Greenland

Eco-friendly travel guide to Greenland advises how to be a responsible tourist. Learn how to travel in a sustainable way and how to respect the local people and culture. Make your trip green by supporting locally owned hotels, organic restaurants and other businesses. Read more on how to protect the environment by making conscientious choices and how to travel green in Greenland, North America.

A panorama of Naajaat which is an Island is located in Tasiusaq Bay, in the South-Central part of Upernavik Archipelago

Air quality: 4 / 5

Bus connections: 3 / 5

Train connections: 3 / 5

Hitchhiking: 3 / 5

National parks: 4 / 5

Outdoor activities: 3 / 5

Locals' English level: 2 / 5

Safety: 3 / 5

Accommodation: US$15- $40

Budget per day: US$30 - $70

Responsible Travel

Sitting between the Arctic and the Atlantic Oceans, Greenland is considered the largest island worldwide. The country is an autonomous territory, and the locals are Inuit. The local communities majorly migrated from Alaska around the 13th century. The majority of the whole country's population is situated on the southwest coast as that region has favorable conditions. The rest of the country's area has a scarce population because of the harsh and deadly cold climate. Greenland is one of the fascinating places for scientists because many scientifical phenomenons are studied there. Therefore, many military and research centers are present in the country. The country's total population is around 56,081 (2020 estimate), and the total area is 2,166,086 square kilometers. The most followed religion is Christianity, while Danish, Nordic, and many Indigenous ethnic groups are present. The official language is Greenlandic, but English is also one of the recognized languages of the country. While traveling to such a country with a harsh climate, you must travel responsibly. Traveling responsibly means that you have to travel in such a way that causes little to no harm to you or others around you. You must equip yourself with warm clothes, cash, durable food items, a first-aid kit, and other things you may need to survive if you get lost.

Air Quality and Pollution

Worldwide, Greenland is considered the cleanest country present. The pollution levels are very less because motorized vehicles are limited, and people always consider using eco-friendly measures. Although, in a recent WHO report, Greenland's air is stated to be moderated unsafely. Such a statement by WHO is because the country's annual PM2.5's mean concentration exceeds WHO's recommended levels. One of the reasons for the presence of such a high PM2.5 concentration is because of the military base and research stations that are present in different parts of the country. Apart from the high PM2.5 concentration, the air quality is breathable, and you will find little to no traces of pollution.

Respect the Culture

The local communities in Greenland are some of the bravest ones as they live in a cold environment. These communities often struggle for food and survival as in the winter months, all roads and traveling means stop. Because of such situations, the local people are set in their ways, often different from the rest of the world. If you are visiting the country, you should always talk respectfully to them and with kindness. By doing so, you will be able to befriend them, and they will help you out in any way they can. It will help you travel easily and learn about the different aspects of their culture, traditions, and livelihood. You can also attend the local festivities to get a first-hand experience.

