Why You Should Visit Greenland: 9 Tips for Your First Trip

The secret’s finally out: Once-overlooked Greenland, a self-governing country that’s part of the realm of Denmark, is finally starting to garner the attention it deserves as a tourist destination. The world’s largest island delivers on a wide variety of adventures against a backdrop of some of the most spectacular landscapes on the planet. When you consider that along with the opportunity to gain unique insight into life in the Arctic, it’s not hard to see why Greenland has become an increasingly tempting prospect for overseas travelers. If you’re thinking of hopping on a plane to join them, we’ve compiled a list of tips that will help first-time visitors get the most out of their trip to Greenland.

Take Advantage of Improved Connections

Greenland is investing heavily in infrastructure in order to improve accessibility and harness its tourism potential. Nuuk’s new international airport opened in November 2024, with a longer runway that made transatlantic flights possible for the first time, including seasonal nonstop service with United from Newark, New Jersey. 2026 is set to be another landmark year for Greenland aviation, with a new runway and terminal opening at Ilulissat Airport and a significant upgrade to the facilities of Qaqortoq Airport on track to open by the end of the year.  

Don’t Be Overly Ambitious With Your Itinerary

Greenland is a huge country — roughly three times the size of the state of Texas — so distances between towns can be considerable. And as approximately 80% of its land area is covered in ice, inland infrastructure is minimal. To move from place to place, you’ll usually be faced with a choice of air or sea travel. Because of that (not to mention Greenland’s often unpredictable weather), packing too much into your itinerary is likely to result in frustration. Instead, stick to one region and focus on the activities and experiences you can have there. 

First-Time Visitors Should Focus on the West

Western Greenland itineraries typically make the most sense if you’ve never traveled to the island before. A significant proportion of Air Greenland’s domestic flight network is concentrated across that region. Meanwhile, the Sarfaq Ittuq coastal ferry shuttles back and forth between Ilulissat and Qaqortoq, connecting 12 settlements in the west of Greenland throughout the warmer months. Whether you plan on booking an organized tour or traveling independently, better transport links will make getting around a whole lot easier if you stick to the western part of the island.

Make Sure You See the Highlights

Set your sights on Disko Bay if you’re keen to encounter the majestic, 4-mile-long Ilulissat Icefjord. Some of the icebergs here stand more than 300 feet tall, and many of them calve from the Sermeq Kujalleq glacier into the sea, which UNESCO calls “a dramatic and awe-inspiring natural phenomenon.” You can also spot whales, seals, and walruses as you cruise along this magnificent waterway. 

In summer, consider paddling a kayak to witness sunset colors reflected in the ice. Or, from January to April, venture inland and hunker down for the night in an authentic igloo.

Winter is also the best time to try your hand at activities such as snowshoeing, snowmobiling, and dog-sledding in coastal settlements like Sisimiut and Kangerlussuaq. Make the most of the dark skies as you marvel at the ethereal northern lights before finishing up in Nuuk, the capital. There, you can check out the Greenland National Museum to gain insight into the history and culture that has shaped a nation, as well as the challenges presented by rising global temperatures when you live surrounded by ice.

Plan Your Trip as Far Ahead as Possible

With increased interest in Greenland, those who organize their trip well in advance will benefit from more affordable prices and a greater choice of accommodations and tours. Tina Lauritsen of Greenland Travel says it’s best to plan your trip as early as possible using a specialist travel agency that knows the area well: “The first rule when traveling to Greenland? Book your accommodation and then flight tickets.” That’s especially important if you hope to visit small settlements such as Ilulissat in peak season, when demand often outstrips supply.

Visit an ATM While You’re in Nuuk or Ilulissat

Although contactless and card payments are increasingly common, many Greenlandic settlements are very small, and businesses may have a tradition of requiring payment in cash. You’ll find ATMs in larger cities such as Nuuk and Ilulissat, but not everywhere, so it’s a good idea to withdraw some Danish kroner (Greenland’s currency) when you have the opportunity. A few tourist stores may accept U.S. dollars, but the acceptance of foreign currency isn’t widespread.

Tipping Isn’t Expected But Is Always Welcome

Unlike in the U.S., gratuities aren’t expected when taking a tour, catching a cab, or dining out. The price you pay includes service. That said, if the service you receive is truly exceptional, offering an additional tip is likely to be warmly welcomed. In these instances, leaving a small amount in cash is the best way to go. 

Be Respectful When Taking Photographs

In a country as beautiful as Greenland, you’ll be reaching for your camera often. It’s polite to ask locals if you can take their photograph, though you might be refused, particularly where tourist numbers are highest. In that case, do as they ask. When photographing wildlife, be sure to keep a reasonable distance to ensure you don’t unwittingly disrupt breeding or feeding patterns. Also be sure not to move any objects or plants — leave everything as you found it.

Prepare To Encounter Bugs During the Summer

Despite Greenland’s northerly location, summer visitors are likely to encounter midges and mosquitoes. They typically appear between June and August when the weather is at its mildest, and they don’t survive the first frosts come fall. If you plan to vacation here during the summer, it’s wise to take precautions, especially if you are prone to being bitten or expect to spend extended periods outdoors. It’s usually possible to buy repellent, nets, and bite cream in large towns, but you’ll probably want to bring your own just to be sure.