A firm fixture on many lists of the best places to visit this year, Greenland is the world’s largest island and a semi-autonomous part of the Danish realm.
The country has its identity deeply rooted in Inuit traditions, with the majority of Greenlanders living along the coastline in small communities where hunting and fishing remain important ways of life.
Thanks to an airport expansion in Nuuk, as well as new direct flights from both Copenhagen and New York coming in 2026, Greenland travel has never been more accessible. That’s why we’ve put together a first-timer’s guide for those keen to explore this dramatic landscape.
How to Get to Greenland
You can fly to Greenland using international routes via Reykjavik in Iceland or Copenhagen in Denmark, with domestic flights and helicopters then needed to access smaller settlements beyond the capital, Nuuk. In the summertime, boat transfers are also an option for reaching some coastal communities.
Working with a tour operator who understands the local transport network when creating your itinerary is important, especially if you hope to explore more remote areas. This knowledge is invaluable for handling places only accessible by helicopter or infrequent boat services.
Where to Stay in Greenland
There’s a wide selection of accommodation types available in Greenland, including exclusive-use lodges, glacier camps and high-end hotels. In choosing where to stay during your trip, we recommend balancing time between both civilisation and wilderness for the full breadth of experience Greenland has to offer.
Another option is to spend your nights on the water, with a number of boat expeditions running along both the east and west coasts. For the adventurously inclined, this is the perfect way to visit remote bays that are difficult to reach otherwise, using smaller vessels or kayaks to get closer to glaciers and wildlife.
What to Do in Greenland
If you’re looking for an Arctic trip that effortlessly blends culture and nature, look no further than Greenland.
The west coast is often the starting point for most first-time visitors, with the capital city, Nuuk, described by the Greenland tourist board as “a cultural centre fuelled by fresh air, strong coffee and outdoor adventure”. It’s home to award-winning architecture, boutiques, gourmet restaurants and several museums.
Another west coast highlight is Sisimiut, celebrated for its scenic harbour and historic precinct. The Sisimiut Museum showcases 18th- and 19th-century buildings that have been relocated to form an open-air exhibition, while the distinctive red Zion Church is a prominent landmark overlooking the settlement.
Beyond the towns, nature calls from Greenland’s rugged valleys, glacial lakes and towering fjords. Head to the UNESCO listed Ilulissat Icefjord, where gargantuan icebergs dwarf even the largest of ships. For the best views, take a tour on a helicopter or fixed-wing plane to fly slow and low all the way to the glacier wall.
Disko Bay is the destination for wildlife enthusiasts, with boat tours on offer for hopefully spotting bearded and ringed seals, as well as six different species of whale (including narwhals). For those with shaky sea-legs, dog sledding is also available, from short trips over a couple of hours to multi-day tours. Sled dogs are highly valued in Greenlandic society, where it is forbidden by law to introduce any other dog breed north of the Arctic Circle.
Our expertise in arranging bespoke travel ensures that every element of your trip is carefully considered, so you can focus on discovering what has drawn you to this remote corner of the Arctic in the first place.
If you would like to learn more about creating a tailor made itinerary for your Greenland travel, get in touch with one of our team.