Top 10 Places to Visit

Ilulissat Ice-fjord (Western Greenland): Undoubtedly, the Ilulissat Ice-fjord is the most visited tourist destination in Greenland. IIulissalat was also declared as a World Heritage Site in the year 2005 by UNESCO. This place is sitting on the Disko Bay section, which is on the coast and is popularly known as Berg-Strewn. This location is unique for its glaciers that carve an expression and break the ice from larger iceberg pieces into smaller ones. These icebergs keep floating in the coastal water. If your timing is right and you've got a bit of luck, you can witness these fascinating and awestruck phenomena. There are many such places in Greenland where you would have to get on and about in a boat. There's a glacier named Sermeq Kujalleq, which spreads on for about five kilometers in width and is as thick as one kilometer. The glacier runs into the bay where it flows every day, at 25 meters, 82 feet. The stunning vistas, along with the breathtaking view of surrounding nature, are wonderfully majestic and soothes the eyes. While you are traveling in Ilulissat, you must visit the Emanuel A Petersen Art Museum. The museum has a wide collection of landscapes of Greenland.
Nuuk and the Greenland National Museum (Nuuk): Nuuk is the National Capital as well as the Administrative Capital of Greenland. It is, thus, the center of the country. The city of Nuuk consists of a total population of about 16,000 people. The city of Nuuk is quite trendy among tourists because of the Greenland National Museum. It boasts a huge collection of equipment used for hunting and carvings made on stones and kayaks. The visitors can find various new, vivid and fascinating pictures of life belonging to the oldest times. Another sight to behold is the mummies, which are preserved here. These mummies of women, as well as children, are as old as 500 years. They were discovered and excavated in the year 1978, and they are still in fairly good condition. Some of the mummies have facial tattoos and can still recognize the color of their clothing. For tourists, many exhibitions and daily tours are organized in the museum regularly. The main theme of these exhibitions is arts and geology. The city of Nuuk also serves as the point of departure for the tours proceeding towards the Godthåb Fjord. The Godthåb Fjord is one of the most beautiful places in entire Greenland. The main attraction in this region is the colonial harbor, which is very dated. Many buildings made up of old architecture, as well as the perfect atmosphere of this place, make it a point to tick on your bucket list.
The Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis): The Northern Lights are popularly included in the biggest, and the most beautiful natural light phenomena are seen on earth. It is very well advised to plan your trip to Greenland while keeping in mind this one-of-a-kind event. If possible, any tourist must not miss these lights as it can be very mesmerizing to watch that you might never forget. The Aurora Borealis is clearly visible between November and March, so if you're planning on capturing this wonderful sight at its prime, you might want to try and plan accordingly during the winter season. You can visit here anytime between the aforementioned months, but December, January, and February are the best days to visit as the nights are clearer during this time. You can distinctly see the Northern Lights from any part of Greenland. The places where you will experience the best views are Ittoqqortoormiit in the East, Kangerlussuaq in the West, and Qaqortoq in the South.
Qaqortoq Museum (Qaqortoq): Qaqortoq is a fishing village that is bounded by rocks. The houses built here have been painted with bright colors and are located on the top of the hills, just above the harbor. The museum is constructed within a historic building that was built in the year 1804. The building earlier used to serve as a home to the manager of a colony, named Julianehab. The Qaqortoq Museum now displays artifacts from various cultures named the Thule, the Dorset, and the Norse. Each culture has its different interpretations and exhibit. The history of the Norse community is specifically well represented along with the heirlooms. The antiquities include kayaks and harpoons. The museum also has an ancient and historical replica of a hut made with peat. It also consists of an exact imitation of a traditional boat belonging to Greenland, known as Umiac. The top floor is reconstructed as a red room and a blue room. This is where an explorer named Knud Rasmussen used to reside with his aviator, Charles Lindbergh.
Viking Ruins (Southern Greenland): One of the most popular attractions for tourists to see in Greenland’s southern side is the remains of one thousand-year-old colony of Norse started by Eric the Red. It is estimated that approximately 5,000 Norsemen were living throughout the country during their peak time. But the question remains as to why this settlement got extinct. Every tourist who visits the ruins on the site experiences a fascinating journey of the past. These ruins take the tourists back when the hunters and gatherers had to work really hard to make their food. There are many ruins of the Vikings that have been found in this region. Other places to visit here include the Hvalsey Fjord Church, the oldest church, and one of Greenland's oldest buildings. One more place to visit while in this city is Brattahlid, situated near the town named Qassiarsuk.
Sermermiut Eskimo Settlement (Ilulissat): Sermermiut Eskimo Settlement is approximately two kilometers away from a town named Ilulissat. This is basically an ancient settlement of Eskimos. The establishment is historically significant for Greenland. It was first excavated during the start of the 20th century. This settlement has preserved the remains of indigenous Eskimo culture all over the Arctic. These remnants, as they say, are the best of their time. The ancient village is now abandoned, but artifacts are belonging to the people who lived here. The inhabitants resided in this village almost 2,000 years ago. This makes the mentioned artifacts as old as 2000 years. It takes roughly about one hour to reach Sermermiut by walking or on foot from Ilulissat. Right from the heart of Ilulissat, you will have to walk towards the old Heliport in the South after reaching the airport. You will then have to walk on a boardwalk about 1.2 kilometers towards the south and near the shore of a mountain called Icefjord. Findings from the excavated site are kept on display inside the Ilulissat Museum.
Exploring by Boat and Ferries: You can either take a short cruise in the afternoon, which takes you to the icebergs towards a glacier. You can also take a multi-day cruise, which takes you further into the fjords and bays. Small boats are one of the best ways to get a good look at various parts of the country of Greenland. All of the thick ice sheets are seen only through the sea; therefore, small boats are crucial to Greenland's tourism. Because wherever you go by sea, there will always be opportunities to plan sea excursions. Small excursion boats enjoy the advantage of having no set itinerary; therefore, the tourists may see the wildlife and waterfalls in addition to the glaciers and icebergs however they please. For example, how an eagle protects its eggs is one of the many day-to-day things seen here. The multi-day cruise is longer than on the smaller boats. Tourists can also have a closer look at the citizens of Greenland's routine life as the locals here offer one of the many available ferries. These ferries cover the small ports of coastal areas around the country. Sarfaq Ittuk is the one that operates the ferries, which serve as a model of local transport.
Dog Sledding and Snowmobile Tours: Undoubtedly, exploring the wild is one of the most thrilling experiences of one's life. This is why people from all around the world fly down to Greenland to adore the wilderness here. One of the best methods to experience the unique natural environment of the country is dog-sledding. When there is snow on the ground, the tours are completed with dogs' help to run the sleds. Naturally, the season of winter is the time for dog-sledding tours and also, snowmobile trips. The most popular destinations tourists will enjoy are Thule, Disko Bay, Qaanaaq, and Tasiusaq fjord. For the convenience of the tourists, numerous tour operators are spread all over Greenland. The guided tours offer trips at convenient rates so that everyone visiting Greenland can explore these places thoroughly and peacefully.
Tasiilaq (East Greenland): Tasiilaq has got about 2,000 pupils. Concerning geography, Tasiilaq is one of the largest towns in the entirety of East Greenland. The town lies on an island named Ammassalik, approximately 100 kilometers towards the North, near the Arctic Circle. Tasiilaq is situated among breathtaking sceneries, surrounded by astonishingly high mountains, divided by a small river. The Flower Valley, situated just behind Tasiilaq, is up and coming for long or short hikes. Some of the most popular activities worldwide for the winter season also happen here, such as dog-sled trips and snowmobile tours. In summer, the activities are entirely different. The summer sports include mountain climbing, hiking, and riding helicopters above the sheets of ice. Sea kayaking is also one of the many summer sports which occur throughout the few short summer months. Tasiilaq, as of today, is one of the most isolated inhabited places in the country and on the planet.
Kangerlussuaq: Kangerlussuaq is generally a small town. The population of the town consists of approximately 500 people. The tourists who visit this place has two primary reasons: Hiking and the Arctic Circle Trail. The town serves as a fantastic spot for hiking; it is among the most favorite starting points for people who love to hike. The area for hiking is as long as 200-kilometre, which is 124-mile. Those who want to go for a relatively shorter and lesser inclined trek can go for a sugarloaf mountain. It is within walking distance from here. The Arctic Circle Trail situated here has one of the closest accesses to the ice sheet of Greenland. The visitors have an option to book a tour closer to the sheet. It takes as long as half a day to complete the tour. From the glacier, the ice sheet is about 30 kilometers away. Once you reach there, you can have an experience of a lifetime while walking on the ice sheet's surface. There are only a handful of places in Greenland where you can walk on the ice sheet. But the only troublesome thing for the rest of the country is that you will have to get there via helicopter, which could be expensive. But here, you can visit the ice sheet on foot. Coming on a trip here is truly a golden opportunity to see the ice being stretched to the horizon.

