Greenland Tours & Trips

37 Greenland trips. Tours from 6 tour companies. 7 reviews. 4.4/5 avg rating.

37 Trips match your criteria (1 - 20 shown)

Three Arctic Islands (Southbound)
5/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Why we love them
With a wide range of trip styles, Exodus caters to every type of traveler out there- even those with specific interests from cycling to winter hiking.
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Highlights

  • Discover the wild and rugged coast of eastern Greenland
  • Chance to observe walrus, Polar bear, Arctic terns, kittiwakes and Glaucous gulls
  • An excursion into Scoresbysund, one of the largest fjord complexes in the world
  • If conditions are right, we could sail within 10° of the North Pole!

Themes

Nature & Wildlife, National Parks

What travelers are saying

"Quick and clear responses; know the details about their trips. Easy to book sort deposit"

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East Greenland and Iceland Northern Lights
4.5/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Ship Cruise
Why we love them
They're highly committed to sustainable tourism and contribute to crucial initiatives like climate action, focusing on local cultures and more.
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Very Easy
Trip pace
Full schedule

Visits

Ella

Highlights

  • Sail through the icebergs of Scoresbysund in the Greenland Sea – the largest and arguably the most beautiful fjord system on the planet.
  • Explore Northeast Greenland over seven full days at sea, which possible landing sites and activities including hiking in Denmark Island, witnessing the beauty of Northeast Greenland National Park and wildlife spotting in C. Hofmann Halvo.
  • Keep an eye out for the Northern Lights in Ittoqqortoormiit– about 500 people call this northern settlement home and it's known as one of the best places for spotting the aurora borealis.
  • Wander Reykjavik at your own pace with some free time to begin your Arctic adventure. Visit the many museums, cathedrals and galleries or indulge in one of the famous streetside hot dogs.
  • Find home on the Ocean Adventurer. When you're not making on land expeditions or watching for marine wildlife on the deck, you can indulge in the many onboard features. Hit the gym, relax in the outdoor jacuzzi or hang out in the lounge.

Themes

Nature & Wildlife, National Parks, Small Ship Cruise

What travelers are saying

"My wife & I are Australians and have been to Asia many times but not to Japan. We had heard good things, so we jumped on to an Intrepid trip in April, 2025. Our Guide was Shizuka Yoshimura who, while being born in Japan, was a well-travelled, knowledgeable and enthusiastic woman who was fun to be with and proved very capable in leading 9 of us, aged between about 30 years of age to mid-70's, from 4 nations around her own country. Shizuka was very fluent in English which was brilliant. Experience counts, both in the present, coping with transport & other issues which always arise, and in the planning and communicating the next stage of the tour with the group. Shizuka adapted to both the more able-bodied and the less physically able with care and good grace, always making sure that all members of the party were happy and comfortable with decisions regarding , e.g. whether or not to climb a few hundred steps to see a castle, shrine, etc. Everyone was always looked after and meeting points along the way were well spelled out, so no one felt abandoned in any way. Our accommodation was as advertised, so in the case of staying at Hacone in a traditional style (with really low beds and no seating above floor level), Shizuka arranged for standard kitchen chairs to be placed in our room which was great - it's always the little things that matter. Our trip was based on traveling most of the way by Shinkansen (bullet trains) and sometimes the ticketing was not straight-forward, but it was well explained all of the time and Shizuka's planning smoothed out the bumps every time. Shizuka's "local knowledge", being Japanese, assisted our group many times along the way when things may not have been going according to plan and we always felt looked after and confident that "The Boss" would quickly resolve any hiccups. Equally, Shizuka often gave us our own space and when a group dinner was not a part of the agenda we sometimes shared meals with her apart from the group or vice-versa - there was a good, relaxed feeling in the group that we were our own mature travellers as well as being a part of the group. Look, I know that things can go wrong whether you are hiking out in the bush or traveling at 300 kp/h, but in our experience our Guide Shizuka was very well equipped personally to adapt and overcome, and we had a beaut trip. Highly recommended."

