Greenland travel guide
Greenland is the world's largest island, a self-governing territory within the Kingdom of Denmark where most of the land lies under an ice sheet and small, brightly painted towns cling to the coast. It suits travellers who want icebergs, Arctic wildlife, Inuit culture and real wilderness, and who accept that travel here depends on weather, boats and small planes.
Places worth the trip
Ilulissat Icefjord
A UNESCO World Heritage Site on Disko Bay where the fast-moving Sermeq Kujalleq glacier calves enormous icebergs into the fjord. Boardwalk trails from Ilulissat town lead to viewpoints, and boat trips sail among the ice, including at midnight in summer.
Nuuk
The small capital mixes modern buildings with the old colonial harbour. The Greenland National Museum holds the Qilakitsoq mummies and Inuit artefacts, and boat trips head into the long Nuuk Fjord system for whales and hiking.
Kangerlussuaq and the ice sheet
A former air base at the head of a long fjord and one of the main entry points. Tours follow a gravel road towards the edge of the ice sheet, and the surrounding tundra has musk oxen and reindeer.
Disko Island and Disko Bay
Basalt mountains, hot springs and the village of Qeqertarsuaq across the bay from Ilulissat. Humpback whales feed in the bay in summer, and icebergs drift past the coastline.
East Greenland
Remote and dramatic, with Tasiilaq as its main settlement, surrounded by jagged peaks and fjords filled with ice. Tourism is on a small scale, and hiking, kayaking and dog sledding in season are the main activities.
South Greenland
The greenest part of the country, with sheep farms, Norse ruins in the UNESCO-listed Kujataa area, hot springs on Uunartoq island and towns such as Qaqortoq and Narsaq.
Northern lights and winter activities
From late August to April, the aurora can be seen on clear, dark nights. In late winter and spring, dog sledding, snowmobiling and ice fishing are possible in the north and east.
Interesting facts about Greenland
- About 80 percent of Greenland is covered by an ice sheet that is more than three kilometres thick in places.
- Northeast Greenland National Park is the largest national park in the world.
- No roads connect Greenland's towns; people travel between them by plane, helicopter, boat or, in winter, dog sled and snowmobile.
- Greenland has a population of only around 56,000 people, most of whom are Inuit.
- The name 'Greenland' is usually traced to the Norse settler Erik the Red, who is said to have chosen an appealing name to attract settlers around the year 985.
Best time to visit Greenland
June to August is the main summer season, with the midnight sun north of the Arctic Circle, the best boat access, whale watching and hiking, and the most flights. September brings autumn colours on the tundra and the first northern lights. Winter is long, dark and very cold, but from roughly February to April there is daylight again, snow for dog sledding and good aurora chances. Weather changes quickly at any time of year, so build in spare days around flights.
Getting around
Air travel is essential: international flights land at Nuuk, Kangerlussuaq and a few other airports, and small planes and helicopters link the towns and settlements. In summer, a coastal ferry and local boats connect places along the west coast, and cruise and expedition ships visit many towns. Within towns you walk or take a taxi; Nuuk has a local bus service. Fog and wind frequently delay flights and boats, so allow extra time, especially before an international departure.
Practical details
- Capital
- Nuuk
- Currency
- Danish krone (DKK)
- Languages
- Greenlandic (Kalaallisut)
- Plug types
- C, F, K
- Voltage
- 230 V, 50 Hz
- Emergency
- 112
- Driving side
- right
- Tipping
- Not expected, as service is included in prices. Tipping guides on longer excursions is appreciated but not required.
Staying online in Greenland
Mobile coverage is available in Greenland's towns and most settlements, and Nuuk and the larger towns have 4G. Outside settlements there is generally no signal at all: on the ice sheet, in the fjords, on hiking routes and at sea you should expect to be offline. Data in Greenland has historically been slower and pricier than in Europe, and Wi-Fi in hotels can be limited. Download offline maps and tell someone your route before hiking. Install an eSIM before you fly and switch it on when you land.
Greenland eSIM plans
1 GB
1GB eSIM Data for 3 Days for Greenland, V2
无限流量
Unlimited eSIM Data for 1 Day for Greenland, V2
无限流量
Unlimited Plus eSIM Data for 1 Day for Greenland, V2
3 GB
3GB eSIM Data for 3 Days for Greenland, V2
Useful apps
- Google Maps: Getting around towns; download offline maps before you go, as there is no signal outside settlements.
- Yr: Detailed weather forecasts from the Norwegian Meteorological Institute, useful for planning boat trips and hikes in fast-changing conditions.
- XE Currency: Converting Danish krone prices.
- Google Translate: Danish is widely used on signs and menus alongside Greenlandic; download Danish for offline use.
Greenland travel FAQs
Greenland is a self-governing territory within the Kingdom of Denmark. It has its own government and parliament, while Denmark handles some areas such as defence and foreign affairs. It uses the Danish krone.
In towns and most settlements, yes. Outside them, expect no coverage at all. A travel eSIM works in populated areas; for remote trekking or expeditions, consider a satellite device as well.
Yes. From Kangerlussuaq, day tours drive to the edge of the ice sheet, and from Ilulissat you can see the icefjord from walking trails. Flights over the ice also give a sense of its scale.
Usually yes. Accommodation, flights and tours are limited, particularly in July and August, and many trips are sold as packages. Book transport and beds early and keep your plans flexible for weather delays.