on “What’s it really like to travel to Greenland?”

Fascinating read! Thank you!

Hi Kate, I haven’t been to Iceland so based on your review, I should probably start there. But Greenland looks fascinating and I loved your comprehensive review. I love traveling vicariously through you. 😉

Any info to share about single supplements on the tour? And more info about transportation would be amazing. But mostly thank you for the article!!!!

Honestly it is all customized to the price of you because sometimes there are single rooms (which I had in Aasiaat and Qeqertarsuaq). Transportation was either planes or boats, with vans in the larger cities, that’s it!

I was so happy to see you finally travelling to Greenland – and I’m glad you liked it! It’s a place that’s very close to my heart, I even have a map of it tattooed on my leg! I was lucky to spend five months studying in Nuuk (and just so you know, there are plenty more fields than just teaching and nursing – for example, I studied Social and Cultural History, and there are also several other scientific fields). Afterwards, I spent three months doing on internship at the local museum in Tasiilaq on the East coast. I think it’s tough for tourists to engage with the Inuit community unless they really make an effort. The way I did it was to join several groups such as the Bahá’í community (I wasn’t Bahá’í before I moved to Nuuk but I got curious and they invited me in) and the local climbing club. It was super helpful to make local friends – but of course, much easier when you live there vs. travel there. As for being a vegan in Greenland – you’re absolutely right that it’s a challenge outside of Nuuk (Nuuk is amazing with shelves of vegan foods in the supermarkets and usually a vegan menu in the restaurants!), but even in Tasiilaq, I got by just fine 😛 I’m so sad to hear that you love Iceland more, haha! I feel that Iceland is incredibly overrated and I’ve travelled there five times. The Westfjords and East coast are amazing but the rest is so bland to me, and it’s so overcrowded that it really puts me off. I think that’s why I love Greenland so much (the only place that beats it is the Faroe Islands!). If you ever return to Greenland, I’d recommend going to the more remote East coast – the landscapes are more rugged and wild than in the West. The South is also incredible and reminded me of the Faroes but with ice! Sorry for the long comment, Greenland is such a passion of mine haha! Thanks for the great post, hopefully this will make more people want to experience the magic of Greenland 😀

Mel, what a wonderful comment. Thank you for sharing!! What an incredible experience you had. You’re making me want to go back!

Why do Greenland have so many Danes as a guides? This is not because they are better educated, as most of the companies do not ask education to be a guide, they just have training (excluding kayaking, captains, and multi-day hiking tours where people are required to have some education). It is because the tourist high season is June to August when most of the people come to visit, so all of Danes come here mostly for a seasonal job as there not enough local people who want to be guides for a short time. In off-season companies has very few employees and Greenlanders of course look for full-time jobs not only for 3 months. Some locals working in tourism sector often have another job during off season months. That’s why all of the tourism-related companies and the Greenland tourist board are working on advertising winter and off-season for tourists, so we have tourists visiting all year around creating more sustainable tourism in Greenland! I just visit Ilulissat in April and just one of all the guides was from Denmark and he was living in Ilulissat permanently. So there are many layers on this 🙂 Why most of the guides are danes? This is because as you mentioned we have a lot of Danish tourists coming here, also all people with a Scandinavian passport can come to work in Greenland, for all other nationalities need to apply for Work Visa is required as Greenland is not part of the European union.

Thanks so much for that wonderful article!

One question – The package tour you booked, did they take care of everything from Kangerlussuaq? The accommodation, local trips, etc?

Hi Nivi —

Check out their website for their latest offerings. They include all accommodation and transportation. They include some meals. You need to buy the activities package to get most of the activities I did, like visiting the Greenland Ice Sheet and the iceberg cruise, and I also paid additionally for the kayak day in Oqaatsut.

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• Group Travels
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Tours in Greenland

Autumn and Northern Lights in Greenland

Spring and the Midnight Sun in Greenland

Greenland from South to North

Our Ultimate Greenland Trip

Nuuk and Ilulissat, Cruise along the West Coast

Dog Sledding, Igloo Lodge and Northern Lights in Ilulissat

Unique Round Tour of Disko Bay

Ilulissat and Ilimanaq + KOKS 2 Star Michelin restaurant

Disko Island, Icebergs and Eqi Glacier

• North America

Maps of Greenland

Covering an area of 2,166,086 sq. km (836,330 sq mi), Greenland (about 80% of which is ice-covered) is the world’s largest (non-continent) island, located between the Atlantic and Arctic Oceans. 

As observed on the physical map of Greenland above, the coastline is rugged, mountainous, and for the most part, barren. The land then rises to a sloping icecap that covers (81%) most of the island. In places that ice has been measured at more than 11,000ft (3,350m) thick, countless (mostly small) rocky islands ring the coastline central to south, and much like Norway, fjords are plentiful.  

Some scientists have claimed that the Greenland ice sheet may actually conceal three large separate island land masses that have been bridged by glaciers since the last ice age. In 2002, as the ice in the far north began to melt, it left a small island exposed to daylight. Additional islands are expected to be discovered if that melting trend continues. 

There are nearly 40 glaciers covering the Greenland landmass, and one of the largest is the Peterman. Recently, a chunk of ice broke off the Peterman; an area of ice 100 sq. miles and 600ft thick. It is now drifting in a remote area called the Nares Strait between Greenland and Canada. 

Mountain ranges, either partly or totally buried by ice, fringe the toothy-edged coast. Greenland's highest mountains are the massive ice-covered peaks and exposed cliffs of the Watkins Range that run along it’s eastern coastline. The island's highest point is located there: Gunnbjorn’s Fjeld at 3,700m (12,139 ft). A yellow triangle marks its position on the map.

Believe it, or not, hot springs are a common natural phenomenon in Greenland. In the far south on Uunartoq Island, they're warm enough to swim in. On Disko Island in the far-west, there are thousands of small hot springs. 

There are about 20 rivers in Greenland. All ring the coastline and all are small melt water outflows from a nearby glacier on the Greenland ice sheet. There are scattered small (summer lakes) across Greenland, all the result of glacier melt. These lakes drain away quickly, or freeze solid in the winter months. 

Municipalities of Greenland Map

Greenland is divided into 5 municipalities (kommuner, sing. kommune). In alphabetical order, these municipalities are: Avannaata, Kujalleq, Qeqertalik, Qeqqata and Sermersooq.

Covering an area of 2,166,086 sq. km, Greenland (about 80% of which is ice covered) is the world’s largest (non-continent) island and the 3 rd largest in North America. It is also one of the least densely populated regions in the world. Located at the mouth of Nuup Kangerlua, on Greenland’s south western coast is Nuuk – the capital and the largest city of Greenland. It is the administrative and the largest cultural and economic center of the island country. Nuuk accounts for over one-third of the country’s population.

Where is Greenland?

