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  • Two hikers at a camp in East Greenland preparing dinner. By Mads Pihl

How to cope with the mosquitoes

We have to admit it. When the midnight sun is over Greenland, the mosquitoes can also be found in the sky. Here are five good tips on how to cope with them.

1. GREENLANDERS’ NATURAL FAVOURITE

A completely non-toxic and free way in which to keep mosquitoes away is the Greenlanders’ favourite. The local secret is the leaves from Labrador tea (qajaasat). Take the leaves and rub them between your hands and apply the juice to your face and other bare areas.

2. ENJOY THE FOG

Basically all Greenlandic towns are located right by the sea. On warm summer days, fog can be seen waiting a few kilometres out over the sea.

Once the evening comes, the fog often rolls in and the temperature drops. That makes the mosquitoes cold. So on those days when your adventure does not invite mountaineering, it’s all about enjoying and taking advantage of the fog.

Non-toxic and free way in which to keep mosquitoes away!

Continues further down the page...

Package Tours

Blue Ice Explorer: South Greenland Backpacking & hiking. 13 days

Blue Ice Explorer

South Greenland Backpacking & hiking. 13 days

A backpacking trip where you get off the beaten track! Experience life at sheep farms, settlements and the town Narsaq.

FROM €1,046
Blue Ice Explorer: Round trip & hiking. 10 days

Blue Ice Explorer

Round trip & hiking. 10 days

A cocktail that includes all of the highlights of South Greenland.

FROM €1,179
Greenland Travel: Summer impressions in Greenland

Greenland Travel

Summer impressions in Greenland

Greenland’s most popular sites: the Greenland Ice Sheet at Kangerlussuaq, the capital of Nuuk and, the world-famous Ilulissat Ice Fjord.

From €3,625
Disko Line: Day trip to Eqip Sermia

Disko Line

Day trip to Eqip Sermia

Experience the beautiful Eqi glacier that runs into the fjord north of Ilulissat.

FROM €327
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3. KEEP CLOSE TO THE SEA

No matter how good the weather is, you can find a breeze if you make your way to the sea. Hiking routes along the water are good places to avoid mosquitoes.

You could also try a sailing trip. Perhaps you will be so fortunate that the mosquitoes will be swapped with whales.

  • Mosquito Facts
    As soon as the night frost has released its grip, the mosquitoes begin to appear

  • Depending on where in the country you are, you can count on having mosquitoes as travelling companions from the middle of June until the end of August.

4. USE A MOSQUITO NET AND MOSQUITO REPELLENT

You will not look like a tourist if you wear a mosquito net and smell strongly of mosquito repellent. Because the locals do too.

Both items can be purchased in the majority of supermarkets and in souvenir shops throughout the country. However, you may find that they are sold out, so buying them at home before your adventure begins is a good idea.

5. TRAVEL TO A PLACE WHERE THERE ARE SHEEP

Even though mosquitoes thrive in most of South Greenland, they are hard to find around sheep farming locations. It is said that the mosquitoes simply cannot hatch in the water holes around the sheep.

So if you know that you cannot cope with the small swarms, then a farm holiday in the beautiful South Greenland countryside is perhaps the solution.

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

Editors' pick

Wooden path towards the icefjord. Photo by Ívar Eyþórssony - Visit Greenland

Top 5 Experiences in Ilulissat in 2023

Michelin food, beautiful hotel stays and award-winning architecture come to mind when you think of Greenland? Perhaps not, but it should!

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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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Camping under the sunset. Photo by Mark Hutchison

Camping and exploration logistics in Greenland

For packing a tent, booking a flight and heading into nature, the considerations for exploration logistics are where, when, how, and most importantly what are the risks and how to manage them?

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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.
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