If you’re looking for a trip that’s out of the ordinary, Greenland is the place to go. The area between the Arctic and Atlantic Oceans is home to about 56,000 people.
Greenland may be a great destination for the growing number of travelers in search of authentic adventures and outdoor pursuits. The government of Nuuk is excited to welcome visitors when a new international airport opens in the city in 2024.
Icelandair’s revised flight schedules will greatly simplify travel arrangements to the country. Connecting in Copenhagen or Reykjavik was a pain for North Americans heading to Greenland. This summer, Icelandair will link Keflavik International Airport in Iceland with Greenland’s airports in Nuuk and Ilulissat.
Dog sledding, the northern lights, the ice, the people, and the whales are the five things that no traveler to Greenland should miss. If you visit Greenland and don’t engage in at least two or three of these activities, you’re missing out on the true Greenlandic experience.
FIRST STOP: DOG-SLEDDING IN GREENLAND
Dog sledding is not only a fun activity for tourists and locals alike, but also a convenient way to get across the icy terrain of Greenland. Dog sleds and snowmobiles are the main modes of transportation in Greenland due to the lack of paved roads. While rides on a dog sled may be a necessity for residents, tourists nevertheless enjoy them.
You can explore the countryside, learn about Inuit culture, and give your body a good workout by taking a dog sled trip across Greenland and trying to drive it yourself. Snow, ice, and the sky are all you can see, with the occasional house or animal. This is the sort of stuff that may make you feel like you’re the only living thing in the entire universe.
SECOND STOP: SEEING THE NORTHERN LIGHTS IN GREENLAND
The northern lights, or Aurora Borealis, are a spectacular natural phenomenon that may be witnessed in Greenland. There is no specific preparation required, but there are several things you should know before you go. The most important aspect is the clothes you wear. You should bundle up as the northern lights are an outdoor show, but there’s no need to get too dressed up.
No tickets or reservations are needed, so all you have to do is show up. The sky will be lighted up by long strings of vivid colors if you merely stand in the middle of the roadway and look up.
WHEN TO SEE THE NORTHERN LIGHTS IN GREENLAND
Colors of magenta, scarlet, green, and blue float above a black or dark blue sky. If you’re visiting Greenland between September and April, dress warmly and go out at night to enhance your chances of witnessing this renowned beauty.
THIRD STOP: ICE AND SNOW IN GREENLAND
The importance of Greenland’s ice and snow should come as no surprise. Every flat surface, building, and plant is blanketed with a fine white powder that can’t be missed on a walk or when looking out a window. Instead of just staring out the window at the snow, though, you should get out and experience it for yourself.
This section can be combined with other excursions like dog sledding or visiting the island’s enormous Ice Sheet. If the weather is right, you can watch an iceberg being pushed into Ilulissat Icefjord by a large glacier.
The significance of snow and ice to the Inuit way of life is often overlooked by visitors. Cold, snow, and ice are constant companions in their daily lives, especially when it comes to movement. Seeing the ice and snow for yourself is a great way to learn about the Inuit and their culture.
FOURTH STOP: MEET THE INUITS OF GREENLAND
When in Greenland, you should make an attempt to engage the natives in conversation. The Inuits continue to live one of the few human societies that is still mostly in tune with nature. Many Inuits still depend on hunting and fishing for food and income. They feed on many different animals, including seals and whales.
The Inuits like socializing with others very much. If an Inuit invites you to “Kaffemik,” a daily meeting for coffee and cake, you never know how many people will show up. Since everyone is free to invite anybody they like, it’s not uncommon for a residence to be always bustling with visitors.
You can learn more about Inuit culture by staying with a local family rather than at a hotel or motel. You may expect to eat and sleep with your host family, and if you ask nicely, you may even be welcomed along on hunting and fishing trips.
FIFTH STOP: WHALE WATCHING IN GREENLAND
Greenland’s waters aren’t the only ones where you can see whales, but you won’t get a better glimpse at these magnificent mammals anywhere else. Enjoy a cruise across the Arctic Ocean with your binoculars at the ready.
Everyone on board and in the water will remain quiet as they keep a close ear out for the sounds of a newborn whale, a breaching whale, or a whale’s tail. There’s a good chance that you’ll see a whale or two, and you might even be able to observe them as they swim alongside the coast right next to your boat.
Greenland is plenty of exciting activities including hiking, heli-skiing, kayaking, skiing, snowmobiling, and climbing, but these five will give you a good introduction.
WHEN TO GO TO GREENLAND
Greenland is accessible year-round, but more aircraft operate in the summer. Visit during the summer to see the midnight sun, or in the winter to see the northern lights and learn about the Inuit holiday traditions.
TIPS FOR VISITING GREENLAND
The United States, the European Union, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Japan, and a number of other countries in central Europe and Latin America exempt their citizens from the need for a visa to enter Greenland. A work visa is required if your stay will be more than 90 days.