rugged nature | serious adventure | indigenous culture
Greenland
I f you’re looking at 2025 as the year to expand your horizons, your timing is impeccable. In response to the increasing overtourism issues the world’s most-visited cities have suffered in recent years, travel companies are launching new routes to off-the-radar destinations. Greenland—the world’s largest island, 80% of which is covered by an ice sheet—is one of them. A new international airport opens in November 2024 in Nuuk, Greenland’s capital, and United Airlines will be flying there nonstop from New York (Newark) beginning in June, marking the first direct flight service to the autonomous Danish territory from the States. Icelandair, previously the sole carrier that connected Americans to four Greenlandic destinations via Iceland, will continue service from 13 U.S. cities. A growing number of cruise lines are adding Greenland ports to their itineraries, as well.
All of this to say that a trip to this land of northern lights, midnight sun, Inuit culture and otherworldly landscapes has suddenly become a very real possibility. With the “hows” worked out, here’s a look at the “whys” of travel to this remote and starkly beautiful place.
Dream-like landscapes
Nature scenes that invite contemplation and meditation are abundant in Greenland. Walk to the end of Isaajap Aqqutaa (a street) in the town of Nuuk to enjoy one of the most iconic views of the shore, the clusters of colorful houses and towering Mt. Sermitsiaq across the fjord.
Of course, Greenland is best-known for its quiet and uninhabited areas. These are abundant in one of the most sparsely populated places in the world. Exploring from Ilulissat will put you in the heart of the Disko Bay area, where sky-high, miles-wide icebergs calved from the Sermeq Kujalleq glacier are on view from coastal walking trails, kayak tours through the UNESCO-listed Ilulissat Icefjord or even from town. In east Greenland's Kulusuk—a settlement of just 300 residents—look out across ice floe-dotted fjords to view crops of rock islands and jagged mountains in the distance.
Traveling the serene Arctic island of
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Nuuk and Mt. Sermitsiaq | Photo credit: Elia Locardi - Visit Greenland
Snowshoeing near Sermermuit | Photo credit: Mads Pihl - Visit Greenland
Rugged natural beauty
Adventure in the truest sense
Indigenous culture
Admire icebergs in Disko Bay | Photo credit: Lisa Germany - Visit Greenland
Boat tour from Ilulissat | Photo credit: Benjamin Hardman - Visit Greenland
Camping near Tasersuaq | Photo credit: Mads Pihl - Visit Greenland
Hiking between ice sheets | Photo credit: Adam Lyberth - Visit Greenland
Plan your trip
Ilulissat Water Taxi near the Icefjord | Photo credit: Mads Pihl - Visit Greenland
Sled in tall grass | Photo credit: Aningaaq Rosing Carlsen - Visit Greenland
Kulusuk | Photo credit: Norris Niman - Visit Greenland
Kayakers explore the Ilulissat Icefjord | Photo credit: Reinhard Pantke - Visit Greenland
Photo credit: Aningaaq R. Carlsen - Visit Greenland
Photo credit: Norris Niman - Visit Greenland
Enok Kilime carving reindeer bone | Photo credit: Mads Pihl - Visit Greenland
Sun-lit nights and northern lights
Each season in Greenland brings an intense shift in weather and the experience you can expect. Most travelers choose to visit during the spring or summer months (May through September), when temperatures are milder (they range from 30–51 degrees Fahrenheit in south Greenland on average; they're colder north of the Arctic Circle). This is an ideal time to witness the fairy tale-like phenomenon of the midnight sun—days or months (depending on the area) when the sun hangs above the horizon at all hours. Towns offer late-night excursions during these surreal days. Locals look to them as a time to charge their spirits, spending extra time outside ahead of winter's darkness. (Depending on how far north you are, sunlight is limited to nonexistent in winter.)
Fall and winter seasons (late September through April) bring their own incredible skies, along with lower average temps (13–37 degrees in south Greenland). The aurora borealis are best viewed during these months. Head into the island's icy interior with a guided tour for your best chance at catching them.
Glacier hikes and ice cap camping
There are no roads connecting the towns dotted along Greenland's coast—not surprising, since a 5-mile-thick ice sheet lies between many of them. This means you'll be getting around by helicopter, small plane, boat or foot as you explore. (PSA: You can't count on a quick rescue in Greenland's remote wilderness, so always go with proper equipment and an experienced guide.)
Hiking is one of the most accessible ways to take in Greenland's landscapes, with the Arctic Circle Trail—a 105-mile route running from the edge of the ice sheet from Kangerlussuaq to Sisimiut—at the top of the list. It takes an average of nine days to complete. The Sermermiut Settlement hike near Ilulissat, though markedly shorter at just 4.3 miles, is another astounding one, leading to remains of Indigenous settlements dating back 4,000 years, along with striking views of the Icefjord. True intrepid types can book a guided ice cap trek and camping trip from Kangerlussuaq, the only town in Greenland with (off-)road access to the ice sheet.
