Adventure travel is so much more than climbing the highest peaks or braving the most extreme conditions. Fundamentally, it allows you to connect with nature, get outdoors and embrace the local culture.
The east coast of Greenland is the ideal destination for this kind of adventure travel, where Inuit communities share their distinct ways of living in the isolated landscapes they carefully preserve. A region characterised by its remoteness, where the language differs from the west and the culture is built around myths, legends and storytelling, it makes for a captivating destination to visit.
For travellers seeking an escape into the wild, we’ve put together a guide highlighting what to expect and why visiting Greenland should be on your radar.
Landscapes and Wildlife
East Greenland is all about the landscape, where glaciers, icebergs, fjords and mountain peaks reign. Explore on foot, kayak and zodiac with a guide, looking out for wildlife such as Arctic hare, muskox and whales. Backcountry hiking takes you to alpine meadows of Arctic cotton and glacier buttercup, a buttercup species with white flowers only found in the east. On the water, pass giant icebergs floating down the 60-mile-long ‘iceberg highway’ in Sermilik fjord, or kayak to the settlement of Tiilerilaaq overlooking the Greenland ice sheet.
Culture and Community
Aside from nature and wildlife, we asked our Travel Expert Sue why you should travel to East Greenland. She said:
“While Greenlandic culture is unique in itself, the communities of East Greenland have learnt to adapt to living in such isolation, remaining disconnected from European culture until the end of World War II. As a result, the Ammassalik culture is built on hunting, storytelling and artistic skills such as animal bone carvings, all of which can still be experienced today.”
What to Expect from Greenlandic Food
Here, the lay of the land dictates the food. The Greenland ice sheet dominates the landscape, leaving a small pocket of fertile land in the south, where small sheep farms and limited crops of fruits and vegetables are cultivated. With little arable land, the sea has long been Greenland’s primary source of food, with dried fish snacks and warming fish soups a staple eaten by the locals. A meat-rich diet of muskox and roasted ptarmigan provide communities with the energy and nourishment needed to survive the harsh Arctic winter.
Where to Stay
Due to the rugged terrain of the region, accommodation across East Greenland ranges from small fjordside hotels to remote lodges, tipis, expedition-style tented cabins and boats. Explore Sermilik fjord from Base Camp Greenland, have your own private guide at Camp Kiattua only accessible by helicopter or boat, or live aboard the 12-berth M/S Balto expedition ship for a different perspective of the landscapes.
Getting Around
Roads are few and far between, so be prepared to get around a little differently than you’re used to – this is the foundation of all great adventure holidays in Greenland. Dog sledding is a traditional mode of transport still used today to cross the Arctic tundra, though snowmobiles are also used. For longer journeys between settlements, boat and helicopter rides provide a new perspective from on and above the water.
Pack your bags, prepare your sense of wonder and let the adventure of a lifetime begin with visiting Greenland’s east coast. Explore our Wilderness & Wildlife of East Greenland holiday idea, or get in touch with our Greenland expert Sue to start planning your trip.