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Territory of Denmark

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GreenlandTravel guide

Explore Greenland visa rules

Greenland is the world's largest non-continental island. It lies in the Arctic, has a long history of Arctic peoples and Viking settlement, and is part of the Kingdom of Denmark.

Why go

  1. Icebergs and glaciers, especially the Ilulissat Icefjord.

  2. Wildlife including whales, seals, walruses, musk oxen, reindeer and polar bears.

  3. The midnight sun, which stays above the horizon for days or weeks in the northern two-thirds of Greenland.

Best time to go: Summer offers long daylight hours, more flights and west-coast passenger ship services. Coastal temperatures still average only a few degrees above freezing in July.

Getting there

By air

  • Nuuk has year-round flights from Copenhagen and Reykjavík. Summer brings more flights, including services from Newark near New York City.
  • Kangerlussuaq and Narsarsuaq have limited seasonal international services. Most passengers continue by local flight, helicopter or boat.
  • Air Greenland sells tickets through its own website and travel agents. A travel agent may be able to arrange discounts, baggage transfers or a single reservation.

By land

  • There are no roads between settlements, so bringing a car is not practical for visitors. Shipping a car as cargo is expensive and takes time.

By sea

  • There is no regular passenger ferry from Europe or the rest of North America. Royal Arctic Line does not carry passengers to or from Greenland.
  • Cruise ships visit from Europe and North America, and some may offer one-way journeys. Hurtigruten runs regular cruises from Iceland.

Customs

  • Greenland is outside the European Union. Travel from Denmark follows customs rules for travel outside the European Union.
  • Before buying sealskin goods, check the import restrictions in your home country and any countries you pass through.

Getting around

  • Plane

    Flying is the easiest way to travel around Greenland, particularly with Air Greenland. Some onward journeys also use helicopters.

  • Boat

    In summer, Arctic Umiaq Line passenger ships serve west-coast destinations between Narsarsuaq and Uummannaq. Royal Arctic Line carries passengers on local routes.

  • Finding your way

    There is no road network linking settlements and no rail system. Ask local people for directions to shops, restaurants or accommodation, as signs may be missing. Check place names carefully on maps. Names such as Kangerlussuaq describe geographical features and can refer to more than one place.

What to see and do

  • Ilulissat Icefjord

    See Greenland's icebergs and glaciers.

  • Arctic wildlife

    Greenland's animals include whales, seals, walruses, musk oxen, reindeer and polar bears.

  • Midnight sun

    In the northern two-thirds of Greenland, the summer sun stays above the horizon for days or weeks. Farther south, nights around 21 June never become truly dark.

  • Visit local food markets

    Markets in each town sell local food.

  • Shop for Inuit art and crafts

    Traditional crafts are among the goods visitors buy, including handicrafts sold in Kulusuk.

  • Camp outdoors

    Camping in fields or on plains is free if you have equipment suitable for the weather.

Food and drink

  • Local fish and seafood

    Greenlandic restaurants serve locally caught fish and shrimp, often alongside familiar European dishes.

  • Traditional meats

    Local foods include whale, seal, musk ox and reindeer. These can also appear in Thai or Chinese dishes.

  • Nipisa

    This high-end restaurant in Nuuk specialises in expensive local delicacies.

  • Familiar food

    Restaurants commonly serve European food, and Nuuk has several burger bars. Vegetables are expensive and less common.

  • Greenlandic coffee

    This strong alcoholic coffee contains Kahlua, whisky and Grand Marnier. Its preparation can be a performance.

  • Sukhumvit Thai Restaurant

    The restaurant serves Greenlandic coffee for about 22 Canadian dollars.

Money

Danish krone (DKK), written as kr; the plural is kroner.

  • Carry cash as a backup. Many businesses still do not accept credit or debit cards.
  • Every settlement has at least one cash machine. Banks may also offer a cash advance from your credit card.
  • Banks and post offices exchange major currencies for kroner for a small charge.
  • Some tourist businesses accept Icelandic króna, euros or Canadian dollars. Always check first.

Typical costs

  • Flights to Greenland are expensive, though travel agents can sometimes find discounts.
  • Food prices are high, but portions are generally large.
  • Accommodation is usually expensive. Rooms offered through Nuuk's hostel program cost about a third of the town's hotel prices.
  • Greenlandic coffee at Sukhumvit Thai Restaurant costs about 22 Canadian dollars.

Language

  • Greenlandic, also called Kalaallisut, is the official language. The eastern dialect differs slightly from the western one.
  • Almost all Greenlanders also speak Danish. Danish is useful when travelling in rural areas.
  • Many Nuuk residents speak some English, but English is rarely spoken in rural areas and villages.

