Why Visit Greenland: A Once In A Lifetime Travel Experience

Discover why you need to visit Greenland at least once in your lifetime.

Our helpful travel guide to visiting Greenland for the first time has all the information you need for a once-in-a-lifetime trip to the Arctic plus ideas for a pocket-friendly, self-planned itinerary.

Greenland is an icy land of spellbinding beauty waiting to be discovered by the world. The solitary landscapes and untouched nature of this vast Arctic island combined with the ancestral cultural heritage of the Greenlandic people are top reasons to visit Greenland. Hiking, dogsledding, and kayaking are traditional ways of getting around are a sustainable way of exploring.

Greenland’s coasts, tundras, fjords, glaciers, and alpine lakes might not dominate Instagram as much as trendy destinations but that is exactly why Greenland is unique and exciting.

Read on for some inspirational guidance and start planning your travel adventure to Kalaallit Nunaat, the remote ‘Land of the Greenlanders’.

The midnight sun reflecting over a glacier is a reason why you need to visit Greenland.

Why Visit Greenland

  • 1. Unique Cultural Heritage
  • 2. Unspoilt Nature and Solitary Landscapes
  • 3. Midnight Sun and Northern Lights
  • 4. Glaciers and Tundra
  • 5. Fjords and Icebergs
  • 6. Waterfalls and Alpine Lakes
  • 7. Whales and Polar Bears
  • 8. Dogsledding and Snowmobiles
  • 9. Arctic Trails and Polar Circle Marathon
  • 10. Kayaking and Boating
  • 11. Greenlandic Cuisine

PLANNING A TRIP TO AN ARCTIC DESTINATION?
SEE OUR HELPFUL GUIDES TO:

* Travelling on the Greenland Coastal Ferry
* Iceland * Alaska * Alberta (Canada)
* Winter Destinations in Northern Europe

This travel guide highlights the best places to see in Greenland for first-time visitors and is based on the personal experience of two intrepid teachers to the western coast.

Kristen Czudak describes the extraordinary Arctic landscapes of Kangerlussuaq, Ilulissat, and Nuuk, a region she fell in love with while running the Polar Circle Marathon over the Greenland Ice Sheet (she travelled to Greenland via Iceland from Canada).

Julie Nielsen shares photos of the voyage on Greenland’s Coastal ferry and shows you Sisimiut, the pioneering settlement where her grandmother lived 100 years ago in the Colonial Manager’s House.

* All photographs are originals and copywrite.

Kristen walking to the edge of the Greenland ice sheet.
Walking to the edge of Greenland Ice Sheet / Photo courtesy Kristen Czudak.

Greenland stands resolute while the rest of the world is changing. It is humble, though it has much to brag about! Its breathtaking scenery will make you feel refreshingly alive.

Its secluded location will make you forget about your day-to-day. Its wildlife will pique your curiosity. Its culture will remind you of a simpler time.

Visit Greenland to experience a once-in-a-lifetime travel adventure, and to see natural attractions like nowhere else in the world. If you’re planning your first trip to Greenland, the southwest coastal region is the best place to explore. From the colourful houses of Nuuk to the towering icebergs of Ilulissat, and the extraordinary inland Ice Sheet, there are a wonder of things to discover.

How to Visit to Greenland

Getting to Greenland is straightforward, although you have to fly via Iceland or Denmark. International flights into Greenland are operated by Air Greenland and Icelandair, so those are the airlines to check.

Currently, there are no direct commercial flights or passenger ferries to Greenland from the American Continent. A transatlantic voyage is an option, or a cruise to the Arctic Circle departing from a port in northern Europe.

View of Greenland's coastline from the plane.
Flying over the east coast of Greenland on a flight from Denmark / Photo courtesy Julie Nielsen.

Greenland lies between the European Continent (320 km off Iceland) and the shores of Canada’s remote Ellesmere Island (merely 26 km distant). However, the only way to get here from Canada would be on an Arctic cruise, expedition boat or chartered flight.

