The Ultimate Greenland Travel Guide: Exploring the Arctic Paradise

With its massive icebergs, remote fjords, and windswept tundra, Greenland offers intrepid travelers a true Arctic adventure. This comprehensive guide explores the top sights and activities across Greenland’s most captivating destinations. Discover what makes each place special and start planning your own icy expedition in this vast polar paradise.

Ilulissat – The Iceberg Capital

Ilulissat, situated on Greenland’s western coast, earned its nickname as the “Iceberg Capital of the World” thanks to the towering frozen giants that drift through its waters.

Ilulissat Icefjord

This UNESCO World Heritage Site is where enormous icebergs calve from the Sermeq Kujalleq glacier and glide down the fjord into Disko Bay. Book a boat tour to witness this spectacular natural wonder up close.

Cultural Attractions

Learn about Greenlandic heritage at the Ilulissat Art Museum and Knud Rasmussen’s Birthplace, honoring the famous Arctic explorer.

Outdoor Activities

Skiing, snowmobiling, whale watching and hiking are popular activities with stunning backdrops.

Activity	Highlights
Whale Watching	Spot humpback, fin, minke and orca whales
Hiking	Trek to Sermermiut for icefjord views
Skiing	Alpine and cross-country trails with glacier vistas

Nuuk – Vibrant Capital

With a mix of modern and traditional, Nuuk offers the best of old and new Greenland.

National Museum

Explore Greenland’s cultural heritage through archaeological finds and exhibits on mummified Inuit.

Nuuk Cathedral

Admire the minimalist Scandinavian architecture of this Lutheran church.

Katuaq Cultural Center

Catch art shows, concerts, plays, and films at this lively venue.

Old Town Nuuk

Stroll past historic buildings and colorful homes in the Sermitsiaq district.

South Greenland – Land of the Vikings

South Greenland is renowned for its Viking history and gorgeous mountainous scenery.

Viking Ruins

See the remnants of Brattahlíð, the estate of Erik the Red, and Hvalsey Church where Norse Greenlanders worshipped.

Igaliku Village

Visit this picturesque pastoral settlement with an old Norse farm.

Qassiarsuk Reconstructed Village

Experience Viking-age buildings modeled after the Erik the Red homestead.

Natural Wonders

Hike through flowering valleys, photograph Arsuk Fjord’s icebergs, and bask in views of Lake Igaliku.

East Greenland – Remote Wilderness

Adventure awaits in the fjords, peaks and valleys of largely uninhabited East Greenland.

Tasiilaq

The biggest town in the region is basecamp for expeditions into the wilderness.

Sermilik Fjord

Marvel at massive icy bergs floating down this photogenic fjord.

Valley of Flowers

From July to September, this valley bursts with purple lupine and yellow arctic poppies.

Outdoor Adventures

Options include guided trekking, climbing, kayaking, and heli-skiing on the Tasermiut Fjord’s glaciers.

Kangerlussuaq – Gateway to the Ice Sheet

Kangerlussuaq provides easy access to Greenland’s massive inland ice sheet.

Ice Sheet Tours

Ride in a 4×4 or go by helicopter to this 1.7-million square km frozen expanse.

Russell Glacier

Get close to this imposing glacier with its brilliant blue hues.

Reindeer Spotting

Look for herds of reindeer grazing on the tundra’s low scrub.

Midnight Golfing

In summer, play a round at midnight under the ethereal glow of the midnight sun.

Sisimiut – Arctic Outpost

Sisimiut mixes small-town charm with outdoor adventures in the Disko Bay region.

Historic Buildings

See the blue church, Kofoeds House, and the pretty colonial harbor.

Arctic Circle Trail

Trek between Sisimiut and Kangerlussuaq on this cross-country hiking route.

Dog Sledding

Zip through the snowy landscape on a dogsled ride.

Fjords and Icebergs

Cruise among scattered ice chunks in the Davis Strait’s scenic fjords.

Uummannaq – Heart-Shaped Haven

With its red mountain and heart-shaped bay, Uummannaq charms visitors with its beauty.

Children’s Home Cultural Show

Watch local kids perform traditional Inuit drum dances and throat singing.

Uummannaq Mountain

Hike up this iconic peak for sensational views.

Midnight Sun

Watch the summer sun circle the sky, never setting below the horizon.

Kayaking

Paddle through iceberg-dotted waters and intriguing rock formations.

Disko Island – Exploring Arctic Habitats

Wildlife thrives amid Disko Island’s basalt cliffs, tundra, wetlands and ice sheets.

Arctic Foxes

Look for these adorable white foxes roaming the tundra.

Birdwatching

Spot species like eider ducks, snowy owls, falcons and geese.

Whale Watching

See minke, fin, and humpback whales from coastal vantage points.

Glacier Hikes

Trek across the island’s ice cap for panoramic vistas.

Upernavik – Outpost of the North

Near the top of the world, Upernavik offers sublime Arctic experiences.

Upernavik Museum

Learn about regional history like seal hunting and whaling.

Kayaking

Paddle among the ice floes and tiny islands of Upernavik Fjord.

Dog Sledding

Mush with a pack of energetic huskies pulling your sled.

Northern Lights

Watch the sky erupt in shimmering greens and blues during winter.

Start Your Arctic Adventure in Spellbinding Greenland

From exploring Inuit culture in Nuuk to sailing among towering icebergs in Ilulissat, Greenland promises one-of-a-kind Arctic experiences. With this guide detailing the top sights and activities across its diverse landscapes, you can easily craft your own exciting itinerary. Brace yourself for an unforgettable voyage across this vast frozen paradise.

Province/Territory	URL
Yukon Territory	Yukon Territory
British Columbia	British Columbia
Northwest Territories	Northwest Territories
Alberta	Alberta
Saskatchewan	Saskatchewan
Nunavut	Nunavut
Manitoba	Manitoba
Quebec	Quebec
Newfoundland and Labrador	Newfoundland and Labrador
New Brunswick	New Brunswick
Ontario	Ontario
Nova Scotia	Nova Scotia
Prince Edward Island	Prince Edward Island