Greenland is a hidden gem waiting to be uncovered. With year-round appeal and a host of excellent tour operators, crafting your own adventure or tapping into local expertise promises an unforgettable experience. Whether you venture solo or with a guide, Greenland’s allure is undeniable.
As you traverse this stunning land—whether you find yourself nestled in a tent atop a mountain, racing across a glacier on a dog sled, or sipping a refreshing beer while watching icebergs drift by—you will be captivated by the breathtaking beauty that surrounds you.
Nuuk’s new international airport, opening this November 2024, facilitates easier access to this remarkable destination. The terminal is a captivating fusion of Scandinavian and traditional Inuit architecture, outfitted with essential amenities—from ATMs and cafés to a duty-free shop. With its extended runway, the airport is set to welcome flights from an array of global locations, including Canada, Denmark, and Iceland, paving the way for seamless connections across Europe and North America.
Your Greenland Travel Itinerary
Our extensive travels throughout Greenland—both as curious explorers and as contributors to the Bradt guidebook—have led us to connect with numerous locals passionate about showcasing their homeland. These ventures have allowed us to partake in activities and locations that would have otherwise remained undiscovered, thanks to the hospitality and knowledge shared by the proud Greenlanders we met.
Many often ask when the best time to visit is and what sights they should prioritize. In truth, a one-size-fits-all itinerary simply doesn’t exist; it hinges on your personal interests. However, we’ve compiled a selection of itineraries that offer a taste of Greenland’s diverse offerings.
The Arctic Circle
Day 1 – Arrive in Kangerlussuaq, situated just north of the Arctic Circle, via direct flight or connecting through Nuuk.
Day 2 – Venture across the tundra to the ice sheet, spotting reindeer and musk oxen along the way. Embrace the experience by walking on the ice with crampons and poles, and for the adventurous, consider camping under the stars on the ice itself.
Day 3 – Return to Kangerlussuaq and catch a flight to Sisimiut.
Days 4 & 5 – In Sisimiut, indulge in whale watching, hiking, or basking in the summer’s midnight sun. In winter, traverse the backcountry on snowmobiles, skis, or dog sleds, with a good chance of witnessing the northern lights. Don’t miss the remarkable dining experience at the Nasaasaaq Restaurant; it truly stands out.
Day 6 – Fly back to Kangerlussuaq for your return flight or continue on to Nuuk.
Nuuk
Day 1 – Touch down at Nuuk’s new airport, just a short drive from Greenland’s capital.
Day 2 – Embark on a city tour, perhaps following the Nuuk Arts Trail. Visit the National Museum to view the Qilakitsoq mummies, and in the evening, explore Godthaab Bryghus brewery followed by dinner.
Day 3 – Spend a day navigating Nuuk Fjord with Nuuk Water Taxi, stopping at the serene village of Kapisillit. Don’t forget to catch some fish and take your catch to the Unicorn restaurant for dinner.
Day 4 – Depart homeward.
South Greenland
Day 1 – Fly into Narsarsuaq.
Day 2 – Discover the impressive museum before hiking to Hospital Valley. For the adventurous, guided trips to the ice sheet are available.
Day 3 – A short boat ride takes you to Qassiarsuk for a guided tour of Erik the Red’s farmstead and church.
Days 4 & 5 – Explore the region via walking or horseback riding to one of the numerous sheep farms, where you can stay overnight.
Day 6 – Return to Qassiarsuk before traveling down the fjord to Qaqortoq, either by boat or a scheduled helicopter from Narsarsuaq.
Day 7 – Dedicate a day to exploring Qaqortoq, strolling the Stone and Man sculpture trail, and sampling the local cafés.
Day 8 – A boat trip will take you to Nanortalik, stopping at the Uunartoq hot springs, or opt for a helicopter ride to capture stunning aerial views of mountains, fjords, and glaciers.
Day 9 – Discover Nanortalik’s colonial harbor and open-air museum before venturing up the Tasermiut Fjord. If time allows, consider a stay in a secluded cabin near Tasiusaq.
Day 10 – Either take a boat or helicopter back to Nanortalik, then make your way to Narsarsuaq for your flight home.
Winter in East Greenland
Day 1 – Fly to Kulusuk, either directly from Iceland or from Nuuk, then board a scheduled Air Greenland helicopter to Tasiilaq, where you can enjoy a leisurely stroll through town.
Day 2 – Experience a snowmobile journey to Tiilerilaaq, visiting the small settlement and marveling at views over the Sermilik Fjord, within sight of the ice sheet.