Situated in the southwestern region of Greenland, Kangerlussuaq is a ‘transport hub‘. The small international airport is the busiest in the country with a daily flight from Copenhagen (Denmark) throughout the year, and connecting flights to national destinations.

Kangerlussauq is also the starting and ending point for many cruise ships.

There are plenty of fun things do in Kangerlussuaq, so it’s worth staying in the small Arctic town for a couple of nights before venturing off to explore other parts of Greenland.

From Iceland to southwest Greenland, you’ve got the choice of flying from Reykjavik to Nuuk or Ilulissat which are both on the coast.

How to Get Around Greenland

Greenland is sparsely populated, with the majority of islanders living in isolated towns in the coastal regions.

Infrastructure in this part of the world is unique and travelling between places can be challenging but exciting. There are no road connections between towns in Greenland, so you can either take a domestic flight, the ferry, a helicopter or, as the locals still do, a snowmobile or dog sled.

Bus services, car rentals or taxis are limited to the main cities. Many hotels offer airport shuttle transfers.

The colourful colonial houses of Sisimiut I visited on a trip to Greenland.
Sisimiut is an open-air museum / Photo courtesy Julie Nielsen

Some of the must-visit towns in Greenland include Nuuk, Ilulissat, and Sisimiut (all located on the southwestern coastline), and Kangerlussuaq which lies inland on the edge of Greenland’s Ice Cap. Disko Island is another unmissable for those who appreciate the raw beauty of nature.

Why Visit Nuuk

Originally named Godthaab by the Lutheran missionaries, Nuuk is Greenland’s lively capital, located on a small peninsula on the southwest coast, an hour’s flight south of Kangerlussuaq. Nuuk has an international airport, a cruise terminal, and a ferry service which runs along the coastal route.

The colourful fishing boats in Nuuk harbour on our visit to Greenland.
The colourful fishing boats in Nuuk harbour / Photo courtesy Julie Nielsen.

Famed as the smallest capital city in the world, Nuuk’s modern centrum district contrasts with the old Colonial Harbour neighbourhood.

Nuuk has strong cultural roots. An interesting way to learn about the history of the local community is to visit the Greenland National Museum, the Nuuk Art Museum, and the Katuaq Cultural Center. The Church of our Saviour ‘wooden cathedral’ is the iconic landmark.

Greenland's famous Church of Our Saviour in Nuuk.
Church of Our Saviour in Nuuk / Photo courtesy Julie Nielsen.

In summer, Greenland is caressed by the midnight sun. It’s time to explore Nuuk’s coastline where icebergs float lazily at sea, to sail up the fjords to discover the traditional way of life in the Inuit settlements, to hike up the mountain trails for panoramic views, and to take a trip over to Sermitsiaq waterfall.

Greenland's rocky shore with Sermitsiaq Mountain in the distance.
View of Sermitsiaq Mountain near Nuuk / Photo courtesy Julie Nielsen

Summertime is the best season for whale watching in Greenland. Belugas, humpbacks, narwhals, minkes, bowheads and fin whales are some of the species which frequent the waters off Nuuk. Fjord tours, kayaking, stand-up paddle-boarding, fishing excursions and whale spotting are just some of the water activities to enjoy in Nuuk.

Summer landscape on a visit to Greenland... wildflowers by a pond, grassland and a rocky outcrop.
Summer landscape in Greenland / Photo courtesy Julie Nielsen.

September to March outdoor activities include snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and sledding. And chasing the Northern Lights!

Where to Stay and Eat in Nuuk

Accommodation in Nuuk is limited to a dozen or so hotels and apartments:

  • Julia’s Guesthouse is a pocket-friendly example (current prices for a double room with a private bathroom start at 95€ per night).
  • Apartments in Nuuk are great value for families (from 125€ per night).
  • SØMA Nuuk is a popular mid-range hotel (prices from 156€).
  • The modern, city centre Hotel Hans Egede is considered to be one of the best places to stay in Nuuk (twin room from 239€).

