Last update: 23 Oct 2026
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Greenland Summary
These place ratings give you a quick overview of how well a destination matches different types of trips.
‘Best for’ scores:
The specific interest scores show where this place really shines – whether it's ideal for hiking, food & drink experiences, museums or other activities. These highlights help you understand what makes the destination special at a glance.
‘Your personal’ scores:
This reflects how well a place matches your personal preferences. You can adjust the importances of travel topics or other personal requirements categories in your account settings.
‘Suited for’ badges:
These give you a quick overview of how well a destination suits specific types of travellers, to help you find the places that match your lifestyle, preferences or travel situation.
Suited for
Greenland – Quick facts
| Power Grid: |
230 V, 50 Hz Plug: Type C , Type E
Type C:
  Read about power adapters |
|---|---|
| Currency: |
Danish Krone (DKK) £1 ≈ DKK 8.93 |
| Cashless info: |
Rating 4/5
Cashless payments are accepted in Greenland's larger towns, with credit cards and mobile payments being common. However, cash may still be needed in remote areas.
Save with a travel credit card |
| eSIM providers: |
Best value: Saily Flexibility: Airalo Read our in-depth comparison |
| Tipping: | Tipping is not common in Greenland. However, rounding up the bill or leaving small tips for good service in restaurants or taxis is appreciated. |
|---|---|
| Public drinking: | Public drinking is not allowed in many areas of Greenland, though it is accepted in licensed venues such as bars and restaurants. |
| Public smoking: | Smoking is prohibited in indoor public spaces, including most restaurants, bars, and public transport. |
| National Day (21 June) |
Celebrates Greenland's National Day |
|---|---|
| Christmas (25 December) |
Celebrated widely, with many businesses closed |
| Emergency contact: | Emergency Number: 112 |
|---|---|
| Taxi apps: | |
| Other: | Greenland offers a unique natural environment, including glaciers, mountains, and the Northern Lights. It is a top destination for adventure tourism and those interested in Arctic ecosystems. |
Best times to travel
The best times to travel section shows how the months compare for a visit, so you can find the time of year that fits what you want to do.
Background colours of the months:
The colour shows the typical temperature: yellow (hot), green (mild) and blue (cold). How strong the colour is shows the travel season: full colour means high season, soft colour means shoulder season and soft-striped means off season.
Weather symbols:
Each month has one symbol showing what the weather is typically like, such as hot and sunny, freezing or a rainy or snowy season. Use them to quickly spot months that match the weather you want, or to avoid the ones that don't.
Crowdedness:
The people icon shows how busy the place usually is. The more people, the more crowded it gets.
Additional notes:
The grey info boxes point out special things worth knowing, like recurring weather issues or seasonal events.
for Greenland, Greenland
Climate varies by region: south (Narsaq, Qaqortoq) is mildest and greenest, west coast (Ilulissat, Nuuk) is best for boats and whales in summer, east coast (Tasiilaq) stays icy for longer
Boat tours, hiking and whale watching mostly run June to September, many guesthouses and tours close outside this period
Flights and ferries are often delayed or cancelled by fog, wind and storms, so plan spare days
Don't miss
- ❄️ Marvel at the floating icebergs in Ilulissat Icefjord, UNESCO World Heritage site
- 🥾 Hike the rugged terrain of Kangerlussuaq and visit the Arctic Tundra
- 🌅 Experience the magic of the midnight sun on a boat cruise
- 🏛️ Explore the ancient Norse ruins at Hvalsey Church
- 🛶 Kayak between glaciers and whales in Disko Bay
- 🧊 Visit Greenland’s ice sheet at Point 660 for breathtaking views
You've been here?
Log in to manage your own bucket list! Why travel to Greenland?
What makes Greenland truly special is its unparalleled Arctic scenery and the profound sense of isolation it offers in our increasingly connected world. Here, you can witness the awe-inspiring Greenland ice sheet, sail among massive icebergs in deep fjords, spot diverse wildlife including whales and polar bears and experience the midnight sun or the magical northern lights depending on when you visit. The coastal communities provide fascinating glimpses into how people have adapted to one of the planet's most challenging environments. However, travelers should be prepared for the realities of visiting such a remote destination. The harsh climate means a short tourist season, primarily from June to September, with temperatures rarely exceeding 10°C (50°F) even in summer. Travel costs are high due to limited infrastructure and the necessity of flights or boats to reach most destinations. Weather conditions can change rapidly, potentially disrupting travel plans and the extreme winter darkness and cold make off-season visits challenging for all but the most determined adventurers.
🏯Places worth seeing
🎡Places for activities
🏞️Natural landmarks
🛍️Shopping
-
1
Nuuk Center
🎈Events
-
National Day (June 21)
-
Arctic Circle Race
-
Nuuk Snow Festival
-
Greenland Midwinter Festival
-
Sermersooq Culture Festival
-
Nuuk Marathon
-
Ilulissat Midnight Sun Marathon
-
Qooqqut Festival
-
Sisimiut Winter Festival
-
Nuuk Nordic Culture Festival
Knowledge before you go
- Book flights and tours months in advance.
