Greenland

What are the most recommended things to do in Greenland?

  • Explore Ilulissat Icefjord and witness massive glaciers calving into the sea.
  • Go dog sledding or snowmobiling across the Arctic landscapes.
  • Take a boat tour to see icebergs, whales, and wildlife.
  • Visit Nuuk, the capital, to explore museums, local culture, and Greenlandic cuisine.
  • Hike in East Greenland for pristine scenery and fjords.
  • Experience the Northern Lights in winter or the Midnight Sun in summer.
  • Attend local cultural festivals and meet Inuit communities.
  • Kayak among icebergs and explore coastal settlements.

Introducing Greenland

Greenland is the largest island in the world, with an area of ​​2,166,086 square kilometers. It is located northeast of North America, between the Arctic Ocean and the Atlantic Ocean.

Greenland literally means "Greenland" in Danish, its official language. A Danish territory with its capital city, Nuuk, also known as Goldthorpe, experiences year-round freezing temperatures, a typical arctic climate. Summer temperatures in coastal areas can reach above freezing, while inland areas remain frozen year-round. Standing on Greenland, reciting the poem "A thousand miles of frozen ice, ten thousand miles of drifting snow" offers a truly captivating experience. The myriad forms of icebergs and glaciers are a wonder of Greenland, inspiring a rich tapestry of associations.

Climate and best time to travel

Polar climate, cold temperatures, vast expanses of ice and snow;

Suitable all year round

Recommended number of days and locations for visiting

Ilulissat

Ilulissat is Greenland's third-largest settlement, located in the middle of Greenland's west coast, at 69°N, 200 kilometers north of the Arctic Circle. Ilulissat is also known by its Danish name, Jakobshavn. Ilulissat literally translates to "Iceberg" in Greenlandic. Ilulissat is a popular tourist destination in Greenland due to the stunning Ilulissat Icefjord nearby. Tourism is a major industry in the area. Renowned polar explorer Knud Rasmussen was born in Ilulissat, and his childhood home in the center of the settlement now serves as a memorial museum.


Pamuit

Paamiut is a small town in southwestern Greenland, within the Sermersooq municipality. It lies on the south coast of a small estuary in the Labrador Sea. Due to a warming trend since the 1920s, Paamiut developed a thriving cod fishing industry between 1950 and 1989. Fishing is the primary occupation of the area's residents, and the town boasts Greenland's finest church.


Sisimiut

Sisimiut is a small town in west-central Greenland, located on the coast of Davis Strait, approximately 320 kilometers (200 mi) north. It is the administrative center of Qeqqata Municipality and Greenland's second-largest town, with a population of 5,598 in 2013. Sisimiut is the country's largest commercial center, north of Nuuk, the national capital, and one of Greenland's fastest-growing cities. Although the town has a growing industrial base, fishing is Sisimiut's primary industry.


Most Popular FAQs for Greenland

What is the history and significance of this attraction/city?

Greenland is the world’s largest island, an autonomous territory within the Kingdom of Denmark. It has a rich Inuit heritage, with human settlement dating back over 4,500 years. Greenland is significant for its Arctic environment, glaciers, and as a center for scientific research on climate change.

Where is it located and how do I get there (metro, bus, taxi, walking)?

Greenland is located between the Arctic and Atlantic Oceans, east of Canada. Access is primarily by air from Denmark, Iceland, or other international airports via Nuuk, Ilulissat, or Kangerlussuaq. Within towns, transport is by walking, small taxis, or boats; no road connections exist between settlements.

What are the opening hours and best times to visit?

  • Best time for Northern Lights: September–April.
  • Best time for hiking, kayaking, and Midnight Sun: June–August.
  • Museums and cultural centers in towns: typically open 9 AM–5 PM daily.
  • National parks and outdoor tours operate based on daylight and weather conditions.

What is the entrance fee/ticket price, and how to buy tickets (online/offline)?