Hotel Hans Egede has two good eateries and a sky bar open to visitors too. ‘A Hereford Beefstouw Steak House’ and the ‘Skyline Piano Bar’ are both on the 5th floor with panoramic views over the fjord and colourful downtown, while ‘Sarfalik Brasserie’ is the gourmet restaurant on the top floor.

Godthaab Bryghus is a popular ‘tavern’ specialising in local craft beers and a buffet with a huge selection of tasty meats.

Cafetuaq sources local meat and fish for their Greenlandic cuisine, as well as serving a variety of open Danish sandwiches, and international dishes. Anyone fancy a muskox hotdog? They also have a great brunch, or you can just go in for a coffee or hot chocolate.

Why Visit Ilulissat

Ilulissat is a must-see west coast town to put on your Greenland itinerary. A 45-minute flight north of Kangerlussuaq, the ‘City of Ice’ borders Disko Bay and Ilulissat Icefjord.

Greenland’s serene beauty is captured in this image of icebergs and sailboats navigating through calm waters.
Icebergs in Disko Bay / Photo courtesy Vincent Edlinger

The Icefjord is a Unesco World Heritage Site and the reason why Ilulissat is so special. Remember seeing the famous scene of gigantic icebergs floating past the windows of a rustic restaurant? Well, that’s Ilulissat!

The Ice Cap continually calves icebergs which are pushed along the glacier until they eventually break free and float out of Disko Bay into the North Atlantic. The vast chunks of polar ice are even bigger under the waterline, and the visible section is literally the tip of the iceberg. There’s even evidence to suggest that the Titanic hit an iceberg shed by Greenland.

Giant icebergs in Disko Bay off Greenland's coast.
Giant icebergs in Disko Bay / Photo courtesy Vincent Edlinger.

You can get a boat over to Qeqertarsuaq on Disko Island in summer, or a helicopter in winter.

Ilulissat’s rugged coastline is molded and shaped largely in part by the Sermeq glacier.

If you are looking for an unusual experience, try running the Icefjord Midnight Marathon. The annual race is held in Ilulissat every June, during the midnight sun season (when the sun never sets).

Best Places to Stay in Ilulissat

Ilulissat is the place with the famous scene of icebergs gliding by the window! Luxury hotels, guest houses, or apartments, there’s a variety of accommodations to choose from, but the best places to stay in Ilulissat have those mesmerising views of Disko Bay and the Icefiord.

The Best Western Plus Hotel Ilulissat is a modern 4-star, luxury hotel centrally located close to museums, shops, and restaurants. Rooms have incredible vistas over Ilulissat, the Icefiord, or Disko Bay. The top-floor restaurant is strategically poised to combine fine dining with panoramic views. Or just relax with a drink or hot coffee on the rooftop terrace.

Classed as the ‘northernmost four-star hotel on the planet’, Hotel Arctic is even more stunning if that’s possible. Perched high up on a hillside, you can see across the whole bay from this privileged position. The gourmet restaurant and wine bar is the perfect place to end a day of adventure in Ilulissat.

Hotel SØMA is a traditional Nordic-style hotel and the pocket-friendly option in the same area.

Another top choice with outstanding views is Hotel Icefjord, where all rooms overlook Disko Bay. Restaurant Icefjord is part of the complex and possibly the best-known eatery in Ilulissat.

Where to Dine in Ilulissat

Ilulissat has several standout restaurants that pride themselves on fresh, local ingredients, and from scratch preparation.

Restaurant Mamartut source their fish and sea foods straight from the waters of the icy fjords its outdoor dining area overlooks. Whale carpaccio is one of the delicacies.

Imagine tasting an authentic Greenlandic dish whilst watching the ever-changing scene of icebergs floating by the restaurant windows. Restaurant Icefjord has one of the best views in the world! Specializing in traditional meals, it is also one of the few vegan restaurants in Greenland.

