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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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Greenland’s Sustainable Vision Recognised by Lonely Planet

Visit greenland is pleased to announce that greenland has been spotlighted in lonely planet’s top 10 sustainable travel destinations, securing third place..

Press release 25th October, 2023

Lonely Planet’s new publication, “ Best in Travel 2024 “, highlights Greenland as a top sustainable travel destination. This edition, which celebrates Lonely Planet’s 50th anniversary, showcases fifty must-visit places. Greenland’s recognition emphasises its commitment to sustainable tourism, offering travellers a chance to experience its raw beauty. The 2024 edition of ‘’Best in Travel’’ is scheduled for release on the 25th of October 2023 and will be accessible across various channels.

Visit Greenland is also proud to share its new sustainability pledge with you. The Lonely Planet spotlight isn’t just an honour, it’s a reflection of our deep-rooted commitment to travel that’s good for everyone. It’s inspired by our age-old tale of sustainability – a promise in honour of Sassuma Arnaa, the Mother of the Sea .

We’re all about travel that values our land and culture. We’ll adapt with the seasons, always striving to put our communities, our guests, and Greenland first. We’re here to uplift local work, share local treasures, and collaborate with those who share our vision. Our vision is clear: better tourism, on Greenland’s terms.

→ Read more about the Pledge here

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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.

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• Incredible Greenland
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Table of contents

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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 Guide

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Greenland Makes Lonely Planet Top 10 Places to Travel

Well, we knew it was just a matter of time. Having run guided and self-guided tours to Greenland since 1994, we know full well that Greenland is a magical place.  It is a place of singular purity and power and the pioneering people that live there and those that visit are treated to a vast, untouched and truly epic land. So, again we knew praise would come.  In this case, the praise is coming from the Lonely Planet. Specifically, their “Top 10 places to visit in 2016!”  Here’s what they had to say about Greenland:

“Greenland has the world’s lowest population density, but those that brave this chilly chunk of the planet are not short of diversions: see the midnight sun glimmer on glaciers, sail among breaching whales, dogsled the tundra, watch the Northern Lights dance across the ice sheet... In March 2016, Greenland will host the Arctic Winter Games, the largest event of its kind ever, along with a festival of song, food and dance. What better time to visit this Arctic wonderland?”

Greenland Adventures  by Icelandic Mountain Guides, offers a wide variety of Greenland tours from short breaks, to longer discovery adventures, hiking tours, dog sledding tours as well as self guided day tours in the summer.  All tours start and end from the Reykjavik domestic airport, where it is just a short flight to Greenland.  Visit our website to see our full selection of tours!  Read more

Watch our 2015 Adventure in Motion Award winning short film about Greenland:  

See short video from Lonely Planet  

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Hiking in the Arctic

Greenland in 5 Days

How to Get to Greenland & When to Go

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Greenland & The Arctic (Lonely Planet Travel Guides) Paperback – January 1, 2005

• Print length 352 pages
• Language English
• Publisher Lonely Planet
• Publication date January 1, 2005
• Dimensions 5 x 0.75 x 7.75 inches
• ISBN-10 1740590953
• ISBN-13 978-1740590952
• See all details

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Product details

• Publisher ‏ : ‎ Lonely Planet; 2nd edition (January 1, 2005)
• Language ‏ : ‎ English
• Paperback ‏ : ‎ 352 pages
• ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1740590953
• ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1740590952
• Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 12.1 ounces
• Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5 x 0.75 x 7.75 inches
• #14 in Greenland Travel Guides
• #175 in Artic Polar Region Travel Guides
• #194 in Iceland Travel Guides

About the authors

Mark elliott.

Mark Elliott is an English travel writer best known for travel books and articles on Azerbaijan, and for unusual map-based route guides for Asia. His first major work, Asia Overland, (co-authored with Wil Klass) was an ultra-budget manual for those wishing to cross the continent in the pre-Internet era. It garnered something of a cult following among overland travellers of the day as did the 2003 regional follow-up, Southeast Asia Graphic Guide. Elliott has contributed to around 50 Lonely Planet books covering destinations from Bosnia to Belgium, Iran to Taiwan.

Etain O'Carroll

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Explore Greenland

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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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Facts about Greenland

Want to learn interesting facts about Greenland? Why is it called Greenland for example, when 80% of the country is covered by a white ice sheet?

Worth knowing about Greenland

The Greenlanders call their own country Inuit Nunaat or Kalaallit Nunaat, meaning Land of the People or Land of the Greenlanders, respectively.

Greenland is a vast country with big contrasts and it is the worlds largest island. One of the fun facts about Greenland is that even though it is the worlds largest island, it also has one of the smallest populations.