  • Most natural attractions, fjords, and glaciers are free but guided tours have fees ($50–$500 USD depending on duration).
  • Museums in Nuuk: approx. $10 USD; tickets purchased onsite or online.
  • Air or boat tours: book via tour operators online or locally.

Do I need to book tickets in advance, and how far in advance?

Yes, for flights, guided tours, and popular excursions, book at least 1–3 months in advance, especially during summer peak season.

How much time is needed to fully explore it?

A minimum of 7–10 days is recommended for a basic exploration of key towns and fjords. Two to three weeks is ideal for a comprehensive Arctic experience.

What are the must-see highlights or main areas inside?

  • Ilulissat Icefjord (UNESCO World Heritage)
  • Nuuk: Greenland National Museum and old colonial district
  • Kangerlussuaq: Arctic Circle hiking and ice cap excursions
  • East Greenland fjords and remote settlements
  • Disko Island for wildlife and geological formations

Are guided tours or audio guides available (and in which languages)?

Guided tours are widely available in English, Danish, and sometimes German. Audio guides are limited to museum sites in towns.

What are the best viewpoints or photography spots?

  • Viewpoints overlooking Ilulissat Icefjord
  • Boat decks for iceberg and whale photography
  • Disko Island cliffs and glacier fronts
  • Mountain ridges around Nuuk for panoramic vistas
  • Night skies for Northern Lights photography

What is the recommended route or itinerary inside?

Fly into Nuuk or Kangerlussuaq → Ilulissat for Icefjord → Disko Island → East Greenland fjords → return via Nuuk. Adjust based on season and available flights.

Are night visits, light shows, or special tours available?

Yes. Northern Lights tours in winter, Midnight Sun excursions in summer, and seasonal cultural festivals in towns.

Is it crowded, and when are the least crowded times/days to visit?

Greenland is generally uncrowded. Summer (June–August) sees the most tourists; spring and early autumn offer fewer visitors and good weather for excursions.

What facilities are available (toilets, food, water, rest areas, shops)?

  • Urban areas: toilets, restaurants, cafes, shops, hotels
  • Remote excursions: limited facilities; carry water, food, and supplies
  • Boat and tour operators provide meals and rest stops

Is the attraction accessible for elderly, children, or disabled visitors?

Urban attractions are mostly accessible. Remote hikes, glaciers, and boat tours may not be suitable for elderly or disabled visitors.

Is cash needed or are cards/mobile payments accepted?

Credit cards are widely accepted in towns. Cash (Danish Krone or Greenlandic Kroner) may be needed in small settlements or local markets.

What restaurants or cafes are available inside or nearby?

  • Nuuk: Sarfalik, Café Godthaab, Kalaaliaraq Market (local food)
  • Ilulissat: Restaurant Ulo, Mamartut
  • Remote lodges: small on-site dining

Are there vegetarian/vegan/halal food options?

Limited vegetarian options in towns; Halal and vegan options are rare outside Nuuk and Ilulissat.

What hotels or accommodations are close to the site?

  • Nuuk: Hotel Hans Egede, Nuuk Hostel
  • Ilulissat: Hotel Arctic, Ilulissat Guesthouse
  • Kangerlussuaq: Hotel Kangerlussuaq
  • Remote lodges and expedition-style accommodations are available near glaciers and fjords

What other attractions or landmarks are nearby and easy to combine in a day trip?

  • Nuuk: Sermitsiaq Mountain hikes, Nuuk Art Museum
  • Ilulissat: Disko Bay boat excursions
  • Kangerlussuaq: Russell Glacier day trips

Are there souvenir shops and what are the typical souvenirs?

  • Greenlandic handicrafts: carvings, jewelry, and Inuit art
  • Knitwear and fur items
  • Postcards, maps, and local foods (dried fish or seal products)

What are the best transportation options to continue the trip after visiting?

  • Flights between Greenlandic towns via Air Greenland
  • Boat tours for coastal travel
  • Helicopter services for remote locations (pre-booked)

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