Exploring Greenland: An extensive travel guide to the Arctic's captivating jewel
Greenland, a land of breathtaking landscapes and rich culture, is becoming more accessible than ever with the opening of its first international airport in Nuuk. For travelers seeking an authentic Arctic experience, Greenland offers a plethora of opportunities to immerse oneself in the indigenous Greenlandic Inuit culture and enjoy the island's unique environment.
For those who prioritize sustainability, there are eco-friendly options available. Hotel Arctic, an upscale, eco-certified hotel in Ilulissat, stands out as a top recommendation. This hotel, located near Ilulissat Harbour, is a Green Key member, indicating its commitment to strict environmental management standards such as reducing water and energy consumption and supporting the local community. Hotel Arctic offers amenities with sustainability in mind, including free WiFi, local restaurant options, and comfortable, sound-insulated rooms designed with eco-consciousness.
Eco Escape Hospitality, a new player in the sustainable hospitality scene, is another promising option. Founded in 2024, this company focuses on innovative and sustainable hospitality management with a strong biophilic design approach. Their properties emphasize using renewable, locally sourced materials, carbon sink initiatives, and empowering communities to conserve nature.
For responsible travelers, choosing accommodations that conserve resources (water, electricity), use non-toxic cleaning products, reduce laundry frequency to save water and energy, and source locally to benefit the community is advisable. Greenland’s luxury eco-friendly options may be limited but are evolving, with Hotel Arctic currently among the top sustainable lodgings.
Beyond accommodations, Greenland offers a wealth of experiences. The shoulder seasons (April-May, September-October) offer a less busy and still beautiful landscape, though the weather can be unpredictable. Summer (June-August) is the best time to travel, with milder temperatures, long daylight hours, and easy access to hiking and boat tours.
One of the most awe-inspiring sights is the Ilulissat Icefjord, home to one of the world's fastest-moving glaciers. Hiking the coastline or taking a boat tour provides unparalleled views of this natural wonder. Greenland's many festivals, like the Greenland National Day on June 21st, offer opportunities to see traditional folk dancing, taste local foods, and experience the Inuit culture up close.
Greenland is also home to various wildlife such as humpback whales, reindeer, seals, and musk oxen. Aurora spotting opportunities are available from November to March, with Kangerlussuaq and Tasiilaq offering unforgettable views.
Traveling responsibly in Greenland means offsetting your travel, respecting wildlife, supporting local businesses, leaving no trace, and embracing the culture. This includes attending a Kaffemik, a traditional open-house event, to interact with locals and experience Greenlandic culture firsthand.
Greenlanders are incredibly welcoming and proud of their culture and traditions, making every visit a memorable one. Whether you're seeking adventure, culture, or a chance to witness the Northern Lights, Greenland offers an unforgettable experience for responsible travelers. Direct flights to Greenland are now available from major cities like Copenhagen, Reykjavik, and New York, making it easier than ever to embark on this Arctic adventure.
- Exploring sustainable options, consider contacting travel agencies that offer eco-friendly deals and discounts on flights to Greenland.
- To further reduce your carbon footprint, consider purchasing travel insurance that supports renewable energy initiatives or planting trees for every policy sold.
- Upon arriving in Greenland, consider renting a hybrid or electric vehicle for car-maintenance that aligns with sustainable living.
- For shopping, opt for local artisans who practice traditional techniques and create products that embody the Greenlandic lifestyle and outdoor-living.
- To support Greenland's home-and-garden initiatives, visit the Tom保слі Botanical Garden in Nuuk, showcasing Arctic flora and a herb garden.
- When planning your itinerary, include cultural-travel experiences like attending the National Museum of Greenland in Nuuk to learn about the history of sustainable-living practices.
- As you immerse yourself in the local culture, pet-lovers can visit a Sled Dog Kennel, offering an opportunity to appreciate these working animals in Greenland's outdoor-living environment.
- To extend your responsible travel in Greenland, invest in car-maintenance services that focus on electric vehicles and reduce reliance on fossil fuels.
- Lastly, before departure, research product-reviews for hotels and tour operators that prioritize environmentally-friendly practices for an adventure-travel experience with minimal impact to Greenland's breathtaking landscapes.
