Greenland

Greenland was recently voted by Lonely Planet as one of the top 10 countries to visit, and the world’s largest island certainly lives up to its new found reputation as a hot travel destination. As the biggest non-continental island on earth, Greenland is blessed with vast expanses of untouched wilderness, magnificent glaciers, relaxing hot springs and the world’s largest national park, the Northeast Greenland National Park. As the central region of the country is covered by thick ice, the majority of the 56,615 strong population resides in the warmer coastal areas. This coastal strip is strewn with picturesque little villages dotted with brightly painted wooden cottages, a number of small friendly towns, and of course the lively capital, Nuuk Town. These urban areas offer an intriguing mix of modern convenience and traditional Greenlandic culture such as the use of dog-sleds as a primary mode of transport! With its fascinating and unique cultural eccentricities, its abundance of remarkable wildlife, and its unbeatable scenery, Greenland always offers a truly unforgettable and exceptionally adventurous holiday experience.

Igaliku

 

Sandwiched between the glistening waters and pastoral landscapes on a peninsula jutting off the mainland of southern Greeland is the picturesque sheep-farming village of Igaliku. This unique destination offers a tranquil and serene atmosphere, with its scenic surroundings comprising of snow-capped mountains, vast open meadows and glistening blue waters. The delightful Igaliku is best known for housing the enchanting ruins of Gardar, once the religious heart of twelfth-century Norse Greenland. The picture-perfect historical ruins and stone structures of the acclaimed Gardar Cathedral and its surrounding stone structures are a must-see. The unique beauty of Igaliku is best enjoyed during a scenic boat ride, where passengers will be travelling in the company of passing icebergs, seals and humpback whales.

 

Ilulissat

 

Ilulissat is located on the western coast of Greenland at the southern end of Disko Bay, the country’s premier tourist region. The city is situated at the mouth of the immense Ilulissat Ice Fjord. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Ilulissat Ice Fjord is a geographical marvel, where a constantly advancing glacier slowly feeds icebergs into the fjord. Hiking is very popular in the mountains and around the lakes of the region, and there are also opportunities for fishing and dog-sledding. In terms of cultural sights, the Ilulissat Museum pays homage to the explorer Knud Rasmussen, and the Ilulissat Art Museum holds works by Emanuel A. Petersen among others. Finally, boat trips to scenic Disko Island are easily organised via the company Disko Line.

 

Kulusuk Island

 

Vibrantly coloured wooden houses dot the snow-covered plains of Kulusuk Island, an unspoiled Arctic paradise that lies secluded on the southeastern shore of Greenland. Composed of a hilly landscape, rugged mountain terrain, snow-capped peaks, and ice-filled waters, nature lovers can delight in the breathtaking beauty of this idyllic country setting. A cultural tour of the island provides insight into the life of the locals with a visit to the traditional Greenlandic village to view the local church and a modest museum that displays artefacts of the first inhabitants of the island. A 300-metre hike up Isikajia Mountain promises spectacular views of the Denmark Strait, jutting icebergs, deep fjords, and jagged coastline. The area is a wonderland of winter activities namely dog-sledding, skiing, snowboarding, sailing, and fishing and kayaking.

 

Nanortalik

 

The Greenlandic town of Nanortalik (meaning ‘the place of bears’) rests on an island at the mouth of the majestic Tasermiut fjord and is home to a close knit community of predominantly fishermen and hunters. The island is characterised by towering peaks, deep fjords, small woodlands, and rugged mountainside cliffs providing an ideal environment for the numerous outdoor activities on offer including, climbing, hiking, fishing, as well as kayaking or sailing through the fjords. The town itself is easily traversed on foot and is centred around the main street where you will find a supermarket, a fish market, and the tourist office where you can buy locally produced arts and crafts. The town is also home to The Nanortalik Museum which features traditional artifacts such as summer tents, kayaks and the oldest women’s boat ever discovered which dates back to 1440. Like most remote islands, the journey to Nanortalik is not an easy one, but the welcoming and friendly atmosphere that awaits you in this unique town is certainly is worth the effort.

 

Narsarsuaq

 

Boasting a spellbinding stretch of lush greenery, rolling valleys, and rough mountain terrain, the picturesque town of Narsarsuaq is a small settlement known as the gateway to South Greenland. As a nature lover’s paradise, this tranquil retreat is adorned with snow-capped peaks, jutting icebergs and vivid blue waterways that wind along plunging fjords. Outdoor lovers are enthused by the numerous hiking trails, namely and hiking Signal Hill, The Ridge, Qooroq Viewpoint and the popular Narsarsuaq Glacier. For a more easygoing adventure, enjoy fishing on the river, kayaking on the fjord inlet, horse ride at Inneruulalik Guest Farm. Don’t miss an opportunity to discover the history of the region as a settlement for the Norse Vikings who arrived in Greenland over 1000 years ago.

 

Nuuk

 

Greenland’s capital city, Nuuk offers breathtaking natural scenery, fun and friendly locals, world class restaurants, and a rich historical heritage all wrapped up in a single stylish arctic metropolis. Most first time visitors to Nuuk are surprised by just how cosmopolitan Nuuk has become. However, despite having all the conveniences of a modern town, a stroll through the colonial Old Town and the Old Harbor will reveal that despite its modernisation, remnants of the past are hiding at every turn. Visitors can view Greenland’s famous mummies, as well as historical costumes and amulets at Greenland’s National Museum while the Nuuk Museum of Art hosts cultural and historical exhibitions showcasing both new and old expressions of Inuit culture. Outdoor enthusiasts are equally well catered for with a range of adventurous activities on offer including: whale watching, sailing, cross country skiing or hiking the peaks of the nearby Sermitsiaq or Lille Malene mountains. All of these cultural and outdoor activities make Nuuk a captivating destination as well as an excellent base for exploring the extraordinary natural scenery of the surrounding area.

Sisimiut

 

 

The charming town of Sisimiut, situated just 40 kilometres north of the Arctic Circle, is the northernmost town in Greenland. Identifiable by its colourful homes dotted amidst snowy landscapes, this charming little hamlet draws in travellers from far and wide to enjoy its wonders. A nature lovers dream and an adventure seekers paradise, Sisimiut, offers a wide range of outdoor activities including dog sledging, snowmobiling and hiking around the remarkably varied surrounding terrain, as well as a unique open-air swimming pool that is supported on stilts so that the heat does not melt the permafrost. Don’t miss the fascinating Sisimiut Museum, home to an intriguing collection of ancient tools and household items, an inventory from the Old Church with the original altarpiece dated to approximately 1650, and numerous paintings from the 1790s.

 

Tasiilaq

 

Tasiilaq lies at the centre of Greenland’s east coast and boasts several enthralling, unique factors. The city is set between the skyscraping mighty crags, a setting which is, even for Greenland, quite unusual. The spectacular nature here includes the second largest fjord in the country, the Sermilik Fjord, where adventurers can sail, boat or kayak among the landscape of immense floating icebergs which changes almost daily, and where lucky visitors may even spot a whale or two. Those who prefer to stay on land can watch the Northern Lights in winter, or hike through the incredible profusion of flowers in the Floral Valley. The town’s remoteness and relatively recent colonisation make it rich in an ongoing, practised culture of Inuit traditions and language. Make sure to see the kayaks, masks and other artefacts at the Ammassalik Museum.