A view of the magnificent town of Ilulissat

Explore

Greenland is the largest island in the world and has many places to explore. The best way to truly experience this island is from what it's surrounded with, water. Majestic mountains, exceptional flora, and fauna, Greenland communities are best traversed through the water's edge and, of course, from the Arctic Sea surrounding the mainland. Greenland's major physiological feature is its massive ice sheets, which reaches a maximum thickness of about 10,000 feet and covers more than 70,000 square miles. It is also famous for its vast tundra vegetation. Many believe that Iceland is predominantly green, and the ice shrouds Greenland, but that's not to say Greenland is all white and barren. In fact, you will get to see plenty of green vegetation and amazing scenic beauty here, as well.

City Parks

City parks are an important part of the community. They are homes for many trees and animals. People like to visit community parks to relax, play or have a picnic. City parks are significant for the urban environment. They mitigate the temperatures in the summer, so you need less air conditioning. They provide a habitat for lots of little creatures, and there are great places to spend an afternoon. One of the things people love most about parks is the greenery. They are great to look at and hear the wind. They also serve an essential environmental purpose; they absorb carbon, take carbon dioxide out of the atmosphere, and do something called transpiration, which helps lower summer temperatures. That's why it's really great to spend a lazy afternoon in the park. Other things that people really like about parks are the lakes and the ponds. It's a great place to hang out. The reflection of the sky in the water looks beautiful. You can go boating. A study has shown that the more open space and the more dedication of park space you have, the healthier your community will be because you have free outdoor recreation access.

Fort Collins City Park (Colorado): The Fort Collins City park is quite busy during the hot summer days. You can enjoy this vast area for its array of exotic plants and beautiful flowers that attract everyone to visit there at least once, and the lake also functions as a fishing spot. The pool there is open for all ages, and so are the picnic areas. The playgrounds for the kids is a plus point. This is a must-visit park with your family or friends to enjoy this serene landmark where you can spend a few hours in the peace of the park.
Greenland Park (Greenland): Greenland Park has a wide-open space, which helps many people to come out there and do some exercise or yoga. The park makes the neighborhood a more attractive place to live and also, to work. It attracts many tourists annually as well as the locals. True economic benefits are generated via this public park, as many tournaments also occur throughout the year and annually. You would love this park once you visit it, especially with your friends and family as it's huge and very lively.
Greenland Open Space Trailhead ( Colorado): About a mile from the main city is the Greenland Open Space Trailhead. It is a fun tool that surrounds the wide green space, but the view takes the cake by making the sky seem endless. The long 11 miles plus trail system is perfect for training with sweeping fun. The trail has multiple benefits as it allows horses, hikers, bikers, and runners access to some of the most beautiful and amazing vistas in the park. Local people visit this place regularly either for jogging or to spend some quality time within the calmness. Many tourists also visit this place to see the stunning nature that surrounds the park.

