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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: Icefjord Cruise

Disko Line

Icefjord Cruise

Get closer to the impressive Greenlandic nature with Icefjord Cruise.

FROM €93
Bowhunting Greenland: Muskox Hunting

Bowhunting Greenland

Muskox Hunting

Bowhunting Greenland offers quality Muskox hunting with helicopter transfers for big mature trophies in our remote concession area.

FROM $5,500
Blue Ice Explorer: Easy hiking. 8 days

Blue Ice Explorer

Easy hiking package. 8 days

Tour package for individual travellers in the best hiking area in Greenland! Accommodation at farms and in settlements.

FROM €754
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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

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Editors' pick

Stella Davidsen Olsen from Kangerlussuaq. Dogsledge musher. Photo by Aningaaq R. Carlsen, Visit Greenland

Know the story of Greenlandic women

Greenlandic women have always played a decisive role in society, and we will highlight them in celebration of International Women’s Day, 8 March.

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Two snowmobilers on pause in Sisimiut. Photo by Kim Insuk - Visit Greenland

Fulfil your winter wishes in April in Greenland

Come and visit Sisimiut in April and enjoy dogsledding, Arctic Sounds, and Arctic Spa that you have been longing for.

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Immersing overwelmed by the surroundings. Photo by Aningaaq Rosing Carlsen - Visit Greenland

Editor’s guide: How to spend 4 days in East Greenland

An occupational hazard as an editor is that I read about and collect the most beautiful bucket list destinations, and East Greenland has long been one of mine.

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Paninnguaq Pikilak. Inuit tattoos. Photo by Aningaaq Rosing Carlsen - Visit Greenland

A guide to Inuit Tattoos in Greenland

Inuit tattoos have had a revival in recent years, with many young people, among others, breathing life into the traditional lines. However, it has deep roots in Inuit communities, both spiritually and culturally.

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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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