Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions by tourists in Greenland
We have compiled useful information and good advise for your visit in Greenland in our list of Frequently Asked Questions. We also encourage you to get in touch with your travel agent (if applicable) for more specific details about practical considerations regarding your itinerary.
What to bring and wear?
As the saying goes, there is no bad weather – it is only a question of dressing properly.
What to wear depends on the season, place, type and level of activity and the weather.
When hiking in Greenland it is often good to think on bringing multiple layers, so you can adjust accordingly to temperature and weather.
Take off layers when you are warm and put on layers when you are cold.
In general we advise you to bring:
Waterproof and breathable footwear with a good grip and support around your ankles.
Many places in Greenland you will find yourself walking on rocks, gravel or dirt tracks. Proper footwear may be the difference between great and bad experiences.
Rain- and windproof breathable clothing. Even on days with blue skies, the weather may change and the wind is almost always cool. A light and packable jacket allows you to wear it when needed.
Warm clothing, to wear if the temperature changes.
Warm and sheltering headwear. Your head is one of the main areas of warmth drain and should be covered in cold conditions. In high summer the sun can be very strong, and a hat or cap can come in handy.
Gloves. To protect your hands on the water and chilly days.
Sunglasses. The sun is very strong during summer and especially on the water
Sunscreen for exposed skin. In summer the air may feel cool, but the sun still burns
Mosquito net and repellent.
Especially in July and August. If you are allergic to insect bites, you should bring antihistamine.
Tipping and gratuity
All prices in Greenland include tips and gratuity.
If you find the service at a restaurant or by a guide to be good, gratuity is appreciated. How much you wish to give is entirely up to you.
Also feel free to express if the service exceeded your expectations, as this both encourages and makes the service provider conscious of what they are doing good.
How should i behave when meeting locals in Greenland?
Most people in Greenland welcome visitors and are in many cases just as curious as you are. For many visitors and locals the best experiences comes from meeting and engaging each other in a way that provides value for both. This can be from just a smile, a conversation to engaging in shared activities.
Even if a small Greenlandic village may seem like another world from your home, the general rule of conduct is basically not to behave in a way you would not at home.
There are however some special considerations as most settlements in Greenland are working areas and designed for local use. In North Greenland sled dogs are not pets and should never be approached.
You may find tools and equipment apparently lying around, but be sure it belongs to someone and has a purpose.
Ask your onboard-guides if there are special considerations before going a shore, and follow these simple advice:
Smile and say hello
Ask before you take pictures, and always respect a “no”
Talk to people, not about them
Respect local habits
If invited into a local’s home, always remember to take off your shoes before entering
Which credit card and currency can I use?
Danish kroner (DKK) is the valid currency in Greenland. Some souvenir shops may accept foreign currency, but only in notes. As a general rule it is always a good idea to bring cash in DKK, especially when visiting small towns and settlements.
The following credit cards are accepted in Cash Dispensers (ATMs): Visa, Mastercard, Eurocard, Diners, Dankort and American Express. Pin-code must be used to draw money.
Cash Dispensers (ATMs) are found in the following towns: Nanortalik, Narsaq, Qaqortoq, Paamiut, Nuuk, Maniitsoq, Sisimiut, Kangerlussuaq, Aasiaat, Qasigiannguit, Ilulissat, Qeqertarsuaq, Uummannaq, Upernavik, Tasiilaq.
Which temperature can I expect in Greenland?
The shear size of Greenland makes for considerable differences in climatic conditions from the South-west to the North-East. Even within the regions, there may be great differences, whether you are near the ocean or in the fjords, or between night and day.
Mean temperatures are only advisory and are averages over a period of years. You may encounter considerably colder or warmer temperatures on site. Check: dmi.dk)
Where can I find general guidelines on how to behave when I visit Greenland?
The association of Arctic Expedition Cruise Operators, AECO, have produced an informative and comprehensive information about best practices for visitors to the Arctic. For more information about guidelines when visiting the Arctic you can visit the AECO website.
How am I covered if I hurt myself or get sick?
There are hospitals in the towns and nursing clinics in the settlements.
