TOP 5 THINGS TO DO IN GREENLAND & THE ARCTICS

Greenland is a destination that should not be missed by anyone looking for an unforgettable journey, despite the fact that it lies off the usual path. There are around 56,000 people living in this one-of-a-kind location, which is situated in the extreme north between the Arctic and Atlantic Oceans.

These days, an increasing number of tourists are looking for destinations that can provide them with authentic experiences and opportunities for outdoor exploration, such as Greenland. The nationself is eager to host an increased number of tourists and the newly constructed international airport in Nuuk is scheduled to open in the year 2024.

Icelandair has announced new flight patterns that will also provide easier access to the country. In the past, North Americans hoping to visit Greenland had to fly via Copenhagen or a cumbersome transfer in Reykjavik. This summer, Icelandair will route flights from the U.S. to Greenland’s Nuuk and Ilulissat airports directly through Keflavik International Airport.

But no matter how you get there, Greenland is worth the effort. What draws travelers to Greenland? Some say that the safest way to make sure you experience the ultimate that Greenland has to offer is to go for the Big Arctic Five.

This term refers to the five absolute must-see attractions in Greenland: dog sledding, the northern lights, the ice, the people and the whales. These are all absolute musts in Greenland, and you haven’t experienced Greenland fully if you haven’t experienced at least two or three of these.

FIRST STOP: DOG-SLEDDING IN GREENLAND

In Greenland, dog sledding isn’t just a fun activity for both natives and tourists, it is in fact a necessary form of transportation. Greenland doesn’t have a lot of roads, so most transportation is off-road across the ice, and here a dog sled or snowmobile becomes a necessity of life. But the dog sled’s necessity for the natives doesn’t make the dog sled rides any less enjoyable for the tourists!

SECOND STOP: SEEING THE NORTHERN LIGHTS IN GREENLAND

The northern lights, also known as Aurora Borealis, are one of Greenland’s most breathtaking natural phenomena. While the sight does not call for any particular skill on your part, there are still several things you should be aware of. The way you dress is the most crucial factor. To see the northern lights, you should dress warmly, not because you need to impress anyone with your finery.

That being said, there is no other effort required, as neither tickets nor reservations are required for entry. Standing in the center of the street, you can observe the dazzling display of long strands of color.

WHEN TO SEE THE NORTHERN LIGHTS IN GREENLAND

You’ll experience colors ranging from magenta to red to green to blue on top of a black or dark blue sky. If you visit Greenland between September and April, you’re almost sure to witness this famous wonder, so remember to dress warm and get outside at night.

THIRD STOP: ICE AND SNOW IN GREENLAND

It’s not news that Greenland is associated with a lot of ice and snow. White fluff covers nearly every flat surface, house, and flora, making it impossible to go on a walk or even glance out a window without noticing it. However, you should not be content with only seeing snow outside your window; instead, you should get out and enjoy the magnificent white stuff for yourself.

The next phase is optional, but can be combined with a dog sled ride or a trip to the island’s massive Ice Sheet. You might also go to Ilulissat Icefjord, where, on a good day, you can witness an iceberg being pushed into the fjord by a massive glacier.

Tourists often fail to appreciate how essential snow and ice are to the Inuit way of life. The elements of snow, ice, and cold are pervasive in their everyday lives, especially with regards to getting around and going places. Seeing the ice and snow is a great opportunity to learn about the Inuits and their culture.

FOURTH STOP: MEET THE INUITS OF GREENLAND

Meeting the natives of Greenland is an important part of your visit. The Inuits are one of the few populations in the world that still live in close cohesion with nature. Many Inuits still hunt and fish for a living. They depend on many types of animals for their diet, including whale and seal.

The Inuits are exceptionally social, and really enjoy each other’s company. When an Inuit invites others to ‘Kaffemik’ they never know how many people are going to show up for coffee and cake during the day. Everyone is free to invite their own guests, and it’s not uncommon to see a completely crowded house with people coming and going constantly.

If you’d like to get a closer look into the Inuit culture, consider renting a room with a local family instead of staying at a hotel or motel. When staying with a family, you’ll live and eat with them, and if you want to, you might get the chance to go along with them on their hunting and fishing trips.

FIFTH STOP: WHALE WATCHING IN GREENLAND

Whale watching is not a distinctive feature for Greenland, but it isn’t everywhere you can get as close a look at these magnificent creatures as in the waters near Greenland. Spoil yourself with a boat trip on the Arctic Ocean with your binoculars at hand.

You’ll experience a completely quiet boat and a still ocean, where everybody has an eye out for a spouting whale, a tail or maybe a peeping baby whale that breaks the water surface. More often than not will you get to say hello to a whale or two, and you’ll get to watch them swim alongside the coast, maybe even keeping your boat company.

While there is always more to see and do in Greenland (including hiking, heli-skiing, kayaking, skiing, snowmobiling or climbing), these five activities will give you a wonderful introduction to Greenland.

WHEN TO GO TO GREENLAND

You can visit Greenland any time of year, but there are more flights available during the summer season. If you go in summer, you’ll get a perfect chance to experience the midnight sun, while in winter, you’ll have the chance to experience the northern lights and the way Inuits celebrate Christmas.

TIPS FOR VISITING GREENLAND

You don’t have to have a visa for visiting Greenland if you visit from the EU nations, the USA, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Japan or several other central-European and Latin American countries. However, if your stay exceeds 90 days, you have to apply for a work visa.

Make sure that your passport is valid for at least 90 days after your departure date from Greenland and most preferably six whole months. You should also make sure that your passport has blank pages for any necessary stamps upon arrival and departure.