Thinking of visiting Greenland? Great choice. Whether you’re chasing the Northern Lights, looking to trek across stunning frozen scenery or simply fancy going somewhere that the majority of people haven’t ticked off their travel bucket list, Greenland is a top pick.
But here’s one thing you need to know: Greenland is remote, and it doesn’t always run by the same rulebook as your average holiday destination. Things don’t run on tight schedules (often due to the extreme weather changes and conditions), the internet is spotty, and if you forget something important, you probably won’t be able to pick up a quick replacement at the neighbourhood store.
This guide is here to help you avoid the common travel hiccups and enjoy the adventure of exploring Greenland. Nothing fancy — just practical, real-world advice from one traveller to another, as we teach you how to make the most of your time in the land of ice.
Download first, explore later
Download everything before you leave home. That means boarding passes, hotel confirmations, travel insurance, maps and anything else you need to refer to while you’re on the go. It’s a good idea to scan your important travel documents and save them on your device. If you’re wondering how to scan on iPhone or Android devices, it’s easy — just download the Adobe Scan app from the App Store or Google Play Store, and use your camera to scan physical papers directly into a PDF format.
Having these documents on hand means that even if your signal drops out or your airline app crashes, you’ve got backup, with everything organised in one spot. You can also download offline maps on Maps.me or Google Maps. This will come in handy if you’re hiking or visiting more remote towns.
Basically, if you can’t rely on Greenland’s connectivity, make sure you can rely on your phone’s stored information. You never know when you might need it.
Dress for all four seasons in a day
The weather in Greenland is unpredictable, and that’s putting it lightly. You could start your day with warm sunshine and end it with snow. It’s all part of the experience — but only enjoyable if you’re dressed for it. So make like Shrek and bring lots of layers.
You’ll want a warm thermal base layer such as a t-shirt or long-sleeved top, a mid-layer such as a fleece or insulated jacket, and a tough, waterproof shell on top. In Greenland, it’s fair to say that function trumps fashion. Skip cotton: it retains moisture and won’t keep you warm. Instead, stick with wool or synthetic fabrics. Your shoes should be waterproof, insulated and have a solid grip — you’ll likely be trampling through snow or icy paths.
Don’t forget the little things that make a big difference such as gloves or mittens, a beanie, a neck warmer and even sunglasses to shield your eyes from the glare of snow and ice. Even in the summer, temperatures rarely hit double figures (in degrees Celsius). However, you’ll still want suncream for your exposed skin all year round due to the higher UV exposure.
Most importantly, you really don’t want to be caught out by the cold in Greenland where minus figures are the norm in winter. You’ll thank yourself when the wind picks up and your gear keeps you warm and toasty.
Book in advance —then triple-check
Spontaneity is fun, but you might want to give it a miss when you’re visiting Greenland. Flights, ferries and even hotel rooms can be in short supply, especially during the peak seasons. There are relatively few transport options between towns, and everything from planes to boats can be booked up quickly. So, do yourself a favour and book as early as possible to avoid disappointment for the must-see places on your itinerary.
After you’ve booked, confirm your reservations — two or three times. It’s not uncommon for flights to be changed or delayed, or for ferry routes to get shifted due to weather disruptions. Don’t rely on automated emails and texts to keep you in the know — reach out directly to confirm your bookings as your travel dates get closer. That means storing important phone numbers in your travel document PDFs so you know who to call, even if you’re offline.
It’s also a good idea to build some buffer time into your plans. A trip from one town to the next might get pushed back a day or two if the weather turns. So, don’t fill your schedule too tightly or expect everything to run like clockwork. Greenland operates on its own timeline which is dictated most often by the weather — you’ll be able to enjoy it a lot better if you remain flexible.
Respect the land and local culture
Greenland is home to tight-knit communities that uphold traditions and maintain a deep connection to the land. Tourism has been increasing, but this isn’t a country that exists primarily to serve tourists. With that in mind, stay respectful and open-minded when you’re visiting — what we should all be doing in any country we visit, anyway.
Learn a few simple words in Greenlandic (the official language) or Danish, like “hello” and “thank you”. People appreciate the effort, and it shows that you care about where you are. You should always ask before taking photos of locals — particularly in more rural villages and areas. Some communities may not be comfortable with being photographed and it’s common courtesy to check first.
When you’re out in nature, keep it clean and quiet. Stay on designated paths, don’t leave litter behind and leave places the same way you found them. Greenland’s environment is fragile, and it’s part of what makes the place so special, so treat it with care.
Get used to unplugging, and enjoy it
WiFi in Greenland isn’t exactly dependable, or cheap. Some hotels and cafes have decent internet, but it’s typically spotty, and mobile data can be painfully slow or nonexistent in many places. So, don’t expect to be posting videos to your story or hopping on Zoom calls from the Arctic Circle.
Instead of stressing about staying connected, lean into the unplugged experience. Bring along a good book, a travel journal or a deck of cards. Enjoy the views without feeling the pressure to constantly post about them. It’s a rare opportunity to slow down, breathe and just appreciate your surroundings.
That said, come prepared with your technology. Pack a portable charger, and ensure your devices are fully loaded with whatever you’ll need — offline playlists, downloaded shows, translated phrases, and of course, all your scanned documents. If you can, switch to low-power or airplane mode on your phone whenever possible to prolong battery life. It’s all about striking a balance between being prepared and being present.
Don’t expect to be visiting another Scandinavian country
Due to its geographical location, you’d be forgiven for thinking that Greenland is ‘just another’ Norway or Sweden, with the same terrain, culture and cuisine. Although a Danish colony, Greenland actually operates as a self-governing country, with a majority Innuit population. Trees are sparse, found only in a small area of the south, and the humble population remains pretty stable at roughly 55,000. Living in Greenland is certainly not for the faint of heart.
Although it’s fun to wander around a new place and see where your feet take you, the isolated and unpredictable nature of Greenland’s climate and environment means it’s much easier to find yourself in a sticky situation. Consider going on hikes or visiting fjords with a registered local guide who can keep you safe and show you the less well-known places that aren’t on the map.
Final thoughts
There is no place on earth like Greenland. It’s rugged, remote and breathtakingly beautiful. But remember — it’s not a place to throw caution to the wind and cross your fingers. A little preparation can take you a long way, and that prep begins with loading up your phone, packing smart, understanding the nature of the place you’re visiting, and giving yourself the mentality to adapt.
Whether you’re a student seeking inspiration outside the classroom, a couple planning a truly unique honeymoon, or a traveller keen to see all different parts of the world, let’s recap our helpful advice for your visit to the land of ice.
- Download your important travel documents for easy offline access on your device.
- Pack layers and warm clothing items and accessories to stay comfortable.
- Confirm your bookings closer to your travel dates to stay aware of any disruptions.
- Stay respectful by learning some key phrases and minimising your impact on the land.
- Prepare for poor connectivity by bringing power banks and a digital detox attitude.
- Understand the unique terrain and rugged nature of Greenland and its people.
Stay open and flexible, and soak up the experience. From watching glaciers calve into the sea to sitting down with locals over plates of dried fish and steaming cups of coffee, your Greenland memories will linger long after the trip ends.
Don’t forget to check out our other articles for helpful tips on packing, destination inspiration, and all things travel.
