Greenland Travel Guide

Greenland is the world's largest island, covering roughly 2.16 million square kilometres, of which approximately 80 percent is covered by a permanent ice sheet. It is an autonomous territory within the Kingdom of Denmark, with its own government based in Nuuk, the capital. Despite its vast size, the population is small — around 56,000 people — most of whom live in coastal settlements where the ice sheet gives way to fjords, mountains, and tundra.

The landscape is genuinely extreme: calving glaciers, expansive icefjords, and some of the oldest exposed rock on Earth. It is a destination for travellers who are drawn to remote wilderness, indigenous culture, and natural phenomena such as the midnight sun and aurora borealis. Infrastructure is limited by design and geography, which is a key practical consideration for trip planning.

Nuuk, Ilulissat, Sisimiut, and Tasiilaq are the most visited towns, each offering a different character — from the relatively urban capital to the isolated east coast settlements. Greenland rewards patient, well-prepared travellers more than spontaneous visitors.

Visas

Greenland is part of the Kingdom of Denmark but is not a member of the European Union or the Schengen Area. Entry requirements can differ from those for Denmark itself. Check TravelerPulse's Visas section and consult the official Danish immigration authority or Greenland's government portal before booking.

Health

Medical facilities outside of Nuuk are very limited. Travellers planning outdoor expeditions should carry comprehensive first-aid supplies, be aware of evacuation times, and consider travel insurance that specifically covers remote wilderness and helicopter evacuation, which can be extremely costly without coverage. Verify current vaccination recommendations with your health provider before travel.

Money

The Danish Krone is used throughout Greenland. Card payments are accepted in most shops and restaurants in larger towns. In smaller settlements, cash may be preferred or necessary — verify locally before you go. ATMs exist in major towns but should not be relied upon in remote areas.

What to Pack

Layering is essential at any time of year. Even in summer, temperatures can drop quickly, particularly near the ice sheet or on the water. Waterproof outer layers, sturdy footwear, and insect repellent (for summer, when mosquitoes can be dense inland) are practical necessities.

There are no direct transatlantic flights to Greenland from most countries. The primary gateways are Copenhagen (CPH) and Reykjavik (KEF) in Iceland. Air Greenland operates scheduled services from both cities into Nuuk (GOH) and a number of other settlements. Kangerlussuaq has historically served as a major hub for internal connections, though the route network evolves — verify current schedules on the official Air Greenland website before planning.

A seasonal ferry service, operated by Arctic Umiaq Line, connects several west Greenland towns along the coast, from Nuuk northward. This is a practical way to travel between settlements and experience the coastal landscape at a slower pace. Journey times between towns can be long; check the operator's current timetable directly.

There are no roads connecting Greenland's towns to one another. All inter-settlement travel is by air, sea, or — in some cases — by snowmobile or dog sled in winter.

Movement within Greenland is fundamentally different from most destinations. There is no road network linking settlements, so getting between towns requires booking internal flights with Air Greenland, taking the coastal ferry where it operates, or arranging private boat or helicopter charters.

Within towns, walking is the primary mode of transport. Nuuk has the most developed urban infrastructure, including a small bus network. Rental vehicles are available in some towns for local use, but roads do not extend far beyond settlement boundaries. Verify availability directly with local operators.

For wilderness travel — hiking, glacier walking, or kayaking — guided tours are strongly recommended. Many routes require local knowledge of weather patterns, crevasse fields, and sea-ice conditions. Several licensed guide companies operate in Ilulissat, Sisimiut, and Tasiilaq; contact the local tourist information offices for current recommendations.

Ilulissat Icefjord

The Ilulissat Icefjord (Sermeq Kujalleq) is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Greenland's most visited natural features. The glacier calves enormous icebergs into the fjord, creating a constantly changing landscape of ice. Several marked hiking trails run along the fjord's edge; the most popular route, the Blue Trail, offers direct views of the ice field. Verify current trail conditions and any access changes with the local visitor centre before setting out.