If you are considering a trip to Greenland, it is good to have some basic knowledge, as it differs a lot from other countries and places in the world. Actually, it is hard to compare it with anything else.

Five important themes

• The Greenlandic population
• The Greenlandic Society
• Transportation

Facts about Greenland geography

How big is Greenland? Greenland is the world’s largest island, with a size of 2.175.600 square kilometers. That area is larger than the following countries combined: France, Germany, Spain, United Kingdom, Italy, Greece, Switzerland, and Belgium.

9 facts about Greenland geography If you’re doing a quiz and get a question about Greenland, here are a few good facts to memorize.

• From north to south Greenland is 2,670 kilometers
• From east to west, there is 1,050 kilometers
• The closest country is Canada only 26 kilometers away
• Greenland’s highest point is Gunnbjorn’s Mountain, 3,733 meters
• Greenland’s southernmost point is Cape Farewell
• Greenland’s northernmost point on the mainland is Cape Morris Jessup
• Greenland’s westernmost point is Cape Alexander
• Greenland’s easternmost point is called Nordostrundingen
• Greenland is actually situated east, west, south and north of Iceland.

It is an interesting thought that Greenlands southernmost point lies on the same latitude as Oslo in Norway, while the westernmost point lies on the same longitude as New York. The northernmost point is Cape Morris Jessup, located only 740 km from the North Pole. There are also two small islands north of this, the Coffee Club and Oodaaq Island. However, they are very small so usually the distance to the North Pole is measured by the distance from the mainland.

How big is the Greenlandic Ice Sheet?

Approximately 80% of Greenland is permanently covered in ice. The Ice Sheet is covering the middle of the huge island and it is the world’s largest glacier, it is several kilometers thick and, in some places, it is so heavy that it has pushed part of the mainland below sea level.

4 crazy facts about the Greenlandic Ice Sheet

• It covers 1.8 million square kilometers
• It has a volume of 2.85 million cubic kilometers
• The Greenlandic Ice Sheet holds approximately 7% of all the fresh water reserves on Earth
• At its thickest point, The Greenlandic Ice Sheet is 3,500 meters.

Read more about the Greenlandic Ice Sheet.

What is Greenlands time zone?

Greenland spans three time zones when you include the Thule Air Base. As visitors or tourists, most of the time you only need to relate to one time zone as central Greenland is using GMT-3 (Greenwich Mean Time minus 3 hours). Thereby being four hours behind CET (Central European Time) and two hours ahead of EST (Eastern Standard Time, e.g. New York City).

In the town of Ittoqqortoormiit on the far east coast, they use GMT -2 and at Thule Air Base they use GMT-4).

Read more about the time difference between Greenland and Denmark.

Facts about the population of Greenland

If we were to give you one single fact about the population it would be this: The Greenlandic people is a warm people. When travelers who have been to Greenland are asked to name their greatest experiences, meeting the warm and welcoming locals often rank very high.

How many people live in Greenland?

You will find one of the world’s smallest populations in Greenland. Only about 56,500 people live here and most residents were born in Greenland. About 11% of the population comes from Denmark and other countries. The population growth is stagnant.

Where do the Greenlanders live?

Seeing that 80% of Greenland is covered by ice, where do the Greenlanders live then? The answer is, obviously, that they live along the coasts. The ice-free areas are about 410,500 square kilometers. This corresponds to the size of Norway.

Almost all of the population is located in South Greenland and West Greenland, while only about 10 % live in the Eastern and Northern parts of Greenland. Living conditions and supply options are simply easier in the south and west than in the east and north. In turn, many live a more aboriginal hunting life in the north and east.

The majority of the population lives in towns. There are about 48,000 inhabitants in the 16 towns and the other 8,500 people live in the countrys 54 settlements.

Greenlands capital, Nuuk, is located in West Greenland and is by far the largest town with its 16,500 residents. The other major towns are Sisimiut, Ilulissat and Qaqortoq. The second largest town is Sisimiut with about 5,500 inhabitants. The rest of the towns have between 1,000 to 4,500 inhabitants.

The Greenlandic language

Greenland is called Kalaallit Nunaat in Greenlandic, which translates to the ‘Land of the Greenlanders’. It also sometimes go by the name Inuit Nunaat, which means ‘Land of the People’.

The mother tongue and official language in Greenland is Greenlandic with Danish functioning as a second language. Danish is a relatively new language in a Greenlandic context. It came to Greenland when it Christianized in the early 18th century. The Danish language has become widely used, especially in an administrative context and in some of the larger cities.

Many Greenlanders speak Danish and English, particularly in the tourism industry. You cannot assume that everyone does, but then you can get far with gestures and smiles and maybe get some help from people around you.