Awe-inspiring animal encounters
Dog sledding is a vital cultural—and practical—Greenlandic fixture, having played a pivotal role in transportation and hunting for thousands of years. You can experience this by booking a tour—potentially one that incorporates northern lights chasing or an overnight stay in an igloo. Or witness the sport in its highest form at the Avannaata Qimussersua, the national dog sled race held annually in western Greenland (location and dates vary each year; 2025 details pending).
Beyond Greenland's 15,000 sled dogs, wildlife is abundant across the island's coastal tundra. You may well spot polar bears, arctic foxes, arctic hares, reindeer and muskoxen on land. Humpback, fin, bowhead, beluga and minke whales plus a variety of seals inhabit the local waters. Look out also for arctic birds like snow bunting, northern wheatear, white-tailed eagle and Atlantic puffin.
Intriguing heritage and history
The first inhabitants of the island are thought to have arrived as long as 5,000 years ago, emigrating from what is now Canada's Ellesmere Island. In the 10th century, the Thule culture—which developed dog sleds, harpoons and kayaks—spread across Greenland. Norse explorers arrived and settled, eventually vanishing mysteriously. European interest in Greenland resumed in the 1700s, and Denmark claimed Greenland as a colony in 1775. Greenland became a distinct nation within the Kingdom of Denmark in 1979. About 80 percent of modern Greenlanders are descendants of the Thule or of mixed Inuit-Danish-Norwegian ancestry.
One of the best places to gain an understanding of the waves of people who have inhabited Greenland—from prehistoric times to today—is to visit the Nunatta Katersugaasivia Allagaateqarfialu Greenland National Museum & Archives in Nuuk. There you'll see artifacts like Inuit skin boats and dog sleds, traditional Greenlandic clothing, tools and children's toys.
Culture and culinary traditions
The music of Greenland includes age-old Inuit traditions, like throat singing (katajjaq) and drum-fueled song and dance. These techniques, fused with modern styles, can be heard at local bars, community centers and churches—and at a host of annual music festivals. You can also absorb the local culture with a visit to downtown Nuuk, where a range of locally owned boutiques sell Inuit-designed goods. You'll get by even if you haven't polished your Greenlandic; more than half of Greenlanders can speak English.
Be prepared to eat like a Greenlander when you're on the island. If you're lucky, you'll score an invite to a traditional kaffemik—a kind of social hour with coffee and cake. These are thrown in Greenlandic homes for all manner of special occasions, providing the connection to the community that's essential to life in the Arctic. At these events, and at restaurants around the island, you'll also find suaasat, the national dish of Greenland, traditionally made with seal meat, barley and onions. Muskox, whale, sea duck and reindeer are also staples of local menus, along with a variety of locally caught seafood.
Best Bet 2025
Greenland was chosen as a Travelzoo Best Bet for 2025. Only nine worldwide destinations were selected for this honor, based on factors like increased interest among Travelzoo members, sustainability considerations or landmark events for the new year. See the full list here.
Best Bet 2025
Best Bet 2025
Best Bet 2025
Destination XYZ was chosen as a Travelzoo Best Bet for 2025. Only XXX worldwide destinations were selected for this honour, based on factors like increased interest among Travelzoo members, sustainability considerations or landmark events for the new year. See the full list here.
Aurora borealis | Photo credit: Paul Zizka - Visit Greenland
Midnight sun at a church in Ilulissat | Photo credit: Aningaaq R Carlsen - Visit Greenland
Polar fox | Photo credit: Aqqa R. Asvid - Visit Greenland
Muskoxen | Photo credit: Dan B. Kristensen - Visit Greenland
Dog sledding | Photo credit: Aningaaq R. Carlsen - Visit Greenland
Reindeer | Photo credit: Klaus Eskildsen - Visit Greenland
Arctic hare | Photo credit: Lina Stock - Visit Greenland
Polar bear cub and mother | Photo credit: Aningaaq R. Carlsen - Visit Greenland
Wooden mask (left); Greenland National Museum (right)
Photo credits: Peter Lindstrom (left) & Aningaaq Rosing Carlsen (right) - Visit Greenland
Kaffemik in a Greenlandic home | Photo credit: Magnus B Trolle - Visit Greenland
Kaffemik buns | Photo credit: Magnus B Trolle - Visit Greenland
Nuussuaq Autumn Sunset | Photo credit: Carlo Lukassen - Visit Greenland
rugged nature | serious adventure | indigenous culture
rugged nature | serious adventure | indigenous culture
Dream-like landscapes
Nature scenes that invite contemplation and meditation are abundant in Greenland. Walk to the end of Isaajap Aqqutaa (a street) in the town of Nuuk to enjoy one of the most iconic views of the shore, the clusters of colorful houses and towering Mt. Sermitsiaq across the fjord.
