The best accommodations Greenland

Budget & Tips

Accommodation in Greenland is very expensive. Luxury hotels are available in most tourist areas, such as the Hotel Hans Egede in Nuuk or the Hotel Arctic in Ilulissat. Prices with private bathrooms, restaurants and other activities start at around DKK 1,500 and can go up to DKK 4,000 a night, if not more! Otherwise, you'll find many mid-range hotels(guesthouses often with shared facilities) or the possibility of sleeping in modern chalets at cheaper, though still high, prices. A double room generally costs between DKK 900 and DKK 1,700.

There are, however, slightly less expensive options , such as the SØMA hotels in Ilulissat, Sisimiut, Aasiaat and Nuuk. Good to know: bringing your own sleeping bag is very common in hotels, chalets and hostels in Greenland, in order to reduce the cost of an overnight stay.

The cheapest solutions are undoubtedly youth hostels and camping, at between DKK 200 and DKK 300 per night. While it's unfortunately not possible to find a youth hostel in every town, camping is permitted everywhere in Greenland, as long as it doesn't disturb locals near specific areas such as Unesco-listed sites, farmland or Viking ruins. Be careful, however, because of wild animals (polar bears) and the risk of tsunamis (avoid beaches), and make sure you're well-equipped to cope with the temperatures (even in summer). Don't hesitate to ask the locals for advice on the best places to camp, or even the possibility of camping close to a hostel to take advantage of its facilities (kitchen, shower...) at a lower cost.

Some farms in southern Greenland offer accommodation in old houses converted into hostels; a unique experience to stay with a local family and get an insight into their way of life.

To be booked

Outside the campsite, remember to book your accommodation well in advance as it can be quickly stormed. In terms of accommodation, Greenland is not entirely the type of country where it is possible to improvise your trip day by day.

What's very local

If you'd like to stay with a local, it's possible, even if this type of accommodation is not yet widespread in Greenland due to the small size of the houses. However, it will cost you much less than a hotel, and represents a pleasant alternative for direct contact with the locals. Check with tourist offices or tour operators to make reservations. Good to know: many towns and villages offer rooms for rent in schools during the school vacations, or houses for rent (notably via the Airbnb website). These types of accommodation can be financially attractive.

Many farms in southern Greenland offer accommodation in old houses that have been converted into hostels. A unique experience in southern Greenland to stay with a family and get an insight into their way of life. The farm sites are often isolated, set in magnificent landscapes, but the farming is modern and fully mechanized. A family usually has around a hundred sheep, herding dogs, a couple of Icelandic horses and a few chickens. Many farms have also started growing vegetables, such as potatoes, turnips, lettuce and cabbage! Many farms offer an evening meal, where you can sample all these delicious local products. Don't hesitate to give it a try - it's a change of scenery and a great way to meet new people! The Farm Holiday Greenland Facebook page is packed with information.

For food lovers

Greenlandic breakfasts are strongly inspired by the Danish Morgenmad, rather salty and hearty. You will usually find several types of bread: white bread, rye bread or seeded rolls, which the local people spread with cheese, salami, butter, jam or peaches to spread. Not to mention shell eggs, a porridge based on cereals or compound pastries;these are leaflet and almond peach peaches, often with cinnamon and cardamom. Hot drinks and juices are also available. A good start to the day, before going to face the cold!

Smokers

Smoking is not allowed in the rooms, especially since most of the dwellings are made of wood. Remember to go out and throw your goats in the garbage.