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Kayaking

The kayak is a cultural link between the earliest immigrants in Greenland, the common everyday experience by local kayakers and the modern rugged adventure expeditions.

WHEN THE KAYAK ARRIVED IN GREENLAND

The kayak is a transportation and hunting tool that originated in the Arctic region and then spread east towards Greenland with the first wave of immigrants, who came to this country more than 4000 years ago.

In Greenland, people embraced the kayak to such an extent that it became the focal point of everyday life in a community of hunters, and even to this day the kayak is one of the strongest cultural symbols of our adaptability to the land that distinguishes us as a people.

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Get advice from local kayakers regarding certain wind conditions, the tide, and more. Staying safe is far more important than getting a spectacular experience.

Package Tours

Blue Ice Explorer: Traditional kayak experience – 1 day

Blue Ice Explorer

Traditional kayak experience - 1 day

Explore the old inuit culture by paddling in a kayak built using the traditional, greenlandic methods.

FROM €180
Greenland Tours: Hearts of the Inuit

Greenland Tours

Hearts of the Inuit

6 days during winter in Disko Bay with Inuit settlement visit

FROM €1,365
Greenland Travel: Summer paradise in the Arctic wilderness

Greenland Travel

Summer paradise in the Arctic wilderness

Experience the incredible UNESCO listed Ilulissat Ice Fjord! Fantastic icebergs. Sailing in the midnight sun. See the Ice Cap and much more

FROM €2,530
Tasermiut Expeditions: Hiking and Kayaking Adventure

Tasermiut Expeditions

Hiking and Kayaking Adventure

8 days trip, kayaking and on foot: complete contact with nature, kayaking and hiking activities, discover Viking ruins in South Greenland.

FROM €2,150
Show More

THE KAYAK IS FOUND EVERYWHERE IN GREENLAND

Tour operators, and rental companies, of glass fiber kayaks are located all over the country, testifying to the vessels popularity with the many visitors who come to Greenland. The traditional Greenlandic kayak of today, is mostly used for hunting in the most northerly regions of the country, while the modern glass fiber kayak is used for both short trips and long hauls all along the coast.

We do acknowledge that this nearness to nature, the touch of the ocean surface, the rhythmic motion of the paddle through the water, the ability to propel a forward motion only by the use of the human body, are all, a compelling combination which fits well with our need for everyday excursions and adventurous expeditions.

Adding to that, are the icebergs, the whales, seals, flocks of birds, small Greenlandic towns and settlements, and a jagged coast line that adds its own unique Arctic dimension to an activity which for many people is more about the fellowship with ones travel companions than the wilderness experience of the trip.

FROM EXTREME EXPEDITIONS TO COMMUTERS IN THE CAPITAL

The countryside in Greenland is accessible and open to everyone 24-7, weather permitting. You may go ashore and camp anywhere you choose, as long as you are considerate of the surroundings, and follow general rules when in mountainous terrain.

You will discover that in many places the mountain sides will be very steep and go down straight into the water, and that there is no one else around. One small linguistic saying is the phrase “close by”, which in this country is another sentence for “as far as the eye can see and then some”.

But kayaking in Greenland doesn’t have to be to a remote fiord or under extreme conditions in order to provide people some substance in their daily lives. We know of people who use the kayak as a commute, when going to work from the suburb Qinnorput and into Nuuk proper. We see kids every summer, in all the harbours in Greenland, frolicking about and practicing the kayak roll, and we enjoy watching a kayak show as much as the passengers do aboard the cruise ships.

Local providers

Red view from livingroom, Photo by Ilulissat Guesthouse

Ilulissat Guesthouse

Ilulissat, Qupaloraasuk 56,
3952,
Phone: +299 27 89 80More information
Tasermiut 3

Tasermiut South Greenland Expeditions

Qassiarsuk, B-873 Qassiarsuk
3923,
Phone: (+299) 522 822More information
PGI Greenland kayakers paddling past Oqaatsut in the Disko Bay in Greenland. Photo by Mads Pihl - Visit Greenland

North Greenland Adventure

Ilulissat, Fredericiap Aqq., Postboks 453 7,
3952,
Phone: +299 94 55 01More information
Three men enjoying the sun in front of Nanu Travel Tourist Office. Photo by Nanu Travel

Nanu Travel

Ittoqqortoormiit, Postboks 4  Mikip Aqqutaa B-186 ,
3980,
Phone: +299 99 12 80 More information
An evening view of the white church in Nanortalik in South Greenland. Photo by Mads Pihl - Visit Greenland

Nanortalik Tourism Service

Nanortalik, Lundip Aqqutaa B 128,
3922,
Phone: +299 61 36 33More information
Woman mask dancing on a sunny day in Aasiaat. Photo by Honest Greenland - Visit Greenland

Honest Greenland

Aasiaat, Qimmeqarfik 60,
3950,
Phone: +299 27 77 90More information
Guests at Hvalsey church ruin in South Greenland. Photo by Mads Pihl - Visit Greenland

Greenland Sagalands

Qaqortoq, Vatikanbakken 68,
3920,
Phone: +299 64 24 44 / +299 49 37 41More information
Hikers in Aasivissuit UNESCO area close to Kangerlussuaq Photo by Morten Christensen

Greenland Outdoors

Kangerlussuaq, P.O.Box 87, B466
3910,
Phone: +299 24 06 16More information
Tiny dog sleds in the huge East Greenland landscapes between Tasiilaq and Sermilik

Dines Tours

Tasiilaq, Gentoftevej B-924,
3913,
Phone: +299 98 21 43 / +299 59 87 59More information
Saling vessel between icebergs in Greenland. Photo by Blue Ice Explorer, Visit Greenland.

Blue Ice Explorer

Narsarsuaq, Box 58
3923,
Phone: +299 66 54 99 / +299 49 73 71More information
Arctic Dream Travellodge Greenland 02

Arctic Dream

Tasiilaq, B-771
3913,
Phone: +299 58 41 71More information

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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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Hiking A couple overlooking Tasiusaq sheep farm near Qassiarsuk in South Greenland Bruno Compagnet snowmobiling in Greenland near Oqaatsut and Ilulissat Snowmobiling
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