Greenland, the world’s largest (non-continent) island is located between the continents of North America and Europe in the North Atlantic Ocean. It is geographically considered a part of the North American continent. Greenland is positioned both in the Northern and Western hemispheres of the Earth. It is surrounded by the Arctic Ocean to the north; by the Greenland Sea to the east; by the North Atlantic Ocean to the southeast; Davis Strait to the southwest; Baffin Bay to the west; and Nares Strait and Lincoln Sea to the northwest. Greenland shares its maritime borders with Canada, Iceland and Norway.

Regional Maps : Map of North America

Outline Map of Greenland

The above blank map represents Greenland, the world’s largest island. The above map can be downloaded, printed and used for educational purposes like map-pointing activities, coloring etc.

The above outline map represents Greenland, a constituent country of the Kingdom of Denmark.

This page was last updated on February 25, 2021

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Iceland or Greenland? Which country should be next on your travel list? 

Let the battle of the ‘lands’ commence.

So, you’re ready for your next getaway and you’ve finally settled on the general region (good choice by the way) but what happens now? How can you even begin to decide between the natural wonders and captivating colours of Iceland and the untouched wilderness and wintry weather of Greenland ?

Both countries have fascinating cultures, mouthwatering cuisine, unbelievable landscapes (think glaciers and geysers and geothermal spectacles – oh my!) and plenty of activities on offer, but which one does it best?

Luckily, you don’t have to pull the answer out of a hat – you’ve got this comparison blog instead.

The ‘Land of fire and ice’ has a strong culture with roots going back centuries to the days of its healthy Viking population in the 800s. Defined by history and traditional customs, this country’s rich beginning is still celebrated today with lots of rules set in place to protect and preserve its past – think naming babies in a way that abides by grammatical rules and Icelandic tradition and observing several national holidays and celebrations.

Iceland also draws its culture from literature with plenty of myths and legends told to young children when they’re growing up, namely folk tales of elves, gnomes, and fairies. With impressive landscapes like the ones in Iceland, it’s easy to imagine where these magical stories came from.  

DISCOVER ICELAND’S CULTURE ON OUR PREMIUM ICELAND TOUR

I can’t tell the story of Greenland’s culture without also telling the story of its Indigenous people, the Inuit people of Greenland. Reaching Greenland around 1300AD, the Inuit people practiced Thule traditions and were known as ‘hunters’, using dog sleds and advanced harpoon technology (at the time) to survive in Greenland’s often harsh conditions.

These ancient practices of hunting are still very much alive in Greenland’s culture today with many Greenlanders supplementing their diet and gathering materials from this source. Other traditions that have carried down through the years include telling Inuit legends, throwing money during celebrations such as weddings and baptisms, and giving each other ‘Inuit kisses’ – the process of showing love by smelling one another.

LEARN ABOUT INUIT CULTURE ON OUR GREENLAND ADVENTURE

Saying you’ll never run out of extraordinary things to see in Iceland might sound like an exaggeration but when you’re dealing with a country that boasts geothermal springs, magnificent waterfalls, pristine national parks, and a coastline that’s utterly captivating, it’s easy to make such sweeping statements.

From the rushing waters of the Gullfoss waterfall to the blue-white icebergs floating in Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon, the natural landscapes of this Nordic country will take your breath away (and not because the temperature’s below freezing).

Exploring Iceland can feel like discovering another world; one that’s full of erupting geysers, soaring coastal cliffs, frozen glaciers, and bubbling lava fields seeping from centuries-old volcanoes. And that’s only the beginning.

MARVEL AT GLACIERS ON OUR ICELAND DISCOVERY TOUR

If you’re anything like me then you’ve been equally terrified yet entranced by icebergs since watching James Cameron’s Titanic for the first time. There’s something so fascinating about their seemingly larger-than-life stature, their sparkling whiteness, and how much of them lies beneath the water’s surface.

Your fascination with icebergs will only grow in Greenland with ice-fjords full of the towering wonders a common part of the country’s landscape. But that’s not all there is to marvel at.

From discovering Disko Bay with its marine life and Inuit culture to snowcapped mountains that look as if they’re straight off the pages of a fairytale, spending time in the great outdoors will leave you with one certainty; Greenland is some of Mother Nature’s best work.  

SEE ICEBERGS UP CLOSE ON OUR HIGH ARCTIC EXPLORER TOUR

Icelandic cuisine might not be as well known as Italian or French, but it’ll still tickle your tastebuds in the same way, especially if you like fish (think herring and cod). Developed over the centuries by natural, readily available ingredients and resources, Icelandic cuisine consists of meat-heavy dishes and hearty meals that’ll keep you fuller for longer.

Whether you’re interested in stepping out of your culinary comfort zone by ordering a plate of hakarl or fermented shark (the national dish of Iceland) or you’re salivating at the thought of slurping up some plokkfiskur (fish stew), there’s plenty to love about this Nordic country’s delicious delicacies.

EAT YOUR WAY THROUGH ICELAND ON OUR ICELAND EXPRESS SMALL GROUP ADVENTURE

Greenland’s extraordinary landscapes might be recognised all over the world but the same can’t be said for its cuisine which remains a mystery for many travellers to the world’s largest island. Due to its unique location in between the Arctic and Atlantic oceans, Greenland’s cuisine is made up of a lot of seafood with its national dish being suaasat – a thick, frothy soup traditionally made from a number of things including seal, whale, or seabirds.

Yes, Greenland’s cuisine can take a little getting used to but if that soup’s not for your tastebuds, there are plenty of other delicious dishes and accompaniments to try from crowberry marmalade to reindeer mignon. And don’t forget to wash your meal down with a Greenlandic coffee (a tasty concoction of whisky, Kahlua, Grand Marnier, whipped cream, and coffee).

TRY GREENLANDIC CUISINE ON OUR WEST GREENLAND GEMS TOUR

Let’s face it, if you want warm, tropical weather in summer then Iceland’s not the place you’re travelling to but while it might not quite get up to sunbathing temperatures, the seasons of June, July, and August still reach highs of around 13°C/55°F.

In fact, this is practically sweltering for the Nordic country as winter lows can drop the temperature down to a freezing -3°C/27°F (it does have ‘ice’ in its name after all).

While these temperatures can fluctuate during the year, the one thing that remains consistent in Iceland weather-wise is the rain. Each month experiences around 25mm-50mm which means that each day is likely to bring at least a light smattering of rain. But this also depends on the area of Iceland you’re in with the south coast experiencing windier and wetter conditions than that of other regions.

WITNESS THE NORTHERN LIGHTS ON OUR SMALL GROUP ADVENTURE

It’s going to come as no surprise to anyone that the best months to visit Greenland are the summer ones of June, July, and August when temperatures can reach as high as 15°C/59°F and the sun stays up all night. While that might not seem very warm, it’s better than the piercing lows of -20°C/-4°F the country experiences in winter.

But of course, with the plummeting temperatures comes the chance to see the mystical aurora borealis (whose colours dance across the night sky from October until March), so you’ll still see plenty of travellers around during December, January, and February.  

