VISIT (GREEN)LAND
Greenland is the largest island in the world, but at the same time one of the most overlooked travel destinations. How many people who visited Greenland you know? Yes. I guess not too many. It is not because this magic country has nothing to offer but because so little is known about this Artic nation.
Greenland - Disko Bay
Greenland - Icebergs in Ilulissat
HOW DID GREENLAND GET ITS NAME?
But first, have you ever been wondering why Greenland’s name says “green” when in fact 80% of the land is covered by an ice cap and has no vegetation?
It is said that Greenland got its name from Erick the Red – who was exiled from Iceland as a punishment for the committed murders. He searched for a land where he could settle and he found it. He called it “Greenland” and painted as a wonderful lush place in the hope that it would attract some more settlers. No sane person would go on a ship and set off to the land that is advertised as barren, icy and damn freezing cold to start a new life chapter so Erick the Red mismatched a few things.
But according to the scientist Greenland was once actually green. Not sure if anyone could remember that, including Erick the Red, as it was 2.5 million years ago.
For me (you may disagree) the name “Greenland” is a pure marketing lie (trick).
Greenland - Eqi Glacier
HOW (THE HELL) TO GET TO GREENLAND?
This might be one of the most frequent questions I was asked. But the answer is very simple. It is an island so you have two options: either by a plane or on a cruise ship. There are 4 worldwide cities with direct flights to Greenland: Copenhagen CPH (Denmark), Reykjavik RKV (Iceland), Keflavik KEF (Iceland), Akureyri AEY (Iceland). Typical time to flight to Greenland is from 2-3 hours from Iceland & 4 hours from Denmark. There are 2 airlines that operate flights to Greenland: Air Greenland & Air Iceland. Flight delays and cancellations are the order of the day. The arctic weather is moody so be flexible and patient, very patient. You can embark also on a cruise expedition to Greenland with Quark Expeditions or Poseidon Expeditions and even reach the Top of the World - North Pole.
WHAT TO SEE AND DO IN GREENLAND?
I would like to clear up the common misconception about Greenland. This is a place blessed with spectacular scenery and has so much to offer - iconic wildlife, soothing calmness, unique activities. Adventure is everywhere. It is one of the most liberating places on the planet Earth.
Recommended Greenland tours and activities:
Day tour to Eqi Glacier (the calving glacier). Eqi Glacier is located 80 km from Ilulissat (town of icebergs). There are daily boat trips organized to Eqi Glacier. It is the most active glacier in Greenland. You can witness the chunks of ice fall from the glacier. Near the Glacier, there is Glacier Eqi Lodge. Yes. It means that you can stay there overnight. You can also hike up to the Ice Cap and actually walk on it. (World of Greenland)
Kayaking and visit in the Innuit village (Oqaatsut). You cannot get closer to the mother nature, and local Innuit culture than just paddling among the icebergs (if lucky accompanied by humpback whales) and share a meal with a local family in their home. (PGI Greenland)
Whale watching. Board a boat and set off for a whole safari to experience pure wilderness. In the summer you usually see the humpback whales, minke whales and fin whales.
Dog Sledge Ride. This is an Innuit tradition that goes back 2000 years back in time. You have to try it. Only available in winter season.
Northern Lights also called aurora borealis. The best time to see the dancing Northern Lights in on a dark, clean autumn and winter nights.
Meeting the Inuit - Cultural Experience
Set your foot onto the Ice Cap - It is one of the the two ice sheets in the world.
WHEN TO GO TO GREENLAND?
The best time to go to Greenland is generally summer months (June- August) unless you want to get frostbite on your butt or experience the most spectacular phenomenon in the world - Northern Lights. A day lasts 24 hours in June, nearly 24 hours in May and July and 20 hours in August. If you struggle with summer heat, this is a place to be. The temperature does not go above 10 C.
HOW MUCH DOES A TRIP TO GREENLAND COST?
Greenland is not a budget travel destination. I will not lie. You will need not one but a few piggy banks so start saving up from today. The money you spend on your travel to Greenland, is money spend right:
EXAMPLES
Oqaatsut day (kayaking & Innuit village) price: 2950 Kr = approx. 400 EUR
Daytour to Eqi Glacier (the calving glacier) price 2295 Kr = approx. 308 EUR;
Evening Iceberg Sighsteeing (3h) price: 650 Kr = approx. 88 EUR
3 Star Hotel (Hotel Avannaa in Ilulissat) accommodation price: approx. 120-150 EUR/night
Flights price depends on the outbound and inbound destination: 750-1000 EUR
Food - Muskox burger - 25 EUR
Souvenirs - Inuit bracelet - from approx. 50 EUR
Kids from a village Oqaatsut in Northern Greenland.
WHY TO GO TO GREENLAND?
It is heaven. So sinners pack your backpacks/suitcases and go to Greenland. You might actually have no other alternative to experience it. It is one of the most untouched, pristine places in the world. It might be the best holiday of your lifetime.
Setting foot in Oqaatsut – a tiny settlement on the west coast of Greenland in the Disko Bay, gives you a feeling of awe and humility at the same time.