If you use medication regularly it is recommended, that you bring your own medicine for the stay in Greenland.
Read here about rules governing health care provision for temporary residents in Greenland.
Are there places to shop in Greenland?
In larger towns in Greenland you may be surprised at the variety of shops and goods. There may only be a few shops, but the selection is wide. Often there are one or two larger super markets selling all from hardware to milk, and a selection of smaller specialized shops. In Nuuk you will find the first proper mall in Greenland.
In smaller towns and settlements the selection is smaller. Here there may only be a single store dealing in food, hunting equipment, fishing tackle and other items necessary. You may also find postcards and greenlandic handicrafts for sale here. The store also functions as post office and bank.
There is no VAT in Greenland, but as most goods must be either shipped or flown in, prices tend to be on par or a bit higher than in Northern Europe.
In Greenlandic shops prices are set and not for negotiation. This is also the case for most street vendors. Do not attempt to hackle unless expressly invited to.
Are there any special conditions of entry to Greenland?
If you do not need a visa for Denmark, you do not need a visa for Greenland.
If you need a visa to enter Denmark, please be aware that you need a special permit to enter Greenland, as Greenland is outside the Schengen agreement.
Make sure to note that you are traveling to Greenland, when applying for a visa.
Read more information on visa requirements for entering Greenland on the Danish Immigration Service’s homepage
Read more about Visa Requirements for Foreigners Visiting Greenland
Who and what can I photograph in Greenland?
PEOPLE & PLACES
People in Greenland are generally welcoming and friendly, and most people will enjoy being photographed. However, always ask before taking a photo and always respect a “no” or a gesture signaling no.
You are allowed to photograph in the public space, including photos of both the natural world, and public buildings.
However, please be considerate when photographing in public, and note that some destinations, especially in the Disko Bay area in and around Ilulissat, see a lot of visitors every year. This may at times make locals a little less forthcoming when you ask about taking their photograph.
WILDLIFE
When photographing wildlife of any species and size do not disturb, frighten, approach, or feed the animal in order to try and make it respond or move. Be patient and enjoy the moment – and accept that most natural wildlife shots require the kind of good timing which does not always happen in the spur of the moment on a quick visit.
OBJECTS & PLANTS
Also, leave everything in place where you find it, so please do not rearrange objects, plants or other features of the natural environment in order to get “the right shot”. The right shot is what is available in the context of the environment around you, and changing body position or camera angle is the wiser choice compared to physical intervention.
Can I fly a drone in Greenland?
Read more about drones here: https://visitgreenland.com/articles/flying-drones-in-greenland/
I would love to visit your beautiful country, can you please help me realise my dream?
(Answer applies to all unspecified destination-questions)
1. Yes! Greenland is geographically very big, so we suggest you have a look at our how to get started and have a look at the different destinations and activities to do. That’s a good start. Once you get a more specific picture of where you want to go, what time of year and what you want to do, you can contact your local travel specialist or choose a provider in the town you wish to visit here.
2. Please note that Visit Greenland is the national tourist board of Greenland: a non-profit corporation under the self-government of Greenland. We are not a tourist bureau and you cannot book your flights or tours at Visit Greenland, but here are places you can. We refer to local providers on our web page.
I want to go to (insert town name) can I go there?
We get many questions on specific activity inquiries. We have articles on each town here with links to the activity information for the specific town.
Each destination-page on the website has related providers at the bottom you can contact for more information and booking.
I plan to hike in Greenland, do you have any hiking tips for me?
1. When hiking keep the basic precautions in mind.
2. Unfortunately we do not sell hiking maps at the National Tourist Board, but to obtain hiking maps for Greenland, we will advise you to contact your local bookstore.
3. You can purchase gas canisters and cartridges of butane at the local stores – Pilersuisoq or Pisiffik or the gas stations called Polaroil in every town and village in Greenland.
4. You are allowed to camp in any site in Greenland as long as you are not camping right next to houses. Please respect the privacy of the locals. The only exception to this are protected areas, such as Taseralik in Sisimiut, Sermermiut in Ilulissat as well as the protected area around the Arctic station in Qeqartarsuaq.
