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 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.

To be booked

Apart from camping, remember to book your accommodation well in advance, as it can quickly become overcrowded. In terms of accommodation, Greenland isn't exactly the kind of country where you can improvise your trip from day to 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 inns. 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 refreshing 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 Danish Morgenmad, and are rather salty and hearty. You'll generally find several types of bread: white bread, rye bread or rolls sprinkled with seeds, which the locals spread with cheese, salami, butter, jam or spreads. And let's not forget boiled eggs, cereal-based porridge or pastries made with puff pastry and marzipan, often topped with cinnamon and cardamom. Hot drinks and juices are also available. A great way to start the day, before heading out into the cold!

Smokers

Smoking is not allowed in the rooms, especially as most of the houses are made of wood. Remember to take out your cigarette butts and dispose of them properly in the garbage can.