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Modern Greenland

Greenland still appears to have preserved its sense of identity as an indigenous nation with an indigenous people.

A SOCIETY FULL OF CONTRASTS

On arrival in Greenland, your eye will take in the crowded airports, busy fishing ports, high-rise buildings, modern enterprises, international car brands, educational institutions, cafés and cinemas.

These impressions are mixed with the stereotypical perception of a remote Arctic society that is only sparsely populated. Amazingly, Greenland is all of these things at once, and the contrast between old and new is striking.

PULSATING URBAN LIFE

Greenland is in many ways a country that has managed to retain its identity as an “original” country with an original population. It is also a fact that in small towns and settlements the primary source of income still comes from seal hunting, which today provides a living for some 2,500 people.

In small towns and settlements life is lived at a gentle pace a long way from the more “pulsating”- by Greenlandic standards – urban life which you can find in the three biggest towns Nuuk, Ilulissat and Sisimiut.

"Amazingly, Greenland is all of these things at once, and the contrast between old and new is striking."

Package Tours

Arctic Umiaq Line: Discover Greenland from the sea

Arctic Umiaq Line

Discover Greenland from the sea

The coastal ship Sarfaq Ittuk sails from southern Greenland up along Greenland’s west coast to Disko Bay.

FROM 500 DKK
Disko Line: Disko Bay from South to North

Disko Line

Disko Bay from South to North

A trip to Greenland where nature goes hand in hand with culture under the midnight sun.

FROM €1,889
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HIGH TECHNOLOGY AND PRODUCTION

Did you know that 98% of the population use advanced digital telecommunication services? Or that through Royal Greenland, Greenland is the world’s biggest supplier of coldwater prawns, and thereby has extensive experience of innovative product development, sustainable production and efficient distribution of quality products? And did you know that Greenland’s ice sheet is used today to produce Greenlandic beer as well as ice and water for export?

OWN POLITICAL GOVERNMENT

Greenland has had Home Rule since 1979 and Self Rule since 2009, which means that the country has assumed the political decisions and competencies that were previously issued from Denmark.

Greenland is now part of the Danish national community, and the two countries are still united on affairs concerning foreign and defence policy, currency and raw materials, the police and the courts.

When Self Rule was introduced on June 21st 2009, Greenlandic was made the nation’s official language, and other legal rights and benefits were introduced.

Today, Greenland is acquiring an increasingly international outlook in terms of politics and business – but the roots of the old traditions are not forgotten in either the major towns or the small settlements.

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By Visit Greenland

Behind Greenland's largest travel site is the Visit Greenland that is 100% owned by the Government of Greenland, who is responsible for marketing the country's adventures and opportunities for guests wishing to visit the world's largest island

http://visitgreenland.com

Editors' pick

Diving into the Nuuk fjord as the sun is setting. Photo by Peter Lindstrom - Visit Greenland

Editor’s tips for 2021

Greenland’s on your bucket list for the new year - or perhaps even the year after - but when is the best time to visit Greenland and what are useful things to know before going? What are things to do in Greenland in winter as opposed to summer?

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Disko Bay Steam in Ilulissat Ice Fjord. Photo - David Trood, Visit Greenland

Greenland vs Iceland: The Arctic Travel Battle

10 basic differences between Greenland and Iceland you should know before booking your vacation.

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A glacier hiker on the Greenland Ice Sheet kicking up ice on a sunny day near Kangerlussuaq. Photo by Mads Pihl - Visit Greenland.

8 Things You Can Only Find in Greenland and Nowhere Else

Here is a list of things that you can find ONLY in Greenland and nowhere else in the world.

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Arctic hare in Ittoqqortoormiit. Photo by Bo Normander.

Beautiful hike in Ittoqqortoormiit in East Greenland

A hike to the abandoned village of Uunarteq (Cape Tobin) offers incomparably beautiful Arctic nature, challenging terrain and close encounters with snow hares, eider ducks, sea urchins and, if you are lucky / unlucky, polar bears.

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Keep Exploring

Things to Do

Browse culture and nature (outdoor, hunting, fishing, cruises) related activities, as well as combination of both types.

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Read about practical information on how to get to Greenland, how to get around, when to travel or where to stay.

Destinations

Explore the regions and towns around Greenland and dig deeper into the experiences in each destination.

About Greenland

All about art, music, history, as well as animals, climate change and other interesting information about Greenland.

Visit Greenland

About Visit Greenland

Behind Greenland's largest travel site is the Visit Greenland that is 100% owned by the Government of Greenland, who is responsible for marketing the country's adventures and opportunities for guests wishing to visit the world's largest island.

The VisitGreenland.com website is created by Visit Greenland and Kathart Interactive.

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GREENLAND – contact us:

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P.O. Box 1615
3900 Nuuk
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Myths and Legends Mother of the Sea frozen. By David Trood Man sitting on a sled in North Greenland. By André Shoenherr Migration to Greenland
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