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Greenland Tours: Ice, Adventure and Arctic Wonders

Intro to Greenland Tours

Greenland is one of the last frontiers of true wilderness travel. Vast glaciers, towering icebergs, colorful fishing villages, and the northern lights turn every journey here into a once-in-a-lifetime experience. With limited infrastructure and a remote Arctic climate, tours are the most practical and enriching way to discover this extraordinary land.

Guided trips connect you with Inuit traditions, help you navigate the rugged fjords, and bring you face to face with nature’s raw power — from whale-watching under the midnight sun to trekking across ancient ice sheets. For travelers drawn to remote beauty and transformative adventure, Greenland tours deliver memories few destinations can match.

Start planning your journey with our Greenland Travel guide — and discover how guided trips unlock the magic of the Arctic.

Why Take a Tour in Greenland?

Greenland is spectacular, but challenging for independent travelers. Tours provide access, safety, and local expertise that transform the experience.

Remote logistics simplified. Small towns are reachable only by boat or air. Tours bundle transport, guides, and accommodations.
Local insight. Inuit guides share cultural stories, hunting traditions, and connections to the land that you’d never get alone.
Specialist safety. Trekking on ice or sailing among icebergs requires experienced crews and knowledge of Arctic conditions.
Seasonal variety. From summer’s midnight sun hikes to winter aurora safaris, tours adapt to Greenland’s extreme seasons.
Sustainable tourism. Many tours directly support Greenlandic communities, keeping income local.

Top Tours in Greenland by Popularity

Ilulissat

Icefjord Boat Tour. Sail among massive icebergs in a UNESCO World Heritage fjord.
Midnight Sun Kayaking. Paddle between glowing ice sculptures during endless summer daylight.
Northern Lights Safari. Winter tours by snowmobile or snowshoe under starry Arctic skies.

Nuuk

Capital City Culture Tour. Museums, markets, and colonial harbor heritage with local guides.
Fjord Cruise from Nuuk. Whale watching and dramatic fjord cliffs just outside the city.
Hiking the Sermitsiaq Mountain. A challenging climb with views of glaciers and fjords.

South Greenland

Norse Ruins Tour. Visit Hvalsey Church and Erik the Red’s estate at Brattahlid.
Sheep Farm Stays. Experience Greenlandic hospitality and rural life.
Hot Springs at Uunartoq. Bathe in natural geothermal pools surrounded by fjords.

East Greenland

Tasiilaq Settlement Tour. Learn about Inuit traditions in one of the country’s most scenic towns.
Arctic Adventure Trek. Multi-day hiking and camping through remote valleys.
Iceberg Safari by Boat. Towering ice formations near Ammassalik Island.

North Greenland

Thule Explorer Tour. Remote Inuit culture, dog sledding, and Arctic wildlife.
Polar Ice Cap Expedition. Fly-in tours to camp on the edge of the Greenland Ice Sheet.

Editor’s Picks: Unforgettable Greenland Tours

Multi-Day Icefjord Expedition. Hiking and camping near Ilulissat’s shifting glaciers. Perfect for adventurers.
Greenland & Iceland Combo Cruise. Experience Arctic landscapes and volcanic isles in one seamless voyage.
Aurora Borealis Lodge Stay. Remote winter cabins where northern lights dance overhead.
Kayak the Arctic. Traditional-style kayaking along fjords and icebergs with Inuit guides.
South Greenland Farm-to-Table Tour. Culinary experiences rooted in Greenlandic produce and culture.
Dog Sledding Expedition. A classic Arctic adventure still central to Greenlandic life.

Let Greenland Inspire Your Next Trip

For food & culture lovers: Stay on a sheep farm, taste muskox stew, and explore Inuit markets.
For adventure & nature seekers: Kayak among icebergs or trek the Arctic Circle Trail.
For convenience & access: Choose small-ship cruises connecting remote Greenlandic ports.
For emotional connection: Watch the northern lights ripple over frozen fjords in silence.

Book immersive Greenland tours and experience unforgettable things to do in Greenland — from iceberg safaris and northern lights chasing to Arctic trekking and dog sledding expeditions.

Must-See Nearby Adventures

Disko Island. Whale-watching hub with volcanic landscapes.
Arctic Circle Trail. One of the world’s great long-distance hikes (160 km).
Qaqortoq. Colorful southern town with public art and warm hospitality.
Kangerlussuaq Ice Cap. Drive or trek directly onto Greenland’s inland ice sheet.

Most Loved Attractions & Activities

Ilulissat Icefjord. UNESCO-listed and Greenland’s top natural wonder.
Northern Lights Viewing. Best from September to April in minimal-light areas.
Whale Watching. Summer tours reveal humpbacks, fin, and minke whales.
Dog Sledding. An ancient practice still thriving in winter months.

Local Secrets You’ll Love

Midnight Sun Fishing. Locals fish at night during endless daylight in summer.
Settlement Cafés. Small, family-run eateries serve homemade soups and cakes.
Hunter Stories. Many guides share first-hand accounts of Arctic survival.
Quiet Seasons. Shoulder months (May, September) mean fewer tourists but still stunning sights.

