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Largely defined by its glaciers and fjords, Greenland is one of the most beautiful travel destinations in the world.
However, this island country (part of the Kingdom of Denmark) in the North Atlantic Ocean offers visitors much more than simply scenic vistas. A distinct culture, a rich 4,500-year history, myriad outdoor activities, and fascinating wildlife are just some of the other attractions, and many memorable adventures await the intrepid traveller. If you’re up for a unique holiday, you’ll certainly find it here. And from May to July, the Arctic’s midnight sun ensures there’s plenty of extra daylight for sightseeing!
Here’s a first-time visitor’s guide to exploring Greenland.
Cruise the coast of the world’s largest island
Putting Australia (which is technically an island, but classed as a continental land mass) to one side, Greenland is the largest island in the world — and cruising is a wonderful way to explore its heavily indented coastline of shimmering fjords. Poseidon Expeditions’ Greenland cruises will show you the best of this incredible waterworld, framed by epic mountains, soaring sea cliffs, vast glaciers, and ethereal icebergs. Keep your eyes peeled for the region’s iconic wildlife, including multiple whale species, seals, and possibly even polar bears. Cruising the Greenland coast is an experience that will stay with you long after the actual journey comes to an end!
Explore Greenlandic culture in Nuuk
Nuuk is the cosmopolitan capital of Greenland and the country’s economic centre. This compact city on the south-western coast is home to 17,000 residents — just over a quarter of the island’s total population of 56,000. Like many towns in Greenland, Nuuk sits on a peninsula and is almost entirely encircled by water. Being near water is crucial to life here; the country has just 60 kilometres of paved roads, so being able to hop in a boat is essential for getting around!
A visit to Nuuk will introduce you to the intricacies of Greenlandic culture. Admire the many public artworks and colorful traditional architecture, then head for the excellent Greenland National Museum. It houses an impressive collection of artefacts and artworks, and administers a central register of heritage buildings and monuments. You’ll need to set aside two or three hours to do it justice.
Immerse yourself in the beauty of Scoresby Sund
On the eastern side of Greenland lies the world’s largest and deepest fjord system — Scorseby Sund — a network of interconnected ocean inlets (not unlike the branches of a tree) covering close to 40,000 square kilometres. A cliché like ‘wild and woolly’ doesn’t even begin to describe this almost otherworldly landscape, which will see you dwarfed at every turn by towering cliffs of stone and ice. This is polar bear territory, so keep a set of binoculars handy as you cruise the cobalt blue waters.
Learn about Viking life in Brattahlid
Not far from the small town of Qassiarsuk in South Greenland is Brattahlid — the site of the first Viking settlement on the island, which was established by the infamous Erik the Red in the 10th century. The early Norse settlers needed to sustain themselves in this harsh environment, and the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Kujataa site encompasses archaeological remnants of their subarctic farming practices — along with those of the Indigenous Inuit in later centuries. Explore structures faithfully recreated to provide a sense of what life was like for the Vikings, and mix learning with leisure as you soak up the serenity of the surrounding landscape.
Visit the last vestige of Norse culture in Qaqortoq
Situated 55 kilometres south of Qassiarsuk, Qaqortoq is the largest town in South Greenland and hosts one of the island’s most significant and best-preserved Norse historical sites. Constructed sometime in the 14th century, Hvalsey Church conducted its last recorded ecclesiastical event (a wedding) in 1408. The remains of the church are located on a private sheep farm north of Qaqortoq. If you’re not doing a cruise (in which case a visit to the church will likely be offered as a shore excursion), consult with the tourism office in town to book a tour.
Shop for handcrafted souvenirs in Sisimiut
Over on the west coast, Sisimiut is the second largest city in Greenland and offers a wide range of tourist pursuits. Drop by the fabulous artisan’s cooperative to shop for handicrafts, including stone carvings, musk ox woollens, and beadwork. From there, spend some time exploring the Sisimiut Museum, which documents Greenland’s backstory in trade and shipping, and is entered through a gate constructed of whalebone (whaling was once the town’s primary industry). The town’s multi-coloured buildings present numerous photo opportunities.
Marvel at the majesty of the Ilulissat Icefjord
Travelling north up the coast, Ilulissat is one of Greenland’s most popular tourist destinations — and it’s not hard to understand why! The nearby World Heritage-listed Ilulissat Icefjord — the sea mouth of the epic Sermeq Kujalleq glacier — is truly spectacular. A cruise in a zodiac vessel around the glittering icebergs that regularly break off from the glacial flow and plunge into the ocean is a must-do. Sermeq Kujalleq is one of the fastest moving glaciers in the world and pushes around 35 kilometres of ice into the ocean annually.
Fall in love with Uummannaq
Further north, a heart-shaped mountain looms large behind the lovely village of Uummannaq on the small island of the same name off Greenland’s western coast. In summer, you’ll likely have the opportunity to snap a wondrous photo of the peaks of the heart illuminated by the midnight sun’s golden glow. From September to April this is also a splendid spot to see the famous northern lights (Aurora Borealis).
Walk in the footsteps of arctic explorers in Etah
The abandoned outpost of Etah on North Greenland’s far western tip was once the most northerly human settlement in the world and served as a springboard for exploration of the North Pole. However, it has a much older history; this was part of the ancient Inuit migration route from Alaska to Greenland. It’s possible to trek to the remains of the village along a huge glacial tongue, which becomes carpeted with colour in early summer thanks to thousands of hardy flowering annuals.
This post was published thanks to Poseidon Expeditions.
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Do you have any tips to add to this first-time visitor’s guide to exploring Greenland? We would love to hear from you. Please leave a comment below.
Additional images: Envato
About the writer
Adam Ford is editor of Top Oz Tours & Travel Ideas, and a travel TV presenter, writer, blogger, and photographer. He has travelled extensively through Europe, Asia, North America, Africa, and the Middle East. Adam worked as a travel consultant for a number of years with Flight Centre before taking up the opportunity to travel the world himself as host of the TV series Tour the World on Network Ten. He loves to experience everything a new destination has to offer and is equally at home in a five-star Palazzo in Pisa or a home-stay in Hanoi.
