Greenland is a land of fascinating contrasts and breathtaking natural beauty that attracts adventurers from all over the world. A vacation in Greenland is synonymous with unforgettable adventures, where grandiose nature and local culture promise a unique travel experience. Whether you're looking for spectacular hikes, Arctic wildlife sightings or icebergs, you'll be amazed. In this article, we present the 15 most beautiful places to visit in Greenland, from icy fjords to picturesque villages, historic sites and natural wonders.
1. Ilulissat: a spectacular place
The country's third-largest city, Ilulissat, is the iceberg capital of the world (its name literally means "icebergs") and offers a spectacle like no other. The arrival by plane is one of the most impressive in Greenland, with a flight over Isfjord, an icy fjord 3 to 6 km wide and 60 km long. By boat, , you canwatch the ice fall into the fjord. It's a memorable natural spectacle. You can't help but be blown away by the size and varying shapes of this cold, icy desert of icebergs, some reaching 50 or even 100 metres in height. Ilulissat is also an ideal starting point for exploring the various sites of Disko Bay.
2.Dog sledding on Disko Island
100 km west of Ilulissat, Qeqertarsuaq, which means "big island", is located on Disko Island. It is the main town on this vast island, which covers 9,700 km². The majority of the island's population live here, while the rest live in the village of Kangerluk, a few hours' boat ride to the northwest. More and more tourists are attracted by the island's wild character, offering magnificent hiking and wildlife-watching opportunities (whales, birds), but above all by the Lyngmark glacier, the only place where you can go dog-sledding in summer.
3. Cruise Disko Bay and listen to the "song of the icebergs"
Cruising from Ilulissat to the mouth of Disko Bay, you can get a closer look at the icebergs: their varied shapes, dazzling whites and luminous blues are fascinating. As the sun begins to set, the horizon blazes anda spectacle of astonishing colors transforms the cruise. Blues, yellows and pinks come to the fore, depending on the composition of the iceberg: snow of varying ages, highly compressed ice, ice that has been in the water, creating a phenomenon that seems unreal.
Good to know a number of tour operators, including Albatros Arctic Circle, World of Greenland, Arctic Friend and Ilulissat Adventure, offer day cruises, as well as midnight cruises (from 9:30 p.m.), when the colors become unbelievable, with the flamboyant reflections of the setting sun on the gigantic icebergs... A must-see.
4. See the Northern Lights at Kangerlussuaq
Kangerlussuaq, whose name means "the great fjord" due to its inland location at the end of a 100 km long fjord, is home to one of Greenland's two main airports. This destination is highly prized for its proximity to the ice cap, just 25 km away (accessible in just 10 minutes by air), and for its rich wildlifeof musk oxen, reindeer, arctic foxes, falcons, eagles, ravens and gyrfalcons. Kangerlussuaq lies in an area particularly well-suited to the Northern Lights, visible during the winter months and offering an unforgettable spectacle.
5. Discover Inuit culture in Qaanaaq
If you want to experience the polar night or the midnight sun, the Qaanaaq region is the place to be. Qaanaaq and its villages also offeran ideal setting to discover Inuit culture and get up close to the local population. Hunting (seals, walruses and polar bears) still plays a crucial role in daily life, and this is one of the few places in Greenland where the locals still go hunting by kayak. Sometimes, they also organize traditional drum dances, kayak lessons and concerts where the choir singers perform in their finest costumes.
The article to read: 10 destinations to enjoy the snow this winter
6. Igaliku, an ideal destination for outdoor activities in Greenland
Igaliku, formerly known as Gardar ("farm"), was an ancient settlement where Vikings lived mainly from agriculture until around 1450, when the community collapsed. So it's not surprising that Igaliku is the first place in the south where agriculture has once again become the main source of income. It's an ideal destination for outdoor activities, offering the chance to discover Norse ruins, modern agriculture, sheep farms and numerous hiking possibilities. You can also ask the hotel reception to organize a kaffemik or visit one of the surrounding farms.
7. Tasiilaq, one of Greenland's most beautiful towns
Tasiilaq, which means "the lake", is the main town on the east coast. Located on the island of Ammassalik, along a circular fjord surrounded by high alpine mountains over 1,000 meters high that plunge into the sea, it is considered one of the most beautiful towns in Greenland. You'll be charmed by the many small, colorful houses scattered around the heights and by the river that runs through its center. It's the ideal place to embark on excursions into this wild and beautiful region, and to get an insider's view of a local culture deeply attached to its traditions.