Day 3 – Spend a full day dog sledding across Ammassalik Island’s backcountry, with an enchanting night spent in an igloo, perfect for catching glimpses of the northern lights.
Day 4 – Return to Tasiilaq on your dog sled, taking time to ice fish along the way. Afterward, indulge in a Kaffemik with local Inuit families and savor East Greenlandic delicacies.
Day 5 – Depart from Tasiilaq by helicopter to connect with your flight out of Kulusuk.
Ilulissat and Disko Bay
Day 1 – Arrive in Ilulissat.
Day 2 – Board a boat for a magnificent journey around stunning icebergs and the fjord leading to the Jakobshavn Glacier. For a unique perspective, consider a helicopter tour and, if luck smiles on you, spot some whales.
Day 3 – Hike to the impressive Icefjord Visitor Centre, following marked trails along the UNESCO-listed Icefjord.
Day 4 – Travel by boat or helicopter across Disko Bay to Qeqertarsuaq on Disko Island, keeping an eye out for whales and icebergs during the journey.
Day 5 – Engage in activities like hiking or exploring black-sand beaches in summer; in winter, try dog sledding or snowmobiling.
Day 6 – Make another boat or helicopter journey across to Aasiaat.
Day 7 – Experience kayaking through sheltered waterways or embark on a sea safari to see whales and try your hand at fishing. Winter guests can enjoy cross-country skiing or learn to ice fish.
Day 8 – Fly back to Nuuk to connect with your homeward flight.
Unique Experiences
Greenland is a vast expanse, stretching roughly 2,670 kilometers from north to south—nine times larger than the UK and three times the size of Texas. Largely unexplored by tourists, it presents unique moments that every traveler should consider for their journey.
For further inspiration, keep an eye out for our forthcoming guide to Greenland.
Enjoy the Ice
The glacial landscapes in Greenland are unlike any other on the planet. Here, you can step from town directly onto an ice sheet that seems to stretch into infinity, while the colossal icebergs resembling skyscrapers float past your window. At the Eqi Glacier, you might even be lulled to sleep by the crack of icebergs calving from the glacier’s face.
Ilulissat, with its UNESCO World Heritage Site Icefjord, serves as the prime starting point for ice exploration, while Kangerlussuaq offers easy access to the ice sheet’s edge, providing an unparalleled opportunity to engage with this natural wonder.
Go Dog Sledding
To embrace the essence of traditional Greenlandic culture, consider a dog sledding journey with a skilled musher. With over 17,000 sled dogs in Greenland, this method of transport has been integral to Inuit life for thousands of years.
Above the Arctic Circle, numerous locations invite you to explore via dog sled—ranging from short excursions to multi-day journeys allowing for overnight stays in igloos. The thrill of gliding silently over the snow, led by a team of dogs expertly handled by their musher, is simply unforgettable.
Explore the Natural Landscape
Greenland’s vast and untouched wilderness represents a true natural wonder. With only 56,000 residents, you’re never far from the stunning outdoors. Majestic hills, towering mountains, serene fjords, and immense glaciers form the breathtaking horizons that define this captivating country.
With no roads connecting the settlements, you can opt to stay in a cozy cabin nestled by a fjord, immersing yourself in the wilderness. Whether you choose to walk, snowshoe, ski, kayak, climb, or simply fish, you’re bound to find tranquility amidst the raw beauty of Greenland. This land offers a unique escape for those seeking to rejuvenate their body, mind, and spirit.
Look Up at the Sky
Greenland’s skies hold a captivating allure year-round. During the summer, the low midnight sun casts vibrant colors across the horizon, rendering icebergs a palette of pink and orange hues.
From late September through early April, the mesmerizing dance of the northern lights—swaying shades of green, yellow, and even red—illuminates the dark sky. With little light pollution, you can witness this celestial display without wandering far from town. For a more immersive experience, consider a boat ride, snowmobile adventure, or a dog sled excursion into the backcountry, or spend a night at the Igloo Lodge or Aurora Cabins at Hotel Arctic.
Dive Beneath the Surface
The waters surrounding Greenland bustle with life, attracting a variety of fish, seals, and whales. Join a sea safari boat (departing from Nuuk, Aasiaat, or Ilulissat) for a chance to spot these magnificent creatures—sometimes even from the shore or your hotel window.
From May to September, thirteen whale species, including humpbacks and narwhals, inhabit Greenland’s waters.
Learn About Inuit Culture
While the dramatic scenery draws visitors to Greenland, it is the resilience and warmth of its people that leaves a lasting impression. This isn’t a barren land; it’s home to a rich culture where Inuit communities thrive against nature’s challenges.