However, while temperatures can exceed freezing levels, it doesn’t actually feel that cold thanks to the country’s low humidity levels. The air in Greenland is very dry and while that means you can see further than you’re used to (mountain peaks can appear closer than they actually are), it also means you need to drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration.  

While the cold temperatures might have you wanting to curl up in front of your guesthouse’s fireplace with a good book and a cup of kaffi (coffee), there’s plenty of adventure to be had in Iceland with activities that range from relaxing to adventurous at your perfectly gloved fingertips.

Whether you want to lace up your boots and hike to Vatnajokull (Europe’s largest glacier), soak in the mineral-rich waters of Grindavik’s famous blue lagoon, enjoy a scenic drive along the rugged coasts of East Fjords, or simply take a walking tour of Reykjavik’s landmark attractions (think the old harbour and Hallgrimskirkja church), you’ll never get bored of exploring this icy isle.

GET ACTIVE ON OUR ICELAND’S GOLDEN CIRCLE IN DEPTH TOUR

From hiking through remote areas in search of mind-boggling landscapes and camping overnight in a fjord to catching a helicopter for spectacular views over the immense Greenland ice sheet, this country is full of activity-filled surprises.

One day you might be kayaking through glacial lakes and trying to spot the northern lights while the next, you’ll be exploring the remains of ancient settlements at Sydkap and Frederiksdal and cruising the waters of Disko Bay, keeping your eyes peeled for the breach of a whale of the cry of a seabird.

At this point, Greenland may as well change its name to ‘Adventureland’.  

The verdict

Greenland might dwarf Iceland in size but when it comes to the things that count – culture, landscapes, cuisine, weather, and activities – it’s hard to differentiate the two. That might sound like a cop out but these two Nordic countries both promise an unforgettable adventure you won’t stop telling your friends about.

But, if we can’t decide which one comes out on top, then we can hardly expect you to. So, why not travel to both on our East Greenland and Northern Lights tour? Problem solved. 

EXPLORE BOTH COUNTRIES ON OUR EAST GREENLAND AND ICELAND NORTHERN LIGHTS TOUR

Feeling inspired?

Kate Gazzard

When I was 11, my parents asked me whether I wanted a pool for the house or a trip to Fiji. I chose Fiji, and I've made travelling as much as I can a priority ever since.

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Camping on the Greenlandic Ice Sheet in May

Published: 10/06/2024

Reading time: 9 minutes

This is my ideal plan for how to spend 2 days in Kangerlussuaq. I know it may not be for everyone but for people who have a desire for adventure, I warn you, you will love it! 

For a long time joining camp on the Greenlandic ice sheet was on my bucket list. And finally, this May I can cross it from my list!

Day 1- Arrival and the start of the tour to the Ice Cap

Landing from Copenhagen to Kangerlussuaq in the morning (around 10:40), I grabbed my luggage and got to Polar Lodge (where I should stay 2nd night so I could leave some luggage I wouldn’t need on the Icecap trip). I packed my outfit and other things I wanted to bring on the trip in a separate bag in my luggage so it was really easy and fast to get ready for the trip. 

After that of course, I grabbed a quick lunch at the airport cafe and headed to an information meeting with my guide at Polar Lodge. Here you usually meet fellow travelers and a guide. 

On the day I chose to do the tour I was alone booked on the tour! I was afraid it would get canceled but to my surprise, it wasn’t. As a Solo traveler, I was so happy as this tour didn’t have a minimum number of travelers to do the tour.  So it was me and the guide going on this adventure! 

I got an overview of the equipment and how to use it, we talked about what is the plan for the next 2 days and the guide also checked my equipment (shoes, bag, water).   

After the meeting, we got in the car and headed towards the ice cap. The drive through the arctic tundra took us 2 hours but believe me it wasn’t boring!

On our way, we saw Musk ox, reindeer, and ptarmigans. We stopped each time and got out to take some pictures of course all at a good distance so we wouldn’t disturb them. I think Kangerlussuaq is one of the best places to see arctic tundra wildlife! Getting closer to the ice cap I started to see different glaciers in the distance.  The guide was amazing, I got to know a lot about the fauna and flora of the area, the history and facts about Greenland, and much more. It was a 2-hour Discovery Channel episode in real life! 

We reached the end of the road and gathered all of the stuff we would need for our camp, like sleeping bags, snacks, pulka, and some other things. We needed to carry all the stuff to the edge of the ice, pack everything on the pulka, and then it was time to get crampons on. 

The guide showed how to adjust and put the crampons on. It was easy and understandable so even if you never tried it before it is not a problem. At first, it felt a bit odd but you get used to it pretty quickly. Remember to lift your legs, as I accidentally drag one leg and almost fall but as long as you take it slow it is all good. 

For this trip, it is important to have sturdy waterproof hiking shoes with ankle support. I understood later why it is needed, crampons won’t fit or be comfortable on flexible shoes (like sneakers). Your shoes must also be waterproof because you can get snow on them and when you walk in the warm tent it melts (in winter time). In summer you will encounter some small streams or puddles you need to cross. On day two one of my shoes let in some water so I got one sock a bit moist and it was still ok because it wasn’t that cold, but if it were winter day I would be freezing….

After an approximately 1 hour walk with crampons and dragging pulka, we arrived at the place where we were going to set up our camp. Camping on the ice sheet is a teamwork activity so be ready to pitch in and feel like a true explorer. 

We checked all the equipment and got to work, as there were just two of us. The first task was to build a common tent where we would get warm, chill, and eat dinner together. It is a huge 12-person expedition tent so it took us almost 1 hour to build it. The process of attaching the tent with ice screws and building it was really fun and educational. After we finished we decided to have a coffee break before we built the tent where I would spend a night. 

After the camp was set and the guide was preparing inside the common tent. My job was to collect water. There were no running rivers, so I grabbed an ice climbing ax, found a good spot, and started hammering pieces of ice! 

After the short break, we started on my tent. The sleeping tent was much smaller and faster to build, it was a 3-person tent. It looks like a general tent just attached to the ice with screws. If you join this trip you need to be aware that it is a possibility you will need to share the tent with others, but I think that is great as if there are more people in the tent it will be warmer during the night 😉 

I was getting hungry, luckily it was time for dinner. For dinner I could select from different dry trekking foods – my choice was reindeer stew, and my guide tried curry chicken. There were also Vegetarian and Vegan options. It was great just to sit down and enjoy a meal in a warm tent.

After dinner, we decided to go for a short walk around our camp before bed. It was a beautiful soft light, as in May the sun is not getting down! Which means no Northern lights.  

After the walk, we come back to the tent to get an evening cup of tea before bed. A great tip from the guide was to fill my water bottle with hot water to keep warm in my sleeping bag at night. It was just -5 degrees at night, but as I loved the warmth I followed his advice. My advice is to bring a water bottle you can put in the dishwasher, like a plastic bottle so it is not insulated like metal water bottles and gives you heat. My personal preference and advice is to have a new pair of socks and change them before going to bed so they are not moist and do not attract cold. 