5. You can drink the water from flowing rivers while hiking in the nature. You don’t need purifiers to drink the water, as long as the waters are connected to a flowing river. For example, do not drink from a closed small lake.
Should I be worried about polar bears and if so, is it possible to rent rifles for protection?
1. One should always be cautious. Talk to the locals from where your hike starts. If a polar bear has recently been spotted, they would know. It is unlikely that you will see a polar bear but chances of encountering polar bears are more likely in the remote places of north and/or east Greenland. For summer hikers: there will still be ice floes coming from the North Pole, and polar bears tend to travel along the coast line following these.
2. Destination East Greenland does rent out rifles. Contact them here.
3. Final Guidelines for encounters with polar bears from the Ministry of Fisheries, Hunting and Agriculture
4. Guide infographic: Encountering Polar Bears While Hiking in Greenland
I want more information on Greenland and can you please send me brochures to?
All of our information is online, and we no longer make brochures. Please have a look around our website, where we put all information we have on tourism in Greenland – use our search function if you are looking for something but cannot find it. Your nearest travel specialist might also have some brochures.
Do I need a VISA and passport when travelling to Greenland
1. Practical travel information such as these can be found under practical travel information – “You do not need a visa as a Dane. You only need your ID such as driver’s license or passport. But if you come from a country from which a visa is required to enter Denmark, it should be noted that you are travelling on to Greenland. Remember to take your passport with you, as security regulations may require that you provide proof of identity both upon arrival and on departure”.
2. If you found this answer helpful, you might find the rest on this page helpful too. Here you find information about currency, hospitals and much more.
3. To apply for a visa to Greenland you have to contact the Danish immigration service at Ny i Danmark or your local Danish embassy.
I have heard there are many mosquitos in Greenland is that true?
There are mosquitoes and midges (small black flies) in the summer months, approximately from June to August. When the first night frost appears they disappear. Greenland’s coast is big, and the night frost happens sooner some places than others depending on where you are. We advise visitors to bring mosquito nets, repellant and after-bite, or buy it upon arrival. These can be bought several places in the towns.
Can I expect a rescue operation if I have a mishap in my own boat while I am visiting Greenland?
Yes, a SAR (Search And Rescue) operation will be carried out by boat or/and helicopter if you perform a ‘mayday’ call, but you should familiarize yourself with the official guidelines beforehand – click here.
Can I bring my pet to Greenland?
Yes, you can bring a dog or a cat with you, but you need to comply with the following rules and guidelines – click here.
I would like to work or volunteer in the national park. Can you help me with that?
Greenland National Park is larger than any other national park in the world, due to the size and difficult accessibility of the park. However, it is not a traditional national park. Apart from the staff who work at a couple of the meteorological stations, the monitoring unit under the Danish defense and the Sirius patrol, no people live in the area.
To be able to travel to the national park and stay there, tourists must have permission from the Department of Domestic Affairs, Environment and Nature, as visitors usually visit the park for the purpose of scientific research and expeditions to the area. As the animals are wild, there is no voluntary work program for animals.
However, you have the opportunity to visit the national park as a tourist.
The nearest inhabited place by the national park is Ittoqqortoormiit, which is a city with 345 inhabitants (2020, Greenland Statistics). Contacts / providers in Ittoqqortoormiit can be found here. If you are participating in an organized trip as a tourist, e.g. in a cruise, the organizers of the trip will have already provided the required permits.
FAQ video
Practical information
Maps and geography
Greenland, the world’s biggest island
Stretching approximately 2,800 kilometres (1,750 miles) from north to south and approximately 1,000 kilometres (625 miles) from east to west, Greenland is the world’s biggest island. Some people would probably claim that Australia and Africa are bigger islands, but according to international definitions they are regarded as continents.
Such an enormous landmass, of which 85% is actually the ice sheet and is therefore white on the map, requires a lot of space when making maps. However, there are many types of maps that are all interesting to study regardless of whether you are hiking inland or sailing along Greenland’s coastline.