National Parks

National Parks are much bigger than community parks. They have many natural wonders for people to see. People from all over the world come to visit these national parks. In a national park, no human activity or settlement is allowed. No cutting of trees or grazing of animals and not even outside spaces are allowed in a national park. Therefore, it comes under the category called protected areas. Amazingly, there is more of the world in these parks than in the town you grew up in because they home several animal and plant species you can explore and learn about. The landscapes here are so astounding that you can drive for miles and come across nothing but nature. There’s a love for the parks among many nature lovers. Many of these parks have a difficult hike, but those paths are worth all the trouble. Everybody should do once in their life to jump out of their comfort zone and explore something new.

Northeast Greenland National Park (Greenland): Northeast Greenland National Park is the largest park present in Northern Greenland. Here, you will get almost every species of animals and plants, making the area more interesting and even more attractive. Strict conservation regulations are incorporated in this national park to protect all the animals and birds. The wealth of fauna every year here draws numerous international scientific surveys, as well.
Ilulissat Icefjord Park (Ilulissat): Visiting Icefjord park will change your perspective on the interrelationships between nature, climate, and humanity. Many wild animals and varieties of plants are also present here. Even though you can only see the Icefjord park from a distance, but it's a sight to behold. Ilulissat is the most popular tourist destination in entire Greenland. It has a tundra climate with long and cold winters and shorter yet cool summers. A huge number of tourists and locals love to visit this place at any time of the year.
Melville Bay (Greenland): Melville Bay is a natural reserve in northwest Greenland established to protect breeding polar bears, beluga whales, and narwhales. You will also get to see ringed seals, and some arctic birds are also spotted here frequently. Melville Bay does not receive any snowfall between mid-August and the end of September. You will probably see a lot of people visiting mainly because of its beauty and atmosphere. The peace with which this place rests is a plus point for attracting tourists. It is a good place to explore and learn about a variety of new fauna species.

Northeast Greenland National Park

Beaches

A place where most people like to go is the beach. To look around and see the beauty of nature at its best will help your mind relax and forget all the troubles. The majority of the people you ask will say it is one of their favorite vacation spots. Many people go to the beaches to feel the grainy sand under their toes. You can sit on a beach under the sun and feel its warmth on your skin while enjoying the beautiful waves of the sea or ocean. Also, lie afloat in the ocean and just feel the ocean while being a part of it. Not only feeling the waves but also hearing them is the ultimate in relaxation. Practice water sports in the ocean, play volleyball or frisbee on the shore, or just relax and be lazy by lying in a hammock with a drink in your hand.

Disko Bay (Greenland): Disko Bay is the most visited place in Greenland throughout the year. With the wonderful scenery of the place combined with several whales, this beach has its own allure. It is also home to a wide range of species due to its nutrient-rich water, including fishes, seals, and whales. You will also get to see a variety of birds and animals around the bay. It also offers an exciting range of tours, be it in summer or winter. Many people who want to take a break from their busy day-to-day life, come here to spend some quality time with their friends, family, and loved ones.
Rocky Beach (Greenland): Rocky Beach is the best of all the beaches in Greenland. In summers, you can get on boat tours to the beach to enjoy the fullest. The towns and villages nearby the beach depend on it for their livelihood. You can delve into an assortment of soups and whale meat dishes when you visit this beach. It is just a few kilometers away from the capital, Nuuk, and you can take a taxi or hire a private bus to reach this breezy destination. Rocky Beach is arguably the most beautiful beach in Greenland. You must visit this place either with your family members or friends or by yourself to divulge your time in the calm near the shore and thoroughly enjoy yourself.
Banana Coast (Greenland): The coast got its name from locals, and they call it Sineriak Bananeqarfik. The place is quite cold because this is the region that experiences the least extreme temperatures. You will get to see so many flowering plants and animals here, mountains, fertile lands, and sheep farms side by side with floating icebergs and glaciers. Here you will get to experience the temperature around 5 and 15 degrees Celsius in summer and between -10 and 0 degrees Celsius in winter. It is quite a cold place but also many people visit this place to enjoy and explore new things.

Disko Bay in Greenland

Landmarks

A landmark is a building or object that identifies a location or the boundary of a piece of land. These are often considered a culmination or turning point in the history of the development of something. Any prominent feature of the landscape, such as a tree or building, serves to identify a particular place. A building or site of historical significance, especially one marked for conservation by a municipal or national government.