If you are looking for something more international go along to Inuit Cafe. The wide choice of food includes European, Asian, and American cuisine. And a good cup of coffee is an added bonus!

Why Visit Kangerlussuaq

Originally a WWII US airbase, Kangerlussuaq is a settlement on flatlands at the head of Kangerlussuaq Fjord. It’s an unusual little town that has sprung up around the airstrip and harbour. The international airport now serves as a gateway to Greenland.

Fed by glaciers, the pure waters of Kangerlussuaq Fjord empty into the Davis Strait on Greenland’s west coast 190 km away. The Fjord is navigable in summer (in fact, you can get here on an Arctic Cruise). Sailing and kayaking ‘down river’ are favourite excursions in summertime. It’s also possible to charter a boat down to Kangaamiut Island, where you can get the coastal ferry on to Nuuk or Sismiut.

Kangerlussuaq’s compelling attraction is the Greenland Ice Sheet, a frozen wilderness outside of town. Imagine standing on the second-largest ice sheet in the world! It’s one of the most breathtaking and unforgettable scenes to witness on Earth.

Greenland Ice Sheet strteching to the horizon.
Greenland Ice Sheet / Photo courtesy Kristen Czudak.

The glacial ice extends north from Kangerlussuaq into the heart of Greenland, covering roughly 80% of the island’s landmass (currently 1,726,400 km2 although this is constantly decreasing due to global warming).

The Ice Sheet is some 25 kilometres away from Kangerlussuaq and can be reached by four-wheel drive vehicles along an unpaved track through the Sandflugtsdal Valley and past the vertical walls of Russell Glacier, to Point 660. From here, a path cut into the ice leads to the edge of the ‘Sermersuaq‘.

Tourist telescope on the glacier observation deck near Kangerlussuaq.
Observation deck near Kangerlussuaq / Photo courtesy Kristen Czudak.

Exploring the tundra surrounding Kangerlussuaq, you’ll have a chance to see reindeer, musk oxen, and arctic foxes. On rare occasions polar bears have been spotted!

The annual Polar Circle Marathon which takes place near Kangerlussuaq every October. The race runs part of its course over the ice sheet which is an awesome experience.

Greenland’s legendary long-distance hike, the Arctic Circle Trail starts at Kangerlussuaq too. One of the oldest trails in the Arctic, it passes through the Inuit’s ancient hunting grounds, from the edge of the Ice Sheet to the coast at Sisimiut 165 kilometres away (this cultural landscape is listed as the UNESCO Aasivissuit – Nipisat World Heritage Site).

Walking the remote trail can take around seven days and there are no settlements or provisions along the way, only some rudimentary huts for shelter. There are dog sledding and snowmobile tours along this route when there is snow on the ground (most of the year excepting summer).

Where to Lodge and Dine in Kangerlussuaq

The choice of lodging and dining out in Kangerlussuaq is limited but interesting.

Conveniently close to the airport, Hotel Kangerlussuaq is a smartly modern, low-white building that harmonises with the Arctic landscape. There are standard rooms, family bedrooms, and even luxury suites with a hot tub, all with views to the mountains.

Their Muskox Restaurant serves a buffet lunch and a la carte evening meal – halibut, musk oxen and reindeer steaks are some of the specialties.

Kristen in the snow by a polar bear scupture in front of Old Camp Hostel in Kangerlussuaq.
Kristen at Old Camp Hostel in Kangerlussuaq.

For a unique experience, stay in one of Kangerlussuaq’s renovated WWII lodges, like the Polar Lodge which is a hostel just a short walk from the airport.

Old Camp is another renovation from WWII days turned hostel, which is located a couple of kilometres away from the terminal, near Kangerlussuaq harbour. Don’t worry about getting there, Old Camp provides a free airport transfer.

Both Old Camp and Polar Lodge have free Wifi, and complimentary breakfast served in a communal kitchen.