All equipment tents, sleeping bags, the inner layer in a sleeping bag, and mats were provided and worked perfectly. It wasn’t cold at all even despite the fact I was alone in the tent. 

Day 2- Ice hiking on Greenlandic Ice Cap!

Our morning started by waking up at 7:30. The night in the tent was fine, I had a great night’s sleep! Maybe a bit short but I was excited to get up and continue this adventure! 

Tip from me, bring a buff and hat. I always like to use my buff to cover my mouth and nose (as usually, my nose gets cold) and wear a hat while I sleep, it makes a difference!  I did some hiking trips in the cold weather so I won’t recommend breathing in your sleeping bag as it creates condensation and makes you feel cold. 

The guide was already boiling water for morning coffee and preparing the breakfast table. I did not expect anything fancy, but I was surprised! I started with oats with milk and then the guide took out small iron pans, which we will use to make hot toast! It was the most delicious toast I ever tried! 

After a great breakfast and coffee, we prepared for a longer hike. It was not a cold day but pretty windy so I was so happy with my windbreaker jacket and warm gloves. We went up and down small mountains from ice, and found some lakes (unfortunately they were frozen), and crevasses. As all the water was frozen, the guide found a safe place and managed to walk a bit between valleys of ice, where in summer water runs between them. That was the most thrilling part of the hike! 

So note from the guide, if you are coming in May or September the snow, and ice could be melting but there is a good chance that everything is still frozen. If you are coming in summer (June-August ) you can see rivers and lakes melting on the ice sheet, crazy thing, you can even do a dip in the lake on the ice cap! So don’t forget your swimsuit and towel! In winter time and autumn, most of the ice will be covered by snow but you will have an amazing opportunity to see Northern lights while camping on the ice sheet!

Our hike took almost 5 hours, so by now, I was comfortable using crampons. No need to say I also took quite a lot of pictures of ice.  I think the ice cap looks like a frozen desert. The never-ending ice mountains and glacier walls in the distance made this ice hike so much more special. 

When we got back to the camp we had lunch which was similar to breakfast and relaxed a bit before we started to pack everything down. We packed our pulkas and headed back to the car. On the way back we drove on the same road and I got another chance to spot some animals. On the trip back we were less chatty as 2 days spent in the fresh air, hiking, and sleeping in the tent drains your batteries a bit. But you don’t need a lot of energy to enjoy the views! 

But wait, I almost forgot to share the most fun part (I think). It was our outdoor toilet! It is something special to go on the toilet standing on the ice sheet, I am pretty sure it was the toilet with the best view! Every time I used it it was like the adventure itself, feeling a bit strange but also laughing at the situation. 

We were back in Kangerlussuaq around 18:00. I found my key to the room, got a quick shower, and was ready for my transfer at 19:00 to Restaurant Roklubben (I booked a table at the restaurant before leaving for the camping trip and it was the best decision ever!) 

I finished 2 wonderful days with a Greenlandic buffet, tasting shrimp, halibut, musk ox, and reindeer. All the food was delicious and having dinner with a view to the lake felt so relaxing. 

I hope you enjoyed reading about my experience on the ice sheet, I strongly believe it is the best way to spend time in Kangerlussuaq if you like to spice up your trip with a bit of wild adventure. I hope I inspired you to spend some time in Kangerlussuaq on your trip to Greenland! 

Last but not least, I would like to say a special thank you to my guide Martin as he made this trip memorable! He taught me so much about Greenland’s flora and fauna and the ice sheet. I also feel like I know a bit more about the lives of people who go and cross the ice sheet on expeditions, which is cool! 

Book your adventure in Kangerlussuaq here:

Read more travel blogs from inesa matuliauskaitė.

Paradise Valley & Ice Cap Tour | Kangerlussuaq

Midnight Sun Exploration | 8 Days | Arctic Circle & Disko Bay

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Full day adventure on Greenland Ice sheet | Kangerlussuaq | West Greenland

West Greenland Exploration | Ilulissat & Kangerlussuaq | 6 Days |

Tundra And Wildlife Tour | Kangerlussuaq | West Greenland

Perfect winter tour with snow and ice | Ilulissat & Kangerlussuaq | 8-days

Two-Day Dog Sled Adventure | Kangerlussuaq

Greenland Icecap & Blue Lakes | Kangerlussuaq

Hike To Garnet Rock | Kangerlussuaq | West Greenland

Point 660 Greenland Ice sheet tour | Kangerlussuaq

Musk Ox, Reindeer & Ice Cap Tour | Kangerlussuaq

Spring Tour of West Greenland | 8 days | Visiting Ilulissat, Nuuk, Kangerlussuaq, Sisimiut

8 Days of Spring In The Arctic | West Greenland & Disko Bay

Arctic Circle Winter Adventure | 8 Days

Winter adventure package | Kangerlussuaq & Sisimiut

Unforgettable 3 Days By The Greenland Ice Sheet | Kangerlussuaq

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8 Days Of The Inland Ice Sheet, Midnight Sun & Icebergs | West Greenland & Disko Bay

Sightseeing In Kangerlussuaq | West Greenland

Winter at the Ice Sheet | 5 days | Kangerlussuaq | West Greenland

4 hour Dog Sledding Tour | Kangerlussuaq | West Greenland

Northern Lights Tour | Kangerlussuaq | West Greenland

Camp on the Greenland ice sheet | Kangerlussuaq | West Greenland

Russell Glacier | Kangerlussuaq | West Greenland

Greenland Icecap expedition | Point 660 | Kangerlussuaq

Ice Fishing | Kangerlussuaq | West Greenland

From the Ice Cap to Unesco Heritage - 9 days | Kangerlussuaq | West Greenland

The Great Ice Adventure | 12 Days | Disko Bay & West Greenland

Russell Glacier BBQ | Kangerlussuaq | West Greenland

The Great Russell Glacier | Kangerlussuaq

My trip to Ittoqqortoormiit

Hiking in different places in Greenland

Eqi – Ilulissat

Review: Greenland on 'Scenic Eclipse II' Expedition Cruise

W e came bursting out of our cabin doors, pulling cameras from their bags faster than an Arctic gyrfalcon diving for prey. Only moments earlier, Captain Erwan Le Rouzic had come onto the ship's loudspeaker and said, "You all must come to the outside decks. There's not 10, not 20, not 50, not 100, but probably several hundred whales here. They're all around us." We had to see it.

He wasn't exaggerating. From our perch on the Observation Deck, it looked like the Fountains at the Bellagio had been stretched across the horizon, thanks to the blowhole sprays of several hundred fin and humpback whales.

"This is so rare, even for Greenland," an expedition guide told us, adding that whales don't typically travel in pods anywhere near this large and that they'd likely been enticed into this bay by an abundance of food. "It makes you feel like a real explorer."