Elephant Foot Glaciers (Greenland): Roomer lake is famous because of its impressive Elephant Foot Glacier, a wide glacier with a strikingly-shaped wide terminal. It is a natural landmark in Greenland, located at the Crown Prince Christian Land's western end. It is also a tourist place where many tourists visit every year to this lake's beauty. A must-visit place to see the Elephant Footprint here and also the beauty of the lake.
Deltaterasserne (Greenland): It is the largest archaeological site in Peary Land, the northernmost part of Greenland. Hundreds of organic, faunal, and lithic artifacts are here that includes items such as axes, pointed sticks, pins, and birch bark rolls. Deltaterasserne is the natural landmark of Greenland. Organic artifacts include birds and various kinds of animals and plants. It is constructed of large terraced stones from about 5m to 23m above sea level. Many local people and tourists visit this place to see this archaeological site with their family members or alone.
Qinngua Valley (Greenland): Qinngua Valley has the only natural forest in Greenland and is about 15 kilometers long, running roughly north to south. You can find around 300 plus species of plants that grow in this valley, and many wild animals are also there in the valley. Mountains rise as much as 1,500 meters on either side of the narrow valley. Beautiful and natural landmarks attract many tourists every year, and many local people also visit this valley to see the beauty and eye-catchy views of nature.
Church of Kap Dan (Kulusuk): The Church of Kap Dan draws many visitors and local people with its interesting history and unique designs. The church is in the small village of Kulusuk, located in Greenland. Many local people visit the church regularly, and tourists visit this beautiful church to see the beautiful building and unusual designs on the church walls. The crew of the Danish sailing vessel constructed this beautiful church. People who visit this church claim that it is well maintained and eye-catchy, and it is also very colorful that soothes the eye.

Museums

Museums give you an effective way of learning by inspiring personal connections with visitors, not just on the premises but also through community outreach efforts. They are much more than collections of artifacts, a beautiful and wonderful place, wonderful architectural design, with a beautiful picture of our beautiful old culture and prosperous community. It is an excellent place to visit. It is a great resource to get to know about the history. Apart from that, there are also biological structures like skeletons, bones, vertebrae, etc., of animals. Overall, it is a place worth visiting. There are still many fascinating things present that you will get to know when you visit.

Greenland National Museum Greenland: Greenland National Museum is the first museum in Greenland, and it is present in the Nuuk. The museum has many artifacts related to archaeology, also has history arts, and handicrafts items are also there. You will also get to see mummies here in this museum. You will get to know a lot about Greenland from this national museum, and it is also a must-visit place with your family members. It has a feeling of warmth in the cold and harsh environment.
Nuuk Art Museum Nuuk: Nuuk Art Museum is a national museum which is located in the capital of Greenland, Nuuk. The museum contains an array of paintings, watercolors, drawings, graphics, and figurines in soapstone. It is open for the public to see and adore the beautiful art done by some of Greenland's best artists. You will be amazed after seeing the splendid art on the walls of the museum. People who love to appreciate paintings and drawings must visit this place to get inspiration from the art.
Sisimiut Museum Sisimiut: Sisimiut museum has a collection of artifacts based on ten years of archaeological research and ancient culture excavations. Here you will also get to see handicraft items, house items, and ethnographic objects. The museum consists of several colonial buildings that showcase local artifacts and a reconstructed peat house. You can also hire a guide to explore the place in a better way.
Aasiaat Museum Aasiaat: The Aasiaat museum has a permanent exhibition about the Thule culture and various objects in general and objects from the Disko Bay area. The museum also hosts an exhibition by the local artists to showcase their talent. Here an entrance fee is also charged for outsiders, but it is free for local citizens and those who visit for educational purposes. You will also get to notice some of the architecture of the colonial era. The Aasiaat Museum must be on your bucket list for children to acquaint them with the country's history.

The beautiful Nuuk Art Museum covered in snow

Eat

As we know, Greenland suffers from intense chilly weather, making the citizens living here in this zone miserable. But the food served is warm, which is pure ecstasy as the delicacies here are quite different from those served elsewhere. The fishes such as whales are often used in their cuisines. A better approach for seafood is used here, unlike the normal temperate zone fishes, as this kind of seafood provides more fats and carbohydrates to fight the extreme cold. Some of the prepared dishes from the sea are mentioned below:

Suaasat

Suaasat is a traditional Greenlandic soup

Puisi
Qilalukkat Orsua
Arfeq Nikkui
Saarullik Panertoq

Drink

Drinks are those usually served in every other country during winter's time to keep oneself warm. The locals and tourists drink alcohol and have varieties of soup made from the meat of seal, whales, or even minks, a delicacy for Greenland people. Other than soup, Greenland's coffee is well-known as it comes with froth on the top. Ice beer is an extremely brewed type of coffee using 2000-year-old natural arctic ice that stands out as a unique brewing idea. The staple drinks of the country are:

Greenlandic Coffee
Kahlúa
Ice Beer
Whiskey

Kahlua is a mixture of coffee, rum and sugar

Tap-water

Safe drinking water is the birthright of all humans as much as the birthright for clean and clear air. Water is safe to drink in Greenland; you can also drink the water directly from the river and lakes. Several locals also use ice from icebergs in their drinks; it is really safe. You can drink tap water anywhere in Greenland; there is no need to buy packaged drinking water or mineral water. According to WHO, tap water in Greenland is 98% safe for drinking and other purposes. Even though drinking water is 98% safe, consider talking to local citizens to verify that the old pipes could be leaking toxic material in that specific location, containing heavy metals or bacteria. Drinking tap water would also help with reducing plastic footprint and improve environmental pollution. One adult could save around $3,335 per year in Greenland by drinking tap water instead of packaged drinking water.