Restaurant Roklubben is set beside the banks of Lake Ferguson, some 5 km from Kangerlussuaq. A free bus from the town centre will drop you off here. Specialising in Greenlandic cuisine with an artistic twist, dishes are prepared with seasonal ingredients, so the menu varies throughout the year. The Greenlandic Buffet feast is an ideal way to sample local fare (costs around 50€ pp).

Why Visit Sisimiut

Picturesque view of the colonial Sisimiut church and museum, amidst colourful houses.
Sisimiut Church and Museum / Photo courtesy Julie Nielsen.

Sisimiut is a scenic town on Greenland’s west coast, some 320 kilometres north of Nuuk, on the Arctic Circle.

As Greenland was gradually colonised by Denmark back in the 18th century, Sisimiut became an important trading post. In fact, it’s the most northerly part of the country that can be reached by sea in wintertime. This makes it an all-year-round destination to visit.

Panoramic view of Sisimiut on a trip to Greenland's west coast.
Sisimiut on the west coast of Greenland / Photo courtesy Julie Nielsen.

Winter is fun if you like snowy landscapes, and getting around on a dog sled or snowmobile. Cross-country skiing and snowshoeing are other activities to enjoy. You’ll also have a chance to watch the Northern Lights brightening the dark skies of the Arctic.

Come spring, the snow thaws and the hillsides around Sisimiut are alive with wildflowers. During the milder months, this is a beautiful part of the country for walking. While summer is still fairly cool, it’s a good chance to cold water dive, row a kayak along the fjords, or join a whale-watching sea safari boat tour.

And don’t forget that Greenland is the land of the midnight sun. Apart from being a magical experience, you can pack more into your visit to Sisimiut in summertime with the eternal daylight hours.

The famous whalebone arch is a gateway to the Greenland colonial houses museum in Sisimiut.
The famous whalebone arch in Sisimiut / Photo courtesy Julie Nielsen.

Old Sisimiut is a living museum with brightly painted wooden colonial buildings grouped on a hill overlooking the fjord. Landmarks include the Bone Whale Arch, the Yellow House, the Blue Church, and the Colonial Manager’s House. Step inside to see the original furnishings and imagine the daily life of the people who once lived here.

A big thanks to Julie Nielsen who took all the photos of Nuuk and Sisimiut for this article. She recently travelled from her home in Denmark to Greenland, to visit the place where her great-grandfather, the Colonial Manager of Sisimiut, once lived!

Photos of Sisimiut courtesy Julie Nielsen.

Where to Stay and Eat in Sisimiut

Hotel Sisimiut is a good choice if you’re looking for somewhere comfortable and original to stay. A beautiful lodge with an eatery that features quality Greenlandic cuisine and a traditional buffet, the outdoor spa with wooden hot tubs is the focal point. If you prefer self-catering, they also have private apartments which are particularly convenient for families or groups of friends.

Only a minute’s walk away from the Whale Bone Arch, Hotel SØMA Sisimiut is the other top option. There’s a choice of family, double and single rooms to suit all types of traveller, and breakfast is included. Their restaurant serves a hearty brunch, Greenlandic burgers, locally caught fish and chips, a selection of sandwiches, a dish of the day (currently priced 12€), or coffee and cake for 3€, for example. If you fancy a gourmet experience, try the 4-course ‘special menu’.

Airbnb has a selection of villas, apartments or rooms on their website, including authentic colonial houses… search for Sisimiut or Holsteinsborg (the town’s former name).

The best places to dine in Sisimiut are Restaurant Nasaasaaq (Hotel Sisimiut) and Restaurant SØMA (Hotel SØMA Sisimiut) which are both open to non-guests.

Otherwise, there are several cafés in town which serve food – Café Taseralik in the cultural centre, Café Sisimiut, Café Jasmine, or Sisimiut Grill and Café Ulu which both do takeaways.

