Need an unforgettable Arctic adventure? Head to Greenland! Discover towering icebergs, colorful fishing villages, thrilling dog sled rides, and the magical Northern Lights. Whether you're seeking outdoor adventure, cultural encounters, or breathtaking natural wonders, Greenland offers a once-in-a-lifetime escape to the world’s largest island.
Greenland Highlights:
- Ilulissat Icefjord: Witness massive icebergs calving off glaciers at this UNESCO World Heritage Site near Ilulissat town.
- Nuuk: Explore Greenland’s colorful capital with museums, modern art, and incredible fjord landscapes.
- Disko Bay: Cruise among towering icebergs and spot whales in one of Greenland’s most spectacular natural areas.
- Eastern Greenland (Tasiilaq): Trek rugged mountains, visit remote Inuit villages, and kayak through stunning fjords.
- South Greenland: Discover Viking ruins, lush valleys, and sheep farms surrounded by dramatic peaks.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Greenland depends on your dream experience: summer (June–August) brings 24-hour daylight, hiking, and boat tours, while winter (November–March) is best for Northern Lights, dog sledding, and snow adventures.
How to Get There
- By Air: Greenland is mainly accessed by flights from Copenhagen (Denmark) to Nuuk, Ilulissat, or Kangerlussuaq, or flights from Reykjavík (Iceland) to several destinations in Greenland.
- By Cruise: Expedition cruises operate from Iceland and Canada during summer, offering coastal access to remote towns and natural wonders.
- Note: There are no direct flights from North America; connections through Iceland or Denmark are required.
Where to Stay
- Hotel Arctic (Ilulissat) – World’s northernmost 4-star hotel, with stunning iceberg views and modern comforts.
- Hotel Hans Egede (Nuuk) – Contemporary hotel in the capital, offering cozy rooms and fine dining options.
- Ittoqqortoormiit Guesthouses (East Greenland) – Rustic, local stays for authentic Arctic village experiences.
Best Things to Do
⮕ Take Flight Over Greenland’s Untouched Beauty With AirZafari
© AirZafari
AirZafari
provides visitors to the country with the ability to have stunning panoramic views of Greenland’s vast landscape. After hopping aboard a small plane, you will be flown over beautiful scenery, such as glaciers, icebergs, tundras, and ice caps. You might also see various types of wildlife roaming around on the land, like polar bears, foxes, reindeer, and hares. The planes are flown at a low altitude allowing you to get close-up views of the area. AirZafari offers numerous tours that guests can choose from, including the towns of Kangerlussuaq and Ilulissat. Personal tours are also available but must be requested beforehand.
Kussangajaannguaq 18, Ilulissat, Greenland 3952, Phone: 299-58-40-68
⮕ Embark on Arctic Expeditions and Polar Wonders With Albatros Arctic Circle
© Albatros Arctic Circle
Albatros Arctic Circle provides guests with breathtaking experiences as they travel to unique landscapes. This company offers two tours: Ilulissat and Kangerlussuaq. Professional guides will whisk you away on a journey through these areas where you will hike down glaciers, explore UNESCO sites, and view some of Greenland’s wildlife. Your tour will also take you to a small restaurant that overlooks the local bay and serves traditional dishes made of fresh ingredients. For those who prefer to explore the area themselves, there is a self-guided hiking trail available. Accommodations are provided and allow you to choose from cozy hostels or lodges.
Edvard Sivertsenip aqq. 18 Postbox 20, Ilulissat, Greenland 3952, Phone: 299-29-51-95
⮕ If Epic Hikes and Remote Landscapes Call You, Conquer the Arctic Circle Trail
© Mandy/stock.adobe.com
The Arctic Circle Trail spans almost 100 miles long and takes hikers by the country’s coastline and over towering hills which are often filled with wildflowers (including the national flower Niviarsiaq) during the spring and summer. Along the way, you might also see some animals roaming about, like musk oxen, reindeer, polar bears, and foxes. This vast trail has many interesting highlights like Nerumaq (a small red cabin), canoe center, Nasaasaaq Summit, and sandy lakes. Keep in mind that when hiking down this trail, it’s vital that you bring plenty of warm clothing, food, and water, especially during the winter.
Kangerlussuaq, Greenland, Phone: 299-34-28-20
⮕ Navigate Ice, Fjords, and Adventure With Blue Ice Explorer
© Blue Ice Explorer
Blue Ice Explorer provides customized tours of Greenland. The company offers 12 tours that guests can choose from which include tours of South Greenland, UNESCO sites, and local towns and settlements. There are also themed tours that will take you backpacking across hills, sea kayaking, and to the best fishing spots. Each option contains a detailed itinerary, how difficult the tour will be, and highlights you will see along the way. Blue Ice Explorer tours do provide accommodations and transport, such as with cars and boats. It also gives guests a helpful travel guide booklet that tells of information about local restaurants, hiking, and currency.
P.O. Box 58, GL-3923 Narsarsuaq, Greenland, Phone: 299-49-73-71
⮕ Stand at the Edge of the World and Witness Cape Farewell’s Raw Power
© Marek Ševcík/stock.adobe.com
Cape Farewell is situated on the edge of Egger Island and overlooks the Labrador Sea. This area believed to be one of the best ways to view the unique topography of Greenland as it contains dark boulders, fjords, massive sea caps, and deep valleys that dip into the ocean. Low-lying clouds also circle around the cape providing a whimsical experience for visitors. Because of its stunning natural wonders, Cape Farewell is thought to be one of the most beloved places in all of Greenland. Visitors can hike up Cape Farewell or get a stunning view of it from a boat.