Greenlandic, Kalaallisut, is closely related to the language spoken by Inuit in Canada and in Alaska. In Greenland, there are three main dialects – one in the north, one in the east and finally the West dialect which forms the basis for the Greenlandic orthography.

The most important words to tourists

Greenlandic is a language often based on idioms and it is also a difficult language. Greenlanders like it if you try to speak their language and if they laugh at you then it is only meant affectionately. Greenlanders like to have fun.

• ”Qujanaq” means “thank you”
• ”Ajunngilaq” means “it’s ok”
• ”Immaqa” means “maybe”
• ”Aluu” means “hello”
• ”Baj” means “bye”

As a visitor, you should especially notice the word “immaqa”. In Greenland, many things depend on the weather, which is why Greenlanders have learned that planning is always subject to “immaqa”. When this happens, take a deep breath and accept the fact that you cannot take control of everything about the tour.

Popular trips to Greenland

Easter among the Icebergs

Price per person in double room from

Guaranteed departure on selected departures

Arctic Autumn Adventure

Greenland Winter Adventure

Immigration to greenland.

Immigration has occurred in waves. Overall, we speak of four waves, namely three waves of Inuit descent from the west and then the European immigration from the east.

Saqqaq, Dorset and the Thule Cultures

Approximately 4,500 years ago, the first Inuit came to the country, the so-called Saqqaq Culture. The Dorset Culture also came from the west approximately 2,000 years later. Large parts of the current Greenlandic population are descendants of the Thule Culture, who came to the country about 1,000 years ago.

The first two immigrations of Inuit were paleo-Eskimos who had their primary life on the tundra, hunting for caribou, musk oxen, etc. The people of the Thule Culture were neo-Eskimos who based their lives on catching marine animals.

Almost simultaneously with the arrival of the Thule people, the Norse came to Greenland from Iceland and settled in the fertile Southern parts of the country. Through their 500 years in Greenland, the Norse were making farms all the way from the South and up to the Nuuk Fjord. The Norse were the first non-Inuit who came are settled down here. It was also the Norse people, spearheaded by Norwegian Viking Erik the Red, who gave Greenland its name, because they wanted other Norse people to settle here.

Sermermiut in the Disco Bay on the shore of Ilulissat Icefjord is one of the most visited places in Greenland. The view of Ilulissat Icefjord and the proximity to the town makes it a popular destination. Sermermiut has been a settlement for many Inuit cultures through more than 4,000 years. With an expert at your side, you can still see the remains of some of the settlements.

Greenland as a Danish Colony

In 1721, the Danish-Norwegian priest Hans Egede came to Greenland and made it a Danish colony. He christened the Greenlandic population and today the country is a Lutheran-based society. Greenland is no longer a Danish colony, but ties with Denmark remains tight, both formal and informal.

The Greenlandic society

Throughout the past 80-100 years, Greenland has gone through big changes in relation to governance, but luckily all the changes have happened peacefully.

Facts about Greenland governance in recent times

• 1721-1953: Danish Colony
• 1953-1979: County-like status
• 1979: Home Rule
• 2009: Self Governance

Governance in Greenland today Greenland is now a parliamentary democracy within the Kingdom of Denmark (along with the Faroe Islands). They achieved Home Rule in 1979 which gave its population more influence on their own lives. In 2009, Home Rule extended to Self Governance, ensuring an even greater degree of autonomy – also in relation to international affairs.

They are not part of Denmarks membership of the EU but through the commonwealth with Denmark it has a close cooperation with the EU.

Self Governance in Greenland is represented by an elected parliament of 31 members. The Parliament is called Inatsisartut in Greenlandic.

The members of Inatsisartut chose The Cabinet which corresponds to a government. The cabinet consists of 7-10 Ministers. The Cabinet is called Naalakkersuisut in Greenlandic.

The Greenlandic National Day The National Day in Greenland is June 21st, and the national anthem is called Nunarput, which translates to “Our Country”. The National Day is celebrated across the country with coffee, cake and, in many places, a big buffet. Many Greenlanders put on their national costume and attend a flag parade through town. If you happen to be there, go. It’s a great experience to be there and celebrate the National Day.

Currency in Greenland The currency used is Danish kroner. There have been Greenlandic banknotes and coins with the same value as the Danish kroner but production of these stopped in the late 1960s.

In most towns, you can use credit cards. In the settlements, it is a good idea to bring Danish cash. Foreign credit cards can be used in most stores in major towns but not in all shops. Especially the smaller ones are reluctant to take foreign cards due to high handling fees.

Read more about currency and payment cards in Greenland.

Industry in Greenland Fishing remains the largest industry and is the country’s biggest source of income, with approximately 85% of total exports. Mainly it is shrimp and halibut that are being exported.

