Your Comprehensive Guide To Exploring Greenland For The First Time

There is no question that the must-see attraction for everyone who visits Greenland, the world’s largest island, is big nature and tremendous adventure.

The country is known for its wild extremes: uninhabitable wilderness at its core and delightfully warm people living in harmony with it.

Scientists come to study the melting ice, climbers come to scale the spectacular sheer rock faces and several visitors arrive to find a new perspective on life.

Would it be your first time visiting Greenland? Read on for answers to a handful of top questions usually asked by every travel enthusiast seeking a trip to the island.

What Is The Best Time To Explore Greenland?

The country is huge with vast seasonal and geographical variations. For snow, dog sledding and the northern lights, late September to May is considered the best time. However, the period from May to September is preferred for adventure sports, hiking, climbing or kayaking.

Where Should I Go In Greenland?

The best advice is to choose one region to explore or two at most – and spend at least a week there. As the weather in Greenland can be unstable and unpredictable all year round, a loosely-packed schedule is recommended to have the flexibility to adapt if things go south.

Does Greenland Support Easy Transportation?

The island is large and largely without roads. To travel between towns, Air Greenland flies to those with runways and runs helicopters to others. Ferries and coastal boats run up as well. An extension of Nuuk Airport will soon make it easier to reach from international destinations.

[Within towns, there are cars, taxis and buses. You can always walk, nonetheless.]

Is Greenland A Cheap Destination?

Although the country is not a cheap destination, it welcomes scores of budget travellers all year round. Flight deals can be found outside the main summer season. The food may be expensive, with a bed in a youth hostel in Nuuk set to cost around $123 per night.

Is It Necessary To Bring Lots Of Layers?

As Greenland’s weather is highly changeable, bring woolen layers, gloves, hiking boots, sunglasses, sunscreen and a snood at the very least. Essentially, bring lots of layers, no matter the season. Hiking in jeans and city-style trainers is not recommended.