Greenland, Greenland - Travel Guide

Greenland offers unparalleled natural beauty with vast glaciers, dramatic fjords, and a unique Inuit culture. It's an ideal destination for adventure seekers and those looking for an off-the-beaten-path Arctic experience, offering opportunities for dog sledding, northern lights viewing, and wildlife spotting.

Quick Facts

Recommended Stay7 days

Budget$100/day

Mid-range$300/day

Luxury$600/day

Known For

Kalaallit NunaatArcticDenmarkNorth AtlanticIce CapNuuk

🇬🇱 Country Information: Greenland

CapitalNuuk

CurrencyDanish krone (Kr.)

LanguageKalaallisut , Danish, English

Phone Code+299

Electricity230V (Type C, E, F, K)

Tap WaterSafe to drink

Tipping

Tipping is not customary in Greenland, but a small gratuity for exceptional service is appreciated in some tourist
oriented establishments
For tour guides, a small tip can be offered if you feel they provided excellent service

Money & Payments

ATMs are limited, especially outside major towns
Credit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and larger shops, but cash is preferred for smaller purchases and local vendors
Bringing some DKK cash is advisable for smaller settlements and for activities like local markets or transportation
There is no black market for cash

Cultural Norms

Dress warmly and in layers, even in summer, as the weather can change rapidly
Always ask for permission before taking photos of people
Respect the quiet nature of small communities and avoid loud behavior
When visiting homes, it's polite to remove your shoes

LGBTQ+ Information

Generally LGBTQ+ friendly. LGBTQ+ rights in Greenland are progressive, aligning with Denmark. Same-sex marriage and adoption are legal.

Alcohol & Drug Laws

Legal drinking age is 18
Drug laws are strict, similar to Denmark's, with zero tolerance for illegal substances

Special Laws

Respect for nature is paramount; do not litter or damage the environment
Be aware of the delicate ecosystem and follow guidelines for protecting it
When hiking, inform local authorities or accommodation providers of your route
Respect local customs and traditions, particularly in smaller villages

Common Phrases

HelloAluu (ah-loo)

Thank youQujanaq (kwee-yah-nahk)

Climate

Climate Zone: Ice Cap

Best Time to Visit

Super cold season: Oct
Apr

Getting There

Fly to Kangerlussuaq (SFJ) or Nuuk (GOH) via Copenhagen (CPH) or Reykjavik (KEF)
Flights can range from $700
$1500+ depending on origin and time of year
No trains or buses between towns
Boats/ferries connect some coastal settlements (costs vary widely by distance and season)

Getting Around

Helicopters and small planes are essential for inter
settlement travel
Local buses exist in larger towns like Nuuk
Taxis are available in major towns
No widely used ride
sharing apps like Uber or Lyft

Health & Vaccinations

No specific vaccines required for entry
Routine vaccinations (measles, mumps, rubella, diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio) are recommended
No malaria risk
No specific altitude sickness concerns for coastal areas, but higher altitudes inland could pose a risk for climbers/hikers

Staying Connected

eSIM availability is limited
Local providers are Tele Greenland
Airalo and Nomad may not offer comprehensive coverage; check specific plans for Greenland

Local Cuisine

Suaasat regional_speciality

The national dish of Greenland, Suaasat is a traditional soup often made from seal, whale, caribou, or sea birds. It is typically prepared with onions

Mattak must_try

A traditional Inuit delicacy consisting of raw whale skin and blubber, usually from narwhal or bowhead whale. It is firm to chew, with the skin layer

Kalaallit Kaagiat (Greenlandic Cake) dessert

A popular cake often featuring whipped cream, local berries like crowberries or blueberries, and sometimes marzipan. This sweet treat is typically res

Dried Fish (Arfivik) snack

Fish, often cod or capelin, is dried until hard, making a long-lasting and portable source of protein. This method of preservation has been vital to t

Seal Meat regional_speciality

A cornerstone of the traditional Greenlandic diet, seal meat is consumed in various ways—boiled, fried, or dried. The hunting of seals is central to G

Book in Advance

Plan ahead for the best experience. Here's what to book before your trip:

🔴 Must Book in Advance

Day Tours and Activities tour_or_activity

Book 1-3 months in advance

There is a limited supply of day tours, and popular activities book out quickly, especially during the peak summer season.

Accommodation (Hotels, Hostels, Guest Accommodation) Accommodation

Book 6 weeks to 6 months in advance

Accommodation supply is very limited across Greenland, particularly in smaller settlements and during peak season.

🟡 Recommended to Book Ahead

Inter-settlement Transport (Air Greenland/Ferries) Transport

Book at least 2 months in advance

Flights and the coastal ferry (Arctic Umiaq Line) have limited capacity and are essential for moving between cities/settlements.

Fun Facts

1. Greenland only has one town, Kangerlussuaq, that is not located on the coast, as most settlements are on the fringes of the island that emerge from under the ice sheet during the summer.
2. Due to the rugged terrain, deep fjords, and ice sheet, Greenland's road system is extremely limited, meaning most travel between settlements is done by air, sea, or sled dog.
3. The Greenlandic word for the country adopted by its people is "Kalaallit Nunaat," which translates to "country of the Greenlanders."
4. Greenland's main international airport is not in its capital city, Nuuk, which is unusual for a country.

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