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Greenland Travel Tips

Explore the wilderness of Arctic

Air Greenland and Icelandic air - two options to fly

Kangerlussuaq is the main airport. As of September 2024, Greenland can only be reached via Copenhagen and Iceland. until Nov 2024. There may be a direct flights from New York, Boston, and Canada to the new international airport in Nuuk from Nov 2024

Local transport is via boat.

Locals travel from one settlement to another via local boats. For very small settlements, the passenger ferry is the only way for locals to connect to the outside world. It takes longer but is a cheaper option than flying and meeting locals. Keep an eye on the ARCTIC UMIAQ LINE (Experience Greenland - westcoast ferry service | Arctic Umiaq Line (aul.gl)), which connects 12 settlements along the coastal towns. There are various types of accommodations available on board, including Couchettes, Cabins, the Umiaq Junior Suite, and an Igloo Suite.The ferries are more frequent in summer than in winter. However, they can be canceled or rescheduled.

Pack Patience along with warm clothes  and coffee

The weather and Air Greenland can be unreliable. There could be delays and cancellations, and most of the staff at Air Greenland work part-time. There are no backups. We got stuck in Greenland for two days because a steward called in sick. Winters in Greenland are harsh, with temperatures dropping as low as -40°F. Flights and ferries are more infrequent during this time. Welcome to the world of wilderness. However, it's manageable, so don't let it deter your plans to travel to Greenland

e-Sim via Airalo

My co-travelers bought e-sim via Airalo for internet connectivity. It did work well for emergency. My international connection worked very well.

Definitely buy medical and cancellation insurance.

Given the unpredictability in Greenland, last-minute cancellations and changes in itineraries are very common. Not all settlements have hospitals; there are only nurse stations. An air ambulance is the only way to reach a hospital

Accomodation is challenging

The tourism in Greenland hasn't yet fully developed. The accommodation is limited. Hence, book in advance.

Temperature where Farhenhite meets Celsius 

In winter, the temperature can go as low as -40 F (-40 C). Airlines don’t operate on all days. Summer/early autumn are better months to travel because there are more frequent flights and the temperature is comfortable.

Window seat

This is one country where you should book a window seat. From Copenhagen to Kangerlussaq: Pick a window seat on the right-hand side to get the best views. From Kangerlussaq to Nukk: Choose the right-hand side for optimal views, but if the skies are clear, any side will suffice.

Can I visit this place as a Solo Traveler?

Absolutely, Greenlandic people are very warm and respectful. However, be patient about the last minute cancellations and have a backup plan.

Most people are bilingual

Greenlandic (Kalaallisut) is the official language of Greenland and is spoken by most of the population. It’s part of the Eskimo-Aleut language family, characterized by its complex grammar and long, descriptive words. Many Greenlanders are bilingual, effortlessly switching between Greenlandic and Danish, while larger towns and those in the tourism industry commonly speak English. Though geographically it lies closer to North America, it shares deep political, financial, and cultural ties to Europe, particularly Denmark. Google Translator doesn't have an option to translate from Greenlandic to English or vice versa. You get a brownie point if you can pronounce the names of the place right.

Other Resources

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