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Explore Greenland

In the spotlight.

East Greenland’s Ultimate Ice Cave Expedition

Discovered in 2016, it has seen fewer than 100 visitors. Unlike most ice caves that are accessible only in winter, this cave reforms in summer and can only be reached when the snow melts.

Fulfil your winter wishes in April in Greenland

Come and visit Sisimiut in April and enjoy dogsledding, Arctic Sounds, and Arctic Spa that you have been longing for.

3 Tips to Catching Northern Lights!

Want to maximise your trip chances of catching northern lights? Here’s 3 tips on how to do just that!

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Destinations in Greenland

Explore outdoor and nature activities, cultural experiences, hunting and fishing activities, coastal sailings and cruises in Greenland.

Capital Region

South Greenland

East Greenland

The National Park

NORTH GREENLAND

Destination Arctic Circle

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First-timer’s guide to Greenland

Oct 10, 2023 • 6 min read

First time visiting Greenland? You're going to need a boat-load of tips to get your started © Aningaaq R Carlsen / Visit Greenland

Greenland , the world’s largest island, is a country of wild extremes: uninhabitable wilderness at its core, and delightfully warm and charming people living in harmony with it. Climbers come to scale its spectacular sheer rock faces, scientists come to see what the melting ice can tell us of the planet’s future and many visitors come away with a whole new perspective on life.

There’s no question that the must-see attraction for everyone who visits Greenland is ‘big nature,’ from the black peaks that undulate on the horizon, to the great gray-blue ice sheet in the center of the island and the icebergs scattered in the sea around it. Muskox , arctic fox and polar bears roam around, and the northern lights dance in the sky above.

Inhabited since 2,500 BCE, with Viking colonies in the south from the 10th century, Greenland has developed a unique culture and set of beliefs based on its people’s strong relationship with the mountains, ice and sea that surrounds them. It’s impossible not to come away feeling awestruck by what nature can create.

When should I go to Greenland?

Greenland is a huge island with vast seasonal and geographical variations, and its weather can be unstable and unpredictable all year round. Be sure to take out travel insurance in the event of flight cancellations, and keep plans as loose as possible as schedules can change suddenly.

For snow, dog sledding and the northern lights, the best time to visit is from late September to May.

If you are keen to do adventure sports like hiking, climbing or kayaking, the Greenlandic summer is more suitable. This period, from May to September, promises more hours of daylight.

Where should I go in Greenland ?

Getting around Greenland is complicated (see below). The best advice is to choose one region to explore, or two at most, and spend a week there. This allows you to see the key natural sights and animals without feeling rushed, meet local people (who can be reticent), and have the flexibility to adapt if plans change due to bad weather.

As an example, you could choose to stay in the Ilulissat ice fjord region, where there are options for hiking, whale watching, exploring Disko Bay and perhaps the ice cap over the course of a week. If you want to follow the Arctic Circle Trail , again, that’s a one-to-two-week trip. Factor in that you’ll likely need to fly via Denmark or Iceland, potentially adding a night to the trip in either direction. And as mentioned, there may be unexpected events due to the weather.

Is it easy to get in and around Greenland?

In early 2025, an extension to Nuuk airport will allow larger planes to land in Greenland, making it easier to reach from international destinations. Until the new runways open, flights to Greenland go via Reykjavik and Copenhagen into the country’s international airports, Nuuk, Kangerslussuaq and Ilulissat. Kulusuk and Narsarsuaq are also entry points from Reykjavik. 

Greenland is large and largely without roads. To travel between towns, Air Greenland flies to those with runways and runs helicopters to others. From April to December, the Arctic Umiaq Line runs coastal ferries from Qaqortoq in the south to Ilulissat in the north, with stops along the way. The full journey takes 4.5 days. Other ferries and coastal boats run up the west coast and across South Greenland in summer.

Within towns there are buses, taxis and cars, and you can also walk. It is advisable to book far in advance to secure a place (and for the best rates), and to have clear transport plans when you arrive in Greenland.

Top things to do in Greenland

Be awed by nature and humbled by culture. For the nature part, take a boat from Ilulissat, Nuuk or Qaqortoq and spend a day cruising the ice fjords, marveling at immense blue, white and gray icebergs and encountering all kinds of sea life from humpback whales to dolphins. Hike in the mountains surrounding the small town of Narsarsuaq and admire the ice sheet – you can even camp overnight on it at Camp Ice Cap near Kangerlussuaq.

