Quick Navigation show

Greenland Travel Guide: Arctic Adventures & Untouched Beauty

Greenland Tours, Tickets & Experiences

Discover the untouched Arctic wilderness, explore Inuit culture, and embark on thrilling adventures. Book glacier hikes, fjord cruises, and northern lights tours with Viator’s top-rated Greenland tours and activities.

Regional Breakdown

Nuuk: Capital city with museums, cafes, and modern Greenlandic culture.
Ilulissat: Home to the UNESCO-listed Icefjord and gateway to Disko Bay.
Kangerlussuaq: Main international hub with access to the Greenland Ice Sheet.
East Greenland (Tasiilaq): Rugged terrain, colorful villages, and raw nature.

Best Time to Visit Greenland

Summer (June–August): Midnight sun, hiking, boating, and whale watching.
Winter (November–March): Northern lights, dog sledding, skiing, and ice cave tours.
Shoulder Seasons: April–May and September–October offer fewer tourists and unique light conditions.

Top Things to Do in Greenland

Cruise through Ilulissat Icefjord and witness calving glaciers.
Take a Northern Lights tour in Kangerlussuaq or Sisimiut.
Hike to Qoornoq Island, a ghost village with epic views.
Join a dog sledding adventure with local mushers.
Explore Inuit heritage at the Greenland National Museum in Nuuk.
Visit the Eqi Glacier for an up-close arctic ice experience.
Take a helicopter tour over the Ice Cap or Disko Bay.
Join a whale watching tour from Qaqortoq or Ilulissat.
→ Book unforgettable Greenland tours and activities here.

Culture & History

Greenland’s history is shaped by Inuit heritage and Norse exploration. Inhabited for over 4,000 years, the island blends ancient traditions with modern Danish influence. Explore preserved artifacts at museums in Nuuk and learn about the impact of colonization and climate change on local communities.

Beaches & Nature

Narsarsuaq Valley: Lush in summer with arctic flowers and hiking trails.
Qaqortoq Hot Springs: Natural thermal pools with fjord views.
Tasermiut Fjord: Greenland’s answer to Patagonia—ideal for climbers and kayakers.
Disko Island: Basaltic landscapes and biodiverse marine life.

Viewpoints & Photo Spots

Sermermiut Valley (Ilulissat): Overlooks calving glaciers.
Uummannaq Mountain: Iconic heart-shaped peak with dramatic fjord views.
Qinngorput (Nuuk): Panoramic city and sea views.
Kujataa UNESCO Site: Lush Norse farming ruins with Arctic contrast.

Where to Eat in Greenland

Sarfalik (Nuuk): Modern Nordic cuisine with local ingredients like musk ox and reindeer.
Inuaraq Café (Ilulissat): Homey dishes, great Arctic char.
Qooqqut Nuan (Nuuk Fjord): Remote gourmet experience reached by boat.
Try these must-eats:
- Suaasat (seal soup)
- Mattak (whale skin and blubber)
- Arctic char, dried fish, and reindeer meat

Transportation Tips

Main Airport: Kangerlussuaq (SFJ) – hub for international flights.
Local Travel: Limited roads—air travel, boats, and snowmobiles are key.
Getting Around: Use Air Greenland for internal flights. Boats operate seasonally between towns.
Car Rentals: Only available in larger towns like Nuuk and Ilulissat (not common).

Hidden Gems

Uunartoq Hot Springs: Bathe in steamy natural pools surrounded by icebergs.
Igaliku Village: Historic Norse ruins and peaceful sheep farms.
Tasiilaq: Isolated yet culturally rich town in East Greenland.
Ice Cave Tours: Seasonal wonders best accessed via local guides in Kangerlussuaq.

Custom Experiences & Safety Tips

Try: Staying in a local settlement homestay to learn Inuit customs.
Heli-skiing: Available for the adventurous in Maniitsoq.
Safety Tips:
- Dress in layers—weather is unpredictable.
- Always use guides for glaciers or backcountry trips.
- Respect local customs and avoid wildlife disturbance.

Nearby Destinations

Iceland: 2–3 hour flight from Nuuk; ideal for dual Arctic adventures.
Canada’s Arctic (Nunavut): Cross-border expeditions possible by charter.
Faroe Islands: For Nordic island-hopping with a cultural twist.

Local Events Calendar

Nuuk Snow Festival (March): Ice sculpture and snow art showcase.
Greenland National Day (June 21): Cultural celebrations with music and dance.
Arctic Circle Race (April): Grueling cross-country ski marathon in Sisimiut.
Ilulissat Marathon (June): Run along ice fjords under the midnight sun.

Local Etiquette & Cultural Tips

Always ask before photographing people or settlements.
Sustainability is vital—minimize waste and leave no trace.
Support local guides and artisans for authentic experiences.
English is spoken in tourist hubs, but Greenlandic and Danish are widely used.

Plan Your Greenland Adventure

Whether you dream of watching northern lights dance across frozen fjords, hiking remote glaciers, or learning about Inuit culture firsthand—Greenland delivers awe-inspiring experiences unlike anywhere else on Earth.

Ready to explore?
→ Book top-rated Greenland tours, cruises, and Arctic adventures on Viator