Activities

There are so many things to do in Greenland that range from exploring the outdoors and nature activities to coastal sailing and cruises in the ocean. You can explore Greenland's cultural activities that showcase a lot about the country. You can also participate in many other activities with the local people, as they are warm and welcoming. The locals will also guide you while trying to go to more places in Greenland. Ski touring in Greenland is an active backcountry experience and is known for its grandeur. It runs from the peak to the beach; here, snowmobiles or a helicopter will take you to the top. The kayak is a cultural link between one of the earliest immigrants in Greenland, the common everyday experience by local kayakers, and the modern rugged adventure expeditions. Whale watching is another exciting activity to do in Greenland; almost every tourist and the locals enjoy watching them; their activities and fun attitude engage many people. Greenland is really fascinating and obscenely beautiful and is relatively easy to travel.

Accommodation

Greenland is the largest island globally, covering an area of more than 2.1 million square kilometers. It is an autonomous island that works under Denmark and is responsible for its ¾ th revenue. As this country is too big, there are many accommodation options present in its cities for tourists. Greenland welcomes more than one million tourists annually, which led to establishing many accommodation options such as horse hotels, hostels, guest houses, resorts, villas. According to a source, an average hotel in Greenland cost around 200 dollars. Hotels are the best choice for accommodation when you plan on staying for about two weeks because these hostels charge per night, which would become costlier by each day. There are different hotels which offer additional facilities at various rates. Every hotel has an electric heater installed in every room as the average temperature is one of the lowest. Some private villas and resorts cost more than the hotels and offer premium facilities such as swimming pools with warm spring water, private Jacuzzis, larger rooms, among many other things. If you do not want to spend a lot on accommodation, there are compact hostel rooms that offer shared spaces amongst two people at a time. There is a private kitchen attached to these shared rooms so that you can cook your food. Other than these options, sometimes apartments are best when you are staying here for a longer time. Mainly because of the rent of a flat, which is charged on a fixed number of days. The apartments also have modular kitchens to cook your food. There are other options also available such as camping and couch surfing.

Green Hotels

Green hotels are different from ordinary hotels. These are under the supervision of higher government authorities and are best known for protecting nature and providing comfort to their customers. Their solar panels and windmills generate electricity that these hotels consume while using natural energy sources like sunlight and wind. In addition to this, they recycle their plastic and other items for cutlery. Generally, the dishes which you will find on their menu are organic. Organic foods are very beneficial for health as they are untouched from any harmful chemicals, fertilizers, and pesticides that damage our digestive system. The fruits and vegetables used to prepare these organic dishes often reach these hotels by their farms. The bedsheets and the towels present in each hotel room are made up of natural fabrics like cotton, which do not harm the skin. The rooms are equipped with electric heaters instead of fireplaces to avoid pollution. These Green Hotels are costlier than regular hotels, yet many tourists prefer to stay here. This could be because people like to prioritize their health and environment. There are a few reasons why these hotels cost more than ordinary hotels, including their farms' maintenance. The solar panels and windmills also require maintenance every month or year, depending on their quality.

Hostels and Guest Houses

If you're okay with the necessary facilities and do not want to spend much on accommodation, then look no further than hostels! Hostel rooms are the best for those who travel alone. You will have some company as these are shared rooms. Your roommate might be from a different city, country, or continent. You are bound to learn new cultures, traditions, beliefs, faith, and many other things. You may want to understand their language to communicate more efficiently. You and your roommate can cook together while teaching each other about your traditional dishes and comfort foods. You are free to interact with the other hostellers as well. Some of the hostels that are specifically made for students have a time restriction, meaning that the hostel doors will be closed after a specific time during the night. Therefore, you must confirm whether the hostel in which you are planning to stay has these time-restricted policies or not. Next to the other, the guesthouse is a place available for tourists to stay Yin. In this type of accommodation, you get a whole house on rent. Guesthouses have some facilities which include a three-time meal of your choice. These are the best type of accommodation when you're traveling with a large group.

Apartments

Apartments are best for those who want to travel for a longer duration as the apartments' rent is fixed for certain days rather than charging per day. Apartments are best in providing privacy as you have your flat with two bedrooms, one hall and one kitchen or three bedrooms. There's no one to disturb you like in the guesthouses and hostels, where there are other tourists as well. You will indeed have the time of your life with your friends or family. The security of these apartments includes security guards and CCTV cameras covering the entire premises. So, you don't need to worry about safety. Different apartments offer different facilities such as gymnasium, gardens, parks. Some of the flats even have their inside gardens to add to the aesthetics of the space. These are often present near the hills, which gives a more serene view of the White Mountains in the morning.

Couchsurfing

The population of this country is about 56,000. Out of these 56,000 people, there are nearly 16,000 to 17,000 hosts. Couch surfing means to stay at any local's house who are willing to shelter you without any charges. It involves a couch surfer and a host. A couchsurfer is a foreigner who stays with the locals. A host is a local who is ready to take in the tourist. Instead of giving money, you can support the host by helping them in their daily household chores or buying everyday household products such as vegetables and fruits. There are many other benefits of couch surfing as you can learn a lot about the country from the host, such as its history, empires, dynasties, various wars, etc. Other than this, they can also help you visit the best tourist spots and let you know where you can save your money.