Then immerse yourself in local culture and discover how people in Greenland really live. Experience the warmth of community and the power of history in a kaffemik, a local coffee morning, in Nuuk or Qaqortoq, or book into a wilderness camp and try Greenlandic glamping, with a side of fishing and foraging, for a true back-to-nature immersion in the country’s outdoors-driven lifestyle.

My favorite thing to do in Greenland

Nature watching in Greenland is off-the-chart amazing. You could spend all day cruising between icebergs and comparing their shapes and colors – and then there’s the wildlife. To see a sliver of a whale's back slip out of the water while you’re on a boat on the way to another town is sensational. The day I saw a polar bear climb a remote coastal cliff and disappear over a ridge remains one of the most memorable days of my life. These sights are framed by seas studded with icebergs, clear blue skies, uninhabited land and dark, jagged mountains, creating the most powerful punch of natural drama I’ve ever seen.

How much money do I need?

Greenland is not a cheap destination, but you can do it on a budget. Flight deals can be found outside the main summer season – a tip is to sign up to Air Greenland’s newsletter. As a general guide, a bed in a youth hostel in Nuuk will cost from around £100 per night, while a hotel will be around £200 per night. Luxury wilderness experiences typically cost at least £250 per night.

In terms of domestic transport, it is typically cheaper to take a boat rather than fly or take a helicopter. Booking in advance can also save money, but what you save in money you lose in time.

Greenland’s food is expensive – expect to spend around £25 for an evening meal in a restaurant – because so much of it has to be flown in. Save money by eating as locally as much as possible and cutting back on greens. A locally brewed beer might cost around £8 for a pint, while a coffee costs around £6. Bring a reusable water bottle as all Greenlandic water is drinkable.

Bring lots of layers, no matter the season

As mentioned, Greenland’s weather is highly changeable all year round, so pack with that in mind. Bring woolen layers, hiking boots, gloves, sunscreen, sunglasses and a snood at the very least. Hiking in jeans and city-style trainers is not recommended.

The northern lights can be seen throughout the year

Typically, northern lights season in Greenland runs from September until April, but check with the region you plan to visit to be sure. It’s possible to see the lights all year round, depending on where in Greenland you are, but you need a dark, cloudless night. The midnight sun takes over from June to July in the Arctic Circle region and April to August in more northerly locations, and then you will experience barely any darkness.

Greenlandic is the official language

Greenlanders speak Greenlandic; Danish is also used and many people, particularly in major hubs, speak English.

Staying safe in Greenland

Weather is one of the key risks in the country, so stay aware of the forecast, carry a GPS with you and know how to use a map. Tell someone where you are going before you set off. Wildlife risks can include polar bears and rabid arctic foxes. Calving icebergs can cause tsunamis and be fatal for those on boats. Travel insurance that covers all the activities you might do in Greenland is a must.

Etiquette notes

Note that the word Eskimo is considered an inappropriate term; Inuit is preferred.

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• Greenland Travel Guide: Here Is Everything About The Land Of Eskimos

10 Jul 2023

Greenland, a huge island country situated in the northernmost point of the Arctic Ocean is most renowned for the naturally occurring phenomenon; the Northern Lights. Contrary to its given name, the Danish country is covered by ice for most of its land mass. With a limited population mostly comprising in its capital city, Greenland is an adventurous choice for most of the world travelers. One shouldn’t get flustered by its far off position on the world map or the weather pattern as Greenland has a lot to offer to tourists. All one needs to do is hold onto this Greenland travel guide and enjoy the most magical country in the world which also doubles as a basket of rare natural phenomena.

Best Time To Visit Greenland

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It is hard to point out the best time to visit the country as Greenland is open for various activities at varied climatic conditions and seasons. Since the country is mostly covered in ice throughout the year, the temperature always stays on the lower end of the thermometer. However, the summer season from May to August is filled with sunlight and one can even experience the Midnight Sun during these months. It is the best time to indulge in some hiking activities.

The winters are biting cold with little to no sun for most of the days. The days are short and dark but fill the sky with the magnificent Aurora Borealis (Northern Lights). The best time to witness the Northern Lights are during the short autumn season from September to October when the maximum temperature is 1℃ and there is still some sunshine to count on. The spring season is also rather short but it is the ideal time to go dog sledding and to spot the wildlife.

