Greenland, a huge island country located at the northernmost point of the Arctic Ocean, is most famous for this naturally occurring phenomenon; the northern Lights. Contrary to its given name, much of the Danish country’s landmass is covered in snow. With limited population in its capital city, Greenland is an adventurous choice for most of the world’s travelers. One should not be intimidated by its remote location on the world map or its weather patterns as Greenland has a lot to offer tourists. One just has to grab this Greenland travel guide and enjoy the most magical country in the world that also serves as a basket of rare natural phenomena.
Best time to visit Greenland
It is difficult to tell the best time to visit the country as Greenland is open to different activities in different climatic conditions and seasons. Since the country is covered with snow most of the year, temperatures are always on the lower end of the thermometer. However, the summer season from May to August is full of sunlight and one can even experience the midnight sun during these months. This is the best time to indulge in hiking activities.
Winters are bitterly cold and there is little or no sunlight most days. The days are short and dark but fill the sky with the spectacular Aurora Borealis (northern lights). The best time to see the Northern Lights is during the short autumn season from September to October when the maximum temperature is 1℃ and there is still some sunshine. The spring season is also short but it is an ideal time for dog sledding and wildlife viewing.
how to reach greenland
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The most ideal way to reach Greenland is by air. There are 2 major airports in Greenland that can be reached from Denmark or Iceland. The best way to visit the country is to take a flight to Copenhagen and board a connecting Air Greenland or Air Iceland flight to Greenland. Most major airlines have direct flights from India to the Danish capital. The next option is to go on a cruise to Greenland from Iceland, Canada or Europe.
things to do in greenland
Apart from the obvious choice of seeing the unique phenomenon of the Northern Lights that appear in the dark skies of Greenland, here are some of the activities one can indulge in while visiting the country.
1. Kayaking along the Blue River
A popular activity in Greenland is to explore the dreamy icy waters of Petermann Glacier. During the summer months, the Petermann Glacier melts somewhat due to sunlight, creating the crystal blue waters of the river. Undoubtedly, one of the best places to visit in Greenland is the Blue River which forms a canyon in the Northern Hemisphere. A unique feature about the river is that it is sensitive to changes in its flow every year. There are many kayaking tours available in the Blue River in the months of August and September that allow one to explore the icebergs and enjoy the tranquility of the untouched surroundings.
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2. Hiking
The most favorable activity during the summer season is hiking in the Arctic Circle. Greenland is made up of many rocky mountains and valleys that are fun to climb when not covered in snow. The mountainous region is full of diverse vegetation, rocky surfaces and glaciers, which every adventurer dreams of capturing. Due to the limited population nearby, special attention to food and medical care is required when planning to go hiking in Greenland.
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3. Enjoy the hot springs
Wondering what to do in Greenland for a relaxing day? One might be surprised to know that Greenland has some hot springs that are open for tourists to bathe in. One such popular hot spring is Unartok. The easiest way to reach the hot springs is to take a boat from Ilulissat. The water temperature is around 37℃ which is a perfect date to spend with a loved one on a lovely summer day.
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4. Explore the city
Apart from its capital Nuuk, there is another quaint town in the lap of Greenland called Qaqortoq that is worth visiting. It is a perfect city for a stroll with architectural wonders, museums and the beauty of the only existing fountain in Greenland. The city is very colorful and famous for its local cuisine. This is one of the best places to visit in Greenland, where you can enjoy a local dish called suasat filled with seafood or a hot cup of Greenlandic coffee.
Where to stay in Greenland?
There are some good hotels in Greenland where you can relax. Here are some of the famous ones. They offer all the amenities and facilities needed for a comfortable stay in Greenland:
1. Hotel Arctic Ilulissat
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Situated at a prime location, Hotel Arctic is one of the best accommodations one can consider. With most of its rooms facing the UNESCO site- Ice Fjord, the hotel has won the race with the most number of tourists choosing it for their stay in Greenland. It offers delicious food and comfortable stay. It also provides transportation to various sightseeing spots, including boat rides to the hot springs.
Place: Mitter Mammut, Akkuta, Ilulissat DK-3952, Greenland.
Cost: Rs 21000 per night
TripAdvisor Rating: 4.5/5
Review
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2. Hotel Nuuk Seaman Home
Located in the capital Nuuk, Hotel Seaman Home is a bed and breakfast facility that offers comfortable rooms and incredible food. Recently, the hotel has reportedly expanded its facility with more rooms and an all-day dining hotel. It is close to most of the city’s sightseeing spots and is helpful when it comes to arranging transportation to see the Northern Lights.
Place: Marineways 3, Nuuk-3900, Greenland.
Cost: Rs 10000 per night
TripAdvisor Rating: 4/5
Review
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Things to know before traveling to Greenland
- Although Greenland is part of the Kingdom of Denmark, it maintains an autonomous rule within the country.
- It is the largest island in the world, which is also believed to be the first land to be inhabited by Homo sapiens and yet is the least populated in the present day.
- The language barrier is rarely a problem in the country as English is widely understood, although their official languages are Danish and Greenlandic.
- Although Greenland is a Scandinavian country, one cannot enter the country with a Danish visa. An individual visa system exists in the country.
- The Danish krone is the currency of Greenland, like Denmark.
- Greenland has its own time zone which one must consider before planning their itinerary.
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One of the most magical lands in the world is Greenland which is unique in its structure, time zones and lifestyle. Visiting Greenland should be on every traveller’s bucket list and this Greenland travel guide covers all the essentials you need to plan a trip to this icy country. Keeping all the basics in mind, book your tickets to Greenland with TourTravelHotels and explore Greenland.
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