Besides fishing, a major source of income in Greenland is the so-called block grant from Denmark. Tourism, mining, crafts, handicrafts, small shipyards and service industries are other sectors that complement the country’s revenue. Much emphasis is on increasing revenue from tourism and mining.

In 2012, the gross domestic product was estimated to be 13.8 billion DKK. Living standards are generally high, but to outsiders the living standards in some settlements would appear – and is – low by modern standards. The settlements are often located far away from everything and providing them with goods can be difficult at times – it can also be problematic to get a job there. In return, the settlements can often provide a stress-free life you will not find elsewhere.

Transportation in Greenland

Imagine a country where there are no roads between towns. You can’t just take a bus or your car to the nearest town. There just aren’t any roads between towns, therefore the infrastructure is based on air and sea traffic.

How do I get to Greenland?

There are two ways to get to Greenland: You go by plane from Iceland or Denmark or arrive with one of the many cruise ships. There are no passenger ferries going to Greenland.

Read more about flights to Greenland.

How do I travel domestically in Greenland?

When you are traveling from one place to another in this great country, you do so either by plane, helicopter or with a coastal ship. To and from small settlements you can usually go with smaller tourist boats. However, they do not sail very often so make sure to plan ahead.

To many people, understanding the infrastructure is difficult and a lot of people also question the high costs of transportation for both international and domestic travel. Domestically, it is only possible to fly by smaller planes or helicopters as the airports are to small to handle the bigger planes that operate elsewhere in the world.

Domestic flights take up to 40 passengers at the most, and some towns and settlements can only be reached by helicopter. This can bring the maximum of passengers down to five in the small helicopters. This is the conditions people live under in Greenland. On top of this, add the Arctic climate and its implications on flying.

Read more about the 5 most used means of transportation in Greenland.

Arctic Spring Adventure / Spring time in the Arctic

Bestseller: Summer, Sun and Huge Icebergs in Greenland

Sailing in greenland.

The Greenlandic shipping company Arctic Umiaq Line ensures passenger traffic between the towns of Qaqortoq in South Greenland to Ilulissat in the North. Smaller ships take care of local transportation in the different regions.

Arctic Umiaq Line sails along the west coast with the coastal ship Sarfaq Ittuk. Sarfaq means “current” and in this case “ocean current”. Ittuk (pronounced Edook) refers to the sound of the old ships of yore.

The Greenlandic word “Umiaq” means “women’s boat” and in former times, the women’s boat was used to transport family, wives and children from place to place.

Among visitors and tourists, traveling with the coastal ship is very popular.

Read more about the coastal ship.

Tourism in Greenland

People travel as never seen before. Global tourism is growing and interest in Arctic destinations is increasing. We experience that very much at Greenland Travel.

The number of tourists is also increasing and, in 2015, there were more tourists visiting Greenland than there were inhabitants. Approx. 68,000 people from around the world visited Greenland in this period.

This is why Greenland is a popular destination

Although tourism in Greenland is growing, we are not talking about mass tourism. When traveling to Greenland, you quickly get the feeling of experiencing something unique and unspoiled. You can stand somewhere looking at giant icebergs and not see another person for miles around. The nature is so huge that even though tourism is growing, mass tourism is not found.

As a destination, Greenland has received many accolades in recent years. It was on Lonely Planet’s Top 10 List of Best Travel in 2016 and on National Geographic Traveler’s Top 20 “Best Trips 2016”.

To us here at Greenland Travel who have traveled to and lived in Greenland for many years, this is not exactly news. However, we are rejoicing because it shows that it is becoming increasingly popular and recognized internationally as a unique travel destination.

The 5most popular things to do in Greenland

Greenland offers many beautiful places to see and things you can experience. You have probably seen photos of the Ice Sheet, dog sledding, giant icebergs and the magical northern lights. When we ask our visitors, five experiences come up as the most popular.

• Dog sledding
• Northern lights
• Whale watching
• Icebergs and icesheets
• The Culture

These 5 experiences are sometimes referred to as “The Big Arctic Five” .

Read more about popular things to do in Greenland.

If you want to travel to Greenland, we recommend that you visit the page where we list all of our  tours to Greenland.

Best Greenland Travel Guides of 2024

* We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation.

Greenland Travel Guides are an essential tool for anyone planning a trip to this stunning Arctic destination. These guides provide comprehensive information on everything from the best time to visit and what to pack, to the must-see attractions and hidden gems. With detailed maps and insider tips from local experts, visitors can explore Greenland with confidence and make the most of their time in this unique and awe-inspiring landscape. Whether planning a solo adventure or a family vacation, Greenland Travel Guides offer valuable insights and practical advice for an unforgettable experience.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Top 10 Greenland Travel Guides

Greenland & the arctic (lonely planet travel guides).