How To Reach Greenland

The most ideal way to reach Greenland is by Air. Greenland has 2 major airports that can be reached either from Denmark or Iceland. The best way to travel to the country is to take a flight to Copenhagen and hop on to a connecting Air Greenland or Air Iceland flight to Greenland. Most of the major airlines have a direct flight to the capital of Denmark from India. The next option is to get on a cruise to Greenland from Iceland, Canada or Europe.

Things To Do In Greenland

Apart from the obvious choice of witnessing the unique phenomenon of the Northern Lights appearing in the dark skies of Greenland, here are some of the activities one can indulge in when visiting the country.

1. Kayaking along the Blue River

A popular activity in Greenland is to explore the dreamy ice blue waters of the Petermann Glacier. During the summer months, the Petermann Glacier is subjected to some thawing by the sunshine which has led to the formation of the crystal blue waters of the river. Undoubtedly, one of the best places to visit in Greenland is the Blue River that forms a valley in the Northern Hemisphere. A unique feature about the river is that it is susceptible to the change in the flow of its course every year. There are many kayaking tours available in the months of August and September in the Blue River that allows one to explore the icebergs and to revel in the serenity of the untouched surroundings.

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The most favorable activity in the summer season is hiking the Arctic Circle. Greenland constitutes of many rocky mountains and valleys that are a pleasure to climb when not covered in snow. The mountainside is filled with varied flora, rocky surfaces, and glaciers that are every adventurer's dream to capture. With a limited population around, food and medicine need special attention when planning to go on a hike in Greenland.

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3. Enjoy the hot springs

Wondering what to do in Greenland for a relaxing day? One might be surprised to know that Greenland has a few hot springs that are open for tourists to take a dip in. One such popular hot spring is the Uunartoq. The easiest way to reach the hot spring is to take a boat from Ilulissat. The temperature of the water is around 37℃ that makes it a perfect date to have with a loved one on a lovely day of summer.

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4. Explore Qaqortoq

Apart from its capital Nuuk, Greenland has another quaint town called Qaqortoq in its lap that is worth exploring. It is a perfect town to have a stroll in, taking in the beauty of the architectural wonders, museums and the only existing fountain in Greenland. The town is very colorful and is famous for its local cuisine. It is one of the best places to visit in Greenland to try the local dish called Suaasat filled with seafood or a steaming cup of Greenlandic coffee.

Where To Stay In Greenland?

There are some good hotels in Greenland where you can crash at. Here are a couple of famous ones. They provide all the facilities and amenities required for a comfortable stay in Greenland:

1. Hotel Arctic Ilulissat

Situated at a prime location, Hotel Arctic is one of the best accommodations one can consider. With most of its rooms facing the UNESCO site- Ice Fjord, the hotel wins the race with the most number of tourists choosing it for their stay in Greenland. It offers delectable food and a comfortable stay. It also provides transport to various sightseeing places including a ferry ride to the hot springs.

Location: Mittar Mmmut, Aqqutaa, Ilulissat DK-3952, Greenland. Cost: INR 21000 per night TripAdvisor Rating: 4.5/5 Reviews

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2. Hotel Nuuk Seamen's Home

Located in the capital city of Nuuk, Hotel Seamen’s Home is a bed and breakfast facility that offers comfortable rooms and incredible food. Off late, the hotel has reportedly expanded their facility with more rooms and a full day meal hotel. It is closer to most of the sightseeing places in the city and is helpful when it comes to arranging transport to see the Northern Lights.

Location: Marinevej 3, Nuuk-3900, Greenland. Cost: INR 10000 per night TripAdvisor Rating: 4/5 Reviews

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Things To Know Before Visiting Greenland

• Although Greenland is a part of the Denmark Kingdom, it holds an autonomous rule in the country.
• It is the largest island in the world that is also believed to be the first land to be inhabited by Homo Sapiens and yet the least populated in the present times.
• The language barrier is hardly a problem in the country as English is extensively understood although their official languages are Danish and Greenlandic.
• Though Greenland is a Scandinavian country, one cannot enter the country with a Denmark visa. An individual visa system exists in the country.
• Danish krone is the currency of Greenland like Denmark.
• Greenland has its own time zone that one should consider before planning their itinerary.

Further Read: 13 Frolicsome Beaches In Europe For All The Excited Beach Bums Across The Globe

One of the most magical lands in the world is the Greenland that is unique in its composition, time zone, and lifestyle. Visiting Greenland must be on every traveler’s bucket list and this Greenland travel guide covers up all one needs to plan a trip to this icy land. With all the basics covered, book your tickets to Greenland with TravelTriangle and explore Greenland.

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