Greenland

Greenland combines rugged landscapes, icebergs, polar lights, and snow. Are you in the mood for an adventure vacation? Then you should get to know Greenland! Here, you'll learn about what you can experience on the island and how you might even catch a glimpse of a polar bear.

Thinking of Greenland as a travel destination? Anyone who enjoys vacations in winter regions likely first thinks of Norway, Sweden, Finland, and the Alps, but more and more outdoor enthusiasts are drawn even further north. What you can experience on the island at the Arctic Circle will be shown to you in this article.

Since most of you have probably not yet visited Greenland, let me give you a brief introduction to the island: Greenland is considered the largest island in the world and, after Antarctica, is also the least populated island. With an area of 2,166,086 km², Greenland is about six times the size of Germany. Only 55,000 inhabitants live on the entire island-so if you are looking for peace and quiet, this is the right place for you. Greenland is divided into six regions: North, South, East Greenland, Arctic Circle Region, National Park, and Capital Region.

The capital Nuuk is located in the Capital Region on the southwest coast. If you are planning a round trip, Nuuk is the best starting point for expeditions. Here, you can familiarize yourself with the locals and the weather. If you need any equipment, it's advisable to stock up in Nuuk. Most settlements are located near the coast, but once you leave the inhabited areas, you will find only nature. 85% of Greenland's land area is covered by ice and glaciers. It's a natural phenomenon you should not miss!

You can only travel to Greenland by plane. From Denmark (Copenhagen), Canada, and Iceland (Reykjavik), you can fly directly to Kangerlussuaq with Air Greenland and Air Iceland.

Tip: In recent years, more and more companies have started offering cruises to Greenland. Most ferries depart from Iceland, but some also travel from Canada and Denmark.

Since there are no typical road networks on the island, transportation in Greenland can be a bit of a challenge. The easiest and fastest way is to book domestic flights or continue your journey by ship. Air Greenland also offers several flights per day. The passenger planes differ somewhat from regular airplanes and can only carry up to 50 people per flight. Some routes are also serviced by helicopters. Another way to travel in Greenland is by ship. Since most settlements are on the coast, traveling by ship is quite straightforward. There are several shipping companies that operate between the largest towns.

First, consider what you would like to experience: Do you want to ride a dog sled and explore glaciers, or would you prefer to hike through remote landscapes? If you like milder weather, then summer is probably the best time for you to travel. During the warm months, temperatures range between 32°F and 50°F. During this time, you can see Greenland's landscapes bloom and likely spot some whales along the coast.

By the way: Even though temperatures of up to -4°F are not uncommon, the cold feels more pleasant due to the dry air than what you might be used to in our regions.

Summer is also the time of the midnight sun, meaning that the sun shines all day long-so don't forget to pack your sleep mask. Winter in Greenland, on the other hand, is truly a winter wonderland. At this time, you can particularly well observe the northern lights and the clear starry sky. So if you want to do something outdoors in Greenland during winter, it's not a problem. Remember: There is no bad weather, only inappropriate clothing.

Riding in a dog sled is one of the typical activities in the snow, and for good reason! There's hardly any other mode of transport that is as exciting. Dog sleds are considered a traditional means of land transportation in Greenland and are still used for hunting today.

Once you trust the musher, as the dog sled driver is called, he will take you at high speed across the ice while you are bundled under a reindeer skin and feel the wind in your face. If you want to lead a dog sled yourself, you can get a license in the town of Tasiilaq on the east coast and after a few days set off on your own with a sled.

The kayak was invented in Greenland. What better place could there be for kayaking tours? On the water, you can get very close to glaciers and view icebergs up close; some paths also lead into fjords. In the towns, there are several boat rentals that can provide you with a kayak. You can either make your way as a small group and let guides show you the most beautiful spots. How about a midnight tour through the glaciers? Or you can explore the uninhabited surroundings by yourself as an experienced kayaker. Before you set off, you should check with the locals about current wind and weather conditions!

In summer, you can see most whales in Greenland. During this time, many animals come from the Caribbean to fatten up for the winter. If you are traveling along the west coast in the winter, you might encounter the beluga, Greenland whale, or narwhal. Unlike their counterparts, they stay in the cold waters during winter. You can easily take a boat equipped for whale safaris out onto the water. As soon as the captain spots a whale, the boat will stop, and you can observe the massive creatures up close. Your best chance of spotting a whale is in the fjords of South Greenland and in Disko Bay on the west coast.

Reindeer, polar bears, and musk oxen are just a few of the wild animals typical of Greenland's northern regions. You can see reindeer herds on both the east and west coasts. If you hike through the areas in summer, you may also encounter the small calves that are born this time of year, enjoying summer just as much as you.

Polar bears are found only in North Greenland, primarily feeding on ringed seals. However, it can happen that a polar bear on an ice floe makes a journey toward South Greenland and then moves back inland to the north. With a lot of luck, you may even catch a glimpse of a polar bear in the wild in the southern regions. Musk oxen are particularly prevalent in the mountains around Kangerlussuaq. Up to 10,000 animals live there, perfectly adapted to the cold with their thick fur.

Near Kangerlussuaq, you can rappel down frozen waterfalls and descend into a pure ice cave to admire the crystal-clear ice. Once summer arrives and snow melts, the meltwater forms caves that you can explore in groups. However, you won't have much time for this: The season lasts only six weeks from October to November. Anyone who climbs into the caves too early or too late risks their life! Such tours can only be conducted under the supervision of experienced guides due to the danger. If you decide to go for the ice caves, you should definitely not be afraid of heights.

Greenland is undoubtedly one of the best places in the world to see the northern lights. Grab your winter coat, a warm tea, your camera, and let yourself be enchanted by the mystical auroras!

Even though northern lights shine year-round, they are only truly visible from late September to mid-April. Even in the capital Nuuk, you can see the northern lights quite well despite street lighting. And the best part: It's completely free and fits into any travel budget. If you're looking for a special northern lights experience, I can recommend a northern lights tour in the places Kangerlussuaq, Sisimiut, and Ilulissat.

So, how do you like Greenland so far? As you can see, the island offers plenty of outdoor activities. If you enjoy snow, cold, and rugged landscapes, you'll find the perfect getaway here. Even the journey in a small propeller airplane is something special. Although local transport may initially seem a bit complicated, you can be sure you will be warmly welcomed by the residents of Greenland and experience unforgettable adventures.