Camping

Camping is an adventurous activity that involves staying on an open campground. It also includes observing the night sky. Besides this, camping is a temporary accommodation option because you might get bored after a specific time of about a week. One must think about a lot of things. For example, during summer, you must be aware of various kinds of insects often present in the forests so that you could carry a mosquito repellent or other creams. It would be best if you did not camp in lousy weather during the rainy season as sometimes there are chances of storms in these open campgrounds. If you're planning on camping during the winter season, the weather should not be too cold. Understand, you must not use a bonfire as a source of heat as it will create a lot of pollution. As a substitute for this, you can use electric heaters. In this country, camping is not at all advised. Greenland's average temperature does not exceed 10° Celsius, which means that this country has extreme cold conditions that are generally not good for camping.

Regions

Regions of Greenland

Southern Greenland
Nicknamed "Sineriak Bananeqarfik" (Banana Coast) by the locals, this is the most easily accessed part of Greenland and the one subject to the least extreme temperatures. Surprisingly, farming is common in the lower parts of the region, especially around Igaliku. Dirt roads connect the farms, and go into canyons which are within sight of snow-covered mountains and glaciers.

Western Greenland
Location of the capital Nuuk (Godthåb), a "city" with more than 17,000 people. Much of the population of Greenland lives in this region - Nuuk alone has more than twice the population of southern Greenland. The major airport, Kangerlussuaq, is in this region.

Eastern Greenland
Eastern Greenland has significantly fewer people than the west. The only notable towns in this region are Tasiilaq and Ittoqqortoormiit. However, the area is easily accessible on tours from Iceland, and has excellent scenery.

Northern Greenland
Much of Northern Greenland is occupied by the Northeast Greenland National Park. It is extremely remote, much like the East, but is colder. The northernmost land on Earth is in this region of Greenland.

Cities

Nuuk (da: Godthåb) – the capital
Ittoqqortoormiit (da: Scoresbysund) – settlement in the sparsely populated eastern Greenland
Kangerlussuaq (da: Søndre Strømfjord) – known for research facilities and the former US Bluie West Eight base; comparably mild weather, while the glacier is in easy reach; good site for viewing northern lights.
Kulusuk (da: Kap Dan) – one of the largest towns in Eastern Greenland
Qaanaaq (da: Thule) – one of the world's northernmost civilian settlements, with a U.S. airbase
Sisimiut (da: Holsteinsborg) – second largest city
Tasiilaq (also Amassalik, for its municipality and the Island it is on) – the largest city in Eastern Greenland
Upernavik – unique wildlife, the largest bird cliff (Apparsuit)
Uummannaq – whale watchers' paradise

Getting There and Moving Around

As Greenland is an island, there are only two ways to reach here: air and water. There are many airports in Greenland. It is so that any person who wishes to visit the country can quickly get here without any inconvenience. For the waterways, there are often cruise ships reaching the country through the icy cold waters.

Air

There is a total of 33 airports in Greenland. These airports or flights are efficient enough to enable anyone who wishes to reach this country. Flights are the most convenient way to get to any place as there is significantly less risk of any mishappenings. The flights are convenient and comfortable so that you can reach her comfortably. Moreover, different airlines offer various facilities during the journey and may have different prices.

Kangerlussuaq Airport, Greenland

Bus

There are no international bus facilities that offer direct buses to other neighboring countries. The reason behind it is simple that Greenland is an island with no connecting roads. However, there are intercity buses that travel from one city to another. If you are here, you can use them for your convenience. There are significantly fewer buses that can be pre-booked online; therefore, you must have an exact change to pay for your bus ride.

A local bus on the streets of Nuuk, Greenland

Train

There are no trains that run internationally or within the country. A low population is an essential factor behind this. Also, each city of this country experiences snow. The weather can be stormy; most of the time, there are fogs, making it difficult for the train drivers to run the train. Also, the government found building railway tracks to be very expensive.

Hitchhiking

Hitchhiking is a type of free travel option. In this, you can ask someone for a ride if they are going in the same direction. There are few points which you must keep in mind while hitchhiking. You cannot wholly rely on hitchhiking because sometimes there might be no traveler going to the city you want to visit.

Others

Other ways to reach this country directly are by waterways, as many cruise ships visit Greenland. Channels are very time-consuming, so you must plan your trip accordingly. This type of travel option is limited to a few countries. For moving around in this country, there are different ways such as walking, which will also help you keep your body warm, cycling is an excellent option to stay fit and save a lot of money. Other than this, there are dog sleds available.

