Greenland is one of those rare destinations that feels both immense and reassuringly simple. Vast landscapes, clean air, small communities, and a pace of life shaped entirely by nature. It’s not a place of excess or distraction — it’s a place of clarity.
This guide covers where Greenland is, how to get there, what to see, when to go, how long to stay — plus what to do in Nuuk and how to get from the airport into town.
Where is Greenland?
Greenland lies between the Arctic and North Atlantic Oceans, east of Canada and west of Iceland. It is the world’s largest island, yet home to fewer than 60,000 people. Around 80% of the landmass is covered by ice, with towns and settlements strung along the coast. The interior is vast, remote, and largely untouched.
The capital, Nuuk, is the largest settlement — compact, walkable, and surrounded by wilderness on all sides.
How do you get there?
Most visitors arrive by air, typically with Air Greenland.
Routes usually include:
- Copenhagen, with direct flights to Nuuk
- Iceland, typically flying from Reykjavík to Nuuk or Ilulissat
Flights are limited and weather-dependent, so flexibility is essential. Greenland rewards travellers who leave a little space in their plans.
Getting from the airport into Nuuk
Flights land at Nuuk Airport, which is located just a few kilometres from the city centre.
Getting into town is easy:
- Taxi: The simplest option. Taxis wait outside arrivals and the journey to central Nuuk takes around 10–15 minutes. Prices are reasonable by Greenland standards and drivers are accustomed to visitors.
- Hotel transfers: Some hotels offer pre-arranged pickups — worth checking in advance, especially if arriving late.
- Walking: Only practical if you’re travelling light and in good weather. Distances are short, but conditions can be windy or icy.
There is no rail system, and public transport is limited, so taxis are the most reliable choice.
What is there to see and do?
Greenland’s appeal lies in atmosphere rather than attractions, but there is plenty to experience — especially if you take your time.
What to do in Nuuk
Nuuk is an excellent introduction to Greenlandic life: modern but grounded, cultural but relaxed.
Things worth doing include:
- Walking the harbour and waterfront, watching fishing boats come and go
- Exploring the old colonial area with its historic wooden buildings
- Visiting the Greenland National Museum to understand Inuit history and culture
- Spending time at Katuaq Cultural Centre for exhibitions, films, or simply a coffee
- Taking short hikes on the edge of town, where city streets give way quickly to open land
Nuuk isn’t about ticking sights off a list. It’s about absorbing the rhythm of daily life — cafés, conversations, changing light, and the ever-present landscape.
What else is there to see?
Beyond Nuuk, highlights include:
- Ilulissat Icefjord, where immense icebergs drift silently into Disko Bay
- Fjords carved over millennia
- Small coastal towns with colourful houses and strong local identity
- Vast tundra landscapes where silence dominates
It’s better to choose one or two regions than attempt to cover too much ground.
When is the best time to go?
Summer (June–August)
Long daylight hours, milder temperatures, and easier travel. Ideal for hiking, boat trips, and first-time visitors.
Winter (November–March)
Cold, dark, and deeply atmospheric. Best for Northern Lights and a quieter, more introspective experience.
Shoulder seasons (April–May, September)
Fewer visitors, dramatic light, and a strong sense of seasonal change — rewarding if you’re flexible.
How long should you stay?
Greenland benefits from unhurried travel.
- 5–7 days: enough to explore Nuuk or one other region properly
- 8–12 days: allows movement between two areas and a deeper understanding of daily life
Weather delays are normal. Build in buffer days and resist overplanning.
What should you pack?
Conditions can change quickly, even in summer.
Clothing
- Insulated, waterproof jacket
- Layered clothing (thermal base layers, fleece or wool mid-layers)
- Waterproof trousers
- Warm hat and gloves year-round
- Waterproof walking shoes or boots
Essentials
- Sunglasses (strong reflection from water and snow)
- High-factor sunscreen
- Reusable water bottle
- Daypack
- Power bank (cold drains batteries)
Nice to have
- Binoculars
- Camera with spare batteries
- Swimsuit (for saunas or hot tubs)
Supplies are available in Nuuk, but choice is limited and prices are high — pack thoughtfully.
A final word
Greenland doesn’t perform for visitors. It doesn’t rush. It simply exists — vast, balanced, and quietly beautiful.
It represents travel at its most honest: intentional, respectful, and restorative. A place where slowing down isn’t optional — it’s the whole point.
Thanks for reading,
GertieBlu