Greenland Coastal Ferry

Although only a 1-hour flight away from the capital city, it’s worth taking the 24-hour overnight trip on the Greenland coastal ferry from Nuuk to Sisimiut if you have time. This is a wonderful opportunity to enjoy the company of the Kalaallit passengers (West Greenlanders of Inuit descent) and to glimpse the local way of life as the boat cruises up the coast stopping briefly at the isolated settlements along the way.

The colourful traditional Greenland houses in Kangaamiut seen from the coastal ferry.
View of Kangaamiut from Greenland’s coastal ferry / Photos courtesy Julie Nielsen.

The Sarfaq Ittuk does a weekly route along Greenland’s west coast and reaches as far north as Ilulissat in the summer months (the voyage from Nuuk to Ilulissat takes 2 days). It’s a passenger ship (with comfy cabins, dining room, and panoramic lounge where you can watch giant icebergs float past), which also takes supplies to coastal villages which have no other means of transport.

Photos of Greenland from the coastal ferry courtesy Julie Nielsen.

Much like its neighbour Iceland, Greenland also has that misleading name. Iceland is the green one, and Greenland is the ice one!

Activities in Greenland

Dog Sledding and Snowmobile

Dog sledding and snowmobiling are great fun in winter, or spring and autumn when there’s snow on the ground. The best places to book these tours are Kangerlussuaq, Sisimiut, and Ilulissat.

Whale Watching

2 whales in the icy waters of Disko Bay.
Whale-watching in Disko Bay.

Summer and Autumn are the best seasons for whale-watching in Greenland, although some species can be seen throughout the year. You’ll spot them from the decks of the Sarfaq Ittuk ferry, and there are boat tours from Nuuk, Sisimiut, and Ilulissat.

Observing Icebergs

Freshwater icebergs calve from the glaciers, so you’ll see plenty of these icy sculptures in the Kangerlussuaq and Nuuk fjords. However, the gigantic icebergs in Ilulissat Icefjord and Disko Bay are the most spectacular. The voyage on the coastal ferry is a great opportunity to watch them floating out to sea.

Ice Sheet and Glaciers

Hundreds of seabirds on the glacial waters by the massive icewall of Ilulissat Ice Fjord.
Ilulissat Ice Fjord, Greenland / Photo courtesy Vincent Edlinger

Walk on the Greenland Ice Sheet near Kangerlussuaq, or Ilulissat (trips to the Ilulissat Ice Fjord and Eqi Glacier). You can also take part in arctic marathons and treks.

Spotting Wildlife

A white Artic fox cub in summertime in the countryside near Ilulissat
Artic fox in summertime near Ilulissat.

Arctic foxes, snow hares, reindeer and musk ox are the fauna you’ll encounter in Greenland. Wildlife tours from Kangerlussuaq, or Ilulissat are a good way of seeing these animals in their natural habitat.

Polar Bears are rarely encountered on the west coast. A cruise around north or east Greenland would be the only chance of spotting them.

Northern Lights and Midnight Sun

The midnight sun is a summer experience to witness in Greenland. In the Arctic Circle, from early June to the middle of July, the sun lays low on the night horizon backlighting the landscape with a golden glow.

The midnight sun shines goldenly over icebergs in the sea near Ilulissat.
Midnight Sun, Ilulissat / Photo courtesy Vincent Edlinger

Visible only in the darkest of skies, the Aurora Boreal is another natural phenomenon to watch in Greenland. You can chase the Northern Lights on guided excursions in the wildernesses around Sisimiut, Ilulissat, and Kangerlussuaq.

From September to March, there’s a good chance of seeing the Aurora, more so in the depths of winter. If you don’t fancy braving the freezing Arctic night, the swirling green lights can even be seen in town just by stepping outdoors.

Greenlandic Cuisine

Traditional Greenlandic foods are reindeer, muskox, lamb and hare, fresh fish, shrimps and sea mammals, wild berries and herbs. Most fruit and greens are imported so expensive.

7 or 10-Day Itinerary For Visiting Greenland

Although you can get a taste of Greenland on a 2-day round flight trip, you’ll only be visiting one destination. Seven days is really the minimum time needed for a tour of southwest Greenland, or 9 days if you’re including Kangerlussuaq.

