Top 9 Reasons to Visit Greenland: Your Ultimate Travel Guide

Why Would’nt you want to visit Greenland?

One word that could describe Greenland would be the word paradise. From its rugged, northern polar deserts to the southern sheep farms and glacial-carved fjords, you could never go wrong with this country as a destination site for your vacation. Greenland offers beautiful landscapes, a habitat to exceptional wild animals, remarkable iceberg-choked fjords, and breathtaking tundra. Greenland is a unique, wonderful location and here is a list of the reasons to visit Greenland:

Tour the most massive glacier outside Antarctica

The exquisite Ilulissat Icefjord is among the northern UNESCO World Heritage and the largest natural tourist attraction in Greenland. The glacier consists of icebergs that have calved from the Sermeq Kujalleq glacier, and its site will present to you a chilling yet settling gallery that seems to tell a story about our planet’s history. You can explore it in various ways: via helicopter, land, or by boat. The view is stunning and above all, refreshing.

2. Experience the warm hot springs

Thaw your chilly limbs in Greenland’s hot springs. Being a chilly country, the possibilities of their existing hot springs are unknown to many travelers; however, there are several of them scattered through Greenland’s landscape. To the east of the country is Uunartoq island, which has the most popular hot springs. Sitting at an ideal 37 degrees Celsius, the hot springs can be perfectly natural bath tabs to relax your mind while in this region.

Mineral-Rich Waters

You can’t deny the healing powers of a mineral-rich soak. And Greenland’s hot springs have got plenty of minerals to go around – sulfur, silica, calcium, you name it. They’ve all got benefits to your skin and overall well-being that the locals have known about for ages. Say goodbye to pesky skin conditions and hello to rejuvenation.

Muscle Relaxation and Stress Relief

There’s just something about warm temperatures that can get our muscles to chill out and our stress levels to plummet. The thermal waters dilate blood vessels, which means better circulation and less tension in those tight muscles of yours. And don’t even get us started on how freakin’ tranquil you’ll feel after a soak in these soothing waters.

Therapeutic Effects on Joints and Arthritis

If you suffer from joint pain or arthritis, listen up. The mineral composition of Greenland’s hot springs could be your ticket to relief. Some scientific studies have suggested that the minerals in these thermal waters may help reduce joint inflammation and improve mobility. So why not dive in and see if it works for you?

Improved Sleep and Circulation

Who doesn’t want to sleep better? Regular dips in the hot springs can do wonders for your overall sleep quality. Plus, improved blood circulation means your body gets more oxygen and nutrients, leading to a healthier you.

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3. The Stunning Northern Lights.

Commonly referred to as the “biggest light show on the planet earth” due to their natural occurrence, the Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis) will leave you awestricken. For those wanting to make the most out of the Northern lights, you are advised to visit during the winter, months of December and February, when the nights are clear than other times of the year to witness the extraordinary natural occurrence when neon illuminations glow through the dark sky.

4. See mummies in the Greenland National Museum

Tour the National Museum and see real natural mummies that have been produced as a result of extremely cold temperatures. The four people who were buried in full dresses are believed to have lived in the year 1475. Other artifacts in the museum include the Danish artifacts, the Nose collections, and other preserved collections and ruins that date back to 4500 years.

Mummified Witnesses to History

Travel back in time and meet some real-life mummies at this kickass museum exhibit! These bad boys are preserved thanks to Greenland’s one-of-a-kind climate. Dressed to impress in their full attire, these mummies are believed to have lived it up way back in 1475. The freezing cold temperatures did them a solid by keeping them in tip-top shape, giving you an unparalleled opportunity to connect with people from centuries ago. The detailed preservation of their clothing and personal effects adds a touch of intimacy to the encounter, making you feel like you’re practically having a chat with Greenland’s historical narrative.

Danish Artifacts and Cultural Heritage

Get ready for a cultural exchange like no other as you dive into the museum’s collection of Danish artifacts. These bad boys offer a glimpse into the historical ties between Greenland and Denmark. From tools and implements to personal belongings, these items spill the tea on the cultural influences that have shaped Greenland’s identity over the centuries.

The Nose Collections

Brace yourselves, ladies, because the Nose collections are about to blow your mind. This mind-blowing assembly of artifacts will take you deep into the traditions, customs, and craftsmanship of Greenland’s indigenous cultures. From intricately carved tools to symbolic artifacts, these collections will have you swooning over the cultural significance they add to the museum’s narrative. Get ready to have your perspectives flipped upside-down as you dive headfirst into the vibrant life of Greenland’s native populations.