Key map of Greenland
Scanmaps is the place from where you can obtain a full range of maps of Greenland, from 1:75,000 to 1:500,000, and they can of course be ordered online. Scanmaps can also help to get hold of aerial photos if you know that you will be going outside the areas that are covered by the maps.
Town Maps
You might get lost in London, Paris or New York City, but don’t worry in Greenland: Our towns are relatively small and easy to walk. In most towns, the local tourist office can provide you with a free map.
Hiking maps of popular areas
Greenland Tourism has published a number of hiking maps that cover the most popular hiking areas in Greenland in 1:100,000.
Routes and levels of difficulty are marked on the map, and on the reverse there are detailed descriptions of the routes themselves, natural conditions, fauna and whatever else you may need to know.
On the majority of the maps there is also a view of the local area in 1:10,000. Even if you are not planning to go on a long hike, it is a good idea to get hold of a map. The maps are sold in Greenland at bookshops and tourist offices, at Nordisk Korthandel in Copenhagen and at selected outlets abroad.
Regional maps of Greenland
Saga Maps publishes maps in 1:250,000 of all the inhabited areas in Greenland. These maps cannot be used as trail maps for hikers, but they provide a good overview of the area you are visiting and are indispensable when on a sailing trip. Some of Saga Maps’ products are built up around a particular theme and on the reverse contain detailed information about the Viking settlers, American airbases, Inuit culture and so on.
RED: District maps
BLUE: Regional maps, South Greenland for instance or the Disko Bay area incl. Uummannaq.
YELLOW: From Thule to Peary Land.
GREEN:
5 maps covering area of land between Kap Farvel and Uummannaq.
GREENLAND: Greenland in several different sizes.
HISTORICAL GUIDES – With maps on the backside.
HISTORICAL CITY MAPS
The maps can be purchased here:
Edward Stanfords
12-14 Long Acre
London WC2E 9LP
England
Arktis Verlag N. Schehle
Keselstr. 1a
D87435 Kempten
Germany
Grand Nord Grand Large
Maison du Groenland
Rue de Richelieu 75,
2. arrondissement
F75005 Paris
France
Clothing
There is no such thing as bad weather, just the wrong clothing
Regardless of whether you are travelling to Greenland during the winter, the spring or the summer, we recommend that you dress according to the layer-to-layer principle. The outermost layer should be wind and waterproof, and underneath you should wear items such as synthetic fibre fur and/or wool. Even in the middle of summer, when it can be warm on land, sailing trips can be cold as the temperature of the water is only one or two degrees Celsius (33-36 degrees Fahrenheit). So bring a hat, scarf and gloves with you on a sailing trip.
During the summer it can occasionally be so warm that shorts and t-shirts are suitable, although mosquitoes can be a problem in July and August. It is important to bring a mosquito net, insect repellent and antihistamine if you are allergic to insect bites.
Bring suitable footwear
Regardless of the nature of your visit to Greenland, you will often have to travel a lot on foot, and frequently in hilly and uneven terrain. Therefore it is important to bring good, waterproof walking boots or walking shoes with a sturdy moulded sole. If it is the first time you are using this type of footwear, make sure you break the boots in before departure so as to avoid blisters.
If you are coming to Greenland in spring to drive a dogsled, you can hire leather clothing and boots at the local tourist office or from the sled tour company. This is highly recommended as even light winds at sub-zero temperatures can feel bitterly cold.
Language
Greenlandic belongs to the Inuit-Aleut family of languages that is spoken by some 80,000 Inuits in Alaska, Canada and Greenland. In terms of its structure the language is completely different to Indo-European languages, and as a visitor to Greenland you will find that you understand absolutely nothing when Greenlandic is spoken – or ‘kalaallisut‘, as it is called, which actually means ‘the Greenlanders’ language’.
Other languages in Greenland
Danish is the first foreign language learned in Greenland’s schools, and the majority of the population also speak good Danish, especially those living in the towns. Danes can therefore easily get by with Danish when visiting Greenland. Many young people who have attended a course of study in Denmark or abroad also speak good English. Tourist offices often have personnel that are able to speak German and sometimes also French. Guided excursions are usually available in several languages. Contact your local tourist office to hear which language services they are able to provide.