The Lonely Planet Travel Guide for Greenland and the Arctic is an inspiring and practical guide for those looking to explore the cold north. With extensive listings and inspiring itineraries, the guidebook caters to those seeking quiet solitude or bold adventure. It also covers cultural and environmental issues affecting the region, including indigenous peoples and Arctic research projects. The book's dedicated history and exploration chapters uncover storybook adventures from Norse voyages to legendary explorers. Overall, the Lonely Planet guidebook stands out from others, providing unique insights into the region and its attractions.

Greenland Travel: A Manual for First-Time Visitors to Greenland

This Greenland travel guide is a must-have for first-time visitors to the country. The book focuses on the country's natural beauty, especially the Northern Lights, and provides valuable insights into Greenland's culture and lifestyle. The guide emphasizes that despite its remoteness and unpredictable weather, Greenland is a treasure trove of uncommon natural occurrences that are sure to impress any traveler. Overall, this guide is an excellent resource for anyone looking to explore the beauty and wonders of Greenland.

Exploring Greenland 2023: Experience the Untamed Beauty and Fascinating Culture of Greenland

This travel guide offers a comprehensive look into the stunning beauty and unique culture of Greenland. From transportation options to accommodations, the guide provides all the necessary information for planning an unforgettable adventure. What makes this guide stand out is its emphasis on experiencing Greenland firsthand, whether through exploring remote landscapes or connecting with local communities. Overall, this book is a must-have for anyone planning a trip to Greenland and seeking to fully immerse themselves in all the wonders it has to offer.

Greenland Travel Guide 2023.: Experience the Untouched Beauty of Greenland: A 2023 Travel Guide to the Land of Culture and Adventures. (Tourist Guidebooks for Adventurous Travelers in 2023.)

The "Greenland Travel Guide 2023" is a comprehensive guidebook that provides an abundance of information on everything from the finest trekking routes and beautiful journeys to the most fascinating cultural places and local delicacies. It is the necessary reference for any traveler interested in experiencing the isolated countryside or submerging themselves in the local culture. With its comprehensive cover, intimate insights, and up-to-date information, this travel Guide is your key to accessing the marvels of Greenland. For those wanting excitement, isolation, and natural beauty, there is no greater destination. Highly recommended for adventurous travelers in 2023.

ICELAND TRAVEL GUIDE: Best Things to Do, Eat & See (Travel Guide 2023)

If you're planning a trip to Iceland, look no further than the Sara Black Iceland Travel Guide 2023. This comprehensive guidebook offers up-to-date information on the country's top attractions, best places to stay, and useful tips for planning your trip. With stunning color photographs and detailed descriptions of everything from scenic road trips to traditional Icelandic cuisine, this book is a must-have for any traveler. Whether you're interested in hiking, snowmobiling, or just soaking in a hot spring, the Iceland Travel Guide has got you covered. Overall, this book is an excellent resource for anyone looking to explore the magic of Iceland.

Z Grills Wood Pellet Grill & Smoker Cookbook: The Complete Cookbook with Tasty BBQ Recipes for your Whole Family

The Z Grills Wood Pellet Grill & Smoker Cookbook is a comprehensive guide to mastering the Z Grills ZPG-450A. It includes everything from setting up the grill to temperature settings, cleaning tips, and FAQs. The cookbook also contains a variety of mouthwatering recipes for poultry, beef, pork, lamb, seafood, fish, vegetarian dishes, bread, and desserts. This cookbook is perfect for anyone who wants to make delicious BBQ for game days, holidays, or everyday grilling with family and friends. Overall, the Z Grills Wood Pellet Grill & Smoker Cookbook is a must-have for any grilling enthusiast.

Stunning Greenland: The Travel Guide to Greenland: Things you must know when travel to Greenland

Stunning Greenland: The Travel Guide to Greenland by Damjan Koncnik is a fascinating book that takes readers on a journey through the mysteries and surprises of Greenland. The author shares his experiences and adventures in this icy and rainy land, offering insights into the local culture, history, and geography. The book is full of humor and hardship, making it an engaging read for both avid travelers and armchair explorers. Koncnik's writing style is engaging, and he provides useful tips and recommendations for anyone considering a trip to Greenland. Overall, Stunning Greenland is a must-read for anyone interested in exploring this unique and beautiful destination.

