Planning a trip to Greenland and curious about the best places to visit? Greenland, a beautiful and remote country, has so much to offer. It’s the world’s largest island, and everything about it is immense—from its sprawling ice fields and vast fjord systems to its towering glaciers and enormous national park. The scenery in Greenland is breathtaking!
While there are countless activities and sites to explore in Greenland, let’s focus on a few standout destinations you shouldn’t miss on your trip.
Nuuk: The Capital City
Start your adventure in Nuuk, the capital of Greenland. With around 18,000 residents, it’s the largest city in the country and the cultural and economic hub. Nestled against the picturesque Sermitsiaq mountain, Nuuk is known for its colorful houses and stunning fjord views. Nuuk Fjord, one of the world’s largest fjord systems, is a must-see. Take a boat tour to explore the fjord, and if you’re there in summer, keep an eye out for whales.
Visit the impressive Nuuk Icefjord by taking a boat to Kapisillit. The Greenland National Museum offers insights into the country’s history and culture, while the Art Museum of Nuuk showcases stunning Greenlandic art. If you’re lucky and the Kp-index is high, you might even catch the Northern Lights right in the city.
Northern Lights
The Northern Lights, or Aurora Borealis, are a natural spectacle best seen in high-latitude regions. These lights occur when charged particles from the sun collide with oxygen and hydrogen atoms in Earth’s upper atmosphere, creating mesmerizing displays. Greenland is one of the top destinations for viewing the Northern Lights. Ideal spots include Kangerlussuaq, Ilulissat, Kulusuk, Tasiilaq, and Sisimiut. Going on a guided tour can help you find the best viewing locations. Remember, the best time to see the Northern Lights is from September to April, and checking the daily forecast can increase your chances of witnessing this phenomenon.
Whale Watching
From mid-summer to fall, whale watching is an activity you don’t want to miss. Nuuk, Sisimiut, Ilulissat, and other towns offer whale-watching tours. You might see several of the 15 whale species that inhabit Greenland’s waters.
Ilulissat: A Coastal Gem
Head west to Ilulissat, a small town with just 4,600 people, making it the third-largest town in Greenland. It’s renowned for its wild beauty, particularly the UNESCO-listed Ilulissat Icefjord and its enormous icebergs. Hike through the Sermermiut Valley, another UNESCO World Heritage Site, to see ancient settlement remains and enjoy breathtaking views of the icebergs. Don’t miss a cruise through Ilulissat Icefjord to marvel at Jakobshavn Glacier and explore Disko Bay and Disko Island.
Russell Glacier
Situated in central-western Greenland and accessible from Kangerlussuaq, Russell Glacier is a stunning ice mass featuring a towering ice cliff. It’s popular among tourists, as you can get quite close to this natural wonder. It’s also a starting point for the Arctic Circle Trail.
Arctic Circle Trail
For nature lovers and hikers, the Arctic Circle Trail is a must. This 165km long-distance trail stretches from Kangerlussuaq to Sisimiut. You can extend it by starting from Russell Glacier. Most hikers complete it in about ten days, though some take up to two weeks. Given its remote nature, preparation is key, so pack all necessary gear, food, and electronics. You can either camp in the wild or use the basic huts available on a first-come, first-served basis. Remember to download offline maps, as there is no mobile reception on the trail.
Northeast Greenland National Park
Covering an area of 972,000 square km, Northeast Greenland National Park is the world’s largest and northernmost national park, as well as the ninth largest protected area on Earth. It’s even bigger than 85% of the world’s countries. The park features mesmerizing geological formations, incredible landscapes, and abundant wildlife, including Arctic wolves, hares, foxes, walruses, seals, reindeer, and even polar bears. It’s also a fantastic spot for observing the Northern Lights.
Greenland offers an array of unique experiences and stunning landscapes, making it a dream destination for adventurers and nature enthusiasts alike. Make sure to include these highlights in your Greenland itinerary!