The Ultimate Greenland Solo Travel Guide

Planning a solo trip to Greenland? Here’s everything you need to know for your visit:

QUICK FACTS

Greenland, an autonomous territory within the Kingdom of Denmark, is the world’s largest island, predominantly covered by ice, with a population of approximately 57,000.
The capital and largest city is Nuuk, known for its stunning fjords, Inuit culture, and modern architecture nestled in breathtaking natural scenery.
Greenland’s ice sheet covers 1.7 million km² (80% of the island) and is up to 3 km thick.
Greenland’s unique landscape includes vast ice sheets, glaciers, and dramatic coastlines, making it a prime location for nature lovers and adventure seekers.
Nickname: The Land of the Midnight Sun.

Currency: Danish Krone (DKK). Some merchants might also accept Euro.
Spoken Languages: Greenlandic (Kalaallisut), Danish, and English are widely spoken.
Best time to visit: June to August for milder temperatures, up to 15°C (59°F), and ample daylight for outdoor activities. Midnight sun allows 24-hour hiking; book accommodations early.
September to April are best for seeing the Northern Lights.
Winter (Feb–Apr): Optimal for dog sledding; pack thermal layers.
Arriving via airport: Nuuk Airport (GOH) connects with Greenland’s capital and major towns.
– Round-trip flights from Copenhagen to Nuuk (June–August) nowaverage DKK 6,500–9,000, with early bookings as low as DKK 3,500.

Nuuk offers a range of accommodations, from hotels like Hotel Nuuk to homestays and guesthouses that provide a more authentic experience. Some accommodation options:
– Nuuk Hotel Apartments by HHE: Serviced apartments with kitchens (DKK 1,300/night).
– Gina’s Guesthouse (Upernavik): Budget-friendly shared rooms (DKK 600/night).
– Shared Lodges: Plotpackers’ Tasiilaq expedition includes 3–4-person rooms (DKK 999/week)
Ilulissat, famous for its ice fjords, has hotels like Hotel Arctic and comfortable guesthouses that allow access to stunning landscapes.
For more adventurous stays, consider Sisimiut or small settlements like Qeqertarsuaq, where you can connect with local communities and cultural experiences.

Local taxi services are available, and fares start at around DKK 50, charging typically DKK 10 per kilometer thereafter.
In Nuuk, there are local buses, although walking is often the best way to explore the compact city.
Dog sledding is a unique mode of transport in winter.
– Half-day tours cost DKK 1,200–2,700 (e.g., Sisimiut UFO cabin tour: DKK 1,950).
– Multi-day expeditions: 3-day Ilulissat tours from DKK 11,99511; 8-day Arctic Circle trips from DKK 24,550.
Internal flights are the most common means of travel between towns, with Air Greenland being the primary airline. Single fares can vary, typically starting around DKK 1,000.

Greenland is expensive. Allocate DKK 800–1,200/day for meals/activities.
Book flights 6+ months early for Air Greenland’s “Super Saver” fares.
Join group tours (e.g., 8-day Arctic Circle Winter Adventure: DKK 24,550) to split costs.
Use buses in Nuuk (DKK 15/ride) vs. taxis (DKK 50 base + 10/km).

Drinking age is 18, and nightlife options are fairly limited compared to larger cities. Bars and restaurants often serve as social hubs.
Popular nightlife spots in Nuuk include the Katuaq Cultural Centre, which frequently hosts events, or bars like Café Aqqusinersuaq for a more casual experience.
If you’re looking for live music or local events, keep an eye on local listings at community centers or online platforms like the Visit Greenland website.

Winter:

Summer:

Whale-watching cruises (DKK 800–1,500/half-day).
Kayaking in Disko Bay. Tours start from around DKK 800 for a half-day excursion (DKK 1,700 for a full day tour).

Ilulissat Icefjord is a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its massive icebergs calving from the Sermeq Kujalleq glacier.
Greenland Ice Cap: Accessible via guided tours from Kangerlussuaq (DKK 1,895/day).
The National Museum of Greenland in Nuuk showcases the country’s rich Inuit culture, with artifacts and exhibits that span thousands of years.
The historic town of Sisimiut has charming wooden houses and the nearby Sisimiut Museum, providing insights into local history and culture.
Uunartoq Hot Springs (South Greenland): one of the few hot springs in the country where you can bathe.

Take a hike along the marked trails from Nuuk to the Sermitsiaq mountain for awe-inspiring views of the surrounding fjords.
Walk through the old town of Ilulissat and visit the colorful houses, local shops, and the vibrant fishing harbor.
Ilulissat Trails:
– Yellow Hike: 2.7 km coastal route to town
– Blue Hike: 6.9 km to Disko Bay quarry
Explore the Arctic nature around Qaqortoq with its scenic walking routes showcasing unique coastal landscapes and traditional Greenlandic settlements.
Arctic Circle Trail: a long-distance hiking trail (160 km) for experienced hikers, typically taking 7-10 days to complete.

Greenlandic cuisine is unique, with local specialties such as reindeer, musk ox, and seafood. Try local dishes at restaurants like Restaurant Ulo in Nuuk.
Tipping is appreciated but not obligatory. Rounding up your bill or adding 10% in restaurants is a nice gesture.
Local snacks to try include ‘kvanne’ (angelica) and ‘tuktu’ (reindeer), which can be found at local shops.

Be respectful of local cultures and traditions. Engaging with the indigenous communities can provide valuable insights but should always be approached with sensitivity.
Cultural etiquette:
– Always ask permission before photographing locals
– Remove shoes when entering traditional Inuit homes
Inuit Artist Workshop (Ilulissat) sells bone carvings directly from locals (cash only).
Try microbrews from Godthaab Bryghus (Nuuk) or Ilulissat Brewery.
Wi-Fi is available in most hotels and some public spaces in larger towns (connectivity can be limited in remote areas). Hotel Wi-Fi often costs DKK 100–200/day. Buy a TelePost SIM (DKK 200/1GB).
Dangerous areas: safety is generally not an issue, but be aware of the extreme weather conditions and always inform someone of your travel plans if venturing into remote areas.
Polar bears are rare but possible in northeast regions. Guides carry rifles on remote hikes.

Recommended trip duration: 7-9 days (to include both west (Ilulissat/Nuuk) and east (Tasiilaq) regions)