GREENLAND TRAVEL GUIDE 2023: A Comprehensive Travel Guide for an Unforgettable Arctic Adventure and Exploring the Hidden Gems of Greenland

"Greenland Travel Guide 2023" is the ultimate companion for exploring the breathtaking landscapes and rich cultural heritage of Greenland. This comprehensive guidebook provides expert recommendations and insider tips to make the most of your journey. It covers everything from exploring picturesque towns and settlements to venturing into the wilderness on a guided trek. The guidebook also includes practical information on transportation, accommodations, and local customs. The book is a must-read for anyone planning a trip to the Arctic's hidden gem. Overall, this guidebook is a valuable resource for anyone looking to experience the wonder and beauty of Greenland like never before."

Would You Rather: A Big Brain Game

Would You Rather: A Big Brain Game is a perfect icebreaker for the whole family. Packed with hours of fun, this book challenges the mind and encourages creativity. It's an excellent way to get everyone engaged and out of their shells. The book is suitable for various occasions, including birthdays, car trips, rainy days, and camping. This Children's Questions & Answer Game Book is a must-have for families looking to unplug and enjoy quality time together. Overall, this book is a great addition to any family's game collection, and its uniqueness lies in its ability to bring people together.

Trekking in Greenland - The Arctic Circle Trail: The Arctic Circle Trail (Cicerone Trekking Guides)

The Arctic Circle Trail by Paddy Dillon is a comprehensive guidebook to the stunningly scenic arctic tundra of West Greenland. The book covers everything from practical information on what to take with you and when to go, to safety, travel, and accommodation. The trekking route is highlighted on continuous maps and includes an optional extension to the Greenlandic ice cap. Dillon's extensive experience as an outdoor writer and guidebook writer shines through in the detailed descriptions and practical advice. Overall, this book is an essential tool for anyone planning to trek the Arctic Circle Trail and is a must-have for Greenland travel guides.

During our greenland travel guide research, we found 113 greenland travel guide products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 5,777 customer reviews through our big data system to write the greenland travel guides list. We found that most customers choose greenland travel guides with an average price of $15.48.

Wilson Cook is a talented writer who has an MFA in creative writing from Williams College and has published more than 50 books acquired by hundreds of thousands of people from various countries by now. He is an inveterate reading lover as he has read a vast amount of books since childhood.

A first-timer's guide to Napa Valley

Apr 28, 2024 • 11 min read

Get to know Napa Valley with our first-timer's guide © Cassiohabib / Shutterstock

Napa Valley is synonymous with luxury. Posh hotels, chef-driven restaurants and extravagant tasting fees cemented that reputation decades ago.

But at its core, Napa is farm country— a place where people dig in the dirt and make a living from the land. Despite all odds, this gives Napa a grounded feeling, even in its swankiest spaces. At the end of the day, visitors come to Napa Valley because they love food, wine and beautiful scenery. It’s a passion shared by the community of this incredible locale. 

The five towns of Napa Valley (St Helena, Yountville, the city of Napa , Calistoga  and American Canyon) are home to 16 wine appellations and more than 400 wineries. The options can be daunting to first-time visitors but we’re here to help. From mud baths in Calistoga to tips for visiting wineries, our first-timer’s guide to Napa Valley will give you everything you need to know to plan a trip here, including the best hotels, wineries, restaurants and activities.

When is the best time to visit Napa? 

It’s always a good time to visit Napa in our book, however, the timing of your trip will impact your experience. Peak tourist season is in summer when the average high temperature is 82°F. If you plan to visit this time of year, you’re unlikely to find any bargains. Make your reservations for lodging, restaurants and wineries as far in advance as you can.

Spring and fall are the next busiest times of the year. Spring brings average high temperatures of 68°F while in fall, high temperatures average 78°F. The lower, but still pleasant, temps are especially appealing for visitors who plan to hike, bike or engage in other outdoor activities. 

Winter temperatures reach an average high of 60°F. This season gets the most rain (although this is California so there will still be plenty of dry, beautiful days). Since winter is the least crowded, it is the most affordable time to visit Napa with many hotels, resorts and spas advertising special packages and discounts off their regular rates.

How much time should I spend in Napa? 

Set aside three to four days for your Napa Valley itinerary. This allows enough time to visit your top wineries and restaurants, plus time for other activities like spa treatments, hiking, lounging by the pool or riding the wine train.

What are the top things to do in Napa Valley? 

Most people come to Napa to visit wineries – more on that later – but don’t overlook Napa’s exceptional culinary, wellness and recreation opportunities.

You can get filthy (in the best possible way) at the north end of the county in Calistoga. Calistoga is recognized around the world for mud made with a mixture of mineral-packed volcanic soil and water drawn from local hot springs. The two most common treatments involve painting it on your body or soaking in a tub of warm, nurturing mud. At least seven spas offer Calistoga mud experiences including the luxurious Spa Talisa at the Four Seasons Resort and Residences and the do-it-yourself mud bar at MoonAcre Spa and Baths . 