A tour boat in open waters in Greenland

Sustainable Shopping

Suppose you are looking for cheap products that do not aggressively affect the environment; these are called sustainable products. Sustainable products are known to save nature during their production. Second-hand products are also known as sustainable products. They eliminate few wastes as the product which is being used as a second hand would be otherwise dumped in a landfill. Second-hand products are those products that are put on resale by their first owner. Other than this, they also create a source of income for the reseller. There are many second-hand products sold and purchased, including furniture, automobiles, and mobile phones. While buying second-hand products, you should always check it before buying because sometimes the product might be defective, and the shop owner will not take it back. The next category of sustainable shopping includes the food market. These are not ordinary food markets or grocery stores. Only those grocery stores which sell organic fruits and vegetables come under sustainable shopping. Organic fruits and vegetables are those products that are free from pesticides, fertilizers, harmful chemicals and are grown naturally. Therefore, it takes a lot of time for them to mature. Sustainable shopping also includes fashion products such as clothes made from natural fabrics and colored with natural dyes. These products are generally hand-stitched and require significantly less use of machines. Sustainable clothes increase employment. Sustainable products cost less than average products because their production does not require any extra cost or benefit of heavy machinery types. Sustainable shopping is somewhat of a trend that you could acquaint yourself with.

Recycling

Recycling is a good activity as it helps in conserving nature. It is a method by which waste is treated. Even though it is not the only method, but this is one of them. Other than this, a few other points state how recycling is beneficial for us. It also reduces pollution as it eliminates the waste that is later dumped to open landfills, and these landfills, if not appropriately treated, will create pollution. Many other things are recycled, and according to a survey, the most recycled item is paper. Paper is recycled in various newspaper printing plants as well as at recycling centers. Recycled papers save a lot of trees from cutting down to make paper. You can even sell your products such as paper, plastic, glass, and tin to the nearby recycling centers in some countries. In Greenland, different cities have their own recycling centers. These recycling centers vary in number in a particular town depending on their size and population.

Waste

Waste includes those products which are of no use and needs to be dumped. There are many harmful effects of waste being dumped in water bodies as there are high chances that it will choke the drainage. There are two methods of treating waste; incineration and landfills. Open landfills are where the waste is destroyed or collectively dumped. If these landfills are not appropriately treated, it can create the air as well as soil pollution. Incineration involves separate centers where the waste is treated with the use of thermal energy and is decomposed. Some countries even have zero-waste policies, which include the prevention of waste as their primary objective.

Work and Study Abroad

The education pattern in this country is quite fascinating. There is compulsory education for all the people living in this country for about ten years. It means the schooling of any child starts with six years, and under the ten years compulsory education program it ends at 16 years. Primary schools are funded by the government, which makes education in primary school free for all. The primary schools are divided into three steps, 1st step, the middle, and 3rd. The first step involves education of around three years, starting in First grade and ends in Third grade. After this, the student is promoted to this intermediate (or middle) step, involving four years, starting from Fourth grade and ends in Seventh grade. Later, the student reaches the third step, which is also the final step of primary schooling. The student enters the Eighth grade and finishes this step after completing their Tenth grade. After the Tenth grade, students are supposed to appear for an examination. Based on their score, the School Living Certificate is provided, and they are promoted to the High School to further choose between two, three, or four years program. The High School is also known as Upper Secondary School. There are many active jobs available in this city because of its low population. Many people who cannot adapt to this country's weather conditions leave; therefore, there is a meager population. You can get a job quickly in the city, depending on your educational qualifications and other skills.

Exchange Student

Not many of the Universities present in this country offer student exchange programs that result in unwilling students to study. Mostly due to the country's cold weather conditions. However, the education of this country is not insufficient or inefficient in providing knowledge. They have their patterns of education suited explicitly for their students. It is a very beneficial program for students as they get an opportunity to visit a new country and understand its culture, lifestyle, and preferences. The students can also make a fresh start as they get a new university, friends, surroundings, and new teachers. Most countries have this program free of cost. The student only has to pay for living expenses and accommodation. The student exchange program is made for excellent students in the academic field and ready to adopt a different culture or environment. This program boosts self-confidence and motivates a student to become independent. You have to be brilliant in your studies to be a part of this program. They have a good partnership with well-reputed colleges in neighboring countries and countries all around the world. Finally, you have to clear the entrance exam to be a part of this program.

Au Pair

An Au pair is a person who stays with the local without any charge, and in exchange, he takes care of the child. It is work, not a job, because a job involves a salary, whereas work involves any other substitute. In this work, you do not get compensation; instead of paying a salary, the local allows you to stay with them. These types of jobs are very rarely available in this country because most families have housewives who take care of their children. Some parents are looking for an au pair, but contacting them would be very difficult. Along with this, it is very responsible work, and you have to be alerted all the time.

Volunteering

It is a large country with a low population; therefore, there is not much of the volunteering organization present in this country. Still, there are some organizations, and their traces have been found on the Internet. These organizations help stray animals and provide them with shelter in extreme cold. Almost every person living in this country has his own house, so there are no chances of finding a homeless person. Few organizations help those people who are stuck in the mountains and need help. However, there are rescue squads available, but sometimes they could need more people to contact these organizations. You cannot charge for what you are volunteering for.