What to see, places to go, and reasons to visit Greenland
There's nothing quite like seeing your first Greenland glacier, sailing into the island's largest fjord system (also, incidentally, Earth's largest), or watching a humpback whale breach over the dark Greenland Sea.
Three great reasons to visit Greenland, and we've barely gotten started.
Traveling to Greenland means exploring one of the planet's most precious polar treasures. In fact, you may find yourself wondering why you haven't taken a Greenland trip sooner. And if you still have any doubt, here are 11 reasons you should visit this amazing Arctic island as soon as possible.
1. Greenland is one of the best places to see the northern lights
Seeing the northern lights, or aurora borealis, is a mystical experience. Visit Greenland between September and April, and you can find out for yourself. One of the best places to see the northern lights in Greenland is Scoresby Sund, the largest fjord system on Earth.
2. Glaciers and icebergs are abundant in Greenland
Among the most impressive things you can see in Greenland are its enormous ice formations. Be sure to take a quality camera capable of panoramic shots, because you'll likely make good use of it in Greenland.
3. Greenland's midnight sun shines round the clock
If you're into soaking up the sun, another reason to visit Greenland is its 24-hour daylight during the Arctic summer. The midnight sun will give you plenty of light for viewing all the dramatic landscapes and, hopefully, wildlife sightings possible in Greenland.
4. Greenland's ice sheet is gargantuan
The Greenland ice sheet deserves a high spot on any list of what to see in Greenland. This massive frozen sheath spans approximately 80% of Greenland's land surface, is about 100,000 years old, and is 2,000 – 3,000 meters (6,600 – 9,800 feet) thick.
You won't be chilling martinis with it, but it's certainly a reason to visit Greenland.
© Mads Pihl - Visit Greenland
5. You might see bowhead whales if you visit Greenland
Bowhead, fin, humpback, and many other species of whale call the Greenland Sea home. They feed off the krill and other plentiful food sources offshore, giving you yet another reason to visit Greenland.
6. You can meet the people of Greenland
Traveling is not just about exploring the land, it's also about meeting its people. The Inuit are a culturally diverse native group you may be able to visit on your Greenland cruise. Enjoy experiencing their rich and ancient folklore, art forms, and traditions.
7. Greenland has a wealth of Arctic wildlife
Wondering what else there is to see in Greenland? How about musk oxen, walruses, birds, and maybe even polar bears?
Keep in mind, however, that some Arctic species are more common in Greenland than others. We don't see polar bears there nearly as often as during our Svalbard cruises, but musk oxen and Arctic hares do make appearances in Greeland.
8. Greenland's eastern coastline is absolutely grand
One of the top reasons to visit Greenland is the mountainous, snow-swept coastline of its eastern side. Join one of our walking groups and you can explore the gorgeous flora, exotic fauna, and legend-worthy landscapes to be found there.
9. You might chill your cocktail with ancient Greenland ice
Remember how we said you wouldn't be chilling any martinis with the Greenland ice sheet? Well, that's only half true.
If you can get your hands on a small piece of free-floating pack ice during your Greenland visit, you may be able to use it to chill your drink back on the ship. Some of these ice chunks are up to 4,000 years old, so be sure to mix them with something nice.
10. Scoresby Sund is the largest fjord system on Earth
Of all the places to see in Greenland, Scoresby Sund is one of the most beloved by our passengers. As mentioned, this fjord system is one of the best areas to view the northern lights, but it's also a wonderful place to see in Greenland at any time of year.
Scoresby Sund will also make you feel accordingly small, so don't forget to take some wonderful panoramic shots while you're there.
11. You can go on guided Zodiac tours in Greenland
Another exciting reason to visit Greenland is its Zodiac excursions, which let you leave the ship and make shore landings. Sometimes, however, you may just cruise around the bergs, taking in all the enchanting sights and sounds of Greenland.
Plan your Greenland visit today
Greenland is a confirmed traveler's paradise, filled with more things to see, places to go, and reasons to visit than can fit into any reasonable list. Between the culture, history, wildlife, and landscape, you'll never be short on unforgettable experiences in Greenland.
Visit our website and check out the details of all our adventurous Greenland cruises.