The best 7-day itinerary for seeing southwest Greenland is from Iceland. The same itinerary can be followed from Denmark and you can include a couple of days in Kangerlussuaq at the beginning or end, and add an extra day in Ilulissat making it a 9 or 10-day trip.

This itinerary is perfect for a summer trip to Greenland using a combination of flights and the coastal ferry. You can of course go for much longer!

Nuuk (2 nights).
Fly to Nuuk from Reykjavik (3h 20m approx.) or via Kangerlussuaq if you’re coming from Denmark.
Flight to Sisimuit with Air Greenland.

Sisimiut (2 nights + 1 night coastal ferry).
The coastal ferry departs from Sisimiut on Saturday at 7 pm and arrives in Ilulissat on Sunday at 3.30 pm.

Ilulissat (2 nights).
Direct flight back to Reykjavik or fly to Kangerlussuaq.

Kangerlussuaq (2 nights).
Stay in Kangerlussuaq for 2 nights, then flight to Copenhagen with Air Greenland.

  • Direct international flights from Iceland to Nuuk and Ilulissat.
  • Kangerlussuaq has direct flights to Denmark.
  • National flights to Sisimiut from Nuuk or Kangerlussuaq.

* This information is based on the 2024 schedule, check ferry times and sailing dates on the official site.
* See Air Greenland and Icelandair for flight information.

Cost of Travelling Around Greenland

Here’s an idea of the prices you can expect in Greenland (2024).

Kangerlussuaq to Ilulissat or Nuuk daily flights from 170€.
Nuuk flight to Sisimuit daily from 170€.
Ferry Sisimiut to Ilulissat from 120€.

As a rough guide, the estimated cost for a 7-night self-arranged trip around southwest Greenland would be 2500€, or 3000€ for 9 nights, per person (not including the international flights).

For budget orientated idea of costs without scrimping, calculate 150€ per night (ensuite double room or apartment), 100€ pp per day for food, and 700€ pp for some cool activities (whale-watching, dog sledding, Epi glacier tour, and Ice Sheet trip for example).

Tours often depend on the time of year, as does the clothing you’ll need to wear.

Useful Info for Visiting Greenland

Greenland lies between the North Atlantic Ocean and the Arctic Ocean – Photo Wikimedia

How to Get to Greenland

As you can see on the Google Map below, Greenland is located in the Arctic and North Atlantic oceans, between Canada and Iceland in northern Europe.

Click on this Interactive Google Map to see where Greenland is located in the World.

Best Time to Visit Greenland

Greenland is known for its cold climate so, if you’re thinking of taking a trip to Greenland, you’ll be wondering about the weather, and the best time of year to go.

While Greenland’s temperatures can get frigid, there is very little precipitation. This is why Greenland is known as a tundra, or essentially, a cold desert. Wild whortleberry bushes, Dwarf Birch trees, and lichen brighten a white landscape where little vegetation grows.

Temperature averages can vary in a territory as large as Greenland. Winter daytime lows dip to -18ºC in the north, though it can get much colder at times. Summer daytime temperatures may reach 6ºC, which is quite mild for this arctic environment.

The milder summer months are the ideal time to visit Greenland weatherwise, as thermometers plunge from September to May when it rarely exceeds freezing.

Wintertime has a natural charm of its own. The best time of year to witness the Northern Lights in Greenland is actually in the winter, specifically between September and March, when the nights are longest.

What to Wear in Greenland

Depending on the time of year you’ll need different gear for a trip to Greenland. A windbreaker, thermal clothes and layering are the trick. For winter adventure activities, special clothing and boots can often be hired from a local tour operator. Summertime is warmer but come prepared with long-sleeved tops, trousers and head nets as mosquitos can be a nuisance.

As you’ll see, Greenland is a majestic ice world, an extraordinary destination in the heart of the Arctic, and a once-in-a-lifetime experience, is it on your must-see list?

