Greenland is a real-life adventure playground where cultural exploration and wildlife watching are like nowhere else on Earth. Here, towns boast more sled dogs than people, scientists engage in world-leading climate change research, polar bears occasionally wander the streets, and welcoming local townships invite visitors to explore. A visit to Greenland will reaffirm your love for the world and leave you in awe of nature; once you’ve been, you’ll always feel a little chip of ice in your heart calling you back.
Day hikes take you to the edges of glaciers, boat tours weave among icebergs under the midnight sun, and wildlife watching offers new perspectives on whales, seabirds, and bears. There are plenty of adventurous opportunities for both seasoned thrill-seekers and softer adventurers willing to explore.
Travel in Greenland is highly seasonal. Summer’s midnight sun provides light all day and night, allowing ample time for adventuring and fantastic photo opportunities. Although it can be chilly, with snow flurries and cold winds from the north, the constant daylight is invigorating. Summer is peak season, meaning prices can be at their highest; however, visiting during this time limits your opportunity to see the northern lights, which are visible only when it’s darker (the specific month depends on the region).
Step 1: Choose Your Base
Before you start planning, it’s essential to understand that Greenland is vast, and you cannot experience it all in one trip. You won’t find a road network connecting the communities around this large island. Instead, transportation options include boats, helicopter rides, ferries, or internal flights to navigate from place to place. Therefore, focusing on one specific region during your trip allows for a richer experience without wasting time and resources on travel.
Place 1 – Ilulissat & North Greenland
Vibes: Greenland’s tourist capital, Ilulissat, serves as a bustling hub for kayak tours, midnight sun iceberg cruises, and inland icecap adventures each summer. The town is alive with the howls of its many sled dogs and teeming with visitors eager to explore the extraordinary surroundings.
Do: Take a day trip to Qeqertarsuaq (Disko Island), just a ferry ride away from Ilulissat. This former whaling capital is an intimate town, charmingly colored and nestled along the bay. Experience the local culture by embarking on guided hikes or thrilling snowmobiling adventures offered by local operators.
Eat: In Ilulissat, you’ll find an array of high-end dining options. Restaurants serve local delicacies, including minke whale and halibut, while others blend Nordic and French cuisines. Local hotels often offer affordable lunch options, allowing you to balance your dining budget.
Stay: Choose from luxurious hotels with stunning ocean views or budget-friendly options. It’s vital to book well in advance during the summer months, as accommodations fill up quickly.
Place 2 – Qaqortoq & South Greenland
Vibes: South Greenland features beautiful green fields, rich Viking history, and various outdoor activities. Qaqortoq, the artsy center, serves as the ideal jumping-off point for exploring the stunning landscapes and engaging with local farming communities.
Do: Experience a boat trip from Qaqortoq to Uunartoq, an island known for its natural hot spring pool that overlooks breathtaking views of fjords and mountains.
Eat: Qaqortoq offers unique dining opportunities, such as Thai cuisine made with fresh local ingredients. Sampling locally-sourced lamb is also a must.
Stay: Book your stay at Tasermiut Camp for an extraordinary camping experience, with guided hikes, fishing, and the chance to immerse yourself in Greenlandic nature.
Place 3 – Nuuk & the Capital Region
Vibes: Greenland’s capital, Nuuk, is an inviting city that showcases culture while providing access to natural beauty, including whale watching and hiking opportunities.
Do: Enjoy stand-up paddleboarding among the icebergs in Nuuk Fjord, or explore the area by kayak.
Eat: Several restaurants in Nuuk serve various options, including innovative Greenlandic tapas and local seafood delicacies.
Stay: For a more authentic experience, consider a tented camp not far from Nuuk, offering stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
Step 2: Accommodations
Plan to book your accommodations months, if not a year, in advance, particularly during peak season (June-August). Greenland’s small settlements often have limited capacity, with hotels filling quickly due to tour groups. Most towns offer a mix of hotels, independent cabins, and private homestays, with options ranging from basic to luxurious.
Step 3: Best Things to Do in Greenland
You can explore Greenland independently, but booking excursions with local tour operators can enhance your understanding of this unique environment. The extreme weather may affect outdoor plans, so it’s wise to remain adaptable. Seasonality significantly impacts the experiences you’ll have, such as whale watching and polar bear safaris, so conducting thorough research is essential.
Take a Day Trip
In North Greenland, kayaking tours allow you to explore ice fjords and get up close to remarkable wildlife. In South Greenland, take a hike in Qassiarsuk, where you can explore UNESCO-listed Viking historical sites.
Go Whale Watching
Boat trips for whale watching abound during the summer months, providing opportunities to see various species as they migrate through the Arctic waters. These experiences often run for a couple of hours; be sure to dress warmly!
Meet the Sled Dogs
Engaging with Greenlandic sled dogs is a memorable experience, whether through tours or casual encounters. Remember that these dogs are working animals and should not be approached without caution.
Take Lots of Pictures
The combination of the midnight sun and pollution-free air creates a photographic paradise. Capture the beauty of icebergs, sled dogs, and breathtaking panoramas of Greenland’s stunning landscapes.
Explore Greenlandic Culture
One of the most rewarding aspects of visiting Greenland is immersing yourself in the local culture. Speak with locals to gain insights into their way of life and explore small museums that showcase fascinating artifacts and historical narratives. The Greenland National Museum in Nuuk offers captivating exhibitions detailing the country’s cultural history, from its first inhabitants to the Viking era.
What to Eat & Drink in Greenland
In major tourist centers, you can find international dining options. However, the availability of vegan and vegetarian food tends to be limited. Greenlandic cuisine focuses heavily on meat and fish due to the island’s harsh growing conditions, featuring dishes with lamb, musk ox, and various seafood options.
Greenlandic Cuisine
Increasingly, local hotels and restaurants are proud to showcase Greenlandic culinary traditions. You can find lamb dishes, unique seafood selections, and even sustainably sourced whale.
Coffee and Cakes
Participating in a kaffemik, a unique local gathering, provides an opportunity to sample traditional cakes and learn about daily life in Greenland.
What to Drink
Local breweries, such as Godthaab Bryghus and microbreweries in South Greenland, offer excellent beer for those looking to try local flavors.
Step 5: Travel to Greenland
The easiest way to reach Greenland is via Copenhagen for flights to Kangerlussuaq, Narsarsuaq, and other destinations. As travel infrastructure continues to improve, more direct flights will become available, enhancing accessibility to this breathtaking destination.
The Arctic Umiaq Line, a local ferry, offers a unique way to travel along the coast, providing access to remote settlements and a more authentic experience of Greenland’s enchanting landscape.
