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  • Two travelers reading on a bench overlooking icebergs in the Ilulissat ice fjord in Greenland. Photo by Mads Pihl

Why Greenland may not be for you

A quick guide on how and when to travel to Greenland

It’s usually around this time of the year where media and tourist destinations try to convince you to visit their tropical island, city or ski resort, because it is the biggest, prettiest, flashiest, or <insert any adjective> place to have a holiday.

This year, we thought that we’d try something different, and re-acknowledge the already known fact that Greenland is not for everyone. In fact, if you are planning on visiting Greenland, it would be helpful if you were aware of what you’re getting into.

Don’t get us wrong, Greenland is a very special destination that will give you experiences hard to replicate elsewhere, but there’s also some things not always in our control. So don’t come to Greenland unless….

"The Arctic is a place where you can’t always be in charge of it all."

Continues further down the page...

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
Blue Ice Explorer: Plan your own holiday in Greenland

Blue Ice Explorer

Plan your own holiday in South Greenland

Are you dreaming and going to South Greenland and would you prefer to plan your own trip?

FROM €55
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
Greenland Tours: Best of the West

Greenland Tours

Best of the West

8 days exploring Disko Bay incl. Disko Island and visit to the Greenland Ice Cap

FROM €1,825
Show More

YOU’RE WILLING TO BE FLEXIBLE

Being open-minded when traveling is important no matter where you go, but the Arctic is a place where you can’t always be in charge of it all.

For example, the same weather conditions that produce enough snow for dog sledding, might also give you a day where you are better off staying indoors.

TIP:

So go ahead and plan your trip as much as you like but be prepared for a few changes along the way – and maybe consider including a few days to relax so that you do Greenland the local way and tackle each day as it comes.

  • THINGS TO DO

    Use our ‘Things To Do’ guide to filter when you want to do it, where you want to go and what type of activities you can experience.

  • SUMMER ACTIVITIES

    Midnight sun, whale watching, icebergs, hiking, kayaking, climbing, culture related activities…

  • WINTER ACTIVITIES - DEPENDENT ON SNOW LEVELS

    Dog sledding, heliskiing, ice fishing, northern lights, trophy hunting…

YOU’RE OK TO HAVE A DIGITAL DETOX

You’re traveling to get to one of the most remote and least accessible countries in the world.

It’s the chance to unplug from the world wide web and get in touch with marvelous natural surroundings, yourself and your travel companions – and it’s probably better to come to Greenland with this mindset.

TIP:

If you need your internet fix it is still possible to purchase WiFi in most places albeit at a higher price than you’re likely used to. However, Nuuk library offers limited free internet access for all, and accommodations like the fine Hotel Arctic in Ilulissat, Hotel Qaqortoq, Vandrehuset and Hotel Hans Egede in Nuuk offer their guests free WiFi in their rooms!

YOU CAN PACK CREATIVELY

If you’ve booked your flight ticket, we can tell you already now: pack within the standard 20 kilo checked baggage guidelines of the carriers, for example the national airline Air Greenland.

Due to the fact that everything from food to dogs to plasma TVs are shipped or flown into Greenland, weight and space on aircrafts are precious.

Therefore, every kilo counts and is accounted for. You might get charged for even bringing a kilo or two extra in.

TIP:

Read the checked baggage guidelines.

Explore related articles, offers and tour providers:

  • Anytime
  • Cultural Experiences
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  • Summer
  • Winter

By Tanny Por

Tanny Por is Head of International Relations at Visit Greenland with responsibility for international market development, press and PR. She loves building and nurturing ideas and connections that will help to contribute to the sustainable tourism future of Greenland. Her favourite experience of Greenland is one winter in East Greenland where she saw purple northern lights overlooking the icefjord one completely silent evening!

https://thefourthcontinent.com/

Editors' pick

Aurora Cabins 3. Photo by Hotel Arctic

15 Unique places you can overnight in Greenland

Discover Greenland's Diverse Range of Unique Overnight Options: Glass Igloos, Beachfront Stays, Snow Igloos, and Glacier-View Huts.

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Smiling man on kayak. Photo - Jorgo Kokkinidis, Visit Greenland

Celebrating Our Achievements

We are humbled and thrilled to receive numerous prestigious awards that recognize our commitment to sustainable tourism and responsible travel.

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Interior of KOKS in Ilimanaq - Credits Simon Bajada

Top 10 gastronomical experiences in Greenland

Here is a Top 10 gastronomical experiences in Greenland that involves fresh Greenlandic produce and/or traditional Greenlandic food.

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A hunter trying to catch a little auk with a net on stone hill near Siorapaluk. Photo by Insuk - Visit Greenland

Discover Siorapaluk: Greenland’s northernmost settlement and the traditional delicacy Kiviaq

Experience Siorapaluk, Greenland's northernmost settlement. Witness Kiviaq-making and savor a North Greenlandic delicacy.

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