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. It is an autonomous territory within the Kingdom of Denmark, with its own parliament (Inatsisartut) and government based in Nuuk, the capital.
Despite its size, Greenland has a population of only about 56,000 people, most of whom live in small coastal towns and settlements. This combination of extreme scale and sparse habitation gives the island a quality of remoteness that is genuinely rare on earth. The landscape shifts dramatically between regions — calving icebergs in Ilulissat, the coloured wooden houses of Nuuk, the towering peaks of the Tasermiut Fjord in the south, and the near-total isolation of the northeast.
Greenland sits at a crossroads of Inuit heritage and Danish administrative history. That dual identity shapes everything from architecture and cuisine to language and governance. Visitors willing to travel deliberately — this is not a destination for spontaneous, budget-light trips — are rewarded with experiences that are difficult or impossible to replicate elsewhere.
Before You Go
Visas and Entry
Greenland is not part of the Schengen Area, despite Denmark being a member. Entry rules are therefore distinct from those governing mainland Denmark. Check TravelerPulse's Visas section and consult the official Greenlandic or Danish immigration authority well before travel, as rules vary significantly by nationality.
Health Considerations
No routine vaccinations are specifically required for Greenland beyond those recommended for general international travel, but you should consult a travel health clinic before departure. Medical facilities are limited outside Nuuk; serious cases are often evacuated to Denmark. Comprehensive travel insurance that includes medical evacuation is strongly advised and, in practical terms, essential.
What to Pack
Even in summer, temperatures can drop sharply, particularly near the ice sheet or at altitude. Layering is critical: a waterproof outer shell, insulating mid-layer, and moisture-wicking base layers are the minimum. Sturdy, waterproof hiking boots are necessary for most outdoor activities. In winter, expedition-grade cold-weather gear is required.
Money and Connectivity
Danish krone is the currency. Credit cards are accepted in larger towns, but carry cash for smaller settlements. Mobile coverage and internet access are available in towns but unreliable or absent in wilderness areas. Download offline maps and any essential information before leaving populated centres.
Getting There
Greenland has no road connections to the outside world and no international sea ferry links for general passengers. All international access is by air. Nuuk Airport (GOH) and Kangerlussuaq Airport (SFJ) are the main international entry points, with connections primarily through Copenhagen (CPH) and Reykjavík (KEF). Air Greenland is the national carrier and the primary operator of both international routes and domestic inter-town flights. Air Iceland Connect has historically offered seasonal service from Iceland; verify current schedules directly with airlines before booking.
Kangerlussuaq functions as a hub for onward domestic connections because its runway can accommodate larger aircraft. Nuuk's new international airport, opened in 2024, now allows more direct international arrivals, though Copenhagen remains the dominant gateway. Flight availability is limited and books out well in advance in summer — plan and book months ahead.
Cruise ships operate seasonal itineraries along Greenland's west and east coasts, calling at Nuuk, Sisimiut, Ilulissat, and other ports. This can be a practical way to see multiple regions without managing inter-town logistics independently. Verify departure ports, itineraries, and seasons with individual cruise operators.
Getting Around
There are no roads connecting Greenland's towns. Inter-town travel is by small aircraft, helicopter, or boat. Air Greenland operates an extensive domestic network linking the major settlements; these flights are the backbone of internal travel but can be disrupted by weather. Book as early as possible, particularly in summer.
In summer, the coastal ferry service operated by Disko Line connects several west coast towns, including Nuuk, Maniitsoq, Sisimiut, Aasiaat, Qasigiannguit, and Ilulissat, among others. This is a slower but scenic alternative for travellers with time. Schedules and route coverage change seasonally — verify the current timetable on the operator's official site before planning around it.
Within towns, most areas are walkable. Taxis operate in larger towns such as Nuuk and Ilulissat. For wilderness travel, guided tours with local operators are strongly recommended: the terrain is demanding, weather changes rapidly, and navigation requires experience. Dog sledding is a traditional and still-used form of winter transport in several communities, and licensed operators offer excursions.
Things to See & Do
Ilulissat Icefjord
The Ilulissat Icefjord (Sermeq Kujalleq) is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Greenland's most visited natural landmarks. The fjord receives icebergs calved from one of the world's most productive glaciers. Marked hiking trails offer viewpoints above the fjord; boat tours take visitors close to the icebergs. The scale is genuinely difficult to process in person.
Northern Lights
The aurora borealis is visible from many parts of Greenland between roughly September and March, when nights are dark and skies are clear. Kangerlussuaq, situated inland away from coastal cloud systems, is frequently cited as one of Greenland's best aurora-viewing locations. No tour is strictly necessary — dark skies are easy to find — but guided excursions can help maximise positioning and timing.