5. Make friends with whales.

Embark on a whale-exploring tour. This is a soothing experience, especially if you love animals, also, the summer months are the best if you want to get personal and close to the whales, this is in the months of June and July. A good starting point is Narsaq, where you will not only mingle with whales but also, seals, trout, and salmon.

6. Hike the prehistoric ice sheet

Almost 80 percent of this country is covered by Greenlandic Ice Sheet, which dates back up to almost 10,000 years. In some places, you will see the magnificent array of fauna, frozen fresh water, and snowy hills and mountains. The ice in Greenland contains 10 percent of the world’s freshwater reserves, and the ice has a total area of 690,000 square miles, which is equivalent to almost 14 times the total area of England. I can already feel you picturing what Greenland looks like.

7. Tour the world’s largest national park.

Greenland National Park is without a doubt the largest park on earth spanning over 800 miles; it is characterized by a large composition of flora and fauna. The park has magnificent views of snowy mountains, giant walruses, and huge polar bears. This pack is a paradise and a unique destination with unique features.

8. Experience Arctic wildlife on a sled.

January through April is sled excursion months in Greenland. Mush through the snow to spot musk oxen, polar bears, and reindeer. Other wildlife in the Arctic landscape includes ptarmigan, eagles, lemmings, and the rare Arctic wolf. Most polar bears are sighted in eastern and northern Greenland, where they hunt from the sea ice.

9. Kayaking in Greenland.

Kayaking is sort of historical and more of a national heritage to the people of Greenland. It is in this country that Kayaking was born, and most of the beautiful things to be seen in this country can be experienced through Kayaking. This one-of-a-kind experience will give you a refreshing and settling sensation that will make you connect with nature, hear the sea birds sings, the crunch of the ice, and the sounds of the wildlife inhabiting the surface of the sea.

So, with all that, you already know that Greenland is an amazing place to visit and is off the beaten path. It’s a nature lover’s dream, and you’ll be able to breathe a little deeper in this pristine location. Once you’re done with this majestic location, always remember to Travel Till You Drop and look for that next magical location! And stop by the Travel Till You Drop Shop to find all those goodies you may need to make your next vacation a little easier!

Other Interesting Facts about Greenland

Size and Location: Greenland is the world’s largest island, covering an area of approximately 2,166,086 square kilometers (836,297 square miles). It is strategically positioned between North America and Europe, making it a unique bridge between these two continents.

Population: Despite its vast size, Greenland has a relatively small population. As of 2021, it had a population of around 56,600 people, primarily of Inuit and Danish descent. The majority of the population resides in coastal towns and cities.

Capital: The capital of Greenland is Nuuk, located on the southwestern coast of the island. Nuuk is not only the largest city in Greenland but also serves as its cultural and administrative hub.

Language: The official languages of Greenland are Greenlandic and Danish. However, English is widely understood and spoken, especially in tourist areas.

Autonomous Territory: Greenland is an autonomous territory within the Kingdom of Denmark. While it governs its domestic affairs independently, Denmark handles foreign and defense matters on its behalf.

Economy: Fishing and hunting have traditionally been the primary sources of livelihood for the people of Greenland. However, in recent years, there has been a growing focus on industries such as tourism and mineral extraction, including rare earth elements and gemstones.

Wildlife: Greenland is home to a rich diversity of wildlife, both on land and in its surrounding waters. You can encounter Arctic creatures such as polar bears, musk oxen, reindeer, and various species of seals and whales. Birdwatchers also flock to Greenland to observe its avian inhabitants.

Midnight Sun and Polar Nights: Due to its location in the Arctic Circle, Greenland experiences extreme variations in daylight. During the summer months, particularly around the June solstice, the sun never sets, creating the phenomenon known as the Midnight Sun. Conversely, in the depths of winter, there are extended periods of darkness known as Polar Nights.

Glacial Landscapes: Greenland’s landscape is dominated by the Greenland Ice Sheet, which is the second-largest ice sheet on Earth, after Antarctica. This colossal ice mass is responsible for the creation of numerous glaciers and icebergs that calve into the sea, creating breathtaking fjords and coastal vistas.

Inuit Culture: The Inuit culture has deep roots in Greenland, and visitors have the opportunity to learn about their traditions, including dog sledding, traditional clothing, and cuisine. Experiencing the local culture can be a rewarding aspect of any trip to Greenland.

Northern Lights: Greenland is one of the prime locations to witness the Northern Lights, also known as the Aurora Borealis. The dark winter nights offer excellent conditions for viewing this mesmerizing natural light display.

Adventure Activities: Greenland offers a range of adventure activities, including hiking, kayaking, dog sledding, and ice climbing. Its pristine wilderness and untouched landscapes make it a haven for outdoor enthusiasts