Discover Tailor-Made Greenland Vacations

The summer months, from June to August, are the most popular for travel. Milder weather and endless daylight create perfect conditions for sailing through iceberg-filled fjords, hiking across tundra trails, and joining lively cultural festivals. Winter, stretching from December to April, reveals Greenland’s frozen beauty, with opportunities for dog sledding, skiing, and witnessing the aurora borealis painting the sky.

For those seeking quieter travel, spring and autumn provide excellent value. Spring, from March to May, brings dramatic transitions as snow melts and days lengthen, while autumn, from September to October, offers fleeting yet striking bursts of colour before winter sets in. These shoulder seasons bring fewer visitors and more affordable prices, creating a more intimate way to experience Greenland’s landscapes.

To make the most of your journey, plan at least seven to ten days to explore multiple regions, such as the UNESCO-listed Ilulissat Icefjord, Nuuk’s vibrant cultural scene, and the Norse ruins of southern Greenland. Shorter stays of five days can focus on one area, while three weeks are recommended for those aiming to traverse the entire country’s vast and rugged terrain.

Visitors will find etiquette centred around warmth and community. Greetings may include hugs, handshakes, or kisses on the cheek, with polite titles such as “Aap” for sir or “Amaq” for madam. Hospitality is highly valued, and it’s common to be welcomed with food or drink when visiting. Sustainability underpins much of Greenlandic culture, with hunting, fishing, and foraging traditions reflecting the importance of preserving the country’s fragile ecosystems.

Greenland is best known for its immense natural wonders, from the vast Greenland Ice Sheet to iceberg-dotted fjords and the spectacle of the Northern Lights. Traditional practices such as dog sledding, kayaking, and seal hunting remain integral to cultural identity. Festivals and celebrations, like National Day on 21 June, bring people together through music, dancing, and traditional dress. Storytelling, drum dancing, and Inuit tattooing are also enduring forms of expression that keep ancestral traditions alive.

Greenlanders are often described as warm and welcoming once initial reserve is bridged, with humour, kindness, and family at the heart of community life. Language also plays a key role in cultural identity. Greenlandic, with its four dialects, is the official language, though Danish and English are widely spoken, especially among younger generations in towns and cities.

Reindeer, muskox, and South Greenlandic lamb feature prominently on the table, alongside fresh catches such as cod, Arctic char, trout, and Greenlandic halibut. Shrimp and prawns also add richness to meals. Suaasat, the national dish, is a hearty soup traditionally made with seal or whale meat, potatoes, onions, and rice. For the most authentic experience, a Greenlandic buffet offers a wide sampling of local delicacies, while many restaurants blend international recipes with native ingredients.

Dining etiquette reflects Greenland’s emphasis on hospitality and community. Accepting food when offered is polite, and a simple thank you to your host is customary. Meals are informal, yet meaningful, with kaffemik gatherings—intimate celebrations with friends and family—providing a warm way to experience traditional dining. Alcohol, particularly beer and imported spirits, is enjoyed socially, though public drunkenness is frowned upon. Toasts, when given, should be honoured before sipping.

Restaurants in larger towns like Nuuk are increasingly accommodating vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free diets, though options are more limited in remote settlements. Eating out in Greenland can be costly due to reliance on imported goods, with café meals averaging $20–$30 USD and three-course dinners often ranging from $60–$100 USD. For travellers, every meal offers not only nourishment but also a deeper connection to Greenland’s Arctic heritage.

Visitors from the United States and Canada can travel in Greenland for up to 90 days without a visa. To experience the breadth of the island’s landscapes, plan at least three weeks, though shorter trips of five to ten days offer rewarding immersion in highlights like the Ilulissat Icefjord or Nuuk’s cultural scene. Tipping isn’t customary, as service charges are typically included, but small gestures of appreciation for exceptional service are welcomed.

The Danish Krone (DKK) is the official currency, with most major cards accepted in larger towns. Carrying some cash is wise when travelling to remote settlements. English is widely spoken, especially by younger generations, alongside Greenlandic, the official language with its four dialects. Tap water is safe, and many travellers savour the purity of Greenland’s lakes and rivers directly—carrying a reusable bottle is encouraged as a sustainable practice.

Greenland is considered welcoming for LGBTQ+ travellers, with same-sex marriage legal and broad acceptance across the country. Hospitality is warm, and respect for community and the environment is at the heart of daily life. With thoughtful preparation, you’ll be ready to embrace Greenland’s wilderness, from glacier-carved fjords to resilient Arctic culture, in comfort and confidence.