"That's exactly why we've come," I think. In a world that's been explored to the point of overtourism, Greenland stands out. Though it's the planet's largest island (roughly three times the size of Texas), the mostly Indigenous population is made up of just 57,000 residents, and prepandemic, only about 68,000 people visited annually. (For context, Times Square sees nearly twice as many total visitors on an average day.)

Granted, visitation will likely increase in the coming years-advancements in polar sailing, such as a growing number of ships with ice-breaking abilities, are making exploration of this region more accessible. In recent years, a slew of cruise companies have launched their first trips to Greenland.

What it's like sailing on the "Scenic Eclipse II"

In fact, this was the first time the ship we were aboard, the 228-passenger Scenic Eclipse II , the latest discovery yacht in Scenic Luxury Cruises ' portfolio, which launched in April 2023, had sailed to the ice-covered isle.

The new 10-deck ship has no shortage of comforts. All cabins (which range from the two-person 344-square-foot entry-level suite to the four-person 2,745-square-foot penthouse suite) boast private balconies, mini-bars that are restocked daily, a flat-screen TV, beds with remotes that allow you to adjust pressure and position, and butler service.

Then there are the eight dining options, which include two reservation-only tasting-menu restaurants (the French-themed Lumiere, where caviar, escargot, and champagne are givens, and the Night Market, which features different Asian cuisines each night), and the invite-only Chef's Table (which boasts a 14-course gastronomic experience, complete with wine pairings). Then there's the main bar, on the lobby level, that features a wall of more than 100 complimentary whiskeys and bourbons. (If you tell your butler which you prefer, they'll arrange for a decanter of it to be left in your room.)

Other amenities include a library, a gym, a spa complex (with massages, facials, and nail and hair treatments and gendered sauna, steam, and salt therapy rooms, which are always available to guests), a laundry room (free for guests to use), and a heated plunge pool. We spent much of our time in the theater, where expedition staff give daily lectures on everything from Arctic animals to how climate change is reshaping Greenland.

As amazing as the onboard areas and offerings are, the real appeal of the ship is its ability to access wilder areas.

Because the ship doesn't need to be anchored (it holds position with stabilizers), it can tuck into areas that other, larger ships can't. And onboard toys, like kayaks and Zodiacs (eight-person inflatable, motorized boats), get passengers even closer to nature. (Although it wasn't available on our sailing, all future cruises will also have access to a custom-built submersible called the Scenic Neptune II, which can dive 650 feet.)

One day, in an Edenic bay off the coast of the Nansen Fridtjof peninsula, we loaded into a Zodiac to zoom between bits of glacial ice. Roughly 80 percent of Greenland is covered in ice. During the summer, when it's warmer, large chunks break off and float along the shore. The pieces come in all sizes, ranging from massive tabular icebergs, as big as aircraft carriers, to smaller, baseball-sized bergy bits that float like corks in the choppy water. They also come in all kinds of surrealistic shapes, like a child's winsome doodle come to life.

Another ship amenity, a pair of Airbus H130-T2 helicopters, helped us take in the landscape from on high. With Scenic Eclipse II parked before the lolling tongue of a massive tidewater glacier in the Skjoldungen Fjord, three other passengers and I were swept into the sky. From 1,000 feet, we followed the river of ice, marred with veins of crevasses hundreds of feet deep and sprinkled with pools of water so otherworldly blue that they looked like a portal into another realm through the mountain pass. Soon, we found ourselves flying over the Greenland Ice Sheet, a pure white mass that's more than 1,200 miles long and 500 miles wide, so the horizon goes on endlessly. It's a landscape that feels both lunar in its starkness and more dazzling than the brightest sunset.

We were lucky to have that window to fly. Later in the trip there were few opportunities for airborne pursuits; the cloud ceiling was too low.

The unpredictability of cruising in Greenland

On the first day, following a lecture on being responsible visitors (including avoiding trampling plant life, not petting wild dogs, and being respectful of local communities), expedition leader Xavier Garcia told all the passengers that flexibility would be key to having a memorable and enjoyable trip. Sure, we'd be stopping in a few towns (Narsaq, Nuuk, and Ilulissat), where activities like visiting with a local family over a meal of smoked Arctic char or touring museums to get a better idea of how locals have lived in such a harsh environment were planned. But our excursions outside of port towns would be determined somewhat on a day-to-day basis.

While that's true of all expedition sailings, which are characterized by visiting remote regions where the weather often scrambles plans, it's especially true on sailings to Greenland.

Unlike other expedition destinations, such as the Galápagos islands, Svalbard, and Antarctica, which have been regular offerings from cruise companies for decades, Greenland is somewhat of a newcomer to the scene. Companies are still learning where along the 27,000 miles of coastline they can stop for activities like hikes, Zodiac rides, and polar plunges. (We did a polar plunge near the spindly finger of a tidewater glacier, where the water was just above 40 degrees-most jumpers came up shivering and swearing.)

For Garcia, who'd only been to Greenland once before our sailing, that meant reading about the history of the land and ice we'd pass, looking at navigational charts, and scouting out areas with the helicopter ahead of time. They're still learning, but those itineraries will only get better as time progresses. In 2024, this itinerary will be called the Greenland Explorer- it will start in Reykjavík before sailing to Fjallfoss in Iceland's Westfjords and then onward to Greenland for 11 days. (Three days are in towns, while the rest could be spent anywhere along Greenland's coast between the Fridtjof Nansen peninsula in the southeast and Upernavik in the west.) Afterward, guests will be flown to Copenhagen, where the journey will conclude.

"We're not planning only for this voyage, we're also researching for all the years to come," Garcia told me, before adding that regardless of when guests come or where they stop, his hope for them is that what they leave with isn't just a check on their bucket list, but a relationship with this vast and rugged wilderness. That they become better stewards of this fragile environment, where climate change and the effect it has on nature and wildlife is front and center. That they become modern explorers, not in the sense that they conquered, like the sailors of old, but instead, connected.

Bailey Berg is the associate travel news editor at AFAR, where she covers breaking news, trends, tips, sustainability, the outdoors, and more. When not interviewing sources or writing articles, she can be found exploring art galleries, visiting craft breweries, hiking with her dogs, and planning her next adventure (at present, she's been to 75+ countries and hopes to spend time in every one someday).

The coldest places in the world to take a vacation

Dec 1, 2023 • 6 min read

Ittoqqortoormiit on Greenland’s east coast is one of the remotest settlements on the planet © Steve Allen / Shutterstock

Holidays in hot places? That’s old hat. How about chilling out – truly – on your next big trip?

To travel somewhere super-cold is to fall in love, as temperatures plummet, with this planet’s wildest sides. With all their snow, ice and sub-zero summits, the coldest places on Earth are invariably the remotest, most rugged and most challenging to access. Yet many of the globe’s most glacial spots can – and definitely should – be on serious travelers’ lists.