Kujalleq, Greenland
Activities and Attractions for Couples:
⮕ Sail Among Towering Icebergs and Whales With Disko Bay Tours
© Dennis/stock.adobe.com
Disko Bay is on the western edge of Greenland and features an inlet that connects to Baffin Bay. Besides its coastal views, Disko Bay is rich in natural wonders, including the Sermeq Kujalleq which is one of the biggest glaciers in the world. Boat tours can be taken of Disko Bay where you’ll be joined by a professional tour guide who will guide you around the bay while also teaching you more about its history and ecology. In addition to this, you might catch a glimpse of humpback whales or narwhals swimming by. During the summer, guests might also be able to view foxes and hares hunting for food.
Disko Bay Tours, Gaukás 35 IS-221 Hafnarfjörður, Iceland, Phone: 354-490-40-80
⮕ Soar Over Glaciers and Arctic Wonders With Greenland Copter
© Greenland Copter
Greenland Copter is a private helicopter service that will take guests to various parts of East Greenland for impressive aerial views. Sometimes the helicopters will also land allowing you to get out and explore the surrounding area. Some tours provided by Greenland Copter include those of beautiful cities, towns, and natural wonders like Helheim, the Johan Petersen Fjord, and Mittivakkat. There is also a heliskiing tour that occurs during the spring and takes guests to prime skiing areas. The helicopter can hold up to five guests at a time and reservations for one of the tours can be made online.
Ittimiini 1 3913, Tasiilaq, Greenland, Phone: 299-54-75-74
⮕ Step Into Centuries of Culture and Discovery at Greenland’s National Museum
© Greenland National Museum and Archives
The Greenland National Museum and Archives is one of the best places for history lovers to venture to while exploring the country. This museum is believed to be one of the first of its kind in Greenland and is packed with artifacts that highlight the history and culture of the country, such as clothing, textiles, and boats. While here, museum-goers will also learn more about Greenland’s architecture and vast mythology. This structure also contains an Archives Room which is filled with documents like marriage records, private journals, and population statistics. The museum is closed on Monday and admission is free during the winter.
Hans Egedesvej 8, Nuuk, Greenland 3900, Phone: 299-32-26-11
⮕ If Greenland’s Legends and Folklore Fascinate You, Explore Sagalands
© Greenland Sagalands
Greenland Sagalands provides a vast selection of tours that allow guests to explore the history and heritage of the country. One tour is called Stone & Man and takes guests around the country to view over 30 pieces of outdoor artwork done by Nordic artists. There is also Kaffemik which takes you on an intimate journey to a local home where you’ll be able to enjoy tea and desserts with others. Other tours offered by Greenland Sagalands include a City Tour, Fishing, Hot Springs, and Church Ruins. Keep in mind that some tours only occur during certain parts of the year and reservations are required ahead of time.
Vatikanbakken, Julianehåb, Greenland, Phone: 299-64-24-44
Where to Eat
- Sarfalik (Nuuk) – Fine dining showcasing Greenlandic ingredients like musk ox, halibut, and local herbs.
- Mamartut (Ilulissat) – Traditional Greenlandic buffet featuring reindeer, arctic char, and homemade treats.
- Brugseni Cafeteria (Various towns) – Casual spots offering burgers, local dishes, and a glimpse into everyday life.
- Inuit home-cooked meals – In smaller towns, you can sometimes arrange home dinners with locals for authentic cuisine.
If you are interested in local events:
- Greenland National Day (June 21) – Celebrate with music, speeches, and festivities under the Midnight Sun.
- Nuuk Snow Festival (March) – Teams from around the world sculpt incredible snow artworks in the capital city.
- Arctic Circle Race (April) – The world’s toughest cross-country ski race, held near Sisimiut.
If you are looking for unique day trips within Greenland:
- Ilulissat Icefjord boat tour – Sail among ice giants and experience the power of calving glaciers.
- Hike to Sermitsiaq Mountain (near Nuuk) – Challenging trek with incredible city and fjord views.
- Explore the colorful town of Qaqortoq (South Greenland) – Visit vibrant street art and ancient Norse ruins.
- Visit Kulusuk Island (East Greenland) – Experience traditional Inuit culture and breathtaking Arctic scenery.
- Kayak among icebergs in Disko Bay – Paddle past towering icebergs and possibly spot whales.
- Take a helicopter tour over glaciers – Get jaw-dropping aerial views of Greenland’s vast icy wilderness.
Frequently Asked Questions:
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What natural wonders is Greenland known for?
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Massive glaciers, stunning fjords, and the breathtaking
Northern Lights are just a few things that come to mind when one thinks of Greenland.
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What makes Greenland a unique travel destination?
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As the world’s largest island, Greenland is packed with an
interesting blend of history, culture, and natural wonders that are sure to amaze visitors.
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Are there many activities for travelers in Greenland?
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Because of its rich landscape and cultural heritage, there are plenty of things to do and see
when making a trip to Greenland.
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What are some of the best things to do in Greenland?
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Below are some of the best things to do when traveling through the country.
Map:
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