Dog Sledding

Winter dog sledding is a traditional and culturally significant mode of transport in Greenland, particularly in settlements north of the Arctic Circle. Guided sled excursions are available in winter months from operators in towns such as Ilulissat and Sisimiut. The season depends on sea-ice and snow conditions, which vary year to year.

Northern Lights

The aurora borealis is visible in Greenland during the dark months, roughly from late September through March, on clear nights away from town light. No viewing is ever guaranteed, as the aurora depends on solar activity and cloud cover.

Hiking and Trekking

The Arctic Circle Trail, running approximately 160 kilometres between Kangerlussuaq and Sisimiut, is a well-regarded multi-day trek. It is a wilderness route requiring self-sufficiency and proper navigation skills. The hiking season is generally July to mid-September.

Cultural Sites

Nuuk's Greenland National Museum holds collections of archaeological and historical artefacts, including items from Norse and Inuit cultures. The Uunartoq hot springs in southern Greenland offer a natural bathing experience accessible by boat; verify access and current conditions locally.

Greenlandic cuisine is rooted in the resources of the land and sea. Musk ox, reindeer, Arctic char, halibut, and various species of whale and seal have historically formed the basis of the local diet. Mattak — raw or dried whale skin with blubber — is a traditional food encountered mainly in Inuit communities rather than mainstream restaurants.

In Nuuk and Ilulissat, restaurants serve a mix of modern Greenlandic dishes featuring local fish and game, as well as Danish-influenced European cooking. The dining scene in Nuuk has grown in quality and variety in recent years. Outside the two largest towns, dining options become very limited; self-catering or eating at local guesthouses and cafeterias is common.

Alcohol is available but subject to purchasing restrictions in some communities; verify local rules before travel. Tap water in Greenland generally comes from snowmelt and glacial sources and is considered clean in most settlements, though confirm locally in smaller communities.

Emergency Services

In Greenland, 112 is the emergency number for police, fire, and medical services. Medical evacuation from remote areas is handled by helicopter and can be very slow depending on weather. Comprehensive travel insurance covering emergency evacuation is strongly advised.

Connectivity

Mobile coverage exists in and around main towns but is absent across most of the wilderness and coastline. Satellite communicators (such as personal locator beacons or satellite messenger devices) are recommended for any backcountry travel.

Environmental Responsibility

Greenland's ecosystems are fragile. Visitors are expected to follow Leave No Trace principles: carry out all waste, stay on marked trails where they exist, and do not disturb wildlife or archaeological sites. Some areas require permits for access; check with Greenland's environmental authorities or local tour operators before entering protected zones.

Time Zones

Greenland spans multiple time zones. West Greenland (including Nuuk) observes Western Greenland Time; east and north Greenland observe different offsets. Confirm the local time for your specific destination.

Greenland is generally a safe destination in terms of interpersonal crime; violent crime is rare, though as with any destination, normal awareness is sensible in town settings.

The primary safety risks are environmental. Weather can change rapidly and severely, particularly on the ice sheet, in fjords, and during sea travel. Travellers should not undertake wilderness activities without appropriate experience, equipment, and ideally a qualified local guide. Hypothermia, frostbite, and white-out conditions are genuine risks even in summer at higher elevations or on the ice.

Sea ice can be unpredictable. Locals and licensed operators have the knowledge to assess conditions; travellers should defer to their judgment. Do not venture onto sea ice or near calving glacier fronts without guidance — calving events produce waves and ice debris that can be dangerous at distance.

Greenland's indigenous Inuit people, the Kalaallit, have inhabited the island for thousands of years and their culture remains central to Greenlandic identity. Kalaallisut is the official language and holds equal status with Danish. Travellers are encouraged to approach local culture with genuine curiosity and respect.

Hunting and fishing are not merely traditional practices — they remain part of everyday life for many Greenlandic families. Attitudes toward whale and seal hunting differ significantly between Greenlandic communities and many international visitors; approaching these topics with cultural sensitivity rather than judgment will be appreciated.

Nuuk has a growing arts and music scene, and Greenlandic artists, designers, and musicians are increasingly visible internationally. The Nuuk Nordisk film festival and various local events take place throughout the year; check current listings through local tourism offices. Photography of people should always be done with explicit permission.