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The biggest island in the world is Greenland, a land of incredible natural wonders and culture. Greenland has everything, glaciers and high mountains, animals and lights. And if you are a traveller who wants to do things in the great outdoors, a history buff who wants to live in the past or just a naturalist who wants peace, you will never be bored in Greenland. Here, we take you through the 9 best things to do in Greenland, the wonderful Arctic destination.
Top 9 Things To Do In Greenland
From hiking the Arctic Circle Trail to witnessing the northern lights, there are countless things to do in Greenland that will leave you with lasting memories.
1. Marvel At The Ilulissat Icefjord
The Ilulissat Icefjord is one of the most remarkable natural wonders in Greenland, and it’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site for good reason. The ice fjord extends 40 km from the Greenland Ice Sheet to Disko Bay and houses the Jakobshavn Isbr glacier, one of the most productive in the Northern Hemisphere. Around 20 billion tons of icebergs detach from the glacier every year, revealing a stunningly random appearance. The immense icebergs that roll in the fjord, the tranquil sound of calving ice, and the majestic grandeur of the landscape will stay with you for a long time.
Location: Avannaata, Greenland
Top Attractions: Iceberg Viewing, Hiking, Photography
2. Explore Disko Bay
Photo: Hector John Periquin / Unsplash
Disko Bay is a gorgeous, vast expanse of water on the west coast of Greenland. It is historic because it was the site of Erik the Red’s first settlement, so if you’re interested in Viking history, it’s a must-visit place. This bay is stuffed with life and, hence, a great place to see whales. You get to watch the narwhal, beluga, and humpback whales that cruise in the bay, rare for visitors. Further on, there’s the birding in Disko Bay, with species like the common eider, puffins and kittiwakes.
Location: Arctic Circle, Greenland
Top Attractions: Whale Watching, Birdwatching, Cultural Exploration
3. Visit The National Museum Of Greenland
Photo: David Stanley / Wikimedia Commons
Visit the National Museum of Greenland to explore Greenland’s history and culture. In Nuuk, the capital, there is a huge museum that exhibits the island’s past, from Inuit prehistory through to the Vikings. The main draw of the museum is the “Cradle of Mankind” fossil collection, which includes the oldest human bodies ever found. It also contains archaeological ruins with tools, clothing and other items that can help give a sense of how the first inhabitants of Greenland lived. Vikings who have their heart set on the region can find traces of 10th-century Norse settlers in the museum, too.
Location: Nuuk, Greenland
Top Attractions: History Buffs, Culture Enthusiasts, Families
4. Witness The Northern Lights
Photo: Vincent Guth / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
It is one of the most magical and memorable experiences for every tourist, and Greenland is the best place on Earth. The aurora borealis, the sprigs of green, purple and pink that dance through the Arctic from late September to April, is a sight to behold. You see the northern lights best on long winter nights, though in some places in Greenland, you can also experience them all year round. Whether you’re an avid photographer or simply a nature lover, witnessing the northern lights in Greenland will be a highlight of your trip.
Location: Ilulissat, Kangerlussuaq and the capital, Nuuk
Top Attractions: Night Photography, Nature Lovers
5. Hike The Arctic Circle Trail
Photo: sara nudaveritas / Unsplash
For those interested in having an active and immersive way to explore Greenland, the Arctic Circle Trail offers one of the most stunning and remote hiking experiences in the world. Spanning 165 kilometres between Kangerlussuaq and Sisimiut, the trail takes hikers through some of the most breathtaking landscapes on the island, from glaciers and ice caps to rolling tundra and rugged mountains. As you trek through this unspoiled wilderness, you’ll encounter dramatic fjords, vast rivers, and a wide variety of wildlife, including Arctic foxes, musk oxen, and reindeer.
Location: Kangerlussuaq to Sisimiut, Greenland
Top Attractions: Hiking, Adventure Enthusiasts
6. Go Whale Watching In Scoresby Sund
Photo: Hannes Grobe / Wikimedia Commons
Scoresby Sund is the world’s biggest fjord system and a must-see place for anyone who loves wildlife and extreme beauty. There are the high cliffs, the huge glaciers, and beautiful icebergs. You can also go whale watching there, with narwhals, belugas, and humpbacks often spotted in Scoresby Sund. During the fjord cruise, you will see these beautiful animals closely which will give you an unforgettable experience. Along with the whales, polar bears, and seals, other seabirds can also be seen here, and it is an outdoor-lovers paradise. Visiting Scoresby Sund is an Arctic experience, a taste of one of the wildest and most isolated places on Earth.
Location: Eastern Greenland
Top Attractions: Wildlife Watching, Photography, Adventure Tours
7. Relax At Uunartoq Hot Springs
Photo: ben lim / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
If you want a little more relaxing experience in Greenland, Uunartoq Hot Springs is the perfect destination. The hot springs are located between Qaqortoq and Nanortalik, where you can relax and soak up the Arctic scenery. The hot springs waters are warm and therapeutic, a welcome respite from Greenland’s cold weather. You can’t get in any other hot spring in the world where you can stay in the hot springs surrounded by icebergs and beautiful landscapes. You can take a dip in the natural warm water and gaze at the mountains and frozen fjords.
Location: Between Qaqortoq and Nanortalik, Greenland
Top Attractions: Relaxation, Scenic Views, Nature Lovers
8. Discover Viking History At Hvalsey Church Ruins
Photo: jtstewart / Wikimedia Commons
For history buffs, you cannot miss the Hvalsey Church ruins near Qaqortoq. These ruins are some of the best-surviving Viking sites in Greenland, and they are a fascinating introduction to the lives of the Norse settlers who settled in Greenland in the 10th century. The 14th-century church is one of the few Viking structures on the island. Visit the site to learn how the Vikings came to Greenland, their lifestyle, and why they vanished from the island. And the area around it is beautiful too, with great vistas of the fjords and mountains.
Location: Qaqortoq, Greenland
Top Attractions: History Buffs, Archaeology Enthusiasts
9. Explore The Greenland Ice Sheet
Photo: Xavier Balderas Cejudo / Unsplash
The Greenland Ice Sheet is one of the planet’s most awe-inspiring natural wonders, covering about 80% of the island’s surface area. It’s the second largest in the world and one of the most special excursions in Greenland. There are glaciers that stretch miles in width, high ice walls, and some of the most remote and untouched landscapes in the world. Visitors can experience the ice sheet in various ways, from taking a helicopter tour to walking on it with a guide. There’s just so much ice, and the surrounding mountains and fjords look enchanted; it’s an experience not to be missed.
Location: Kangerlussuaq or Ilulissat, Greenland
Top Attractions: Glacier Tours, Photography, Adventure Seekers
Greenland is a land of spectacular natural beauty, a fascinating history, and a unique culture. Greenland is the perfect destination for any kind of traveller: adventurer or vacationer. These popular things to do in Greenland will definitely make you happy. Are you ready to explore this Arctic wonderland? Let TripXL help you plan your dream trip to Greenland.
Cover Photo: Jean-Christophe André / Pexels
