Greenland might not be an obvious choice for your next holiday destination, after all, this massive island does seem rather wild and remote. The famous saying “Iceland is green, and Greenland is ice” doesn’t help either, making this little-visited landmass sound cold and inhospitable.
Many people would rather travel to places like Paris, New York City, Shanghai, or Mumbai instead, where it’s warm and there’s lots to do. Yet Greenland has it’s own unique allure, and whilst it may not be the cheapest destination in the world to visit, it boasts a richness of experience found nowhere else on earth.
Greenland isn’t just for the hardcore explorer anymore. It’s becoming a rising star among solo land with more sled dogs than people, Greenland delivers on adventure, with a side of exclusivity.
So, What’s Greenland All About?
This is how some famous travel publications describe Greenland:
- Lonely Planet: “’When you’ve seen the world there’s always Greenland’ goes the old travellers’ saying. But why wait till then? Greenland is not a cheap destination, but few places combine such magnificent scenery, such clarity of light and such raw power of nature.”
- Condé Nast Traveler: “Greenland, a fragile Danish territory with one of the world’s two permanent ice sheets, wants tourists, but it has no desire to become Iceland 2.0.”
- Time Out: “It will soon become much easier to visit this remote country.”
Reasons to Visit Greenland (According to Experts)
There are two reasons why travellers want to visit Greenland, according to travel specialists:
1. There’s the Allure of the Unknown
Let’s start with the obvious: Greenland is enormous and mostly undeveloped, which is part of the charm. You’ll quickly realise this is not a destination for crowds. It’s a destination for space—mental, physical, and spiritual.
There are no highways connecting towns, so instead, you’ll travel by boat, helicopter, or dog sled. Another way to travel is on an exclusive, private yacht expedition to Greenland, which offers experiences you’ve probably never tried before.
However you travel, each journey becomes part of the story, adding to the sense that you’re venturing into something rare and extraordinary. And for solo travellers, this level of detachment often comes with an added benefit: deeper presence. You’re not just visiting; you’re experiencing Greenland in its purest form.
2. It’s a Luxury Destination in Disguise
There are no Louis Vuitton or Prada stores in Greenland, which isn’t a bad thing. Luxury here doesn’t always mean marble bathtubs or city-view suites—it means something arguably more exclusive: access to a pristine land visited by relatively few foreigners. Greenland is not set up for mass tourism, and we hope it remains that way so experiences here stay special.
You might find yourself on a privately chartered helicopter over Ilulissat Icefjord, followed by a champagne toast on a remote ice cap. Or enjoying reindeer carpaccio at a gourmet lodge that’s only reachable by boat.
Best Things to Do in Greenland
Now, if those insights above are not enough to convince you to visit Greenland, here are the best things to do here. Even for travellers accustomed to “epic” views, Greenland tends to recalibrate expectations. Here’s a snapshot of what a high-end Greenland itinerary could include:
Watch Icebergs at Ilulissat Icefjord
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Ilulissat Icefjord is the poster child of Greenlandic scenery. Here in the fjord, you can watch enormous icebergs calve from the glacier into the ocean in cinematic slow motion.
Witness the Northern Lights at Kangerlussuaq
A launchpad for ice cap excursions and one of the best places to witness the northern lights. The town is tiny, but it punches well above its weight in access to surreal landscapes.
Sail Through More Icebergs at Disko Bay
Sail among towering icebergs and spot humpback whales during the summer season. Even in the midnight sun, the atmosphere feels charged and ethereal.
Heli-Hike or Kayak at the East Greenland Fjords
The fjords are the life of northern Europe. Far less visited than the west, these fjords offer an untouched, almost Jurassic landscape and are perfect for heli-hiking or kayaking in total solitude.
Live the Greenlandic Life on Tasiilaq and Ammassalik Island
For a mix of Inuit culture and wilderness, the settlements here offer a glimpse into Greenlandic life that feels genuine and grounded. This really is the place to get away from it all.
Greenland Means Go
Greenland is almost like living a life of detoxing from digital, where you’ll immerse yourself with nature, rather than tinkering on your phone’s maps to see where to go. It’s about storytelling landscapes, real-world remoteness, and the sense of awe that’s hard to find in more familiar destinations. So, if you’re feeling inspired, it’s time to think about booking that private yacht expedition to Greenland and discovering the magical experiences this country has to offer!
