Greenland Travel Guide
Top Places to Visit
- Ilulissat Icefjord – A UNESCO World Heritage site with dramatic glaciers.
- Nuuk – The capital city blending Inuit culture with modern living.
- Kangerlussuaq – Gateway to the Greenland Ice Sheet and Northern Lights viewing.
- Tasiilaq – A picturesque town in East Greenland surrounded by fjords.
- Qaqortoq – A colorful southern town known for its art and history.
Language & Culture
Greenlandic (Kalaallisut) is the official language, though Danish and English are also spoken. Inuit traditions are central, with a rich heritage of storytelling, hunting culture, and colorful national dress. Local life is deeply connected to nature and the Arctic environment.
Transportation, Currency & Food
- Transportation: No roads between towns—travel by plane, boat, or dog sled. Helicopters connect remote areas.
- Currency: Danish Krone (DKK).
- Food: Dishes include mattak (whale skin and blubber), fish, musk ox, and berries. Western cuisine is also common in cities.
Best Season & Entry Points
| Season | Weather | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| June – August | Mild and bright | Midnight Sun, hiking, whale watching |
| September – April | Cold and dark | Best for Northern Lights and dog sledding |
Most visitors arrive via flights from Denmark or Iceland into Nuuk, Kangerlussuaq, or Ilulissat.
Estimated Budget (Per Day/Traveler)
| Category | Cost (DKK) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | 800 – 2,000 | Guesthouses to hotels |
| Meals | 200 – 400 | Simple cafes to restaurants |
| Transport | 500 – 1,500 | Domestic flights or boat rides |
| Activities | 300 – 1,000 | Icefjord cruises, guided hikes |
Packing List Suggestions
- Thermal base layers
- Waterproof and windproof outerwear
- Gloves, hat, and scarf
- Camera with spare batteries
- Daypack for excursions
20 Basic Language Tips
| Phrase | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Aluu | Hello |
| Ajunngilaq | It’s okay / No problem |
| Qujanaq | Thank you |
| Naamik | No |
| Aap | Yes |
| Qanoq ippit? | How are you? |
| Immaqa | Maybe |
| Sooquppunga | I’m cold |
| Sumiippit? | Where are you? |
| Qanoq ateqarpit? | What is your name? |
| Uanga ateqarpunga… | My name is… |
| Takuss | Goodbye |
| Uanga | I / me |
| Illit | You |
| Suu | Okay |
| Ajorpoq | Bad |
| Pitsaavoq | Good |
| Qaqugukkut? | When? |
| Sumi? | Where? |
| Qanoq? | How? |
Health & Safety
- Medical facilities are basic in small towns
- Carry essential medications and insurance
- Be prepared for extreme weather changes
- Wildlife encounters are rare but possible—follow guides
Festivals & Holidays
- National Day – June 21, celebrating Greenlandic culture
- Return of the Sun – Mid-January, marking the end of polar night
- Christmas & New Year – Celebrated with candles and church services
Sustainable Tourism
- Choose eco-certified guides and operators
- Respect wildlife and natural habitats
- Minimize plastic and dispose waste properly
- Dress modestly and respect Inuit customs