A couple of useful expressions in Greenlandic
The Greenlandic sound that is spelt with a /q/ can cause some problems, but is pronounced almost like /kr/. Another special sound is /ll/ or /rl/ which is pronounced almost like /sl/.
You can read much more about the Greenlandic language in the handbook “Greenlandic for Travellers”, which can be bought on the Internet or at good bookshops. The book should be able to expand your vocabulary from the three words you perhaps already know: Kayak, igloo and anorak.
Qujanarsuaq! (Thank you very much)
Souvenirs
Good memories from the arctic
Souvenirs from Greenland are unique, handmade works of art the like of which cannot be found anywhere else in the world. Each product is shaped and designed by a Greenlandic artist, who manages to follow tradition and custom, whilst at the same time creating unique works incorporating his or her own ideas and skills. As a visitor, you will have plenty of opportunity to find precisely what you are looking for.
On this page you can see a selection of typical Greenlandic souvenirs and read about the regulations concerning the export of certain types of souvenir.
Tupilak
Jewellery
Rules for export
Visual arts
Clothing
Currency and prices
Danish currency is legal tender in Greenland
Greenland is part of the Danish national community, and a common currency is thus used, i.e. the Danish krone. There are banks in all major towns, and it is often possible to change money at hotels. In the major towns there may be a few places that accept foreign currency, but it is more the exception than the rule, and not surprisingly the exchange rate is rarely favourable.
Credit Cards
In ATMs, which are found in all towns, you can withdraw Danish kroner (DKK) using the following credit cards:
Dankort
Diners
VISA
VISA PLUS-card
VISA Electron
Eurocheque-card
Eurocard/Mastercard
Maestro
Cirrus-card
Credit cards can be used at many hotels, restaurants and shops, but it is recommended that you bring a small amount of Danish kroner with you to Greenland, as some ATMs may not be in service at the weekend.
Prices in Greenland
It is fair to say that Greenland is self-sufficient with regard to fish, certain meat products and ice cubes. Everything else has to be imported by either ship or aircraft, and this of course has an impact on prices. Compared to Scandinavia, prices are approx. 10% higher, and alcohol, tobacco and fresh fruit and vegetables in particular are at the high end of the scale.
Shopping
Shopping in the towns
You will probably be surprised at the wide range of goods to be found in a supermarket in Greenland – in many ways similar to what you would find in a European supermarket. However, since almost everything except fish and certain meat products has to be imported to Greenland either by ship or by aircraft, price levels are a little higher than in Europe. Alcohol, tobacco, fresh fruit and vegetables and dairy products are considerably more expensive in Greenland, however.
Shopping in the settlements
In the settlements the choice of goods in the shops is of course somewhat more limited. The more inhabitants there are in the settlement, the greater the choice. On the other hand, it is often possible to buy fresh fish, lamb and seal meat at reasonable prices. Souvenirs are also occasionally sold in shops in towns and settlements, but depending on the type of article in question, the quality is not always as good as the types of souvenirs that are sold at tourist offices and in souvenir shops.
Openning hours
In the major towns supermarkets are typically open on weekdays from 10:00 – 17:30, on Fridays until 18:00 and Saturdays from 09:00 – 13:00. In many towns, however, there are corner shops and grocer’s shops that have longer opening hours and which are also open on Sundays.
It is possible to buy alcohol from supermarkets from Monday to Saturday from 10:00 – 20:00.
Shopping for hikers
If you are on a hike lasting for several days, you should take your dry provisions with you from home as you cannot expect to be able to buy specialised products in the shops. However, in general the population in Greenland is used to being out in the great outdoors, and therefore in the vast majority of towns it is possible to buy outdoor clothing and equipment, including the small gas cartridges used for cooking food when out hiking. Gear for hunting and fishing is also usually available.
How am I covered if I hurt myself or get sick?
There are hospitals in the towns and nursing clinics in the settlements.
If you use medication regularly it is recommended, that you bring your own medicine for the stay in Greenland.
Read here about rules governing health care provision for temporary residents in Greenland.
Fishing license
Planning to go fishing in Greenland?