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Three Arctic Islands: Spitsbergen, Greenland and Iceland (Southbound)
4.5/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Ship Cruise
Why we love them
They're highly committed to sustainable tourism and contribute to crucial initiatives like climate action, focusing on local cultures and more.
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Very Easy
Trip pace
Full schedule

Visits

Longyearbyen, Spitsbergen, Svalbard

Highlights

  • Seek out unforgettable Polar Bears sightings while roaming the hunting grounds of this ruler of the Arctic
  • Discover the history of Greenland with explorations of the ruins of ancient Thule settlements and learn about the Inuit life in Ittoqqortoormiit
  • Experience how this incredible environment is ever-changing while cruising through freshly birthed icebergs in Scoresbysund
  • Kayaking on crisp, clear Arctic waters is a unique and intimate way of exploring this amazing region. Book early as these activities can sell out fast

Themes

Nature & Wildlife, National Parks, Small Ship Cruise

What travelers are saying

"My wife & I are Australians and have been to Asia many times but not to Japan. We had heard good things, so we jumped on to an Intrepid trip in April, 2025. Our Guide was Shizuka Yoshimura who, while being born in Japan, was a well-travelled, knowledgeable and enthusiastic woman who was fun to be with and proved very capable in leading 9 of us, aged between about 30 years of age to mid-70's, from 4 nations around her own country. Shizuka was very fluent in English which was brilliant. Experience counts, both in the present, coping with transport & other issues which always arise, and in the planning and communicating the next stage of the tour with the group. Shizuka adapted to both the more able-bodied and the less physically able with care and good grace, always making sure that all members of the party were happy and comfortable with decisions regarding , e.g. whether or not to climb a few hundred steps to see a castle, shrine, etc. Everyone was always looked after and meeting points along the way were well spelled out, so no one felt abandoned in any way. Our accommodation was as advertised, so in the case of staying at Hacone in a traditional style (with really low beds and no seating above floor level), Shizuka arranged for standard kitchen chairs to be placed in our room which was great - it's always the little things that matter. Our trip was based on traveling most of the way by Shinkansen (bullet trains) and sometimes the ticketing was not straight-forward, but it was well explained all of the time and Shizuka's planning smoothed out the bumps every time. Shizuka's "local knowledge", being Japanese, assisted our group many times along the way when things may not have been going according to plan and we always felt looked after and confident that "The Boss" would quickly resolve any hiccups. Equally, Shizuka often gave us our own space and when a group dinner was not a part of the agenda we sometimes shared meals with her apart from the group or vice-versa - there was a good, relaxed feeling in the group that we were our own mature travellers as well as being a part of the group. Look, I know that things can go wrong whether you are hiking out in the bush or traveling at 300 kp/h, but in our experience our Guide Shizuka was very well equipped personally to adapt and overcome, and we had a beaut trip. Highly recommended."

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Adventures in Northeast Greenland: Glaciers, Fjords and the Northern Lights
4.5/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Ship Cruise
Why we love them
They're highly committed to sustainable tourism and contribute to crucial initiatives like climate action, focusing on local cultures and more.
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Easy

Highlights

  • With your expert expedition team by your side, spend time on the deck of your ship – the Ocean Explorer – and look out for Arctic wildlife like polar bears, seabirds, whales, muskoxen and seals.
  • Look up as much as you can – there’s a high possibility of spotting the Northern Lights in Northeast Greenland! This incredible natural sight is sure to be a memory you hold forever.
  • Cruise on Zodiac boats for daily onshore landings to small villages, where you can hike the tundra, visit Inuit communities and explore the breathtaking scenery.
  • Soak in the striking landscapes of Kong Oscar Fjord, the autumn colours of the Bay of Flowers and the vast icebergs on the Bear Islands.
  • Take all the opportunities to relax and recharge while at sea, with Ocean Explorer’s many luxurious amenities – grab a drink in the bar, dine in the restaurant, catch a movie at the theatre-style auditorium or get a wellness hit at the sauna and spa.