8. Take aboat trip from Port Victor to the majestic Eqi Glacier
This is probably one of the most expensive excursions in Disko Bay, but undoubtedly the most fantastic! About 5 hours by boat up the magnificent Ataa Fjord, you'll come face to face with the majestic Eqi Glacier. The boat then shuts down the engines for an hour, allowing you to listen to the glacier calve and watch huge chunks of ice fall with a deafening crash, similar to the roar of a thunderstorm. A magical experience. This fantastic excursion can be done in one day by boat with World of Greenland, but the formula requires you to spend two nights at Glacier Lodge Eqi.
Good to know: Port Victor also has a history: it was here that the French Polar Expeditions led by Paul-Émile Victor established their base camp in the summer of 1948. The aim was to open up a trail to the ice cap and carry out numerous scientific surveys. Their hut is still there, on the southern edge of the bay
9. Doing the Arctic Circle Trail from Sisimiut
Located 40 km north of the Arctic Circle, Sisimiut, which means "the place near the foxholes", is Greenland's second-largest city. Sisimiut is also an educational and cultural center, home to several vocational and general schools as well as the magnificent Taseralik Cultural Center. From a tourist point of view, Sisimiut is best known for its famous Arctic Circle Trail. Reserved for experienced hikers, this trek lasts from nine to eleven days and can be enjoyed in any season, whether on foot, cross-country skis, dog sled or snowmobile.
10. Nuuk, the capital of Greenland
The world's northernmost capital, Nuuk, is a vibrant city. Founded in 1729 by Norwegian missionary Hans Egede, it still boasts colonial houses on the seafront. Nuuk's magnificent Katuaq cultural center offers a varied program, showcasing the expression of local and international artists in a variety of artistic fields. The National Museum of Greenland is a veritable mine of information and a must-see on your trip to Greenland.
11. Narsaq, a magnificent town surrounded by ice
Narsaq is a magnificent town surrounded by ice, and also the most populous agricultural town. Its inhabitants often call themselves "cowboys", in reference to the horses once used to raise sheep. Although those days are long gone, with most of the breeders having left town, you can still see some lush, fenced-in gardens, testimony to the need to protect the sheep that used to roam freely in the streets.
12. Qaqortoq and its famous fountain
Founded in 1775 as a trading post, the town was originally named Julianehåb by Norwegian Anders Olsen after Queen Juliana of Denmark. It was later named Qaqortoq (the white one), in reference to the abundance of ice in its waters and the magnificence of the daisy beds lining the fjord. Qaqortoq is home to some fine historic buildings dating back to colonial times, surrounding the central square in the old town center with its famous fountain (the only one in the country before the one in Sisimiut). The town is also a hotbed of artists, including Aka Høegh, known for her sculpture park called "Stone and Man".
13. Uummannaq Island
Uummannaq, which means "heart-shaped", lies 600 km north of the Arctic Circle on the 12 km² island of the same name. It owes its name to Mount Uummannaq (1,170 m) and its curious appearance, with two heart-shaped peaks of similar size. In Uummannaq itself, you'll have the chance to see a church built in 1935 (you can visit the bell tower on request) from granite blocks hewn from the nearest hill, as well as a number of old buildings and well-preserved traditional peat houses. One of these was in use until 1980.
Good to know: Legend has it that if you visit the town, part of your heart will stay there forever.
14. Bathingin Uunartoq's hot baths with a view of the fjord and icebergs
You won't soon forget your exquisite dip in Uunartoq's 38°C hot springs , when the air temperature is usually around 10°C in summer, all with a breathtaking view of the fjord and its icebergs. Don't forget to bring a picnic lunch if you're staying for a few hours, as well as towels, a bathing suit and a warm sweater for after your swim. Small cabins on site allow you to change under cover and leave your belongings there if you need to.
Good to know: More than half an hour by boat from Qaqortoq, Sagalands organizes half-day excursions to the springs from June to September.
15. Taste the culinary specialties of Greenland
Greenland, with its breathtaking landscapes and unique culture, also offers a rich and varied cuisine well worth discovering. Among the typical culinary specialties, you can't miss "suaasat", a traditional soup made from seal, whale or reindeer meat, often accompanied by rice and potatoes. Mattak", or whale skin, is another local specialty, often eaten raw or marinated. For fish lovers, "amassat", a dried fish dish, is a must. Finally, don't forget to try "kiviak", a traditional dish prepared with hake marinated in seal skin, although it's a unique and daring culinary experience.
What to visit in Greenland in summer
Greenland, with its breathtaking landscapes and unspoilt nature, offers a multitude of activities and sites to discover in summer. Here are just a few of the highlights:
lulissat and the iceberg fjord
- Ilulissat Fjord: A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this fjord is famous for its gigantic icebergs. A cruise in the fjord gives you a close-up view of these impressive ice formations.
- Sermeq Kujalleq Glacier: This glacier is one of the most active in the world, offering a fascinating spectacle of calving icebergs.
Nuuk, the capital
- Greenland National Museum: A must-see to discover the country's history and culture.