Savor the Local Cuisine

Greenland’s cuisine is rooted in the Arctic environment:

Muskox Stew. A hearty dish on winter menus.
Mattak. Traditional whale skin with blubber, often shared in Inuit communities.
Arctic Char. Freshwater fish, grilled or smoked.
Local Cafés. Homemade bread, pastries, and Greenlandic coffee with whiskey and whipped cream.
Culinary Tours. South Greenland farm tours and Nuuk foodie walks highlight emerging gastronomy.

Sample Day Plans

3-Day Ilulissat Escape

Day 1: Icefjord boat tour.
Day 2: Hike Sermermiut settlement ruins.
Day 3: Kayak or whale watching.

5-Day South Greenland Culture & Nature

Day 1: Fly into Narsarsuaq, visit Qassiarsuk.
Day 2: Hvalsey Norse ruins.
Day 3: Sheep farm stay + cooking class.
Day 4: Hot springs at Uunartoq.
Day 5: Fjord cruise + return flight.

7-Day Classic Greenland Adventure

Day 1: Nuuk city tour.
Day 2: Fjord cruise + whale watching.
Day 3: Fly to Ilulissat.
Day 4: Icefjord hike.
Day 5: Midnight sun kayaking.
Day 6: Dog sledding or snowshoeing (seasonal).
Day 7: Return to Nuuk.

10-Day Arctic Explorer

Day 1–2: Nuuk cultural highlights.
Day 3–4: Ilulissat Icefjord + Sermermiut hike.
Day 5–6: Disko Island whale watching.
Day 7–8: South Greenland Norse ruins + hot springs.
Day 9: Helicopter tour of ice cap.
Day 10: Aurora farewell in Kangerlussuaq.

Ideal Seasons to Explore Greenland

Greenland’s tours vary drastically by season:

Summer (June–August). Midnight sun, mild temperatures, and best conditions for hiking, sailing, and whale watching.
Fall (September–October). Northern lights begin, landscapes turn golden, and crowds thin.
Winter (November–March). Dog sledding, snowmobiling, aurora safaris, and cozy cultural tours dominate.
Spring (April–May). Longer daylight returns, perfect for photography and ice sheet adventures.

Daylight hours range from 24-hour sun in midsummer to near-total darkness in midwinter — shaping every tour experience.

What to Know Before You Reserve

Book early. Flights and accommodations are limited.
Dress in layers. Weather can swing dramatically.
Respect local culture. Always ask before photographing people.
Guided is safer. Ice treks, kayaking, and sledding should always be with professionals.
Budget high. Remote logistics make Greenland pricier than many destinations.
Bring waterproofs. Spray from boats and unpredictable rain are common.
Pack power banks. Electricity can be limited in remote settlements.
Know your limits. Arctic terrain can be physically demanding.
Check seasonal options. Some tours run only in summer or winter.
Stay flexible. Weather delays are part of Arctic life.

Accessibility & Special Considerations

Many settlements have limited wheelchair access due to terrain.
Outdoor tours often involve uneven ground and steps.
Private charters can accommodate mobility needs with advance booking.
Families with children will find cultural and boat tours easier than trekking tours.

Moving Around Made Simple

Air Greenland. Flights link Nuuk, Ilulissat, and other hubs.
Helicopters. Essential connections to small towns.
Boats. Summer ferries and local boats connect coastal villages.
No roads. Greenland has no intercity road system, making air and sea transport vital.

Stay Close to the Action

Nuuk. Capital base with modern hotels and cultural tours.
Ilulissat. Best for Icefjord access, iceberg tours, and whale watching.
Qaqortoq. Small-town charm and southern ruins.
Kangerlussuaq. Gateway to the ice cap and northern lights.

Plan Smarter, Travel Better

Download offline maps — cell coverage is limited.
Use tour bundles to combine flights, guides, and lodging.
Bring binoculars for wildlife spotting.
Consider expedition cruises for broad access.
Travel insurance with Arctic coverage is essential.

Choose Your Next Adventure

Iceland. Combine glaciers and volcanoes with easy flight links.
Norway. Arctic fjords and northern lights in Tromsø.
Canada. Baffin Island and Nunavut mirror Greenland’s Inuit culture.
Faroe Islands. North Atlantic cliffs and birdlife.

Nearby Countries

Iceland. Closest and often paired with Greenland trips.
Canada. Across the Davis Strait with shared Arctic culture.
Norway. Accessible via Copenhagen and Arctic cruise routes.
Denmark. Greenland’s political connection and air hub.

It’s Time to Experience Greenland

Greenland is not just another destination — it’s a place where Earth feels raw and unfiltered. Glaciers crash into the sea, northern lights dance across winter skies, and small communities keep ancient traditions alive. Tours make these wonders accessible, safe, and deeply meaningful.

Reserve your Greenland tour today — and let the Arctic’s silence, scale, and beauty transform the way you see the world.