Calistoga is also home to two of Napa Valley’s most unique natural attractions. The Old Faithful Geyser is a smaller, but still impressive version of Yellowstone’s most famous jet spout . In Calistoga, Old Faithful shoots hot water 30–80ft towards the sky every 10 to 20 minutes. Just outside of Calistoga at the Napa/Sonoma border, a three million-year-old petrified forest with 1.5 miles of hiking trails provides a fascinating glimpse at geological history. 

No trip to the valley would be complete without a trip to downtown Napa’s Oxbow Public Market ,  a 40,000-sq-ft marketplace packed with locally sourced culinary delights. From California-grown olive oil at the Olive Press to artisan cheeses at the Oxbow Cheese and Wine Merchant , this is the place to stock up for a picnic or edible souvenirs. You’ll also find a bookstore, distillery, bakeries and restaurants. After you’ve finished browsing, find a seat on the riverfront deck out back to sample fresh oysters on the half shell from Hog Island Oyster Bar .  

With menus centered around locally-grown ingredients, Napa is almost as famous for fine dining as it is for wine. Food this fresh is revelatory. A dish, such as fermented soy dip served with raw vegetables pulled from the ground at the Charter Oak , will ruin you forever for grocery store veggies. Other bucket-list dining experiences include the six-course prix-fixe chef’s tasting menu at La Toque , the daily tasting menu at the French Laundry , and Kenzo Napa , where seafood is flown in daily from the finest fish market in Japan. Please note that reservations at these restaurants are coveted, and should be made as far as possible in advance. 

Don’t let these vaunted names fool you into thinking you need to spend a fortune to get a good meal in Napa. The valley is filled with scores of reasonably-priced restaurants including Heritage Eats in Napa where you can feast on comfort foods like a smoked ham bowl or white cheddar mac and cheese for less than $15 a person. For tasting menus, Thomas Keller’s ad hoc offers a daily tasting menu currently priced at $56 a person for lunch or $69 a person at dinner. The  Gate House Restaurant at the Culinary Institute of America offers three courses prepared by student chefs for $35 at lunch or four courses for $45 at dinner (please note that restaurant prices are always subject to change). 

For nightlife, the Blue Note Napa Jazz Club hosts an exciting mix of live performances ranging from household names to rising stars and tribute bands. It also holds the Summer Sessions outdoor concert series and the Black Radio Experience at the Meritage Resort and Spa . If you’re on the hunt for a good dive bar, Ana’s Cantina in downtown St Helena is the place for a game of pool, tunes from the jukebox and a stiff drink.

Other top activities in Napa Valley include hiking or biking the 12.5-mile  Napa Valley Vine Trail , which will eventually extend 47 miles from Vallejo to Calistoga.

Tips for visiting wineries in Napa 

Gone are the days when you can walk into virtually any Napa Valley winery and ask for a tasting without an appointment (or even a fee). Although there are a few wineries like Hall Wines in St Helena, where walk-ins are welcome, reservations are required at most wineries in Napa Valley. This helps ensure the wineries have adequate time to guide you through your tasting. From the guest's perspective, appointments are helpful when it comes to budgeting, arranging transportation and planning your Napa itinerary.

The average wine tasting fee in Napa Valley is $40 per person but it isn’t unusual for prices to climb to $200 or even more. Most wineries have a menu of tasting options, with standard tastings at the low end and premium experiences with food pairings, library wines, or guided tours commanding a higher price. Please note that the tip is not included in the tasting price so it will need to be factored into your budget. 

Expect to spend at least 90 minutes at each winery (often longer for premium experiences). For this reason, it’s best to stick to no more than two or three tasting room visits a day. We recommend clustering each day’s reservations in the same area so you won’t have to rush between wineries. For instance, in the Stag’s Leap District, Cliff Lede Vineyards and Baldacci Family Vineyards are only a mile apart. Cliff Lede’s Backstage Lounge Tasting Room Experience offers an elevated tasting with premium wines in a room filled with rotating art and rare rock memorabilia. At Baldacci, the Cave Tour and Tasting Experience includes a cave tour and barrel tasting followed by a seated tasting paired with seasonal appetizers. 

In the Rutherford area, Sullivan Winery is only half a mile from the Prisoner Wine Company . At Sullivan, the Merlot Mastery Tasting starts with a tour of the gardens and grounds before moving on to a seated tasting with two flights of its prized merlot accompanied by light bites. At Prisoner, you’ll find many culinary pairings including the Wine and Dim Sum Experience. 

Attire is wine country casual. A pair of nice jeans, golf shirts, sundresses or casual blouses are the norm in Napa Valley. Do wear comfortable shoes, especially if you plan to walk through the vineyards or participate in a tour.