International Airports and Flights to Greenland

  • Icelandair, Air Greenland and Air Nunavuk (Canadian charter).
  • Kangerlussuaq International Airport (SFJ).
  • Godthaab / Nuuk Airport (GOH) 3.7 km from the city centre.
  • Ilulissat Airport (JAV) 2.8 km from the city centre.
  • Narsarsuaq Airport (UAK) in southern Greenland

Currency in Greenland

The Danish Krone (DKK) is the currency used in Greenland, the same as mainland Denmark.

There are ATMs in the main Greenland towns, and most hotels, restaurants and shops accept credit cards. Remember bring to bring some Danish Krone in cash when visiting smaller settlements.

Tourist Visa

Visiting Greenland is straightforward for many nationalities. Nordic passport holders are visa-free. Tourists from Schengen countries, the UK, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, and the USA, among others, do not need a visa to visit Greenland, you’ll be given a tourist visa on arrival.

Requirements for a short-stay visa to Greenland can be checked on the Danish Immigration New to Denmark website. It includes a list of countries with visa requirements and visa-free nations. Greenland is not a member of the EU – you must apply for a Greenland tourist visa separately, as well as a Schengen visa for visiting/transiting Iceland or Denmark if you need one.

You should also have a return or onward flight, proof of accommodation, necessary funds for length of stay, and travel insurance.


Greenland Photo Credits

  • Photos of the Greenland Ice Sheet and Kangerlussuaq by Kristen Czudak;
  • Shots of Nuuk and Sisimiut are courtesy of Julie Nielsen or ceded by members of the Nature in Greenland Facebook photography group;
  • A special thanks to Vincent Edg for the unique photographs of Ilulissat and the Icefjord wildlife which were taken in August on a once-in-a-lifetime journey to Greenland.

About the Authors

Kristen Czudak is a teacher from Canada. An active traveller who runs the annual Polar Circle Marathon over the Greenland Ice Sheet, you can see what she’s up to on her adventurous travel blog Yonderlust Ramblings.

Julie Nielsen in front of her great-grandfather's home, the Govenor's House in Sismiut, Greenland.

Julie Nielsen is a teacher and descendent of Greenland pioneers, who lives near Copenhagen in Denmark. This is a photo of Julie in front of her late great-grandfather’s home, the Colonial Manager’s House in Sisimiut.


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A nature lover’s 7-day itinerary for Alaska. Discover why you should visit Alaska once in a lifetime, where to see nature and wildlife, how to get around, where to stay, and best times of year to go.

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7-day South Island Itinerary (New Zealand)

Lupins at Lake Tekapo on South Island NZ.

Our helpful New Zealand South Island itinerary: a 7-day nature-lovers itinerary to see the most beautiful country in the world.

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South Island Campervan Road Trip (New Zealand)

New Zealand South Island road trip itinerary to Mount Cook.

Explore the incredible landscape of New Zealand’s South Island by campervan. This 14 day road trip itinerary takes you through some of the most impressive natural attractions in New Zealand. Read more…


Awesome Places to Visit in Alberta (Canada)

Alpine scenery at Waterton Lakes National Park in Alberta, Canada.

Alberta is one of Canada’s 10 provinces, a vast land of diverse landscapes where you can find snow-capped mountain peaks, rolling grasslands, dinosaur-bearing badlands, and unending boreal forests.

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Best Destinations to Visit in Northern Europe in December

The best places to visit in Northern Europe in December. Where to go and what to see on a short winter break to the Nordic Countries and the Baltic States.

Discover the icy landscapes of Lapland, Santa’s Village, Christmas Markets and New Year’s Festivities, the Capital Cities of Europe’s extreme north, and the Northern Lights! Read more…


Magical Places to Visit in December (Eastern Europe)

Eastern Europe and the Balkans are spectacular destinations to visit in December. When winter approaches and the temperatures dip, the fun is about to begin.

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