Overview
Greenland is the world's largest island, covering roughly 2.16 million square kilometres, of which around 80 percent is permanently covered by the Greenland Ice Sheet. Administratively an autonomous territory within the Kingdom of Denmark, it sits between the North Atlantic and Arctic Oceans, with its west coast facing Baffin Bay and its east coast fronting the Greenland Sea.
Despite its enormous area, Greenland's population is under 60,000, concentrated mostly along the ice-free southwestern and western coasts. Nuuk is the capital and largest city, followed by towns such as Sisimiut, Ilulissat, and Qaqortoq. The absence of a road network connecting settlements means travel between towns relies almost entirely on air or sea.
The landscape ranges from tundra and dramatic fjords to towering glaciers and ice-capped mountains. Ilulissat Icefjord, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one of the most visited natural attractions and feeds icebergs at a rate that makes it one of the most productive glaciers outside Antarctica. The human story here is equally layered, blending the culture of the indigenous Inuit (Kalaallit) with a centuries-long Danish presence and a growing movement toward greater self-determination.
Before You Go
Visas and Entry
Greenland is part of the Kingdom of Denmark but is not part of the Schengen Area. Entry requirements can differ from those for mainland Denmark and change over time. Check TravelerPulse's Visas section and consult the official Greenlandic or Danish immigration authority before you travel.
Health and Vaccinations
No specific vaccinations are required for entry, but travellers should be up to date on routine immunisations. Medical facilities are limited outside Nuuk; serious cases may require medevac to Denmark or Iceland. Travel insurance with medical evacuation cover is strongly advised.
Practical Preparations
- Clothing: Layering is essential year-round. Even in July, temperatures can drop sharply, and wind chill is significant near the coast and ice sheet.
- Money: Card payment is accepted in most hotels and larger shops in towns, but carry some cash for smaller purchases. ATMs exist in main settlements; verify availability before travelling to remote areas.
- Connectivity: Mobile coverage is reasonable in towns but drops off rapidly in wilderness areas. Satellite communicators are recommended for backcountry travel.
- Booking ahead: Accommodation and inter-settlement flights are limited and fill quickly, especially in summer. Book as far in advance as possible.
Getting There
By Air
International flights arrive primarily at Nuuk Airport (GOH) and Kangerlussuaq Airport (SFJ). Kangerlussuaq, situated near the ice sheet, has historically served as the main hub for transatlantic connections, though Nuuk's expanded airport now receives increasing international traffic. Airlines and routes change seasonally; check current schedules with Air Greenland and major carriers serving the North Atlantic. Copenhagen is the most common gateway from Europe; Reykjavik and occasionally North American cities also have connections—verify current availability.
By Sea
Cruise ships call at numerous Greenlandic ports, particularly along the west coast in summer. Some expedition cruise itineraries combine Greenland with Iceland, Svalbard, or the Canadian Arctic. There is no regular passenger ferry linking Greenland to mainland Europe or North America.
Between Settlements
Air Greenland operates an internal network connecting towns by small aircraft and helicopter. This is the primary means of inter-settlement travel, as roads between communities do not exist. Book internal flights well in advance during peak season.
Getting Around
Within individual towns, walking is the main mode of transport given their compact size. Nuuk has local bus services. Taxis are available in larger settlements.
For intercommunity travel, Air Greenland's scheduled services and helicopter routes are the standard option. During winter and spring in certain areas, dog sledding remains a practical as well as a cultural form of transport, and some tour operators offer guided sled expeditions.
Boat is the other major option. Local ferries and small charter vessels connect coastal communities in summer, and zodiac-based tours operate out of most tourist hubs. Kayaking is popular and can be arranged through local outfitters, though conditions demand respect for the cold water temperatures.
Self-drive is possible within a town, and car hire is available in Nuuk and a few other centres, but roads do not extend far beyond urban boundaries. Any travel into the backcountry or ice sheet requires a licensed guide and thorough preparation.
Things to See & Do
Natural Attractions
- Ilulissat Icefjord (UNESCO): Boat tours and hiking trails offer close views of the Sermeq Kujalleq glacier's icebergs. The midnight sun in June and July creates extraordinary light.
- Greenland Ice Sheet: Day trips from Kangerlussuaq allow travellers to walk onto the ice sheet. Multi-day expeditions cross it entirely, but these require expert guiding and significant fitness.
- Midnight Sun and Northern Lights: The midnight sun is visible above the Arctic Circle from late May to late July; aurora borealis is best seen from late August through March in a dark-sky location away from town lights.
- Hiking: Trails range from well-marked day walks near Sisimiut and Nuuk to the challenging Arctic Circle Trail, a roughly 160 km backcountry route between Sisimiut and Kangerlussuaq requiring full self-sufficiency.
