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The Greenland Vacation

Known by the indigenous people of Greenland as Kalaallit Nunaat or “land of the people” in their native Inuit (Eskimo) language, Greenland is the largest island in the world with only 57,000 in population. This autonomous part of the Kingdom of Denmark lies between the Arctic and Atlantic Oceans, east of the Canadian Arctic Archipelago, with most part of the island north of the Arctic Circle.

The totally inappropriate name of Greenland was given to the island more than a thousand years ago by the greedy Viking, Eric the Red, as a marketing trick to attract colonists to the island. Four hundred people, taking wives and children, equipment and cattle, have been persuaded to colonize the island. Their first Viking ship landed in the summer of 986 at what is now Ericsfjord, close to Narssarssuarq where flights from the original mother country land. This is where the first settlement was established on this inhospitable land.

More than four-fifths of Greenland is covered by permanent ice cap with a maximum depth of about eight thousand feet. When seen from a bird’s eye view, Greenland looks very much like the North Pole, white and cold. Outcrops of basalt mountains can be seen breaking through the ice, reassuring one that this ice is founded on solid ground, unlike the ice sheet at the North Pole.

Vacations to Greenland offers one of the most tranquil, remote and breathtaking scenery one can ever imagine. The sheer scale and magnificence of the landscape, astonishing geysers and mountains lure increasing number of tourists who want to breathe the pure Arctic air, see musk oxen, and Arctic foxes.

Nuuk is the capital of Greenland and is situated in a grand fjord system west of the island with the towering Mt. Sermistiaq as a backdrop. A good mix of both nature and culture can be found in Nuuk, with rich cultural life, fascinating scenery and thriving wildlife. The Snow Festival is hosted here in March and April.

Famous for its green hills contrasted by icebergs, South Greenland is a great tourist attraction with breathtaking landscapes, absolute calmness, and unique Viking ruins. The locals in this part of the world are especially friendly to everyone.

Located on the beautiful East Greenland, Ammassalik is often considered one of Greenland’s most scenic villages. Exciting excursions can be arranged from the village, from helicopter rides with majestic views over granite mountains, guided walks and iceberg cruises.

On an island east of Ammassalik is a small village named Kulusuk where Inuit hunting culture is still evident and is mainly the source of life. Kulusuk airport is eastern Greenland’s only international airport, and Hotel Kulusuk is available for the more adventurous travelers as a base.

Vacations to Greenland can often be integrated as an addition to Scandinavian tours, as it is only 2 hours away from Iceland by flight. A fantastic way to explore Greenland is by cruise, and it is only available in late summer when pack ice is broken up sufficiently to allow vessels a chance to penetrate and explore. Whatever choice it is, a vacation to Greenland might just be the most unforgettable experience of your lifetime.

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