Looking for a new travel adventure? Try Greenland -- one of the most unique places we've ever visited. From dog sledding across the Arctic Circle, to sailing through the majestic ice fjords, the experiences on the world's largest island are unforgettable.
If adventure isn't your cup of tea, the unspoiled landscape offers a stunning backdrop (which can be seen 24/7 during the summer months) to immerse yourself in traditional Inuit culture, explore ancient Viking ruins, and get a taste for city life in Nuuk (the country's capital). This week Area heads north to Greenland for the best views of the largest icebergs in the northern hemisphere.
Here are our favorite places to stay:
Sleep in a modern igloo at the eco-friendly Hotel Arctic in scenic Disko Bay. Or if that doesn't tickle your fancy, the hotel boasts 87 contemporary rooms with dramatic views of the bay and its icebergs. Other pluses: a tasty restaurant, close proximity to the charming, colorful town of Ilulissat, and during the summer months, a Greenlandic BBQ served on the outdoor terrace.
For a terrific view of the drifting icebergs, check into the recently renovated Hotel Icefiord in Ilulissat; or for more privacy, book a fully-equipped apartment in the center of town. When you're not relaxing in the minimalist rooms, grab a brewski at the hotel's Icefiord Brewery or kick back with a traditional Greenlandic coffee, a magnificent blend of Kahlua, whiskey, Grand Marnier and hot coffee topped with a mound a whipped cream (reminiscent of a glacier) at the Café Icefiord.
Further south in Qaqortoq, a lively town that's home to some of Greenland's most well known artists, writers and photographers, the newly renovated rooms of Hotel Qaqortoq are the perfect place to nest after a day of adventure. It's a short stroll to town where you can mingle with locals over a mug of brew at the Arctic Café or Pubben.
Or try the four-star Hotel Hans Egede in Nuuk. With its Scandinavian style and friendly service, the hotel is a lovely retreat from the hustle and bustle of the city. Make sure to grab a drink at the Skyline Bar which boasts a panoramic view of the town. And with the city right beyond the door, you won't lack for things to do.
We say: There's never been a better time to pay Greenland a visit. Global warming is causing the country's breathtaking glaciers to get smaller every day. And it may not be long before thrill-seekers transform it into another Reykjavík.