Midnight Sun
From late May through late July, depending on latitude, the sun does not set. The effect is most pronounced in the north. This enables hiking, paddling, and boating at any hour, though it requires blackout curtains or an eye mask for sleep.
Hiking and Wilderness Travel
- The Arctic Circle Trail (Arktiske Overfart) is a roughly 160-kilometre route between Kangerlussuaq and Sisimiut; it takes most hikers 7–12 days and requires genuine backcountry experience and full self-sufficiency.
- The Tasermiut Fjord in South Greenland offers dramatic granite spires and deep fjords with a more temperate summer climate.
- Day hikes are accessible from most towns; local tourist offices can advise on current trail conditions.
Cultural and Historical Sites
- Nuuk's National Museum holds significant collections of Inuit artefacts and the world-renowned Qilakitsoq mummies.
- The ruins of Norse settlements are preserved in South Greenland, including Brattahlíð (Qassiarsuk), associated with Erik the Red.
- Sisimiut has a well-regarded local museum covering the area's Inuit and colonial history.
Food & Drink
Greenlandic cuisine is rooted in what the land and sea provide: caribou (reindeer), musk ox, seal, whale (harvested under managed quotas), Arctic char, Greenland halibut, and various seabirds are traditional staples. Visitors to local homes or community events may encounter mattak (raw whale skin with blubber) or dried fish — trying these with an open mind offers genuine cultural insight.
In Nuuk, a small but genuine restaurant scene has developed that incorporates local ingredients into more contemporary cooking. Several restaurants offer tasting menus built around Arctic produce. Outside the capital, dining options contract sharply; most smaller towns have a handful of cafés or a hotel restaurant, and self-catering is a practical consideration for extended stays.
Alcohol is available in licensed restaurants and the state-run Pilersuisoq stores, but it is subject to purchasing restrictions in some communities. Verify local rules before assuming availability. Tap water in populated areas is generally safe to drink, though confirm locally. Glacial meltwater in wilderness areas should be treated before consumption.
Practical Information
Emergency Services
Greenland has its own emergency number — verify the current number through official Greenlandic government sources or your accommodation before travel, as it differs from the Danish 112 system in certain contexts. Medical emergency evacuation is coordinated through Air Greenland; your travel insurance provider should have 24-hour emergency contact details.
Internet and Phones
Greenland's telecommunications provider is TELE Greenland. Coverage exists in towns but drops off entirely outside settlements. International roaming may work in towns depending on your provider; verify before departure. Purchasing a local SIM in Nuuk is an option for longer stays.
Costs
Greenland is an expensive destination. Nearly all food and consumer goods are imported and priced accordingly. Accommodation, domestic flights, and guided tours add up quickly. Budget carefully and add contingency for weather-related delays, which are common and can strand travellers for days.
Time Zones
Greenland spans multiple time zones. West Greenland (including Nuuk) observes UTC−3 in summer and UTC−2 during daylight saving. East Greenland and the far north operate on different offsets. Confirm local times when booking any connection or tour.
Safety
Greenland is generally a safe destination from a crime perspective; violent crime rates are low relative to many countries. The primary safety concerns are environmental: extreme cold, unpredictable Arctic weather, glacial and sea-ice hazards, and the genuine remoteness of wilderness areas.
Never travel onto the ice sheet, sea ice, or glacial terrain without an experienced local guide and proper equipment. Ice conditions change rapidly and are not obvious to the untrained eye. If hiking independently, register your plans with your accommodation or the local police, carry a reliable communication device (satellite communicator recommended outside cell coverage), and have a realistic turnaround plan.
Weather can ground aircraft and delay boats for multiple days. Always build buffer days into any itinerary that involves domestic flights or ferry connections, especially if you have an international flight to catch. Travel insurance with trip delay coverage is strongly recommended alongside medical evacuation cover.
Local Culture & Etiquette
Greenlandic identity is primarily rooted in Inuit culture, particularly the Kalaallit people of West Greenland, as well as the Tunumiit of East Greenland and the Inughuit of the far north. This culture has its own language, oral traditions, artistic forms (including drum dancing, throat singing, and distinctive visual arts), and a profound relationship with the natural environment shaped by millennia of Arctic subsistence living.
The relationship between Greenlandic and Danish culture is nuanced and politically active. Greenland achieved home rule in 1979 and expanded self-governance in 2009; independence is an ongoing political conversation. Visitors should approach this context with awareness and avoid treating Greenland as an extension of Denmark.
When interacting with local communities, particularly smaller settlements, be respectful about photography — always ask before photographing individuals. Hunting and fishing are not merely recreational activities but central to culture and food security; engage with any related discussions without imposing outside value judgements. Learning a few words of Kalaallisut is appreciated, though not expected.
