Tourism

Tourists enter Greenland by international flights into Ilulissat, Kangerlussuaq, Nuuk, Narsarsuaq, Kulusuk and Nerlerit Inaat in Ittoqqortoormiit or by cruiseships. Inside Greenland, travelling usually means a combination of flight and sailing.

Accommodation standards differ, from hotels to bed and breakfasts in towns, to private accommodation in settlements. Camping is an option too, though it requires preparation.

North Greenland, particularly the area around Disko Bay, has a high Arctic climate, making it one of the country’s primary tourist destinations. The tourism industry is well-developed in this area, with the highest number of tourism operators. West Greenland is home to the capital region and has the most developed infrastructure in the country. Here, tourism offers a combination of modern city life, culture, and nature. South Greenland stands out from the rest of the country due to its subarctic location, offering historical experiences in nature in a milder climate than the rest of Greenland. This region is also home to the country’s largest agricultural operations. East Greenland is the most isolated region of the country and, like the northern region, has a high Arctic climate. A large part of the region is an untouched wilderness and is known for its well-preserved Inuit culture, which remains in a more traditional form than in other parts of the country.

Outdoor tourism primarily takes place during the summer season, though there is also some activity in winter. The cruise season generally extends from spring to autumn. A small number of travelers cross Greenland’s Ice Sheet, typically between Kangerlussuaq and Tasiilaq, which, however, requires special permission from the Self-Government.