Make sure you’re covered with a valid fishing licence – required for all visiting anglers in Greenland.
Guideline to buy Greenlandic fishing licences from Greenland & Denmark here.
Once you buy the license, you’ll get a receipt, which is valid as fishing license. Bring the receipt with you on your fishing trip so you can show it on request to the relevant authorities.
Have a nice fishing trip!
Hunting and fishing license
A fishing licence is required in order to fish. Licences can be bought at post offices and tourist offices. The fishing licence gives the holder the right to fish with a rod or hand line. The Arctic environment is vulnerable, so please only catch what you can eat. Ask at the tourist office for details of any local conservation rules. Price for a fishing licence: 24 hours DKK 75.00, 1 week DKK 200.00 and 1 month DKK 500.00. Visitors may only go hunting if they are on a trophy hunt organised by certified operator.
Beware of sleddog
FIVE USEFUL TIPS / PIECES OF INFORMATION WORTH KNOWING ABOUT SLED DOGS
DISTANCE
Please keep a safe distance from the adult dogs. Be aware of how much slack their chain has.
CHAINS
Sled dogs have a wild side, so there’s a pretty good reason why they’re chained, other than to prevent them from wandering off, of course.
WORKERS
Sled dogs are working dogs and live accordingly. They are therefore not equipped with any of the ‘people skills’ you may connect.
PETTING
The Musher is master. Never try to pet a chained sled dog without first asking the Musher.
PUPS
They may be cute and fluffy – and actually safe to pet – but they are oh
so dirty. Remember to wash your hands if you touch them.
ENJOY
With all that said, dogs are best experienced from the sled. We hope you enjoy your stay!
Preferrential scheme – fasttrack VISA applications for chinese citizens
With the Preferential Scheme Chinese citizens can shorten the application time down to approx. 3 days, depending on season. The only condition is that it goes through an officially accredited Chinese travel company.
Read more about it here.
Hospital and medicine
There is a hospital in all towns, and in the settlements there is usually a nursing clinic. It is recommended that visitors bring their own medicine and any other medication that is used regularly, as special products are not always available. In the event of acute illness, treatment is free of charge in Greenland.
Read about rules governing health care provision for temporary residents in Greenland.
Excess bagage
You should be aware that Air Greenland is very strict about overweight baggage and the price per extra kilo is very high. This is because Air Greenland also acts as a cargo carrier and that everything is brought to Greenland via sea and air. Therefore, every kilogram is valuable. Check the prices here.
Safe sailing in Greenland
The sea in Greenland connects towns and villages to one another, and the fjords and mountains are places where Greenlanders themselves go for excursions out in the great nature. Here, sailing in boats is so natural and widespread that it can be likened to common car transportation in the rest of the world.
As a tourist in Greenland, you should always, without exception, only use passenger-approved boats and ships – defined as those which are intended for use by tourist passengers. Passenger-approved boats meet the Danish Maritime Authority’s strictest requirements possible for: safety equipment on board, boat type, maximum number of passengers on board, where to sail, and when to sail.
Unfortunately, accidents at sea happen every year – even for locals. Any money spent for the hire of a private, non-commercial boat owner to provide a private sailing tour can prove to be an extremely poor decision if there is an accident and you are in need of help.
Communication
Using cellphone in Greenland
In terms of communication, Greenland is a high-tech society. The mobile system in Greenland uses 4G and 5G technology, and there is coverage in almost all settlements. At Tusass, you can check which countries have roaming agreements and with which providers.
Naturally, there is the option to send SMS and use mobile data. However, please note that most carriers provide plans with foreign usage and need to be registered for ‘international calling’.
Read more here: https://www.tusass.gl/en/support/private/mobile/roaming/
You can buy a Greenland Travel eSIM, that covers in towns and settlement in most of Greenland– see more info here: https://www.tusass.gl/en/mobile/private/travel/
Internet and Email
Most major hotels have Wi-Fi hotspots, allowing you to connect directly to the internet, and more and more hotels are also offering in-room internet access. There is Wi-Fi available at libraries in several larger towns, and many tourist offices provide options for checking your webmail.