Staying safe

  • Cold weather is the main danger for unprepared visitors. Bring warm enough clothing, especially in colder seasons.
  • Conditions become colder as you travel farther north.
  • Crime and hostility towards foreigners are described as very rare. Use basic common sense and polite behaviour.

Local customs

Do

  • Use Greenlander, Kalaalleq for one person, or Kalaallit for more than one person.
  • If referring to Danish sovereignty, say Kingdom of Denmark.

Don't

  • Do not use the term Eskimo; it is considered a racist slur.
  • Do not say you are in Denmark. Greenlanders consider themselves a separate nation.

Staying healthy

  • Long summer days can make it hard to get enough sleep.
  • Summer mosquitoes can be irritating, though they do not transmit diseases.
  • Emergency medical care is limited in smaller communities. You may need evacuation by helicopter or plane.
  • Medical evacuation is expensive, so make sure your travel insurance covers it.

Where to stay

  • Hotel Hans Egede in Nuuk, Hotel Arctic and Hotel Hvide Falke in Ilulissat are hotel options. Hotel Arctic has an igloo room.
  • The Danish Seaman's Mission's Seaman's Homes offer a cheaper stay with hotel-like services.
  • Ask the Nuuk Tourism office about its hostel program, where residents rent out rooms for about a third of hotel prices.
  • Camping in fields or on plains is free if you can cope with the weather.

Outdoor adventures in Greenland

Greenland offers long treks, glacier views, Arctic wildlife and winter trips by dog sled. You can hike near many settlements, while remote areas need more planning and sometimes official permission. Cold weather and limited emergency care are important parts of planning a trip.

  • Arctic Circle Trail

    TrekWestern Greenlandnear Kangerlussuaq and Sisimiut

    7–11 days Late June to mid-September

    Walk the marked, 167 km trail between Kangerlussuaq and Sisimiut. Most hikers start in Kangerlussuaq and head towards Sisimiut.

    • Bring warm clothing.
    • Emergency care is limited in smaller communities; have insurance that covers evacuation.

  • Ilulissat Icefjord glacier and iceberg viewing

    More to donear Ilulissat

    Visit Ilulissat Icefjord to see glaciers and icebergs.

  • Russel's Glacier and Greenland Ice Sheet approach

    HikeWestern Greenlandnear Kangerlussuaq

    One long day, or 2–3 days with time near the ice Summer

    Follow the gravel road east from near the end of Kangerlussuaq's runway. The nearest ice at Russel's Glacier is about 20 km from town.

    • Permit: An expedition permit, meaning official permission, is required for travel on the glacier.
    • Expect colder air near the ice and a steady, cold daytime breeze from the glacier.

  • Northeast Greenland National Park expedition cruise

    SailingNorthern Greenlandnear Ittoqqortoormiit

    Visit the park's coast on an expedition cruise.

    • Permit: An expedition permit, meaning official permission, is required for any visit to the park. The non-refundable application fee is kr 4,000.
    • Cost: kr 4,000 non-refundable expedition permit application fee
    • The park is extremely remote.
    • The chance of rescue falls sharply the farther you travel from Ittoqqortoormiit.

  • Nuuk–Kapissilit Trail

    TrekWestern Greenlandnear Nuuk

    5–7 days

    Hike the 103 km trail connecting Nuuk and Kapissilit.

    • The trail is not marked.
    • Bring warm clothing.

  • Narsarsuaq–Quassiarsuk–Nasaq hike

    TrekSouthern Greenlandnear Narsarsuaq

    Link the three settlements on foot, following a route partly on gravel roads and paths.

    • Bring warm clothing.

  • Pingu loop

    HikeWestern Greenlandnear Kapisillit

    Start the 13 km loop hike from Kapisillit, east of Nuuk.

  • Kangerlussuaq tundra wildlife walk

    WildlifeWestern Greenlandnear Kangerlussuaq

    Hike through the tundra around Kangerlussuaq and look for local wildlife.

    • Bring warm clothing.
    • Mosquitoes can be irritating in summer.

  • Kangerlussuaq northern lights watching

    More to doWestern Greenlandnear Kangerlussuaq

    November–March

    Book a northern lights excursion at the airport souvenir shop. Excursions leave from the airport parking lot.

    • Cost: kr 550 for short excursions; multi-day excursions cost more
    • Bring clothing warm enough for winter conditions.

  • Kangerlussuaq fjord dog sledding

    More to doWestern Greenlandnear Kangerlussuaq

    Winter

    Take a dog sled trip with huskies on the fjord. Dog sled excursions can be booked at the airport souvenir shop, with departures from the airport parking lot.

    • Cost: kr 550 for short excursions; multi-day excursions cost more
    • Bring clothing warm enough for winter conditions.

