A journey to the frozen edge of the world.
Icebergs drifting slowly on the sea, small colorful villages nestled in the snow that seem to have remained untouched by time, and a deep bond between people and the environment compose a once-in-a-lifetime experience for those who decide to travel to Greenland. The worlds largest island is an unknown and unexplored destination for most.
Greenland has monopolized the worlds interest in recent days because of Donald Trump, who brought it to the forefront with his statements. The island country is geographically in North America - specifically in the Arctic -, but for about 300 years it has been controlled by Denmark, which is almost 3.000 kilometers away. Although it is the worlds largest island, it is also the most sparsely populated territory, with a population of about 56,000, mainly indigenous Inuit.
About 80% of the countrys territory is uninhabited as it is covered by ice, which means that most people live on the southwestern coast around the capital Nuuk and do not exceed 20.000. Winters are harsh with extreme temperatures. The official language of Greenland (Kalaallit Nunaat) is Greenlandic, but Greenlanders also speak Danish as well as English.
Greenland means «Green Land» and it seems odd, because it is not green at all except for a few days in summer. The name is attributed to the Viking Erik the Red, who reached the island in the 10th century. According to CNN Travel, for many years the big problem for travelers was the difficult access via time-consuming connecting flights. That changed in late 2024, as the capital acquired an international airport and just in June 2025 direct flights from New York were inaugurated.
The cities of Greenland
If you visit Greenland you will discover its small, lively capital, Nuuk, which is the countrys cultural center. Here lies the National Museum, with exhibits on the Inuit and the regions history, and colorful houses and cafés that blend Scandinavian style with Arctic character. The countrys second-largest city, Sisimiut, is the ideal place to learn more about the daily life of residents, as it preserves its traditional character and has beautiful trails around it, serving as a base for outdoor activities all year round.
The town Ittoqqortoormiit, with the tongue-twisting name, is the most remote in Greenland. From Nerlerit Inaat Airport you need another helicopter flight to get there. Ittoqqortoormiit was founded in 1925 and today has about 450 inhabitants. Travelers visit it mainly to see the Northern Lights and other wonders of nature.
Ilulissat Icefjord
The Ilulissat Icefjord is one of the countrys most impressive places. In its picturesque harbor locals fish for shrimp, while all around visitors can enjoy craft beers filtered with ice that is 100.000 years old. It is the point where the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Icefjord, dominates, from which enormous icebergs - the size of Manhattan skyscrapers - calve from the glacier and float into Disko Bay, creating a mesmerizing spectacle. Visitors enjoy their outing there on small boats, admiring the icebergs from a distance as well as picturesque settlements with colorful houses.
The east and the west coast
More remote and authentic, the countrys eastern side offers impressive fjords, steep mountains and small settlements that seem to have remained untouched by time. Tasiilaq, formerly known as Ammassalik, is a village in the Sermersooq municipality in southeastern Greenland. Here you will encounter even more glaciers and fjords. The west coast is particularly popular with cruise ships mainly from North America and Iceland. Although cruises in Greenland began as an adventurous alternative, they now seem to have become very popular with visitors.
Activities in nature
Boat trips among the icebergs are among the most characteristic experiences you can have in Greenland. In summer, the waters fill with huge pieces of ice that constantly change shape and color. Sea excursions to observe the icebergs will reward you with unique experiences. Also explore the striking blue waters of the Eternity fjord near Maniitsoq and the ancient remains of Paleo-Inuit cultures in southern Greenland, together with the ruins of Viking longhouses from the 10th century.
If you love hiking, Greenland offers trails for all levels, from short routes near towns to multi-day hikes in absolute solitude. The landscape shifts constantly: mountains, lakes, fjords and glaciers. One of the most popular activities, also, is whale watching in Disko Bay. From June to September, whales such as humpbacks and minke appear close to the shores. Seeing them in their natural environment is an awe-inspiring experience. Beyond the whales, travelers visit the country to see polar bears, which in summer approach the land as the ice melts.
The Northern Lights
The signature winter experience in Greenland is observing the Northern Lights. From autumn to spring, Greenlands sky lights up in a magical way. Far from light pollution, the colors appear vivid and clear, making the phenomenon even more enchanting.
The total solar eclipse
The total solar eclipse of 2026 is also expected to increase the number of visitors to the country. There is a company that organizes a cruise specifically for this purpose around Greenland, with passengers able to enjoy the spectacular sight from the ship.
Discovering Inuit culture and flavors
Through local museums and everyday life in the country you can understand the deep relationship of the Inuit with nature and their resilience in extreme conditions. They offer sled rides for the more daring visitorsfrom short one-hour routes to multi-day expeditions, which may even include igloo-building lessons. Greenlands gastronomy is based on what nature provides. You will taste fresh fish, shrimp, crab, as well as more distinctive flavors such as reindeer and seal. In recent years, contemporary Greenlandic cuisine has been evolving, combining traditional ingredients with Scandinavian techniques.