Expert tip: The Covet Pass offers complimentary tastings at seven Napa wineries and seven Sonoma wineries, plus additional discounts for a one-time fee of $150. 

How to get around in Napa without a car

Napa Valley is 30 miles long and stretches at most 5 miles wide. In this sense, Napa is small and easy to navigate, but driving can be tricky in a destination centered around wine. Luckily, if you don’t have a designated driver there are several ways to get around Napa without a car. 

The Napa Valley Wine Train offers several tasting journeys including a 36-mile roundtrip through gorgeous scenery to disembark for seated tastings at Charles Krug Winery and V. Sattui Winery . A four-course lunch is served onboard. You can also hitch a ride to three tasting rooms in an open-air San Francisco cable car on the Napa Valley Wine Trolley . 

Many tour operators provide transportation to Napa wineries. Several, like Napa Valley Wine Country Tours , offer a choice between public group tours, which are less expensive, or private tours with a customized itinerary. 

If you prefer to get around by foot, base yourself in the cities of Napa or Yountville. Napa has more than 50 downtown tasting rooms and there are 14 walkable tasting rooms in downtown Yountville. 

Where to stay

If there was ever a place to treat yourself to a nice hotel, it’s Napa Valley. The region is home to some of the best hotels in the country, with grounds and accommodations so astonishingly beautiful you might not want to leave to go wine tasting (but definitely leave to go wine tasting). If you’re in the position to splurge our top picks are: 

The Poetry Inn is an exclusive property with only five guest rooms and a small, on-site spa. The all-suite hotel is the epitome of privacy and luxury with huge guest rooms featuring private sitting areas, outdoor patios, and indoor and outdoor showers with stunning hillside or vineyard views. A gourmet multicourse breakfast is included with each stay. Poetry Inn is the only hotel in the Stag Leap district. 

Meadowood Napa Valley in St Helena is set on a magnificent 250-acre estate with mature, oaks and native plants surrounding 36 suites and guest rooms with soaking tubs and private outdoor sitting areas. Hiking trails, tennis courts, swimming pools, a Wine Center and a tranquil spa ensure you’ll never lack activities during your stay. 

Carneros Resort and Spa offers standalone cottages and homes surrounded by rolling hills and vineyards in Napa. Amenities include a luxurious onsite spa, two swimming pools, pickle ball courts with an adjacent Veuve Clicquot Champagne Bar and Lounge, a complimentary buffet breakfast, and access to Cadillac Luxury Vehicles during your stay. 

If a mid-range hotel is better suited for your budget we recommend the Meritage Resort and Spa or Silverado Resort . The Meritage offers perks like a complimentary shuttle service to downtown Napa and a verdant lawn surrounded by tasting rooms and an upscale market. At the Silverado Resort, amenities include golf courses, bocce ball courts, a pool and a fitness center.

The most affordable lodging options in Napa Valley are generally found in American Canyon, which offers several reliable, reasonably-priced chains such as the DoubleTree by Hilton Napa Valley American Canyon and Holiday Inn Express and Suites Napa Valley American Canyon .

My favorite thing to do in Napa 

When I come to Napa I love to take a class to enhance my appreciation of food and wine or learn a fun, new skill. I’ve never been anywhere else where classes are so varied and accessible, so I take advantage whenever I can. Often, these classes are offered directly through my hotel. The Wine Center at Meadowood Napa Valley runs classes ranging from introductory tutorials on Napa wine to advanced courses on subjects like the history of the wine label. Carneros Resort and Spa has a dazzling array of daily classes focusing on everything from sabering champagne bottles to pickleball. 

The Culinary Institute of America is my hands-down choice for cooking classes with options for group or private instruction. I’ve also found classes offered at Napa Valley wineries. Bouchaine Vineyards regularly hosts an exciting roster of sessions on topics like pairing wine and cheese, blending wine and even falconry. 

How much do you need to budget for a trip to Napa?

The amount you’ll need to spend on a trip to Napa is highly variable depending on your itinerary and even the season you choose to visit. Although it is generally considered a luxury destination, you can still plan an affordable trip to Napa with the tips and tricks in this first-timer’s guide. The numbers below are not definitive but will provide a general idea of how much it costs for budget-conscious, midrange, and luxury travelers to visit Napa.

• Hotel room for two: $100–1200 a night 
• Rental home/Airbnb for two: $200–1000 a night 
• Wine tasting fees: $25–250 per person at each winery (not including tip) 
• Lunch for two: $30–100 per person
• Dinner for two: $100–300 per person (or more)
• Glass of wine: $13–50 
• Bottle of wine: $108 average
• Group shuttle to wineries: $125 per person
• Private transportation to wineries: $600 (and up) 
• Spa treatment: $100–400 per person (and up)

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