From an Alaskan national park to Scandinavian glaciers and a Japanese snow corridor, these destinations are sure to send more than a shiver of excitement down your spine.

Antarctica 

Intoxicatingly otherworldly, Antarctica is covered by the world’s largest ice sheet, which reaches an extent of around 19 million sq km (7.3 million sq miles) in winter. It’s as freezing as this planet gets – and getting here is no picnic. A typical 10-day trip via expedition vessel from Ushuaia in Argentina takes a couple of tempestuous days via the squally Drake Passage. The reward? Five days of soaking up unforgettable nature, from whales to wackily shaped icebergs. 

Longyearbyen, Svalbard, Norway

The northernmost permanently populated place of any size in the world, Longyearbyen is the capital of Svalbard , a glaciated archipelago constituting the last landfall between Europe toward the North Pole. It is so snowy here that you usually need a snowmobile to get around, and venturing anywhere out-of-town is permitted only if accompanied by an armed guide to protect against patrolling polar bears. Trips to spot Arctic wildlife and some of the planet’s finest aurora borealis displays are among the frigid thrills awaiting visitors.

Ellesmere Island, Nunavut, Canada

Of the many frozen places across northern Canada , Ellesmere Island in Nanavut province stakes a great claim to being the most hyperborean of the bunch. The planet’s most northerly landmass (other than Greenland) has secured the top spot in the rankings of year-end coldest-in-Canada spots year after year. And the Inuit community of Grise Fjord here is probably the frostiest permanently inhabited locale on Earth. The icefield-packed island’s gobsmacking topographical variety brings an unrivaled diversity of Arctic fauna: it’s one of the last places where musk oxen survive in the wild, and also hosts significant polar bear and Arctic wolf populations. The easiest way to visit is as a stop-off on an Arctic cruise.

Ittoqqortoormiit, Greenland

After landing on Greenland , you don’t need long to register the irony of the name. The most northerly land in the world is mostly white, 80% of it blanketed by the gigantic Greenland ice sheet. And what is not ice, is rock: no month of the year averages anywhere close to the 10°C (50°F) thought to be the minimum required to support tree life, which means green is not a color regularly seen on the spectrum here. In Ittoqqortoormiit on the east coast , one of the remotest permanently inhabited communities on Earth, hardcore travelers are lured by outstanding wildlife-watching – the local population of polar bear, musk ox, walrus and narwhal outnumbers the human one – and the presence of the world’s largest national park, Northeast Greenland .

Denali National Park, Alaska, USA

The very name “ Alaska ” makes you want to crank up the central heating. So contemplate, if you will, how low temperatures get on the slopes of the state’s highest mountain, Denali. (Hint: very low.) The summit is the planet’s coldest and third-most prominent peak, where even the heights of summer can sink the mercury to a numbing -30°C (-22°F). And the expanse of billowing foothills, tundra and taiga forest around Denali can get pretty cold, too. Denali National Park is one of the few US national parks where off-trail trekking is permitted, attracting adventurers aplenty. Of the marked routes, short but steep Thorofare Ridge Trail delivers exquisite views of the mountain.

Hornstrandir Nature Reserve, Iceland

This northwesterly appendage of Iceland is not a nature reserve as you might be imagining: you won’t find any neatly waymarked trails or placards indicating local wildlife here. There is not much of anything, in fact. Long cut off from the rest of Iceland by the Drangajökull glacier, Hornstrandir ’s chilly zone of untamed peaks, tundra, titanic cliffs and storm-tossed shore will feel especially cold to visitors – because to really see it, you have to hike through it and camp out in it. Historically renowned as a place of exile for Icelanders (including the father of fabled Viking Erik the Red), this is now one of Europe’s wildest trekking destinations. The bogs and river crossings get hikers sodden fast, and best-case scenario temperatures rarely reach double digits, making drying off difficult. The light at the end of the tundra? Such cold delivers phenomenal natural beauty.

Hakkōda Mountains, Japan

No self-respecting list of freezing places would be complete without a mention of the Hakkōda Mountains, often considered the snowiest part of the planet. Just below the peaks, Aomori , the world’s snowiest city, is buried under many meters of white stuff for around four months of the year. The coolest thing to do here is to hit up Hakkōda ski area , offering some of Japan ’s best backcountry snow sports. An attraction in itself, though, is the annual clearing of snow from the highway into Aomori after its wintertime closure: the month-long endeavor creates a corridor flanked by walls of snow around 8m (16ft) high, making wonderful wintertime social-media pics.

Vestland County, Norway

This fjord-serrated swathe of western Norway holds all sorts of weather records thanks to its excessive wetness and snowiness. Start your shudder-inducing sojourn in Bergen , one of the wettest cities in Europe, where the prospect of precipitation looms more than half the time. Then forge northeast to Jostedalsbreen National Park , surrounding continental Europe’s mightiest glacier, or journey southeast via another gargantuan glacier, Folgefonna, for snow sports at Røldal , the ski center that gets this snowy nation’s deepest drifts of powder. 

Ulanbaatar, Mongolia 

A fairly high elevation, a location far from any coastline that might usher in milder fronts and a position on the receiving end of the Siberian anticyclone’s bitter embrace all ensure that Ulanbaatar is the world’s coldest capital city. Come in winter, and temperatures in the -30° to -40°C (-22° to -40°F) range are commonplace. Mongolia is most celebrated for its captivatingly wild landscapes of mountains, steppe and desert – but if you can brave the biting chills, the capital has lots to waylay you as well. Start at its striking main square, flanked by statues to national heroes Genghis Khan and revolutionary Damdin Sükhbaatar, and visit the ornate center of Mongolian Buddhism, Gandantegchinlen Monastery .

Punta Arenas, Chile 

It’s the wind that chills you to the bone in Punta Arenas , one of Chile ’s (and the planet’s) southernmost settlements. Overlooking the solemn waters of the Strait of Magellan in Chilean Patagonia , this city gets gusts buffeting at an average of over 22km/h (14 mph) – that’s the equivalent of a constant year-round moderate breeze on the Beaufort Scale. On average . Why would you come all the way down here, to almost the end of the world as we know it? The city is the jumping-off point for trips of a lifetime to the otherworldly trekking hub of Torres del Paine , or onward to Antarctica.

This article was first published Jun 20, 2012 and updated Dec 1, 2023.

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How to travel safely in Greenland

Your guide to reducing risk while visiting greenland..

1. Harsh terrain, climate and weather

2. In nature

3. In towns

4. Weather phenomena on land

Hurricane-force storms

Meltwater lakes / rivers, sudden frost, cold / hypothermia.

5. Disorientation, terrain & animals

Getting lost

Steep, slippery rocks & landslides, polar bears, rabid foxes.

6. Conditions when sailing

Calving icebergs, glaciers & tsunamis

Walrus attack.

7. Domestic travel

Fixed-wing propeller aircraft

Helicopters, dogsleds & snowmobiles.

