Know Before You Go: Planning a Trip to Greenland

Greenland is the largest island in the world, and sits in the North Atlantic Ocean between the Canadian Arctic and Iceland, above the Arctic Circle. It’s an autonomous territory that's actually part of the Kingdom of Denmark (it has its own government and parliament but is not an independent country). By plane, it's around 6 hours from parts of the US, 4 hours from parts of Canada, and roughly 3 hours from Denmark.

Did you know?: Eighty percent of the island is covered by a massive ice sheet (the second-largest in the world after Antarctica), and the majority of the Greenland population is of Inuit descent.

Several flights run between Greenland and Iceland or Copenhagen, Denmark each week, but flights are becoming increasingly available year-round. Kangerlussuaq, one of the few inland towns in Greenland, welcomes the bulk of travelers from Copenhagen.

West-coast town Ilulissat and capital city Nuuk receive the majority of flights from Iceland. In 2024, the capital city will unveil a new international airport, called Nuuk International Airport, that’s expected to increase international tourism—and flight paths—in Greenland.

While geographically Greenland is close to road trip favorite Iceland, the transit experience on Earth’s largest island is quite different. No roads connect the towns and villages; that means getting from one Greenland town to the next requires a flight, cruise, or ferry ride. Sarfaq Ittuk, Greenland’s only passenger ferry, provides the latter, with scenic routes up and down the west coast.

The west coast of Greenland is the most accessible and therefore sees the bulk of tourism. Each village and town presents a different take on Greenland travel. If you’re hoping for icebergs, whale watching, and higher-end restaurants and hotels, head to Ilulissat, home to the most Greenland tourist attractions. If you’re looking for a culture-meets-adventure getaway, head to Nuuk, the capital city where Nuuk’s museums, shopping, inventive fare, and access to nature provide the perfect backdrop.

Those craving more intrepid things to do in Greenland, such as hiking or even camping on the Greenland ice sheet, should head to Kangerlussuaq. This small town also connects to the coastal village of Sisimiut via Greenland’s best-known thru-hike: the 100-mile (161-kilometer) Arctic Circle Trail.

Since traveling around Greenland is fairly complex, it's best to book organized tours when visiting so that all your transportation needs are met. Plus, local guides are the best interpreters of Greenland's many historic sites. If you're visiting Nuuk, take a private tour of the city by car, or head to the outskirts of town for a northern lights tour. If you've made your way to Narsarsuaq, where the Vikings once lived, book a walking tour to take you through the modern village and archaeological site. Craving more adventure? You can even book a multi-day hike along the Arctic Circle Trail.

Greenland’s polar location promises the signature Arctic experience: northern lights from fall through spring, and the midnight sun come summer.

Summer is the top travel season and brings the mildest Greenland weather and climate; highs reach 50°F (10°C). Summer is also cruise season. Expect small towns, particularly Ilulissat and Nuuk, to be more crowded than usual. One perk to visiting in the summer: Virtually all tourism businesses are open; the same can’t be said for winter and the short shoulder seasons.

Unsurprisingly, winter weather is extreme. Prepare for heavy snow, strong winds, and temperatures that rarely surpass freezing. If you can brave the weather, winter things to do in Greenland include snowshoeing, skiing, and dog sledding. But, at least you have a chance of seeing the northern lights in Greenland during the dark, winter months.

Your Greenland packing list largely depends on which season you choose to visit Greenland. Winter requires a heavy, water-resistant coat, multiple layers, hats and gloves, and snow boots. Microspikes for your boots and hand warmers are a must for snowy hikes. Pack similarly for the unpredictable shoulder seasons. For summer trips, you won’t need your heaviest parka, but a lighter coat, rain jacket, and layers will come in handy.

Greenland may be a Danish territory, but its culture is rich, diverse, and deeply rooted in its Inuit heritage. Drawing from the Arctic regions, Inuit culture is characterized by a deep connection to the land, ice, and sea. Traditionally nomadic hunters and gatherers, the Inuit have a rich oral tradition of storytelling and vibrant arts, including intricate carvings and traditional clothing made from animal hides. Cultural practices, such as dog sledding, drum dances, and throat singing celebrate the resilience and traditions of these Indigenous people.

Because there are so few roads in Greenland, transportation between towns and villages will be by helicopter, plane, or boat. The Sarfaq Ittuk ferry, for example, has limited access for wheelchair users. But many individual sites in Nuuk, from museums to restaurants, provide some level of accessibility. Always contact businesses and tour operators ahead of time to inquire about accessibility—they may be able to make special accommodations.

Insider tip: The popular 1-mile (1.5-kilometer) boardwalk trail at the Ilulissat Icefjord Centre is accessible to wheelchair users, and it takes you through the Sermermiut Valley to the iceberg-filled fjord.

• What currency do they use in Greenland? Greenland uses the Danish Krone (DKK) as its official currency. ATMs are available in some towns and settlements, but it's recommended to check for banking services and currency exchange options in advance, especially in more remote areas.
• What language do they speak in Greenland? The official languages of Greenland are Greenlandic (Kalaallisut) and Danish. Greenlandic is the predominant and most widely spoken language among the local population. Danish, as the colonial and administrative language, is also used in government, education, and official communication.
• What kind of food will I find in Greenland? Contemporary food options are available in the capital city Nuuk, from Greenlandic cuisine to Thai restaurants and pizza shops. Ilulissat offers an assortment of contemporary and traditional fare. Expect more traditional Greenlandic fare in smaller towns and villages; this includes musk-ox, reindeer, and seafood.
• Does the sun set in Greenland during the summer? The phenomenon known as the "Midnight Sun," during which the sun does not set for an extended period, occurs around the summer solstice (roughly June 21). This results in continuous daylight for several weeks. In the southern parts of Greenland, there may be some twilight and a brief period of darkness, while in the northernmost regions, the sun remains visible throughout the entire night.
• Can I see the northern lights in Greenland? The best time to see the northern lights in Greenland is during the winter months, from September to April when the nights are longer and the skies are darker.
• Do I need a power plug adapter for Greenland? Yes, if your devices use a different type of plug than the ones commonly used in Greenland (Type C or Type K), you will need a power plug adapter. Greenland uses the Europlug (Type C) as well as the Danish and Greenlandic standard (Type K) electrical outlets.