- Expect high costs; everything from food to lodging is very expensive year-round.
- June-August offers midnight sun for hiking, boat tours and whale watching.
- No roads between towns; use Air Greenland flights, ferries or helicopter transfers.
How to travel to Greenland
Reaching Greenland typically involves flying to one of its international airports. Air Greenland and Iceland Air operate flights from Copenhagen to Kangerlussuaq, Nuuk and other airports, while flights from Reykjavik serve eastern Greenland. There are no direct flights from North America, though seasonal charter flights occasionally operate. Another option is arriving by cruise ship, with many Arctic and North Atlantic cruises including Greenland in their itineraries. These cruises typically operate during summer months and visit coastal communities and fjords. Regardless of how you arrive, weather conditions can significantly impact travel plans, so building flexibility into your itinerary is advisable.
Access summary
- Nuuk region: Fly to Nuuk Airport via Copenhagen or Keflavík, then domestic hops.
- Ilulissat/Disko Bay: Flights via Nuuk or Keflavík, then onward domestic connections.
- Southern/Narsarsuaq area: Seasonal flights via Denmark/Iceland; boats, helicopters regionally.
Check your route from anywhere
Where to stay in Greenland
Accommodation in Greenland ranges from international-standard hotels in larger towns like Nuuk and Ilulissat to simple guesthouses, hostels and homestays in smaller settlements. Options are limited and tend to be expensive compared to similar standards elsewhere. In remote areas, accommodations are basic but often offer authentic experiences. During summer (peak season), advance booking is essential as capacity is very limited throughout the country. Some adventure tours include camping options during summer months.
Hotel recommendations
*by rating and popularity. Commissions have no influence on the rankings.
How to get around Greenland
Getting around Greenland requires careful planning as there are no roads connecting towns and settlements. Air Greenland operates domestic flights between major towns, which are often the only practical way to travel between regions. These flights can be expensive and are frequently affected by weather conditions. In coastal areas, ferry services operated by Arctic Umiaq Line connect communities during summer months. Within towns, walking is typically sufficient as settlements are compact. For excursions to glaciers, fjords or remote areas, guided tours using boats, helicopters or dog sleds (in winter) are the primary options. Advance booking for all transportation is essential, especially during the peak summer season.
Budget snapshot
Costs compared to home
We calculate the average costs when travelling to destinations and compare those with the living costs at your home. With this you can get an estimate of how expensive or cheap the destination is for you.
To customise this, you can set up which location and price level are used for the calculations in your account settings.
We can't detect your current location. Please log in and set your current location in the account settings to see a cost comparison.
Exchange rate trend
The exchange rate price factor shows how expensive or cheap a currency currently is compared to its historical average. It's a quick way to see if a country is currently more or less affordable due to exchange rate changes.
Your exchange rate (GBP to DKK) is 3% better than in recent years. That means travelling now costs around the same compared to the past.
Safety information overview
General safety
Greenland is generally very safe with minimal crime. The main safety concerns relate to the harsh environment and rapidly changing weather conditions. When hiking or exploring, inform someone of your plans and be prepared for sudden weather changes. Always follow guide instructions in wilderness areas.
Health & Medical
Medical facilities are basic outside major towns, with hospitals in Nuuk and larger settlements offering limited services. Serious conditions require evacuation to Iceland or Denmark. Comprehensive travel insurance with evacuation coverage is essential. There are no endemic diseases, but cold-related injuries are a risk.
Accessibility
Accessibility is challenging throughout Greenland. The terrain is rugged, settlements are remote and facilities for those with mobility issues are limited. Transportation options like small aircraft and boats may present difficulties. Advance planning is essential for travelers with accessibility needs.
Tap water
Tap water in Greenland is generally safe to drink and comes from clean sources like melted ice or mountain springs. In some settlements, water may have a different taste due to local minerals. Bottled water is available in larger towns but can be expensive.
Packing recommendations for Greenland
Log in to add this place to a travel list and get a summary of all recommended items for your whole trip.
🥾
Walking boots
📷
Camera
🌞
Sun cream
🧥
Waterproof jacket
👀
Binoculars
for wildlife viewing
🕶️
Sunglasses
🪰
Insect repellent
summer months
🧣
Scarf
🔋
Power bank
🩹
Basic first aid kit
📃
Travel insurance
🪪
Copies of passport and important documents
🧢
Woolly hat
🧥
Fleece mid-layer
even in summer
🔋
Spare batteries
📱
Travel eSIM
🔌
Universal travel adaptor
🩺
Prescription medicines
💳
Credit card with no foreign transaction fees
🛂
Passport
Related articles & guides for Greenland
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