Themes

Nature & Wildlife, Small Ship Cruise

What travelers are saying

"My wife & I are Australians and have been to Asia many times but not to Japan. We had heard good things, so we jumped on to an Intrepid trip in April, 2025. Our Guide was Shizuka Yoshimura who, while being born in Japan, was a well-travelled, knowledgeable and enthusiastic woman who was fun to be with and proved very capable in leading 9 of us, aged between about 30 years of age to mid-70's, from 4 nations around her own country. Shizuka was very fluent in English which was brilliant. Experience counts, both in the present, coping with transport & other issues which always arise, and in the planning and communicating the next stage of the tour with the group. Shizuka adapted to both the more able-bodied and the less physically able with care and good grace, always making sure that all members of the party were happy and comfortable with decisions regarding , e.g. whether or not to climb a few hundred steps to see a castle, shrine, etc. Everyone was always looked after and meeting points along the way were well spelled out, so no one felt abandoned in any way. Our accommodation was as advertised, so in the case of staying at Hacone in a traditional style (with really low beds and no seating above floor level), Shizuka arranged for standard kitchen chairs to be placed in our room which was great - it's always the little things that matter. Our trip was based on traveling most of the way by Shinkansen (bullet trains) and sometimes the ticketing was not straight-forward, but it was well explained all of the time and Shizuka's planning smoothed out the bumps every time. Shizuka's "local knowledge", being Japanese, assisted our group many times along the way when things may not have been going according to plan and we always felt looked after and confident that "The Boss" would quickly resolve any hiccups. Equally, Shizuka often gave us our own space and when a group dinner was not a part of the agenda we sometimes shared meals with her apart from the group or vice-versa - there was a good, relaxed feeling in the group that we were our own mature travellers as well as being a part of the group. Look, I know that things can go wrong whether you are hiking out in the bush or traveling at 300 kp/h, but in our experience our Guide Shizuka was very well equipped personally to adapt and overcome, and we had a beaut trip. Highly recommended."

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Greenland to Newfoundland: Mountains, Wildlife and Viking History
4.5/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Ship Cruise
Why we love them
They're highly committed to sustainable tourism and contribute to crucial initiatives like climate action, focusing on local cultures and more.
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Easy

Visits

Ilulissat Icefjord, Labrador, Newfoundland

Highlights

  • Experience the unique features of both Arctic and boreal environments and see the stark contrasts of both while looking out for varied wildlife.
  • Witness countless icebergs at Ilulissat Icefjord – a UNESCO World Heritage Site – then visit the Viking ruins at l’Anse aux Meadows UNESCO World Heritage Site.
  • Explore the unrivalled wilderness of Torngat Mountains National Park with experts by your side who will teach you about the landscape and local wildlife.
  • Experience northern Indigenous cultures in Greenland and Labrador and learn about the history of the Inuit communities here.
  • End your voyage in St. John’s, Newfoundland – one of the oldest cities in North America.

Themes

Nature & Wildlife, Small Ship Cruise

What travelers are saying

"My wife & I are Australians and have been to Asia many times but not to Japan. We had heard good things, so we jumped on to an Intrepid trip in April, 2025. Our Guide was Shizuka Yoshimura who, while being born in Japan, was a well-travelled, knowledgeable and enthusiastic woman who was fun to be with and proved very capable in leading 9 of us, aged between about 30 years of age to mid-70's, from 4 nations around her own country. Shizuka was very fluent in English which was brilliant. Experience counts, both in the present, coping with transport & other issues which always arise, and in the planning and communicating the next stage of the tour with the group. Shizuka adapted to both the more able-bodied and the less physically able with care and good grace, always making sure that all members of the party were happy and comfortable with decisions regarding , e.g. whether or not to climb a few hundred steps to see a castle, shrine, etc. Everyone was always looked after and meeting points along the way were well spelled out, so no one felt abandoned in any way. Our accommodation was as advertised, so in the case of staying at Hacone in a traditional style (with really low beds and no seating above floor level), Shizuka arranged for standard kitchen chairs to be placed in our room which was great - it's always the little things that matter. Our trip was based on traveling most of the way by Shinkansen (bullet trains) and sometimes the ticketing was not straight-forward, but it was well explained all of the time and Shizuka's planning smoothed out the bumps every time. Shizuka's "local knowledge", being Japanese, assisted our group many times along the way when things may not have been going according to plan and we always felt looked after and confident that "The Boss" would quickly resolve any hiccups. Equally, Shizuka often gave us our own space and when a group dinner was not a part of the agenda we sometimes shared meals with her apart from the group or vice-versa - there was a good, relaxed feeling in the group that we were our own mature travellers as well as being a part of the group. Look, I know that things can go wrong whether you are hiking out in the bush or traveling at 300 kp/h, but in our experience our Guide Shizuka was very well equipped personally to adapt and overcome, and we had a beaut trip. Highly recommended."