Read more about telecommunications on the Tusass website: www.tusass.gl
Customs
On entry to Greenland, travelers can purchase goods to the following extent:
Duty Regulations entering Greenland valid from 1.11.2012:
Cigarettes 200 pcs.
or Cigarillos 100 pcs.
or Cigars 50 pcs.
or rolling tobacco 250 grams
Cigarettes papaer or cigarette tubes 200 pcs.
1 litres of spirits (over 22%) or 2 litres of dessert wine (under 22%)
2,25 litres of table wine (under 15%)
2 litres of beer
2 litres of soft drinks (sodas)
Perfume 50 ml.
Eau de toilette 250 ml.
In addition, cosmetics and other toiletries
up to a maximum value of DKK 1.000,-
Chocolate or confectionary 4 kilos in total
Coffee or tea 4 kilos
Meat, meat products or poultry 5 kilos in total
Read more about customs here
Misconception of Greenland
Do you have any concerns or seemingly far out notions of Greenland which you have heard of from others? That polar bears walk our streets!? That we live in igloos?! That it is cold and dark in Greenland all year round?!
Do not worry or be shy. We have heard them all before, so let us talk about it.
Just send us your questions by writing to info@visitgreenland.com – we look forward to hearing from you. And by the way, there are no polar bears in our streets. No one really lives in igloos – only hunters occasionally when on hunting trips in the wild and in the wintertime. Admittedly, it can be cold and dark in the wintertime, but also very warm and bright in the summertime. And that is a fact.
Litterature about Greenland
Worth reading before and during your trip to Greenland
“Greenland and the Arctic”, Lonely Planet, is the best all-round book for travellers to Greenland, whether you are travelling independently or have purchased a package holiday. The book contains lots of information about all the towns in Greenland and contains a number of thematic articles about the country.
“A Nature and Wildlife Guide to Greenland”, Gyldendals Forlag (Denmark), contains detailed information on Greenland’s flora and fauna, geography and geology.
”This Cold Heaven: Seven Seasons in Greenland”, Vintage. The American author Gretel Ehrlich provides an account of her seven journeys in Greenland, in particular in North Greenland.
Books about Greenland can be found at http://amazon.com/
Public holidays
A LIST OF PUBLIC HOLIDAYS IN GREENLAND
1 Jan New Year’s Day.
6 Jan Epiphany (generally a half day of holiday)
Monday-Thursday (the Thursday before Easter Sunday)
Good Friday (The Friday before Easter Sunday)
Easter Sunday (March/April)
Easter Monday (The day after Easter Sunday)
General Prayer Day (the fourth Friday after Easter)
1 May Labor Day (generally a half day of holiday)
Ascension Day (40 days after Easter).
Whit Sunday (seven weeks after Easter).
Whit Monday (same as above + 1 day)
21 Jun National Day.
24 Dec Christmas Eve
25 Dec First Day of Christmas.
26 Dec second Day of Christmas.
31 Dec New Year’s Eve.
Safe fare in Greenland’s nature – in summer 1
In general
The majority of Greenland’s nature is actual wilderness, with few or no paths, numerous mountains, rivers and glaciers. The very clear air means that it can be hard to judge distances; it is often a lot further to a given point than you might think. The terrain’s degree of difficulty varies from the very easy to the very challenging. It means there are options available for hiking tourists of all abilities. Both the laid-back pedestrian day-tripper and the experienced, well-trained hiker will find endless possibilities to explore the Greenlandic nature.
Everyone should be aware that help can be a long way away and that mobile phone coverage is rare when you are out in the heart of the wilderness. The weather is generally stable in the summer, but sudden weather changes can also occur. Thorough preparation is essential, as is having the right equipment and listening to the advice of those with local knowledge. Making and keeping agreements about expected news and return is equally important.
Paths by towns and settlements
There are paths close to most towns and settlements that lead out in the mountains. Some of these are marked as hiking routes, but many of the paths disappear once you move slightly away from built-up areas. It is therefore important to always keep track of where you are, and a map, compass and GPS (including spare batteries) are essential. There are a number of 1:100.000 hiking maps that are very accurate, but many areas are only covered by 1:250.000 maps, which are not particularly well suited as hiking maps.