  • Kangerlussuaq–Russel's Glacier cycle

    CyclingWestern Greenlandnear Kangerlussuaq

    Rent a bike at Kanger market, on the other side of the airport, and cycle towards Russel's Glacier.

    • Cost: Bike rental: kr 200
    • Expect colder air and a cold breeze near the glacier.

  • Kangerlussuaq–Point 660 cycle

    CyclingWestern Greenlandnear Kangerlussuaq

    Rent a bike at Kanger market and follow the gravel road to the ice cap at Point 660.

    • Permit: An expedition permit is required if you travel onto the glacier.
    • Cost: Bike rental: kr 200
    • Expect colder temperatures near the ice.

  • Western Greenland mountaineering

    ClimbingWestern Greenland

    Choose a peak in western Greenland. Peaks near towns often have a path leading to the top.

    • Permit: Peaks in western Greenland, especially those near towns, do not require permits. Some other destinations do.
    • Greenland's helicopters are not equipped for mountain rescue.
    • Bring warm clothing.

  • Kangerlussuaq horseback riding

    More to doWestern Greenlandnear Kangerlussuaq

    Arrange a ride through the tourist office in the airport building. Icelandic ponies are kept at the stable in town.

  • Kangerlussuaq ice cap snowmobiling

    More to doWestern Greenlandnear Kangerlussuaq

    Take a snowmobile trip across the ice cap from Kangerlussuaq.

    • Permit: An expedition permit, meaning official permission, is required for travel on the glacier.
    • Bring warm clothing for the cold conditions on the ice sheet.

  • Kangerlussuaq fjord boat tour

    SailingWestern Greenlandnear Kangerlussuaq

    Take a boat tour of the fjord from Kangerlussuaq.

  • Kangerlussuaq fjord ice fishing

    More to doWestern Greenlandnear Kangerlussuaq

    Winter

    Fish for cod through holes drilled in the fjord ice. Ice fishing excursions can be booked at the airport souvenir shop, with departures from the airport parking lot.

    • Cost: kr 550 for short excursions; multi-day excursions cost more
    • Bring clothing warm enough for winter conditions.

  • Nuuk Golf Club

    More to doWestern Greenlandnear Nuuk

    Contact Nuuk Golf Club on +299 48 44 73.

  • Kulusuk kayak demonstration

    More to doEastern Greenlandnear Kulusuk

    Watch a kayak demonstration in Kulusuk.

Airports, metros and trains in Greenland

Airports with scheduled flights

  • JAVIlulissat AirportIlulissatMain international airport
  • GOHNuuk International AirportNuukMain international airport

People and safety in Greenland

Religion

Most people are Christian. Mostly one faith.

  • Christian96%
  • No religion3%
  • Folk religions<1%
  • Other<1%

LGBT+ travellers

Legal and protected

  • Same-sex couples can marry.
  • Legal gender change is recognised.
  • Laws protect against discrimination.

Who can visit without a visa

Travellers from 32 of 101 countries can visit Greenland easily: no visa, a visa at the airport, or a short online form.

  • Visa not required32
  • Visa required69

Who can visit easily, by part of the world

For each part of the world: how many countries' travellers can come easily. Easy means no visa, a visa at the airport, or a short online form.

  • Americas16 of 19 countries
  • Europe3 of 4 countries
  • Oceania10 of 14 countries
  • Asia1 of 10 countries
  • Africa2 of 54 countries

Questions

Is Greenland part of Denmark?

Greenland is a territory linked to Denmark, with its own entry rules. Check them separately even if you can visit Denmark.

Does a Denmark visa let me visit Greenland?

Not automatically. Many territories set their own entry rules, so a visa or visa-free entry for Denmark may not cover Greenland. Check the Greenland visa page for your passport.

When should I visit Greenland?

Summer offers long daylight hours, extra flights and west-coast passenger ships. Coastal weather is still cold, with July averages only a few degrees above freezing.

Can a travel agent book my flights?

Yes. Air Greenland sells through travel agents as well as its own website, and agents can sometimes arrange discounts.

Can I drive between towns?

No roads connect Greenland's settlements. Travel between them is by plane, helicopter or boat.

Will my bank card work everywhere?

No. Many businesses do not accept cards, so carry cash as a backup; every settlement has at least one cash machine.

Can I get by with English?

Many people in Nuuk speak some English, but it is rarely spoken in villages and rural areas. Some Danish will help outside the towns.

What food can I expect?

Restaurants serve familiar European food alongside local fish, shrimp and meats such as reindeer or musk ox. Prices are high, and vegetables are less common.

Are there cheaper places to stay?

Seaman's Homes are cheaper than the main hotels. Nuuk's tourism office also has a program offering rooms in local homes for about a third of hotel prices.

Is the tap water safe?

Yes, tap water is safe to drink.

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