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  • Runners in a row at Mt Quassussuaq. Photo - Rebecca Gustafsson , Visit Greenland

5 Ways to be Active in Greenland

For those who want to be active on holiday, or even want to travel specifically to participate in events, don’t miss this article!

OUR TOP RECOMMENDATIONS

In all honesty, there are dozens of opportunities for you to get your heart rate up in Greenland. Being physically active is part of the local mentality, especially in Nuuk. Season doesn’t matter – we might be running in town all year round, cross-country skiing after work in winter, and frequently inventing new races and challenges – just to keep things exciting.

HERE’S FIVE EXCITING WAYS YOU CAN JOIN IN THE ACTIVE LIFESTYLE IN GREENLAND AS A TRAVELER.

Being physically active is part of the local mentality.

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Package Tours

Secret Atlas: Scoresby Sund Northern Lights Photo Tour

Secret Atlas

Scoresby Sund Northern Lights Photo Tour

Encounter the majestic beauty of Scoresby Sund under the Northern Lights. Small group photo expedition with Virgil Reglioni & 12 Guests.

FROM €9,900
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
Greenland by Topas – Summer tour: Disko Island, Icebergs and Eqi Glacier

Greenland by Topas

Summer tour: Disko Island, Icebergs and Eqi Glacier

Experience Disko Island’s glaciers, Disko Bay’s huge icebergs and legendary whales, then further north, Eqi Glacier's deafening calving events.

FROM €3,617
Blue Ice Explorer – South Greenland 5 days – active

Blue Ice Explorer

South Greenland 5 days – active

The famous blue icebergs of South Greenland and the charming village of Igaliku are just some of the highlights of this trip.

FROM €597
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1. Nuukkap Extreme Running Race

Learn more about the event

NuukKap is an extreme ultra running race held in the wild arctic nature. The route is 110 km of wild untouched nature. You can also run or wander 70 km from Nuuk to Qooqqut which is where the 110 km wanders will stay overnight.

2. RUN THE POLAR CIRCLE MARATHON

Learn more about the event

Also known as the ‘coolest marathon on earth’, pun intended, this Arctic foot race checks a lot of bucket list boxes in just 42,2 km – crossing the Arctic Circle, feeling the immensity of the Greenland Ice Sheet which is one of only two in the world, and, of course, being part of the elite fraction of the world’s population who has tried such an endeavor. Let’s just say, when you’re finished, a leisurely stroll to hunt for northern lights in the autumn sky will be well-deserved!

Want to start with simply standing on the Greenland Ice Sheet?

Thanks to a gravel road that runs directly from the town of Kangerlussuaq, this vast ice cap can be experienced with far less effort than a marathon requires. Local tour companies drive with all-terrain vehicles and drop you off nearly at the ice’s edge. And if you want to play polar explorer, you can spend the night on the massive glacier with a guide at Camp Ice Cap.

3. LIFT HEAVY AT CROSSFIT INUA

If you’re a CrossFitter, you know what skipping a WOD can feel like. Luckily you don’t have to when you’re in Nuuk thanks to CrossFit Inua, Greenland’s only affiliate. The box’s mentality is to take both training and camaraderie seriously, so every class starts with walking around and greeting the people you don’t know before you start loading the bar. This year, 23 members from CrossFit Inua are competing in the worldwide CrossFit Games. Buy your drop-in card and come train with them, the coaches, and the entire CrossFit Inua network.

  • Want to simply use a gym? There are two public gyms in town – Nuuk Fitness and Fitness GL – both of which have short-term memberships available for purchase.

4. SKI THE ARCTIC CIRCLE RACE

Learn more about the event

In three days in the Sisimiut backcountry you can learn more about your endurance and physical and mental strength than in maybe one year at home. The skiers alongside you are every bit as tough as the rough, real and remote nature that surrounds you all, and gaining energy from each other while pushing through 160 km of mountainous terrain is what the annual Arctic Circle Race is all about.

Just want to have fun in fresh pow?

Bring your skis (or take our rentals) to the backcountry tracks or downhill pistes in Sisimiut and Nuuk. There’s also endless unrestricted ski territory over in East Greenland for you to make your own path.

5. Icefjord midnight marathon! – Run in the light of night!

Learn more about the event

Imagine yourself running by the breathtaking scenery of the Ilulissat Icefjord under the midnight sun. Especially if you are an active night owl, you don’t want to miss this event. If you prefer daytime, this event is still for you as the midnight sun will give you the energy you need to stay up late.

OTHER WAYS TO BE ACTIVE IN GREENLAND

  • There is an indoor swimming center in Nuuk called Malik.
  • Greenlanders are natural cross-trainers, participating in a wide selection of activities from relay races and trail runs to reindeer hunting and skiing.
  • Female Greenlanders are especially active. 82% of women are active (versus 75% of men) and at CrossFit Inua, for example, 61% of members are women.

Explore related articles, offers and tour providers:

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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

https://visitgreenland.com

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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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Visit Greenland
Hans Egedesvej 29
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