Greenland offers a unique blend of stunning scenery, dreamlike light, and pristine nature. With virtually no roads, it's expensive to get around, but splurging on helicopter, boat, dogsled or snowmobile trips to "get out on the land" and experience what it is that makes the area so special is worth every penny. Here are some of our favorite things to do in Greenland.
Helicopter/Jeep Tours of Ice Cap: Operated by Air Greenland, helicopter flights are a terrific way to view the immense ice cap. Choose between a scheduled service, an organized tour, or charter your own. Rather stay terrestrial? Jeep tours to the edge of the ice cap are another way to come face to face with the vast ice cap.
Dog Sledding: Dog sledding is a way of life for those who live in Greenland, as there are no connecting roads between towns. You can experience this unique mode of transportation by riding a dogsled or even driving one. The best opportunities are found in northern and eastern Greenland, including north of the Arctic Circle. In East Greenland, two-day driver's license courses are available in winter and spring, although February through April is the ideal time for dog sledding.
Hiking: Head to the hills to enjoy the beautiful terrain of coastal Greenland, where you can simultaneously stand on a green landscape and be amongst icebergs. Hikes range from a few hours to a full day or even a week (Kangerlussauq to Sisimiut is a good week-long hike route). Splurge and hire a guide to educate you on the various flora and fauna seen en route.
Kayaking: Where better to kayak than the place where this popular boat was invented? Over 4,000 years ago the Inuit, who call a kayak "qajaq" in their native Greenlandic language, conquered the cold Arctic Ocean in these boats. Rent a sea kayak in many of the larger towns and brave the chilly waters.
Whale Safari: Hop a boat tour to view Humpback, Minke and Fin whales. These creatures, weighing over 150,000 lbs, are best observed off the coast of western Greenland.
Norse Ruins: A few hours north of Qaqortoq is Greenland's best-preserved and biggest Norse ruin from the Viking period, the Hvalsey Church. The church was originally built of stone in the 14th century and is located next to ruins of a farm complex, also from the Viking period.
