What budget for activities and outings Greenland?
While museums are generally inexpensive, activities are expensive: expect to pay around DKK 50 for a ticket and DKK 250 for a guided city tour. Prices are much higher, starting at 900 DKK for a boat or dog-sled excursion. A visit to a craft workshop or a hike is still a low-cost activity here. Tip: why not team up with a local to show you around, or ask a hunter or fisherman to take you with him!
While there are many fun outdoor activities you can enjoy without spending a penny, you'll need to be self-sufficient and even experienced in some situations. Greenland's extreme climate and sudden changes can be formidable. A solo expedition such as a multi-day hike, kayaking, mountaineering, mountain biking or glacier climbing cannot be improvised. If in doubt, and for your own safety, it's best to sacrifice a few Danish kroner and enlist the help of a guide. For other adventures, such as whale-watching, dog-sledding or snowmobiling, you'll need to budget accordingly. All in all, stretching your legs and watching the Northern Lights under the stars are undoubtedly the only activities on the frozen island that are totally free of charge... What's the point of spending more to see this majestic spectacle?
Local products are relatively expensive but of good quality, and mostly handmade. In some regions, they make a major contribution to the local economy. Beware of CITES export regulations, and remember to apply for a permit at the store. More information on this subject is provided later in the guide.
Expect to pay around DKK 100 for a cinema ticket, and more for a show.
What budget to eat Greenland?
Prices vary across Greenland. Food is much more expensive in the east and north of the country, where food supplies are scarcer. A standard restaurant meal easily exceeds DKK 200, so supermarkets are a good way to balance your budget.
While Greenland is self-sufficient in fish and certain meat products, everything else has to be imported by ship, and this naturally has an impact on prices. Compared with Scandinavia, prices are around 10% higher (particularly alcohol, tobacco, fruit and vegetables). To give you a quick idea, here are a few ideas of the prices of various consumer products: 1 bottle of water at €3, 1 beer at €5, 1 liter of milk at €1.50, 1 pack of pasta or rice between €3 and €4, 1 salad at €5, 1 pack of cigarettes at €12. Credit cards are accepted throughout the country. And you'll find cash dispensers in most towns.
Expect to pay around DKK 35 for a beer in a supermarket, and between DKK 50 and 80 in a restaurant or bar.
What is the budget for accommodation Greenland?
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 cheaper 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.
Travel budget Greenland and cost of living
Although more accessible in recent years, Greenland remains a very expensive destination. Keep in mind, however, that prices drop a little in winter. Because of the vast distances involved, the small number of passengers and the absence of roads, transport is the most expensive part of your trip. Plane tickets often account for half the budget. To find cheaper tickets, don't hesitate to make an (inevitable) stopover in Reykjavík or Copenhagen, and choose another airline offering more competitive prices.
The cost of living, heavily dependent on imports, is particularly high. It is one of the most expensive countries in the world. Nothing escapes this rule, and even the smallest item will be much more expensive than in France, so it's essential to arrive in the country with some savings in your pocket for restaurants, shopping, accommodation and transport.
What will your daily budget be? Assuming you stay in one place, with no tour-operator excursions and no hotel room, you can expect to spend between DKK 400 and DKK 600 per day. Travelers with rooms and taking advantage of the restaurants can expect to spend around DKK 1,700 per day. Camping and self-catering remains the most cost-effective solution. Beware of extras, such as cafés, nights out and other activities, which can quickly become a heavy burden on your wallet. If you're on a tight budget, the best thing to do is to reduce your travel in the country and spend your money on local excursions (boating, dog sledding, kayaking...) to discover the region's charms.