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Wild Fjords of South Greenland: Land of the Vikings
4.5/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Ship Cruise
Why we love them
They're highly committed to sustainable tourism and contribute to crucial initiatives like climate action, focusing on local cultures and more.
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Easy

Visits

Nuuk

Highlights

  • Cruise past epic Arctic scenery out in the wilderness, where few dare to venture. Aboard your Ultramarine ship and on daily Zodiac excursions, you’ll see huge icebergs, soaring glaciers, gorgeous fjords and a vast seascape.
  • Look out for wildlife like migrating whales, seals and lots of seabirds! Your expedition team will always be on hand, looking out for the best spotting opportunities.
  • Learn about the Viking culture and Norse history in Reykjavik and with a visit to Hvalsey (Qaqortukulooq) in Southeast Greenland – home to the country’s best preserved Norse ruins.
  • Meet locals in remote towns and see what it’s like to live in traditional Inuit settlements along the shores of Greenland.
  • Explore Igaliku, part of the newly established UNESCO World Heritage Site of Kujataa. Home to only 25 inhabitants, this is Greenland’s oldest sheep-farming settlement.

Themes

Nature & Wildlife, Small Ship Cruise

What travelers are saying

"My wife & I are Australians and have been to Asia many times but not to Japan. We had heard good things, so we jumped on to an Intrepid trip in April, 2025. Our Guide was Shizuka Yoshimura who, while being born in Japan, was a well-travelled, knowledgeable and enthusiastic woman who was fun to be with and proved very capable in leading 9 of us, aged between about 30 years of age to mid-70's, from 4 nations around her own country. Shizuka was very fluent in English which was brilliant. Experience counts, both in the present, coping with transport & other issues which always arise, and in the planning and communicating the next stage of the tour with the group. Shizuka adapted to both the more able-bodied and the less physically able with care and good grace, always making sure that all members of the party were happy and comfortable with decisions regarding , e.g. whether or not to climb a few hundred steps to see a castle, shrine, etc. Everyone was always looked after and meeting points along the way were well spelled out, so no one felt abandoned in any way. Our accommodation was as advertised, so in the case of staying at Hacone in a traditional style (with really low beds and no seating above floor level), Shizuka arranged for standard kitchen chairs to be placed in our room which was great - it's always the little things that matter. Our trip was based on traveling most of the way by Shinkansen (bullet trains) and sometimes the ticketing was not straight-forward, but it was well explained all of the time and Shizuka's planning smoothed out the bumps every time. Shizuka's "local knowledge", being Japanese, assisted our group many times along the way when things may not have been going according to plan and we always felt looked after and confident that "The Boss" would quickly resolve any hiccups. Equally, Shizuka often gave us our own space and when a group dinner was not a part of the agenda we sometimes shared meals with her apart from the group or vice-versa - there was a good, relaxed feeling in the group that we were our own mature travellers as well as being a part of the group. Look, I know that things can go wrong whether you are hiking out in the bush or traveling at 300 kp/h, but in our experience our Guide Shizuka was very well equipped personally to adapt and overcome, and we had a beaut trip. Highly recommended."

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Iceland to Greenland: Total Solar Eclipse in Depth (Ocean Explorer)
4.5/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Ship Cruise
Why we love them
They're highly committed to sustainable tourism and contribute to crucial initiatives like climate action, focusing on local cultures and more.
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Easy

Highlights

  • Witness a total solar eclipse from a polar ship in the High Arctic for a truly exceptional once in a lifetime experience like no other.
  • Learn about the science of solar eclipses with guest expert Michael Zeiler – a world-leading Geographer turned eclipse cartographer who became obsessed with the study of eclipses after witnessing his first in 1991.
  • Explore the seldom-visited Westfjords – the hidden gem of west Iceland – then sail across the Denmark Strait past icebergs, wilderness areas and fishing villages. You’ll make shore landings by Zodiac and maybe get the opportunity to kayak in the Arctic waters.
  • Cruise the 110–km-long Kong Oscar Fjord and witness the wildlife of Northeast Greenland – look out for penguins, whales, seals, foxes, hares, muskoxen and lots of birdlife!
  • Start and end your incredible experience in Iceland’s Reykjavik – one of the world’s northernmost capital cities.