- Katuaq Cultural Centre: A vibrant venue for a variety of cultural and artistic events.
Uunartoq hot springs:
- Enjoy a relaxing dip in the hot springs while admiring the surrounding icebergs and fjords.
Qaqortoq:
- Old colonial center: Discover well-preserved colonial houses and the famous fountain.
- Stone and Man Sculpture Park: An open-air work of art created by Aka Høegh.
Kangerlussuaq:
- Ice cap: Take a trip to explore the ice cap, just a 10-minute flight away.
- Local wildlife: Observe musk oxen, reindeer, arctic foxes and other wildlife.
Tasiilaq:
- Hiking and excursions: Explore Norse ruins, sheep farms and take advantage of the many hiking opportunities.
How do I get to Greenland?
Greenland, though geographically isolated, is accessible by a variety of means of transport, each offering a unique experience. Here are the main options for getting to Greenland:
Getting to Greenland by plane
Advantages:
- Speed: Flying is the fastest way to reach Greenland.
- Flight frequency: Several airlines offer regular flights to Greenland's main cities.
- Comfort: Flights are generally comfortable and offer on-board services.
Airlines :
- Air Greenland: Greenland's main airline, offering direct flights from Denmark (Copenhagen) and Iceland (Reykjavik).
- Icelandair: Offers flights from Reykjavik to several destinations in Greenland, including Nuuk and Kulusuk.
- Air Iceland Connect: Offers domestic flights within Iceland and connections to Greenland.
Main airports :
- Nuuk Airport: Greenland's main airport, serving the capital.
- Kangerlussuaq Airport: Another major international airport, often used as a point of entry for visitors.
Getting to Greenland by boat
Advantages:
- Unique experience: Traveling by boat is a more immersive way to discover Greenland's coastal landscapes and fjords.
- Flexibility: Cruises often offer stopovers in several towns and villages, allowing you to discover different regions of Greenland.
Cruise companies:
- Hurtigruten: Offers exploration cruises to Greenland, with varied itineraries and onboard activities.
- Quark Expeditions: Specializes in polar expeditions, offering cruises to Greenland with activities such as hiking, kayaking and wildlife observation.
- Ponant: A luxury cruise line offering itineraries to Greenland with high-end services.
Main ports :
- Nuuk: Greenland's main port, often included in cruise itineraries.
- Ilulissat: Another major port, famous for its icebergs and UNESCO World Heritage fjord.
What is the average cost of a trip to Greenland?
The cost of a trip to Greenland can vary considerably depending on a number of factors, including length of stay, season, activities chosen, type of accommodation and mode of transport. Here are estimates of average costs for different aspects of a trip to Greenland:
Transportation
- Flights: Flights to Greenland can be expensive, especially if you're flying from Europe or North America. A round trip from Copenhagen or Reykjavik can cost between 800 and 1,500 euros, depending on the season and airline.
- Cruises: Cruises to Greenland can cost between 3,000 and 10,000 euros, depending on the length of the trip, the level of luxury and the activities included.
Accommodation
- Hotels: Hotels in Greenland can be quite expensive. A night in a mid-range hotel can cost between 100 and 200 euros. Luxury hotels can cost up to 300 euros per night.
- Hostels and campsites: For travelers on a budget, hostels and campsites are more affordable options, with rates ranging from 30 to 80 euros per night.
Activities
- Excursions and activities: Boat trips, guided hikes, visits to glaciers and activities such as kayaking or dog sledding can cost between 50 and 300 euros per day, depending on duration and type of activity.
- Cultural visits: Admission to museums and cultural centers generally costs between 10 and 30 euros.
Food
- Restaurants: Meals in restaurants can be expensive, with main courses ranging from 20 to 50 euros. Gourmet restaurants can cost even more.
- Supermarkets: Buying food in supermarkets can be a more economical option, with prices similar to those in Northern Europe.
Other expenses
- Local transport: Taxis and buses can be expensive. Renting a car can be an option, but roads are limited and prices can be high.
- Souvenirs: Souvenirs and handicrafts can cost between 10 and 100 euros, depending on the type of item.
Overall estimate
For a one-week trip to Greenland, including flights, accommodation, activities, food and other expenses, you can expect to spend between 2,000 and 4,000 euros per person, depending on your travel style and choice of activities.
Money-saving tips
- Travel in low season: Prices for flights and accommodation are generally lower outside the peak tourist season.
- Book in advance: Booking your flights, accommodations and activities in advance can help you benefit from discounted rates.
- Choose economical accommodation options: Youth hostels, campsites and vacation rentals can be more affordable alternatives to hotels.
By carefully planning your trip and taking these factors into account, you can better manage your budget and make the most of your stay in Greenland.