With excellent museums in Nuuk, Sisimiut, and Ilulissat, you’ll gain insight into the vast stories of Inuit history. A simple conversation over coffee with a Greenlander can reveal the intricacies of daily life and culture.
The Best Places to Visit
Ilulissat and Disko Bay
This region tops the list for tourists, renowned for easy access to iconic icebergs within the UNESCO-listed Ilulissat Icefjord. Whale watching opportunities abound, and the bay frequently offers boat and air connections to Disko Island, known for its hiking trails and black beaches. North of the Arctic Circle, you can enjoy both the midnight sun in summer and chase the northern lights in winter.
Nuuk and Nuuk Fjord
With international flights slated to begin in late 2024, Nuuk, the nation’s small capital, acts as a gateway to Greenland’s culture, filled with museums, art galleries, and a range of accommodations and restaurants. Despite its modern amenities, the capital provides a stark reminder of its remote setting, highlighted by boat trips along one of the world’s largest fjords.
Kangerlussuaq and Sisimiut
Kangerlussuaq stands out as a wildlife haven and a convenient launching point for visiting the ice sheet. The 165km Arctic Circle trail is a backpacker’s dream, while Sisimiut showcases quintessential Greenlandic charm, offering easy access to backcountry adventures by snowmobile or dog sled.
South Greenland
South Greenland boasts the mildest climate in the country. Just across the fjord from Narsarsuaq airport lies Qassiarsuk, where Erik the Red once established his homestead—now a piece of the Kujataa UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here, you can travel on foot or horseback across hills, staying the night at sheep farms.
Discover Qaqortoq, our favorite town, renowned for its local artists, or retreat to the serene Tasermiut Fjord, where you can unwind and let your worries fade.
East Greenland
Venture to Greenland’s eastern coast, often overlooked by tourists and even home to its own dialect. Arriving in Kulusuk, a helicopter ride will transport you over mountain ridges to Tasiilaq, where winter activities include dog sledding, ice cave visits, igloo accommodations, and snowshoe excursions. Summer, on the other hand, invites kayaking, hiking, glacial exploration, and whale watching. Further north lies the world’s largest National Park and an expansive fjord region—plus, don’t forget the polar bears!
If you’re pondering an extended European tour, check out our guide to winter travel in Iceland.
The Practicalities
When Is the Best Time to Visit Greenland?
If your plans include dog sledding, snowshoeing, heli-skiing, or snowmobiling, autumn through spring is ideal, with the northernmost regions extending the season for these activities. Wildlife viewing, kayaking, horse riding, and hiking shine during spring, summer, and autumn. For those hoping to experience the midnight sun, be sure to venture north of the Arctic Circle around midsummer.
Many pursuits—be it fishing, birdwatching, photography, or exploring museums and galleries—are available year-round. Greenlanders cherish the outdoors, resulting in an abundance of activities being offered based on weather conditions.
Before setting off, review the latest travel advice for Greenland.
Travelling to Greenland
There are currently six international air gateways to Greenland—Nuuk, Ilulissat, Narsarsuaq, Kulusuk, and Nelerit Inaat (Constable Point), which serves as the remote entry to the National Park. As Nuuk airport emerges as the largest international conduit to Greenland, most flights originate from Denmark or Iceland, with a single weekly connection from northern Canada. A comprehensive list of Greenlandic airports can be found here.
Traveling in Greenland differs vastly from typical journeys elsewhere; there are no roads beyond the settlements, and even the capital has no direct road access. All inter-settlement travel occurs by boat or via domestic flights—either by plane or helicopter. Consequently, travel expenses can be significant; it’s wise to concentrate your visit on one or two regions for a more profound exploration. Though the costs may add up, the journey itself becomes an adventure: witnessing the stunning vistas from a helicopter above vast fjords and island-studded coastlines is a sight to behold. An especially enjoyable option is the Arctic Umiaq Boat, connecting thirteen settlements along the west coast.
More Information
Visit Greenland, a government initiative, passionately promotes the country’s adventures and the wealth of opportunities awaiting visitors to the world’s largest island.
Air Greenland, the national airline, has been in operation for nearly 65 years, facilitating flights to and within Greenland from Denmark, Iceland, and Nunavut in Northern Canada, as well as an extensive domestic network boasting over 60 destinations.
Greenland Travel’s package tours align with the following seasonal patterns: Summer (June–August), Autumn (September–November), Winter (December–mid-April), and Spring (May). Dates may vary since Greenland spans 2,000 kilometers from north to south; while summer thrives in the south, the approach of fall and winter lingers in the north.
For further insights, keep an eye on our forthcoming guide to Greenland.