8. Illness while traveling

9. Extreme sports

10. COVID-19

11. Travel insurance

12. Summary

Harsh terrain, climate and weather

Of the approx. 456,000 km2 of ice-free landscape in Greenland – the total area of which is 2,166,000 km2 – less than 100 km2 is populated. Most of the terrain consists of completely deserted rocky or mountainous terrain, without trees, that often ends in steep slopes down to the open sea or deep fjords. The climate is arctic and harsh, with very changeable weather. These conditions create a number of potentially dangerous situations for those who move around both in cities and in nature.

On this page, we will go through a number of risky moments that you, as a guest in Greenland, should be particularly aware of, in order that you can have a safe and secure trip.

Package Tours

Arctic Hiking and Expeditions

Trek from Karale to Tasiilaq Fjord

Enjoy the serenity of the Karale fjord where occasional cracks in the glacier break the silence. Extra ordinary landscape and unique nature.

Blue Ice Explorer

Towns & settlements 8 days

Explore the 2 towns of Narsaq and Qaqortoq together with the delightful calmness, warmth and undisturbed paradise of the village of Igaliku.

Greenland Tours

The Great Greenland Voyage

15 days from Disko Bay to South Greenland incl. 6 nights on board the coastal ferry

Secret Atlas

East Greenland & Scoresby Sund Micro Cruise

Explore Scoresby Sund in East Greenland on an Expedition Micro Cruise with just 12 guests on a modern expedition ship with expert guides.

If you are going to move around in nature on foot in Greenland, it is important that you have considered all eventualities with respect to safety, and have the right clothing and equipment. 

In general, Visit Greenland strongly recommends everyone who is heading out of the towns to bring a GPS device which can send emergency calls, so the Search and Rescue (SAR) team has the GPS position of those in need. You can also read our article on safe hiking in Greenland .

Before you head out into the landscape, you should always inform the police or someone else where you are going. There are also a number of concrete risk scenarios you should be particularly aware of.

Over the course of the long winter (October – May), the roads are not cleared to the same extent as in the rest of the world, because this is not practically possible. Furthermore, salt is not used on the roads (with the exception of the bus stops in Nuuk ), but grit is spread every now and then. Instead, people drive with studded tires. This means that locals are used to ice on the roads, by the side of the roads and where pedestrians walk.

These conditions, in combination with steep roads and strong wind gusts, can easily cause pedestrians to lose their footing and injure their limbs or head. Pedestrians who are not used to these conditions or who are not so mobile should be very careful, and if necessary have a steady person to hold onto. Sturdy hiking boots are strongly recommended, and you should also consider snowshoes or crampons/studded shoes, according to where you are walking. In most bigger towns you can hire this kind of equipment.

Weather phenomena on land

If you are on foot in nature in Greenland, you should be aware of the following potentially dangerous weather situations. Also, take a look at our general article on weather and weather phenomena in Greenland .

Learn more about Natural Hazards

• Communication

In the autumn particularly, extremely low pressure can occur, which can result in storms of hurricane force building up quickly. Because there are almost no trees in Greenland, as a hiker or pedestrian you are completely exposed to the wind gusts and have nothing to hold onto, so you can actually risk being blown over and injured.

Winter storms often come in combination with a lot of snowfall, and in these kind of ‘whiteout’ situations you can easily lose your orientation, so you can’t find your way to your destination, and there is a risk of falling down a slope or of getting lost.

In the spring, large invisible meltwater lakes can form under the snow, which pedestrians / hikers can risk falling into. The biggest risk is falling into a meltwater river under the snow, which is particularly dangerous.

The temperature can suddenly drop from a moderate positive temperature to below freezing, even in summer. This means, among other things, that terrain (e.g. rocks) that were previously wet and moderately slippery, can suddenly become as slippery as ice and cause severe falls and crashes.

The weather in Greenland is very changeable and the temperature can drop by more than 10 degrees within minutes. At the same time, it may start to rain heavily or gust strongly. This exposes hikers to the risk of hypothermia. Even if you have water- and windproof clothing, you can be exposed to hypothermia if you do not have a place to seek shelter, such as in your own tent. Visit Greenland has made a video which gives good clothing advice.

Disorientation, terrain and animals

Since pure, raw nature fills 99.99% of Greenland’s land area, it is easy to get lost, and there is plenty of dangerous terrain to pay special attention to.

If you are not trained in using hiking maps or don’t have a GPS device that can guide you, it is easy to get lost in the landscape. Also, if you have not brought a tent, sleeping bag and food, you can quickly be at risk of hypothermia or hunger if you do not find the town or are found by someone else. It is important to tell people in town where you are going before you leave, and it is advisable to bring a radio (emergency calls should be made via VHF channel 16) or bring a GPS device that can make emergency calls (and send your coordinates automatically).

There is not a lot of even terrain in Greenland. Unfortunately, there are many hikers who come to harm because of steep and slippery rocks. You should never underestimate how dangerous a steep, rocky path can be, so it is better to be overcautious. In addition, many of the rocks are covered with a layer of organic material which becomes slippery when moist / wet.

You should also be aware of the risk of landslides, as the rocks are very porous in some places. You should generally only walk along well-known and mapped hiking routes.

Although it is extremely rare for hikers to encounter polar bears , they should of course be mentioned. We’ve created an infographic on how to act in the event of a polar bear encounter.

There are rabid polar foxes in many places in Greenland, and it has been known for them to attack and bite. They cannot kill a person, but if you have bitten, you should be treated as soon as possible to avoid rabies infection, which can be fatal if left untreated.

Conditions when sailing

Sailing is one of the most common ways of moving from one place to the next in Greenland, as there are no roads outside the towns. Greenland offers an endless coast with deep fjords, which are dotted with impressive icebergs and glaciers along steep cliffs. As beautiful and fascinating as this is, it can be just as dangerous to move around on the water. If you find yourself in need of help while at sea, and you have a radio with you, you can call ‘mayday’ over channel 16 on the VHF band.

In the summer, Greenland’s majestic icebergs are constantly changing and moving with the current, as their surfaces melt in plus degrees. When an iceberg is affected by the current and melting, pieces of it will break off many times during its life cycle – this is called ‘calving’. This happens when the iceberg’s centre of gravity changes so much through melting and changes in the current, that it suddenly becomes off-balance and tips over in the water, while large pieces break off. For the largest icebergs, this is a very violent event, as pieces the size of housing blocks suddenly tumble down towards the sea’s surface with crashes and bangs. When they hit the water, they create large waves – often complete, mini-tsunami waves at several meters in height. The same can happen with the tongues of glaciers – often with even greater force than calving icebergs.

You should, therefore, always keep a good and safe distance from both icebergs and glaciers, as it is impossible to predict when they will break. The most dangerous thing is to be hit by a flying block of ice. See our infographic about icebergs.

