Greenland is one of the most off-the-beaten-track places you can visit, an island of high mountains, glaciers and wide, empty wilderness, with a Nordic character all its own.
It is the world’s largest island and part of the Kingdom of Denmark, yet home to only about 57,000 people. Greenlanders call it Kalaallit Nunaat, the land of the people.
The mix of Inuit and Danish heritage has produced a distinct Greenlandic society, and its culture holds both old and modern ways of life. That draws travellers curious about the native Inuit way of living.
Greenland is also one of the best places to experience Arctic quiet and a clean environment.
For all its scenery, it is unlike anywhere else, so a trip here takes careful planning. To help you start, here is what you need to know before you go.
When is the best time to visit Greenland?
Greenland’s weather is hard to predict. It has three main seasons: summer, winter and spring.
Summer, from mid-June to late August, is short but intense. It is the best time for cruising, as the fjords clear of ice and boats can reach glaciers and settlements. Parts of Greenland stay bright and green through this season.
Winter runs from November to February. For adventurers, this is the time to experience true Arctic conditions: with the island under snow, you can try classic winter activities such as dog sledding.
March and April bring spring and the Arctic Circle Race, billed as the toughest cross-country ski race in the world.
Bear in mind that the seasons vary by region. Winter in Qaanaaq, in the north-west, lasts about nine months, while in the south it may last only three.
So it is worth researching the specific region you plan to visit, depending on what you want to see and do.
Should I travel via Iceland or Denmark?
You can fly to Greenland from either Reykjavik (Iceland) or Copenhagen (Denmark). Greenland has two main airports; the larger, at Kangerlussuaq, takes the direct flights from Copenhagen.
From Reykjavik you can fly to Nuuk, Ilulissat, Narsarsuaq and Kulusuk. If you are already visiting Iceland, Greenland makes a good add-on.
How do you get around Greenland?
About 80 per cent of Greenland is covered in ice, so there are no roads between towns. You travel instead by boat, plane, ship or helicopter.
For shorter local trips, Greenlanders travel by boat in summer, and by dog sled or snowmobile in winter.
What can you do in Greenland?
The best-known activities are tied to the seasons. A few to try:
- Dog sledding: offered north of the Arctic Circle from January to April. You can take a single run or a multi-day tour through small towns, across frozen lakes and over hilly country.
- Northern Lights: visible from September to late March. Though the aurora occurs year-round, it shows best under a clear winter night sky, and with few artificial lights, Greenland is one of the best places to see it.
- Whale watching: whales can be seen at close range on boat trips, especially in summer. Around 15 species pass along the coast, including humpback, beluga and minke.
- Midnight sun: in the far north, the midnight sun is visible from late April to late August, and the further north you go, the brighter it stays. Near the Arctic Circle it runs from early June to mid-July.
Where should you go in Greenland?
For a first-time visitor, the island can feel daunting. Here are some of the places worth putting on your list.
1. Nuuk
Nuuk, the capital, is in West Greenland and home to around 18,000 people. The Greenland National Museum is one of the best places to learn about the island’s history and indigenous roots.
The museum holds hunting equipment, carvings and Viking artefacts. The most striking of all are the 500-year-old mummies of women and children.
2. Ilulissat Icefjord
The Ilulissat Icefjord is the most visited area in Greenland and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Fed by the Sermeq Kujalleq glacier, it produces about 10 per cent of Greenland’s icebergs.
3. Uunartoq hot springs
Hot springs are found across Greenland, but the best are on the uninhabited island of Uunartoq. Ringed by peaks and icebergs, three natural springs feed into one small pool.
4. Tasiilaq
Tasiilaq, in East Greenland, is the largest town on the east coast, with only about 2,000 people. It sits on a fjord ringed by high mountains, and is one of the most isolated settlements anywhere.
Behind the town lies the Flower Valley, a popular walking spot. Through summer and winter people ski, dog sled and sea kayak here.
5. Hvalsey Church
Hvalsey Church is one of the best-preserved Norse ruins in Greenland, built in the 1300s. A popular site in the south, it lets you walk the old stone halls and learn about the Norse settlers.
Greenland’s tourism is slowly growing as more travellers seek out the remote island. Adding it to a Nordic trip gives you an unusual, out-of-the-way experience.
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