How to Experience the Spirit of Greenland

There's no better way to learn about the world than by travelling. Reading about and researching a destination only gets you so far when you're trying to understand what makes a destination unique. It often requires walking directly in the footsteps of locals, seeing historic relics up close in a museum, and listening to stories only they can tell over a shared meal. Only travel puts you in the heart of a destination and its story. While every destination is special, there are a select few where you truly need to "see it to believe it." Greenland is one of those destinations.

You can study Greenland's most famous experiences, its most beautiful sights, and its must-try meals. But only when you feel the energy radiating off a pack of dogs pulling you across the Greenland Ice Sheet, witness the Northern Lights dance vividly above you, or savour some freshly caught whale will you ever truly understand Greenland.

Here's how we recommend travelling to Greenland to ensure your journey is one of true understanding. 

Discover Greenland's Timeless Hunting Traditions

Greenland's vast, frozen Arctic landscapes of ice caps, fjords, and rugged coastline largely shape Greenlandic culture, one with deep Inuit, Norse, and Dutch roots. Everything from transport, eating, and fun in Greenland is shaped in some way by its Arctic landscapes, and exploring Greenland like a Greenlander is the best way to learn about the country.

The Aasivissuit-Nipisat UNESCO World Heritage Site at the Arctic Circle in West Greenland is one of the best examples of the relationship between Greenland's natural landscapes and its people. This beautiful area, from the ice cap to the sea, offers a glimpse into over 4,000 years of human history as the hunting ground of Paleo-Inuit and Inuit cultures for millennia. This is Greenland's largest ice-free area, acting as a key hunting ground for Greenlanders throughout history up to the present day. Adventurous globetrotters can hike the 160 km- (99 mi-) long Arctic Circle Trail, passing through significant portions of this World Heritage Site. More leisurely options include staying in the towns of Kangerlussuaq or Sisimuit, which are both nestled on the site's edge, offering excellent day trips to this historic site.

The Kujtaa UNESCO World Heritage Site is another captivating example of Greenland's hunting legacy. The history of this subarctic region dates back to the 10th century when farmers and hunters from Iceland arrived in Greenland, expanding Norse culture beyond Europe. This incredible area showcases the agriculture, grazing, and hunting practices of both Norse and Inuit communities, who've lived sustainably off the land for generations.

Gain a deeper appreciation for Greenland's resiliency and hunting traditions by exploring the Aasivissuit-Nipisat hunting grounds. Here, you'll witness firsthand how the land has sustained communities for thousands of years, with delicious samples of freshly prepared seal, whale, snow crab, root vegetables, and other locally sourced items to savour at your hotel.

Embrace Greenland's Wildside

The Aasivissuit-Nipisat UNESCO World Heritage Site is only one slice of Greenland's stunning natural scenery. Greenland's very first World Heritage Site, the Ilulissat Ice Fjord, is one of the country's most iconic and spectacular displays of its Arctic landscapes. Here, you can admire towering icebergs calving from the Sermeq Kujalleq Glacier, one of the most active glaciers in the world, creating a shifting maze of ice in the fjord.

There are plenty of ways for you to experience Greenland's natural wonders as well, emblematic of Greenland's resilient spirit and culture. Options include guided hikes, dog sledding, kayaking, snowmobiling, snowshoeing, and skiing. Greenland's remote communities and extreme conditions almost guarantee that any journey there will include multiple modes of transportation. All of these are excellent opportunities to embrace the stunning sights and historical significance of the country and the people around you.

Connect with Greenlandic Warmth & Community Spirit

Community is tight-knight on the world's largest island. Greenland's capital, Nuuk, is the country's largest and most populous city, with a modest population of roughly 19,800 people. Greenland's other towns and settlements can be much smaller, with an average population of only 500 people. Though it might not seem like it, this is an incredible opportunity to meet local Greenlanders and learn about their country directly from them.

Every visitor matters in these small communities, with kind hospitality being a key value of Greenlandic society. You'll likely be greeted with a friendly "Aluu” invited to share a coffee, also known as a kaffemik, or offered a sample of local specialties like mattak (whale skin and blubber) or dried fish. Whether you're simply exploring the town or asking for the best spot to watch the Northern Lights, friendly and welcoming Greenlanders are likely within reach.