Themes

Nature & Wildlife, Small Ship Cruise

What travelers are saying

"My wife & I are Australians and have been to Asia many times but not to Japan. We had heard good things, so we jumped on to an Intrepid trip in April, 2025. Our Guide was Shizuka Yoshimura who, while being born in Japan, was a well-travelled, knowledgeable and enthusiastic woman who was fun to be with and proved very capable in leading 9 of us, aged between about 30 years of age to mid-70's, from 4 nations around her own country. Shizuka was very fluent in English which was brilliant. Experience counts, both in the present, coping with transport & other issues which always arise, and in the planning and communicating the next stage of the tour with the group. Shizuka adapted to both the more able-bodied and the less physically able with care and good grace, always making sure that all members of the party were happy and comfortable with decisions regarding , e.g. whether or not to climb a few hundred steps to see a castle, shrine, etc. Everyone was always looked after and meeting points along the way were well spelled out, so no one felt abandoned in any way. Our accommodation was as advertised, so in the case of staying at Hacone in a traditional style (with really low beds and no seating above floor level), Shizuka arranged for standard kitchen chairs to be placed in our room which was great - it's always the little things that matter. Our trip was based on traveling most of the way by Shinkansen (bullet trains) and sometimes the ticketing was not straight-forward, but it was well explained all of the time and Shizuka's planning smoothed out the bumps every time. Shizuka's "local knowledge", being Japanese, assisted our group many times along the way when things may not have been going according to plan and we always felt looked after and confident that "The Boss" would quickly resolve any hiccups. Equally, Shizuka often gave us our own space and when a group dinner was not a part of the agenda we sometimes shared meals with her apart from the group or vice-versa - there was a good, relaxed feeling in the group that we were our own mature travellers as well as being a part of the group. Look, I know that things can go wrong whether you are hiking out in the bush or traveling at 300 kp/h, but in our experience our Guide Shizuka was very well equipped personally to adapt and overcome, and we had a beaut trip. Highly recommended."

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Ultimate Arctic Voyage: From Svalbard to Jan Mayen to Iceland
4.5/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Ship Cruise
Why we love them
They're highly committed to sustainable tourism and contribute to crucial initiatives like climate action, focusing on local cultures and more.
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Easy

Visits

Spitsbergen, Svalbard

Highlights

  • Uncover the incredible landscape of Spitsbergen, from the quirky northernmost city of Longyearbyen to stunning fjords, towering mountains and impressive glaciers.
  • Be wowed by the mysterious Jan Mayen Island. If conditions permit, you'll get the chance to explore the fog-covered island on foot.
  • Board Zodiacs to cruise up to towering glaciers featuring labyrinths of sparkling icebergs and panoramas of ice.
  • Learn about the history of the Arctic during in-depth presentations aboard your floating home away from home.
  • Choose to get even closer to this amazing environment with optional activities like hiking and gliding along pristine waters between icebergs in a sea kayak.

Themes

Nature & Wildlife, Small Ship Cruise

What travelers are saying

"My wife & I are Australians and have been to Asia many times but not to Japan. We had heard good things, so we jumped on to an Intrepid trip in April, 2025. Our Guide was Shizuka Yoshimura who, while being born in Japan, was a well-travelled, knowledgeable and enthusiastic woman who was fun to be with and proved very capable in leading 9 of us, aged between about 30 years of age to mid-70's, from 4 nations around her own country. Shizuka was very fluent in English which was brilliant. Experience counts, both in the present, coping with transport & other issues which always arise, and in the planning and communicating the next stage of the tour with the group. Shizuka adapted to both the more able-bodied and the less physically able with care and good grace, always making sure that all members of the party were happy and comfortable with decisions regarding , e.g. whether or not to climb a few hundred steps to see a castle, shrine, etc. Everyone was always looked after and meeting points along the way were well spelled out, so no one felt abandoned in any way. Our accommodation was as advertised, so in the case of staying at Hacone in a traditional style (with really low beds and no seating above floor level), Shizuka arranged for standard kitchen chairs to be placed in our room which was great - it's always the little things that matter. Our trip was based on traveling most of the way by Shinkansen (bullet trains) and sometimes the ticketing was not straight-forward, but it was well explained all of the time and Shizuka's planning smoothed out the bumps every time. Shizuka's "local knowledge", being Japanese, assisted our group many times along the way when things may not have been going according to plan and we always felt looked after and confident that "The Boss" would quickly resolve any hiccups. Equally, Shizuka often gave us our own space and when a group dinner was not a part of the agenda we sometimes shared meals with her apart from the group or vice-versa - there was a good, relaxed feeling in the group that we were our own mature travellers as well as being a part of the group. Look, I know that things can go wrong whether you are hiking out in the bush or traveling at 300 kp/h, but in our experience our Guide Shizuka was very well equipped personally to adapt and overcome, and we had a beaut trip. Highly recommended."