If you are sailing without a guide, for example in a kayak or another kind of vessel, there are major risks associated with rapidly rising ‘fjord winds’ or storms. In summer , in Greenland’s deep fjords, strong winds can occur that move down the fjord due to thermal differences – even on days that otherwise seem to have quiet weather. If you are surprised by a fjord wind, you should seek shelter on the coast as soon as possible, e.g. in a bay. You should be aware of the physical form of the coast, as strong onshore winds, islets and a coast full of large rocks can be a very dangerous combination.

The same can be said of the sometimes rapid build-up of low pressure that can cause the weather to change to stormy and rainy within a short time.

You should always have an Arctic Survival Suit on or with you, if you are sailing in small open vessels, and always have a GPS device with you that can make emergency calls.

In very rare cases, walruses can attack people in kayaks and other small vessels, as they are very territorial. But, firstly, the walrus populations in Greenland are very far from the towns, secondly, there are only a few places where there actually are walrus populations, and, thirdly, nothing should happen if you keep your distance and don’t bother the walruses.

Domestic travel

We have made this video that describes how to get around in Greenland , from place to place. There are often several hundred kilometres between each major town, and, therefore, planes, helicopters, ferries and (charter)boats are the most common means of transport.

Air Greenland’s Dash-8 propeller aircraft , with space for 37 passengers, service 16 airports in Greenland. If you cannot make it all the way to your destination by plane, you must use other means of transport for the last part of the trip. There has never been a fatal Dash-8 crash in Greenland. Air Greenland’s pilots fly every day in challenging terrain and weather conditions, which makes them some of the world’s best pilots. It is therefore very safe to fly with Air Greenland’s domestic aircraft.

Destinations without runways for Dash-8 aircraft are serviced by helicopters . Air Greenland’s helicopter pilots are also kept sharp every day and are world class.

Sarfaq Ittuk  is Greenland’s largest ferry. It services 12 cities on the west coast of Greenland, from Qaqortoq in the south to Ilulissat in Disko Bay, from 27th March to 29th December.

In Disko Bay you can sail between 15 destinations with Disko Line ’s smaller ferries. Disko Line also offers ferry transport between 8 destinations in western Greenland  as well as between 14 destinations in South Greenland . None of these companies’ current ships have had incidents with fatalities.

In a smaller number of places, you can travel by dogsled or snowmobile between destinations. In North Greenland in the winter , for example, while the sea ice is stable enough, you can travel by dogsled and snowmobile between towns and settlements, but over the past few decades, with the increase in global warming , the season for this has become shorter and shorter. Transport over land by dogsled and snowmobile is much more difficult due to the rough terrain, but the distance of approx. 160 km between Sisimiut and Kangerlussuaq is relatively even, and is therefore one of the safest places to travel by dogsled or snowmobile in winter. It is essential to have appropriate clothing for these kinds of trips, as low temperatures, combined with the chill factor, can easily give passengers a chill.

Illness while traveling

If you visit Greenland as a tourist, you can expect to be treated by the local health system, but be aware that not all destinations have hospitals or healthcare professionals. All the major cities have a hospital staffed by doctors, but it is only Queen Ingrid’s Hospital in Nuuk that has specialised departments, and even here, it is often necessary to send patients who require particular kinds of treatments to Denmark.

It is extremely important to remember to bring extra doses of medication, if you take medication for severe conditions, such as heart disease. You cannot expect to be able to get special medication in hospitals in Greenland. You will find practical information about hospitals in Greenland on this page .

Before you travel, check if your health or travel insurance covers transport home in case you get so badly injured that you can’t make it home yourself.

Extreme sports

Greenland is decidedly an adventure destination, and it is a place that offers opportunities for a variety of extreme sports activities and expeditions. These kinds of activities, in a rough and harsh wilderness with severe weather and climate, naturally involve special hazards. It is your responsibility to ensure that you act safely and responsibly if you are engaging in extreme sports, and it is strongly advised that you:

• investigate whether you have health and travel insurance that covers the worst-case scenario, such as SAR and transport home
• investigate whether you need special permits and insurance (if crossing the inland ice , you must seek permission from the Expeditions Office and have a special extra insurance that covers you for SAR operations)
• ensure that you have appropriate equipment, food, training and experience
• always have GPS equipment with you that can make emergency calls
• familiarise yourself with the necessary and required security procedures, e.g. SAR procedures
• always move around in deserted areas in groups – never alone

If you are considering visiting Greenland, you should read our page, COVID-19 FAQ .

Travel insurance

You, as a traveler, are yourself responsible for having travel insurance that covers all eventualities during your trip, and for ensuring that it covers transport home if you are injured and need special transport home that is not covered by other insurance policies, or by the conditions attached to your plane ticket. This also applies to any necessary quarantine and special transport home related to COVID-19.

Greenland presents a number of risk factors by virtue of its raw, desolate, expansive and changeable nature, but as long as you use common sense and take good advice and guidelines from professionals, travel agencies and authorities, as well as locals, you can safely move around Greenland, both on land and on the water.

Those elements that make Greenland potentially dangerous to travel in are simultaneously the things that make the country so beautiful, impressive and fascinating.

Article by Mads Lumholt Marketing Analyst at Visit Greenland

EDITORS' PICKS

Top 10 restaurants in Greenland you shouldn't miss

Discover the Top 10 Gastronomical Experiences featuring Fresh Greenlandic Produce and Traditional Greenlandic Food.

Discover Siorapaluk and Kiviaq

Experience Siorapaluk, Greenland's northernmost settlement. Witness Kiviaq-making and savor a North Greenlandic delicacy.

Visa requirements for foreigners visiting Greenland

If you are a citizen of one of the countries on the list, you don’t need to apply for a visa to enter Greenland.

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Aditi Singh

 travel , june 09, 2024, 10 exciting activities to enjoy in greenland, experience the thrill of mushing through greenland's stunning landscapes with a team of sledge dogs; it’s an experience of a lifetime ,  dog sledding, image: pexels, you can visit from late september to march to witness the mesmerizing display of the northern lights across the night sky,  northern lights viewing, explore greenland's icy terrain by embarking on a guided glacier hiking expedition; an ideal spot for adventure enthusiasts ,  glacier hiking, paddle through pristine waters surrounded by towering icebergs for a truly unforgettable experience, kayaking , take a boat tour to spot majestic whales in greenland's rich marine ecosystem; a one-of-a-kind experience ,  whale watching, lace up your hiking boots and embark on an exciting trekking adventure along greenland's rugged trails, offering breathtaking views of mountains and glaciers, visit local communities to learn about greenlandic culture, traditions, and way of life,  cultural significance, you can relax in natural hot springs surrounded by snow-capped mountains and pristine wilderness for a tranquil experience , hot springs relaxation, you can book a helicopter ride to soar above greenland's vast landscapes for a bird's-eye view of its beautiful scenery,  helicopter sightseeing,  you can engage in fishing activities in greenland's pristine rivers and coastal waters, fishing expeditions, for more updates, follow pinkvilla..