Of course, Greenland is best-known for its quiet and uninhabited areas. These are abundant in one of the most sparsely populated places in the world. Exploring from Ilulissat will put you in the heart of the Disko Bay area, where sky-high, miles-wide icebergs calved from the Sermeq Kujalleq glacier are on view from coastal walking trails, kayak tours through the UNESCO-listed Ilulissat Icefjord or even from town. In east Greenland's Kulusuk—a settlement of just 300 residents—look out across ice floe-dotted fjords to view crops of rock islands and jagged mountains in the distance.
Sun-lit nights and northern lights
Each season in Greenland brings an intense shift in weather and the experience you can expect. Most travelers choose to visit during the spring or summer months (May through September), when temperatures are milder (they range from 30–51 degrees Fahrenheit in south Greenland on average; they're colder north of the Arctic Circle). This is an ideal time to witness the fairy tale-like phenomenon of the midnight sun—days or months (depending on the area) when the sun hangs above the horizon at all hours. Towns offer late-night excursions during these surreal days. Locals look to them as a time to charge their spirits, spending extra time outside ahead of winter's darkness. (Depending on how far north you are, sunlight is limited to nonexistent in winter.)
Fall and winter seasons (late September through April) bring their own incredible skies, along with lower average temps (13–37 degrees in south Greenland). The aurora borealis are best viewed during these months. Head into the island's icy interior with a guided tour for your best chance at catching them.
Glacier hikes and ice cap camping
There are no roads connecting the towns dotted along Greenland's coast—not surprising, since a 5-mile-thick ice sheet lies between many of them. This means you'll be getting around by helicopter, small plane, boat or foot as you explore. (PSA: You can't count on a quick rescue in Greenland's remote wilderness, so always explore with proper equipment and an experienced guide.)
Hiking is one of the most accessible ways to take in Greenland's landscapes, with the Arctic Circle Trail—a 105-mile route running from the edge of the ice sheet from Kangerlussuaq to Sisimiut—at the top of the list. It takes an average of nine days to complete. The Sermermiut Settlement hike near Ilulissat, though markedly shorter at just 4.3 miles, is another astounding one, leading to remains of Indigenous settlements dating back 4,000 years, along with striking views of the Icefjord. True intrepid types can book a guided ice cap trek and camping trip from Kangerlussuaq, the only town in Greenland with (off-)road access to the ice sheet.
Awe-inspiring animal encounters
Dog sledding is a vital cultural—and practical—Greenlandic fixture, having played a pivotal role in transportation and hunting for thousands of years. You can experience this by booking a tour—potentially one that incorporates northern lights chasing or an overnight stay in an igloo. Or witness the sport in its highest form at the Avannaata Qimussersua, the national dog sled race held annually in western Greenland (location and dates vary each year; 2025 details pending).
Beyond Greenland's 15,000 sled dogs, wildlife is abundant across the island's coastal tundra. You may well spot polar bears, arctic foxes, arctic hares, reindeer and muskoxen on land. Humpback, fin, bowhead, beluga and minke whales plus a variety of seals inhabit the local waters. Look out also for arctic birds like snow bunting, northern wheatear, white-tailed eagle and Atlantic puffin.
Intriguing heritage and history
The first inhabitants of the island are thought to have arrived as long as 5,000 years ago, emigrating from what is now Canada's Ellesmere Island. In the 10th century, the Thule culture—which developed dog sleds, harpoons and kayaks—spread across Greenland. Norse explorers arrived and settled, eventually vanishing mysteriously. European interest in Greenland resumed in the 1700s, and Denmark claimed Greenland as a colony in 1775. Greenland became a distinct nation within the Kingdom of Denmark in 1979. About 80 percent of modern Greenlanders are descendants of the Thule or of mixed Inuit-Danish-Norwegian ancestry.
One of the best places to gain an understanding of the waves of people who have inhabited Greenland—from prehistoric times to today—is to visit the Nunatta Katersugaasivia Allagaateqarfialu Greenland National Museum & Archives in Nuuk. There you'll see artifacts like Inuit skin boats and dog sleds, traditional Greenlandic clothing, tools and children's toys.
Culture and culinary traditions
The music of Greenland includes age-old Inuit traditions, like throat singing (katajjaq) and drum-fueled song and dance. These techniques, fused with modern styles, can be heard at local bars, community centers and churches—and at a host of annual music festivals. You can also absorb the local culture with a visit to downtown Nuuk, where a range of locally owned boutiques sell Inuit-designed goods. You'll get by even if you haven't polished your Greenlandic; more than half of Greenlanders can speak English.
Be prepared to eat like a Greenlander when you're on the island. If you're lucky, you'll score an invite to a traditional kaffemik—a kind of social hour with coffee and cake. These are thrown in Greenlandic homes for all manner of special occasions, providing the connection to the community that's essential to life in the Arctic. At these events, and at restaurants around the island, you'll also find suaasat, the national dish of Greenland, traditionally made with seal meat, barley and onions. Muskox, whale, sea duck and reindeer are also staples of local menus, along with a variety of locally caught seafood.