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Greenland Reviews & Ratings

4.4/5  Great
7  Reviews
See all Greenland tour reviews
Excellent
19
Great
3
Average
2
Disappointing
0
Terrible
2
A

Anonymous

Jan 2018

Wonderful adventure

This was a marvellous trip and a great way of seeing two wonderful areas of the Arctic. In Spitsbergen we saw polar bears and arctic foxes and sailed through the ...

E

Ekaterina

Feb 2025

Written on

inflates prices by 50-70% of the actual cost

I do not recommend this agency. This is pure fraud. The agency inflates prices by 50-70% of the actual cost of the tour operator. For a trip to the penguins in Ushua...

J

James Vyvyan-R.

Jun 2016

Written on

Our trip to Greenland was a disaster.

Not one day of the itinerary was achieved and definitely no Bowheads or large icebergs where seen. We were rerouted to Sisimiut with no warning to meet up with the b...

T

Thule

Jun 2016

Written on

Greenland

From the first minute to the last, it was a very great ...

D

David

Sep 2019

Written on

A wonderful experience

Highlights of Iceland was an awe inspiring trip of a lifetime with spectacular scenery, great guide and a small group of similarly interested travellers. Volcanoes, ...

Write a Review

Greenland Tour Selection Trips

  • Flights from North America to Greenland have popped up periodically, but most flights leave from Iceland or Denmark
  • Small ship cruises to Greenland (often from Scandinavia via Iceland) are becoming more popular each year
  • Offshore ice makes boat travel difficult or impossible from December till May
  • Pack mosquito repellent
  • Decide on the type of activities you’d like to do in Greenland and use that to determine which season to go. Must see the Northern Lights? Winter in Greenland is a must to view the Aurora Borealis. Hoping to hike? Head to the Arctic in the warmer summer months of the Midnight Sun.
  • Plan for high prices on your Greenland tour. While Iceland is famous for being an expensive destination, Greenland is a very expensive destination.
  • Since there are no roads between towns in Greenland, be prepared for a fair amount of airplane and boat travel, even helicopters, during your Arctic tour.
  • No matter when you choose to vacation in Greenland, be prepared to pack for cool temperatures - this is an Arctic climate, after all. It’s dry, but cold.
  • Are you a foodie? While Greenland may not at first strike you as a gourmet-focused destination, there is haute cuisine to be found in Nuuk and beyond. There are even culinary tours during which you’ll catch your own seafood and then help prepare it for dinner.
  • Pressed for time? Touring Ilulissat is a fantastic four- to five- day introduction to Greenland - it’s set up with hotels and tour operators, but with a wholly Greenlandic feel. Plus, you’ll get to see the famous Ilulissat Icefjord, an unmissable and iconic Greenland sight

Additional details

What to Pack for Traveling in Greenland

How best to answer this perennial question - how cold will I be in Greenland? - while encouraging travel to this pristine natural region? While it’s true that the average temperatures do not normally exceed 10° C (50° F) - this being an Arctic climate, after all - let’s focus on the fact that the air quality up there is some of the best in the world.

Take a few deep breaths and drink in those far-reaching views, thanks to the fine air quality and low moisture. If you’re visiting the southern part of Greenland, you can expect slightly higher temperatures - more than 20° C (68° F) during the months of June, July and August.

