Greenland
Top 10 Destinations in Greenland
Top 10 Destinations in Greenland
Tucked between the vast Arctic and Atlantic Oceans, Greenland is a North American autonomous nation under the far Kingdom of Denmark. Considered as the world’s largest island, Greenland is rather white and not literally green as three-fourths of its parts are blanketed by kilometer thick ice sheets.
Greenland, with less than 60,000 inhabitants, most are Inuit, is the home of the spectacular icebergs and glaciers. Your skin may need the best winter clothes but the stunning view of whites and blues of the sea and the gigantic chunks of ice are truly a rewarding sight for the eyes. Bonus features are the rare polar bears, reindeer and even whales!
Without further ado, buckle up and wear those thick jackets and let’s see the top 10 destinations in Greenland:
Ilulissat Ice-fjord
Carrying the meaning of icebergs, Ilulissat is the home of the enchanting UNESCO World Heritage Site called Ilulissat Ice-fjord. It is a part of Greenland where massive ‘calve’ or glaciers can be found freely floating along the pristine coastal waters. You need not to brave riding a boat to get near the magical sight as you can clearly see the frozen vista even when you are in the land.
Uunartoq Hot Springs
Greenland, as a relatively mostly frozen country, is also known for its soothing and calming hot springs. One of the best go-to place for warm bathing is the Uunartoq Hot Springs. While Greenland possesses more than a thousand of this water form, Uunartoq has the only hot spring with the best warm temperature at 34-38 degrees even during the peak of winter where visitors can really dip into.
The Northern Lights - Aurora Borealis
What is more stunning than a night sky colored by dancing green glow of northern lights? This spectacular natural wonder, dubbed as “the biggest light show on earth,” can be the highlight of your Greenland adventure. It happens all year round but is quite not visible during summer because it is being dulled by the Greenland’s midnight sun.
For best and clearest view on any point in Greenland, it is ideal to watch this on September until the first few days of April.
Sermemiut Eskimo Settlement
As the country is covered mostly with ice, Greenland is known for its Eskimo residents. If you are curious about this indigenous group’s culture, then you better visit Sermermiut Eskimo Settlement, another UNESCO World Heritage Site in Greenland.
Located around two kilometers from Ilulissat, the abandoned village has more than two centuries of artifacts. Tours of the place include a guide knowledgeable about the remnants of the Eskimos.
Nuuk
As the center of Greenland, Nuuk is a famous tourist destination mainly because of its rich-in-culture Greenland National Museum. Showcasing centuries old relics, the museum is widely known for its 500-year old mummified and still well-preserved remains of women and children. Your bare eyes will still be able to recognize the ancient facial tattoos as well as the colors and the materials used by women and children during the ancient times.
Narsarsuaq
Located in the southern part of Greenland, Narsarsuaq takes pride for its exquisite blue ice glaciers, a natural event made possible by the combination of compressed snow plus larger air crystals. This area is also known for its independence in terms of its power production.
Viking Ruins
Take a travel back in time when you visit the Viking Ruins located in the southern part of the country. The settlement, where 5,000 Norsemen lived according to beliefs, features the notable remains of the oldest church in Greenland which is the Hvalsey Fjord Church.
Tasiilaq
Let’s head to the east part of Greenland where the high peaks of the mountains hem in the stunning view of a fjord cut across by a tiny yet equally breathtaking river. In this town of Tasiilaq hides The Flower Valley, an infamous hiking spot in Greenland.
Adventure seekers can also ski and even try dog-sled tours during winter. When the sun is at its highest, you can also hike, climb the mountains, experience the helicopter tour to see the glaciers, kayak by the sea to get an up close view of the fjord, fish on the river and watch out of whales.
Thule
Thule, tagged as an enchanting part of Greenland, got its name from two Danish explorers Knud Rasmussen and Peter Freuchen. Both are the first establishers of trading points in 1910 that resulted to explorations in Thule which was then inhabited by Eskimo tribes. Tourists can learn more about the Eskimo once they visit this area.
Whale Watching in Qeqertarsuaq, Nuuk and Aasiaat
Seeing the gigantic creatures of the sea is the activity one should not miss in Greenland and the months of May, June and July are the best time to see these whales swimming in the melted fjords. To book a whale watching tour, contact the trusted operators such as Disko Line and Greenland Adventures.
