Greenland Travel Guide: Why Greenland Should Be Your Next Arctic Adventure

Walk on ancient ice

Trek across the second-largest ice sheet in the world. Whether it’s a short guided hike or a multi-day expedition, you’ll literally be walking on ancient history.

Explore the Ilulissat Icefjord by land & sea

This UNESCO World Heritage Site is Greenland’s crown jewel. A local guide will escort you to watch skyscraper-sized icebergs break off and float into Disko Bay—it’s Earth doing drama in real time.

The striking, modern Ice Center perched above the icefjord is your gateway to understanding why this landscape matters. You’ll find immersive displays on Greenland’s ice, climate, and culture. The architecture alone is enough of a draw (designed to blend right into the tundra), and it’s a great starting point before heading out to hike the nearby boardwalk trail to the ice edge.

Soak in natural hot springs

You’ll need to take a boat to get there, but soaking in these naturally heated springs (around 100°F), surrounded by mountains and icebergs? Worth it.

Discover ancient Inuit culture

At the Greenland National Museum in Nuuk, delve into the island’s rich history through fascinating exhibits like the naturally preserved Qilakitsoq mummies from the 15th century and Pearyland Umiaq, the oldest intact skin boat in the world.

Experience traditional dog-sledding

Embrace the Arctic tradition of dog-sledding, a unique way to traverse Greenland’s snowy landscapes. From January to April, glide across the tundra, led by a team of spirited sled dogs—a quintessential Greenlandic adventure.

See firsthand why the midnight sun is more than just a natural wonder

From late May through July, the sun doesn’t set in most of Greenland. But it’s not just a cool Instagram moment. For Greenlanders, the extended daylight fuels community, celebration, and connection to the land. It’s when kids play outside late into the night, festivals come alive, and locals reconnect with nature after a long winter. The light shifts everything—mood, rhythm, energy—and gives a powerful reminder of just how closely daily life is tied to the Arctic environment.

Meet local & Indigenous artists

Don’t miss a chance to visit the wonderfully curated Nuuk Art Museum, which blends contemporary works by Inuit artists with traditional carvings, tapestries, and paintings that reflect the Arctic experience. You’ll walk away with a deeper sense of Greenlandic identity, past and present.

Go wildlife-watching

Bring your binoculars and your sense of wonder. As the ice melts and the sun hangs high, whales return to the fjords, seabirds nest along cliffs, and reindeer roam the tundra. You might spot humpback whales, Arctic foxes, or a musk ox grazing in the distance. With 24-hour daylight, there’s no rush—nature’s on full display all day long.

Fly over the ice cap

If you’re short on time (or just want the jaw-dropping views), book a helicopter tour from Ilulissat or Kangerlussuaq and see the ice from above.

Qooqqut Nuan, Nuuk Fjord

Qooqqut Nuan offers Greenland’s most lovable dining experience: fish and dish. Catch your own fish on the way there, and the chefs will cook it for you. Set in a converted fishing station with stunning mountain views, it’s fresh, remote, and impossibly delicious.

Nivi, Nuuk

Nivi is a refined yet relaxed spot known for its modern take on Greenlandic cuisine. Think Arctic char, reindeer, and local herbs, all plated with Nordic flair. The vibe is stylish but unfussy, and the musk ox slider is a standout.

Daddy's, Nuuk

A laid-back local favorite, Daddy’s is where Nuuk comes to unwind. Part bar, part café, part dance floor—it’s casual, unpretentious, and a great spot to grab a drink, mingle with locals, or catch live music on the weekends.

Kuuanit Art Cafe, Qeqertarsuaq

Cozy, creative, and full of character, Kuuanit Art Café is part gallery, part coffee shop—it’s the perfect place to sip something warm, browse local artwork, and chat with the friendly owner. Come for the vibes, stay for the stories.

Pasacucci Cafe, Nuuk

Always buzzing, this café is a favorite pit stop in the heart of Nuuk. Whether you’re grabbing a quality espresso, a fresh pastry, or a light lunch, it’s a great spot to regroup or recharge.