Greenland

Greenland rewards travellers who build in flexibility. Nuuk is the country’s capital and a practical starting point, with museums, contemporary restaurants, colourful neighbourhoods and boat excursions into the surrounding fjords. Ilulissat is the classic choice for first-time visitors, known for the immense Ilulissat Icefjord, while South Greenland offers greener landscapes, Viking history and small settlements such as Qaqortoq. Eastern Greenland, including Tasiilaq, feels especially remote and is ideal for travellers seeking dramatic scenery and strong local traditions.

Plan around the season:

• Summer brings long daylight, hiking, whale-watching and easier boat travel.
• Winter is the season for northern lights, dogsledding and snowmobile excursions.
• Allow spare days because fog, wind and ice can disrupt flights and boat departures.

Use Hello’s trip-planning tools to organize flights, accommodation, excursions and backup options in one itinerary. Mobile coverage varies outside towns, so download maps, confirmations and emergency information before leaving your hotel.

There are no roads connecting Greenland’s towns, so moving between destinations is part of the adventure. Domestic flights and helicopters operated by Air Greenland are the quickest options, particularly for longer distances and travel to the east or north. The Sarfaq Ittuk coastal ferry links communities between Qaqortoq and Ilulissat during its seasonal sailing period, offering a slower but memorable way to see the coast. Local tour boats are useful for fjord trips, wildlife excursions and short hops between nearby settlements.

In Nuuk, Ilulissat, Sisimiut and Qaqortoq, taxis and local buses cover most in-town journeys, while many central sights are walkable. Book flights and popular summer boat tours early, especially if your itinerary depends on a particular departure. Always choose passenger-approved boats and check weather conditions before setting out. Pack a waterproof outer layer, warm mid-layers and footwear suitable for uneven ground; conditions can change quickly even on short excursions.

Greenlandic food reflects the Arctic environment and a strong fishing, hunting and gathering heritage. Look for suaasat, a warming traditional soup that may include seal or other meat, as well as musk ox, reindeer, lamb, cod, redfish and halibut. Restaurants in larger towns also serve international dishes and vegetarian meals, though fresh produce can be limited or expensive in remote settlements. If you have dietary requirements, mention them when booking and give smaller restaurants advance notice.

Make time for experiences beyond the headline scenery. Visit the Greenland National Museum in Nuuk, join a guided walk around Ilulissat’s Icefjord, take a whale-watching trip, or learn about sled dogs and traditional hunting practices from local guides. In winter, dogsledding is a cultural experience as well as a thrilling way to travel. Ask permission before photographing people, homes or working dogs, and choose locally operated tours when possible. Respect wildlife distances and never approach calving ice or unstable glacier fronts.

Greenland uses the Danish krone (DKK). Cards are widely accepted in larger towns, hotels, restaurants and supermarkets, but carry cash for small settlements, markets, independent guides and unexpected transport changes. ATMs are easier to find in Nuuk, Ilulissat and other major towns than in remote communities. Track spending in DKK with Hello’s budget-tracking feature, and use expense splitting when sharing boat trips, taxis or accommodation with companions.

Internet and mobile service are strongest in populated areas and may disappear during remote excursions. Buy and activate Hello eSIM before you land to stay connected without roaming charges; download essential travel documents and offline maps as a backup. Accommodation and supplies can be limited outside the main hubs, so reserve rooms early and bring medication, specialty toiletries and dependable snacks if needed. Pack for wind and rain in every season, and follow local guidance for hiking, boating and glacier activities.