Open terrain
When straying from the paths into open terrain, it is always tempting to take the shortest route. But the shortest route can sometimes prove to be the hardest. You can unintentionally find yourself in a place that you can neither leave nor get to – while it is much easier to walk and semi-climb upwards, it is also much harder to walk downwards. If you are hiking over the top of somewhere and need to start using your hands to go further, then your hike has in fact turned into a climb, and it can suddenly prove difficult to get back down. So always make sure a retreat is possible.
Crossing rivers
When walking in Greenland you will most certainly have to cross a stream or a river. Few hikers avoid getting their feet wet at one time or another.
The water flow in Greenland’s rivers can vary enormously. A small stream can swell to a gushing river if it starts to rain. The rivers born of glaciers vary significantly in intensity depending on the temperature. The water flow in these rivers is typically calmest in the mornings and roughest late in the afternoon. If you cannot walk across dry-foot, then you will have to wade through the water. Keep your hiking boots on, but take your socks off first. A good rule of thumb is that gushing water should never reach higher than your knees – otherwise you risk getting knocked over. A pair of hiking sticks/ski batons really help keep the balance. If you feel unsure then turn around.
If it is very important to cross, and you are unsure whether you can, then tie a rope to the person crossing. Should he/she fall in, they can be pulled to safety by someone else in the group – you need to be at least three in your group to do this. The rope should be doubled up so that everyone can use it to get across. If you have the slightest doubt, don’t do it.
Glaciers
All glaciers have crevices. A glacier with snow has hidden crevices and you should therefore avoid walking on a snow-covered glacier unless you have at least three people in your group with complete glacier equipment (braces, rope, ice axes, crampons and equipment for glacier crevice rescue). If there is no snow on the glacier, which is the case with the lower lying glaciers in the summer, then you can sometimes walk quite safely on them. You should however be equipped with crampons or smaller crampons that can be fitted to hiking shoes and boots as well as have a hiking stick. The ice is slippery with many sharp stones scattered on the surface, so it is easy to get cuts and bruises, – wear gloves, long trousers and long sleeves. NEVER walk without a rope on snow-covered areas of a glacier!
Safe fare in Greenland’s nature – in summer 2
Camping
When choosing a safe place to camp, look around you: Is there a risk of rock falls? Is there a risk of high tide and waves reaching the tent? It is relatively easy to see where there have been previous rock falls and it is never a good idea to camp there, so this is something that should always be fairly straightforward to determine. There are often many good places to camp in the fjords close to the water, but there is a big difference between high and low tide, which means you can get caught out and the water can get too close to the tent. Check to see where growth is dense and dry, as this is where the water does not reach.
If you camp by a fjord with large icebergs or where a glacier ends, there is a risk of one of the icebergs falling or the glacier calving, which causes extremely big waves. Waves can reach several meters up on land. A good rule of thumb is to camp higher up than the distance the tallest icebergs reach above the water’s surface – or higher than the glacier front.
Communication
It can be a benefit that mobile phone coverage is mostly unavailable, because then you really do get to have a holiday and feel far away from the daily routine as well as be free from calls, texts and emails. The disadvantage is that help is further away, which means you need to keep your wits about you so that you are always ready to handle any emergency situation.
Should you want a greater degree of safety then buy a “SPOT – Satellite Personal Tracker”. The SPOT can be programmed to send a location and a daily “OK” to an email or telephone number of your choice. In an emergency situation you can send a “Help”, which will also instantly highlight your location. Better, and considerably more expensive, is an Iridium satellite phone, which you can use to contact people with directly. It allows you to provide exact information about your problem and help can be tailored to the situation.
Research and own experience
Greenland provides endless opportunities for all those wanting to experience a unique nature. For your trip to be successful you need to gather as much information as possible. Every destination holds a wealth of local knowledge that you should research and listen to. Such information combined with your own experience should give you an idea of the trip ahead of you and of what you need to do to prepare. If you are on your own or have any doubts whatsoever, then there are plenty of tour operators that can help arrange hiking and kayaking trips on a highly professional level.