Wildlife
Humpback and minke whales are commonly spotted on boat tours, particularly in summer. Musk oxen roam the tundra, especially around Kangerlussuaq. Arctic foxes, reindeer, and seabirds are widespread. Polar bears inhabit primarily the far north and northeast—sightings elsewhere are rare.
Culture and Heritage
- Nuuk: The National Museum of Greenland holds significant Inuit artefacts and the famous Qilakitsoq mummies. The town also has a vibrant art scene and contemporary Greenlandic architecture worth exploring.
- Qaqortoq: The south's most notable town features Norse ruins nearby, including Hvalsey Church—one of the best-preserved medieval Norse structures in Greenland.
- Dog Sledding: Offered by operators in several towns during winter months; this remains a living tradition in Greenlandic communities, not merely a tourist activity.
Fishing
Deep-sea and freshwater fishing are available through licensed guides; Arctic char and Greenlandic halibut are among the target species. Verify seasonal rules and licensing requirements locally.
Food & Drink
Greenlandic cuisine is rooted in the resources of the sea and land. Seal, whale (from regulated hunts), reindeer, musk ox, and Arctic char are traditional staples that appear on menus alongside more familiar international dishes. In Nuuk and larger towns, restaurants offer a range of options including Greenlandic-inspired fine dining, pizza, burgers, and Scandinavian-style dishes.
Supermarkets in main towns stock a reasonable variety of goods, but imported products can be expensive owing to shipping costs. Local produce—berries, fish, and game—is seasonal and worth seeking out at markets when available.
Alcohol is available in hotels, restaurants, and licensed shops. Note that alcohol sales are restricted in some smaller communities; check locally before travelling to remote settlements. The legal drinking age follows Danish standards; verify current rules on arrival.
Tipping is not a firmly established custom the way it is in some countries, but it is appreciated for good service. Confirm current local practice with your accommodation or tour operator.
Practical Information
Emergency Services
For emergencies, contact local police or the nearest hospital. In life-threatening situations requiring evacuation, Greenland's rescue coordination is handled through the Joint Arctic Command. Carry your travel insurance documents and emergency contact numbers at all times, particularly in remote areas.
Time Zones
Greenland spans several time zones. West Greenland (including Nuuk) is UTC−3 in winter and UTC−2 in summer (daylight saving). Ittoqqortoormiit (east coast) uses UTC−1. The Thule Air Base area uses UTC−4. Verify times locally when planning transport connections.
Electricity
Greenland uses the same plugs and voltage as Denmark (Type C/K, 230V, 50Hz). Bring adaptors if your devices use a different standard.
Photography
- Always ask permission before photographing people, particularly in smaller Inuit communities.
- Conditions can be harsh on equipment; carry protective cases for cameras and extra batteries, as cold drains battery life rapidly.
Environmental Responsibility
Greenland's ecosystems are fragile. Follow Leave No Trace principles strictly. Do not disturb wildlife or remove natural objects. Guided tours often adhere to strict environmental codes; independent travellers should research regulations, especially in national park areas.
Safety
Greenland is generally a safe destination with low rates of violent crime. The principal risks are environmental rather than social.
Weather changes rapidly and can be severe. White-outs, sudden storms, and freezing fog occur with little warning. Always inform someone of your itinerary when venturing outside town, carry appropriate emergency gear, and monitor forecasts closely. The Greenlandic Meteorological Institute publishes local forecasts; verify the current source before your trip.
Cold-water immersion is a serious hazard on boat and kayak trips. Wear appropriate flotation and thermal protection. Glacier and ice travel carries risks of crevasses and calving; only approach active glacier fronts with qualified guides and at safe distances.
In polar bear territory (primarily the far north and northeast), guides carry firearms as a precaution. Do not travel independently in those areas without appropriate preparation and local advice.
Local Culture & Etiquette
The Kalaallit (Greenlandic Inuit) have inhabited the island for thousands of years, with cultural traditions encompassing drum dancing, throat singing, storytelling, and intricate skin-sewing craftsmanship. These traditions are actively maintained and are not merely folkloric performances—many are integral to community life.
Greenland gained home rule from Denmark in 1979 and self-governance in 2009, with the Greenlandic language (Kalaallisut) recognised as the primary official language. A strong sense of national identity is growing, and travellers are encouraged to engage respectfully and with genuine curiosity rather than treating local culture as a backdrop.
Community life in smaller settlements is close-knit. Visitors should be mindful of their impact on small communities, respect private space, and avoid intruding on local events without invitation. When in doubt, ask a local guide or tourism office for guidance on appropriate conduct.