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Greenland holidays

4.8/5

Average Customer Score
Based On 1280 Reviews

Best time to visit May - September
Capital Nuuk
Population 56,791
Area 2,166,086km²
4.8/5

Average Customer Score
Based On 1280 Reviews

Overview

Dominated by the world’s second largest icecap, Greenland only has a narrow coastal fringe of rugged mountains and green valleys which remain ice free and where a small, resilient community live. 90% of the population live in scattered settlements along the west coast, which includes the capital Nuuk and Disko Bay, renowned for its monumental icebergs. In contrast, East Greenland is virtually uninhabited outside the Ammassalik area. This remote region has breathtaking scenery, ice-flecked fjords and dragonback peaks. Isolated and authentic, South Greenland is not only home to majestic fjords and mighty glaciers, but also rich history and culture.

From May to September coastal fringes shrug off their winter coats and turn green. This is the perfect time to hike the fjords, explore Viking ruins, spot 60 species of breeding birds and admire iceberg-filled bays, a rich feeding ground for whales. Our collection of holidays to Greenland are designed to give a real taste of this epic country and include adventure cruises and land-based holidays.

Love hiking? Narsarsuaq makes a great base. While away a day in the Valley of Flowers taking in lakes, glaciers, waterfalls, and lots of feisty flowers which somehow thrive in the extreme Arctic conditions.
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  • east greenland kulusuk houses on shoreline istk

    Highlights

    Experience life on the edge of the habitable world

  • Highlights

    Hiking adventures through epic scenery

  • Highlights

    Delve into local Greenlandic culture

Greenland holiday ideas

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Best of Greenland

We’ll tailor your Greenland holiday experience to suit you be your focus exploring the extraordinary wilderness on foot or learning about local culture and history. From small-ship cruises to hotel-based breaks via Iceland, our specialists are here to help.

Greenland regions

East Greenland

Settlements in this sparsely inhabited region are almost entirely limited to the Tasiilaq (Ammassalik) area. Tasiilaq is the largest community and the administration centre.

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south greenland qaqortoq rock carving vg

South Greenland

This is the island’s agricultural centre and the destination for most visitors seeking outdoor activities. The scenery is amazing and, surprisingly for some, particularly colourful.

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greenland disko bay humpback whale tail vg

West Coast and Disko Bay

This is the centre for the fishing industry and the location of the country’s capital, Nuuk, but it is the acclaimed Disko Bay that is the draw for visitors.

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Greenland travel guide

Over 80% of Greenland is locked under a perpetual ice sheet, but during the summer the coast shrugs off its winter shroud and turns green. It’s the ideal time for hiking the fjords, exploring Viking ruins and cruising iceberg-filled bays. Our Greenland guides will help you get the most out of visiting this extraordinary island.

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west greenland colourful houses of sisimiut istk

Planning a trip to Greenland

During the fleeting summer, the pack ice breaks up and giant icebergs drift through the fjords. Migratory birds arrive to breed, animals raise their young and hardy Arctic flora bloom. Summer also brings 24-hour daylight and the beautiful midnight sun.

Our flexible Greenland trips give you a range of ways to explore this great untouched wilderness. Discover the rugged coastline and tranquil Arctic beauty on a voyage. Follow hiking trails along rivers and scale ridges to reach viewpoints across the great Greenland icecap on a walking holiday. Travel through the frozen wilderness on a husky sledge or experience the magnificent scenery on a choice of daily excursions on an independent break. Summer activities include boat trips, 4WD tours and scenic flights.

Don’t forget that Iceland and Greenland are separated by a mere two-hour flight; you could plan a Greenland adventure with a stopover in Reykjavik or hatch a masterplan to combine the two.

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Things to do in Greenland

Around many of Greenland’s towns, there are well-trodden hiking routes of varying difficulty, ideal for the independent traveller and can be completed within two or three hours depending on your pace and how often you stop to admire the views. In most areas of the country, you do not need to walk far to reach wide open spaces and experience total silence. Guided hikes offer a more immersive and challenging experience.

Alternatively, a guided boat, 4WD or helicopter excursion takes you through the stunning glacial landscape and provide the opportunity to learn about the flora and fauna, as well as local history and geology.

Husky sledding provides the chance to sample a traditional slice of Greenlandic life.

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