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The icefjord of the Jakobshavn glacier outside Illulisat, Greenland.

Things to do in  Greenland

Ice-cold adventure

One of the final travel frontiers, Greenland seduces with the raw power of its nature, the deep rootedness of its rich culture, and its otherworldly beauty. Traveling in rugged, arctic Greenland isn’t always easy, but intrepid explorers are rewarded with the sight of towering icebergs, glistening glaciers, and deep fjords. Whether you kayak around icebergs, spot whales, chase the northern lights, immerse yourself in the Inuit way of life, or explore the arts and crafts of tiny villages, you’ll find no shortage of things to do in Greenland.

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Local Currency
Danish Krone (DKK)
When to visit

The best time to visit Greenland depends on what you want to do there. If you are keen on exploring the outdoors by hiking or kayaking, the warmer months from May to September are ideal—that's also when daylight hours are long. For snowy adventures such as dog sledding, snowmobiling, and chasing the northern lights, the best time to visit is from late September to May.

Getting around

There are no roads connecting towns, so getting around Greenland can be challenging. Travelers typically travel around the country by air, using Air Greenland, the national airline, which connects all major settlements. Passenger ferries are another option, such as the Sarfaq Ittuk ferry on the Arctic Umiaq Line, which, from April to December, runs between Qaqortoq and Ilulissat.

Traveler tips

A great way to get to know local Greenlanders is by joining a social gathering known as kaffemik (Greenlandic for “via coffee”). Traditionally a day-long event held to celebrate events in the community, tour operators now offer shorter kaffemik excursions to visitors who can enjoy a coffee, cake, and a chat in a local’s home.

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People Also Ask
Q:How do I get to Greenland from the United States or Europe?
A:

Most travelers from the United States get to Greenland via Europe. The two main European gateways to Greenland are Copenhagen, Denmark, and Reykjavik, Iceland. Reykjavik provides the fastest way to get to Greenland from the United States as it offers direct flights year-round.

Q:What are the must-see attractions in Greenland?
A:

Among the top must-see attractions in Greenland is the Ilulissat Icefjord, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famed for its immense icebergs that calve from the active Sermeq Kujalleq glacier. Nuuk, Greenland’s capital, is home to the National Museum of Greenland. The Hvalsey Church ruins are the country's best-preserved Norse ruins.

Q:What activities can I do in Greenland in summer?
A:

You can do a wide range of summer activities in Greenland thanks to the long hours of daylight in the warmer months. Popular activities include hiking, kayaking, mountain biking, sailing, and fishing. You can also enjoy festivities like National Day of Greenland on June 21.

Q:Can you see the northern lights in Greenland, and when is the best time?
A:

Yes, you can see the northern lights in Greenland. The best time to see the northern lights is from October to April, when the skies are darkest. Top aurora-viewing destinations, including Nuuk, Kangerlussuaq, and Ilulissat, offer northern lights excursions that maximize your chances of seeing the light show.

Q:Is it expensive to travel to Greenland?
A:

Yes, it is typically quite expensive to travel to Greenland. Getting there is pricey, as are domestic plane tickets, and food is also costly because it is mainly imported. You can save money by traveling in shoulder seasons and, if you have time, getting around by passenger ferry versus airplane.

Q:What should I pack for Greenland?
A:

What you should pack for Greenland depends on the time of year you visit. However, some year-round essentials include sturdy footwear (preferably hiking boots) and clothing you can layer, including a waterproof jacket, hat, gloves, and wool socks (even in summer). Don’t forget your camera.

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