Pack well, according to the tips below for what to pack for your Greenland tour, and you’ll be ready for anything Mother Nature throws at you.

What to Pack for the Summer in Greenland

  • Bug repellent and a mosquito head net
  • Sunscreen
  • Water bottle or CamelBak
  • Warm jacket
  • Rain jacket and rain pants
  • Hat
  • Gloves
  • Wool socks
  • Sturdy hiking boots
  • Tennis shoes or other comfortable footwear
  • Long underwear
  • Fleece jacket
  • Warm pants
  • Sunglasses
  • Camera
  • Binoculars
  • Daypack

What to Pack for the Winter in Greenland

  • Wool socks
  • Long underwear (top and bottom)
  • Waterproof mittens
  • Thin wool gloves to wear inside mittens
  • Hat
  • Fleece pants
  • Fleece jacket
  • Goretex (or similar material) pants and jacket
  • Winter boots
  • Sunglasses
  • Sunscreen
  • Thermos
  • Camera
  • Binoculars
  • Daypack

Is It Always Cold in Greenland?

This depends on your interpretation of “cold.” The average temperatures in Greenland do not typically exceed 10° C (50° F), yet June through August, you might feel temps into the mid-60s.

While your Greenland tour certainly isn’t going to boast any balmy days, take advantage of the low moisture and excellent air quality to enjoy some of the most far-reaching views you’ll have in any destination on Earth.

Do Only Cruises Visit Greenland?

Cruises to Greenland are a great way to embrace the country’s rugged shoreline and sail in and out of various cities along the coast. Typically, the best time to cruise Greenland is between June and October - the shoreline is more navigable at this time and the temperatures are warmer.

However, cruising is not the only way to visit Greenland. There are several land tours that bring visitors ashore to experience Greenland’s glaciers (including Sermeq Kujalleq, the largest glacier in the world outside of Antarctica), charming cities, UNESCO World Heritage Site, enormous national park, polar bear hunting grounds and more.

What Is the Population of Greenland?

Greenland is the world’s largest island and houses the massive Greenland Ice Sheet, so as you might expect, the population of Greenland is widely dispersed. There are 18 municipalities on the island and this is where the majority of residents live.

Those who don’t choose to live in one of these larger towns  live in villages in outlying areas. Among the residents, you’ll hear the official languages of Greenlandic and Danish, as well as quite a bit of English.

When Is the Best Time to Travel to Greenland?

So, in a country where cold is always expected and the biggest physical characteristic is an enormous ice sheet, when is the best time for a Greenland tour? This depends a bit on what you’re hoping to get out of your Arctic exploration.

Summertime breathes new life into Greenland’s towns and villages, bringing residents out of hibernation for hiking, kayaking and simply sitting with friends to enjoy the midnight sun - from the end of May until the end of July, you will rarely see the sun set.

Hoping to dog sled and catch the best views of the Northern Lights in Greenland? Come between December and March. The days are short, the temperatures are dropping, but usually, the sun is shining bright (even though its for a brief period of time each day).

It’s also possible to start seeing the Aurora Borealis in the autumn, October and November, and this shoulder season also brings with it smaller crowds and lower prices.

Who Are Greenland Tours Good For?

It’s obvious that visiting Greenland is a different animal than, say, a tropical South Pacific vacation, a sensory smorgasbord in Morocco or a culture-packed trip through the capitals of Europe. So, who will enjoy a Greenland tour? We think visiting the world’s largest island is an excellent choice for travelers who:

  1. Are flexible. If you’re open minded and aren’t tied down to a particular schedule or must-see list on your Greenland tour, you’re in the right place. The weather can be a little frenetic and may decide for you whether it’s a day for dog sledding or a day to cozy up with a hot buttered rum and a novel.
  2. Happy to unplug. Here in one of the most remote areas of the world, you’re not always going to have reliable WiFi. When it is available, it may come at a higher cost that you’re used to. So, take advantage of your Greenland exploration to disconnect and instead, reconnect with your travel companions and the incredible world around you.
  3. Like to travel by foot, air or water. Believe it or not, there aren’t many miles of roads in Greenland and none of the towns are connected by road. Be prepared to travel either under your own power (hiking) or by boat or airplane.

 

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