Who doesn’t like to travel? In fact, people love to travel so much that visiting any major city or landmark has become a tedious endeavor.
Wherever you go these days, there are hundreds, if not thousands, of people milling around, trying to get that perfect Instagram shot, making it harder for you to enjoy the sights. So what’s the solution?
Well, sometimes it’s worth toughening it out – some views are simply unmissable and deserving or being shuffled around by waves of people for an afternoon.
But, you could also take a different path, one less traveled but certainly more exciting, which is visiting places whose remoteness keeps most tourists away. The thing is, these locations usually turn out to be more stunning and unforgettable than any cityscape.
One such place is Greenland, Inuit Nunaat, the largest island on the planet. And if you’re wondering what you can do there, you’ve come to the right place.
Top Activities and Experiences in Greenland
Right now, you may be wondering – why would I want to visit a remote island with less than 60,000 people living on it that’s also 80% made of ice?
Well, these may actually be the exact reasons for visiting Greenland: it’s absolutely unique in its landscape, culture, and beauty.
Here are some of the most interesting and memorable things you can do.
Exploring Ice Fjords and Marvel at Glaciers
Have you ever seen a glacier in real life? Their size and beauty are mesmerizing, and movies and TV shows never do them justice. There’s hardly a better place to admire these ice giants from millennia-long gone than ice fjords, and Ilulissat is the most awe-inspiring of them all. There’s a reason it’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Jakobshavn Glacier is the star of the show in the fjord, and the clear waters surrounding it will take your breath away. But you don’t have to keep to the west of the island for glacier watching.
You can head to Daugaard-Jensen Glacier on the southeast coast or hike up Disko Mountain in the summer to get a good look at the Uunartuarsuup Sermia.
If you prefer to see the glaciers from the water and in comfort, you can book a yacht expedition to Greenland with EYOS where you’ll get to travel around the island and see the glaciers, the islands, and the fjords from a completely new perspective.
Whether you love witnessing nature in all its glory or you’re traveling with your family, going glacier-watching on a yacht in Greenland will be a unique experience. Not to mention that photos will be out of this world, and no crowds in sight!
Whale Watching among the Glaciers
Speaking of beautiful giants, why not pair your glacier tour with whale watching? Greenland is one of the favorite places for over 15 whale species, and some stick around year-round.
The best time to go is in late summer, when you can see humpback whales, beluga whales, gigantic baleen whales, and blue whales, to name a few. This is also one of the few places in the world where you can spot narwhals, which are basically smaller whales with tusks.
Arctic frigid waters have the perfect conditions for the whales to rest, live, and reproduce, and seeing them in Greenland fjords, in their natural environment, is nothing short of magnificent.
Take in the Northern Lights
Seeing the Aurora Borealis dancing in the sky is one of the most incredible experiences in the world, and you don’t want to miss it when visiting Greenland.
The island is in the Arctic Circle, so the chance of seeing the northern lights exists year-round, though the best time to chase them is in the autumn, winter, and early spring.
There are locals who can take you to the best spots on the island to witness the lights, and these tours usually include everything you need to stay comfortable in the wilderness.
You need perfectly clear and dark skies for the lights to be visible, so for the best view, it’s recommended to go to remote areas like Ilulissat and Kangerlussuaq. Dress warm and get ready to be hypnotized by the hues of green, violet, and deep red lights dancing in the arctic skies.
Embark on a Dog Sledding Adventure
Here’s something for adrenaline seekers, something that can only be experienced in the coldest areas of the planet. Dog sledding is a quintessential Greenlandic experience and a significant part of the country’s cultural heritage, not to mention it’s so fun!
Rushing through astounding landscapes shaped by snow and ice is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to explore the island.
There are locals who specialize in running dog-sledding tours (mushers), and they know the lay of the land as the palm of their hand, so you’ll always be safe. This is a fantastic opportunity to get immersed in the Innuit culture and hear more about their history, traditions, and culture.
The fact that you’ll be around gorgeous, cuddly sled dogs is only an additional perk but one that can’t be overlooked!
Conclusion
With the greatest national park in the world, hauntingly unique, beautiful landscapes, and northern lights, Greenland is a dream come true for adventurers who love to explore destinations off the beaten path.
It may not be a fit for everyone, but maybe that’s a good thing. You get these vast expanses and all their charm for yourself!
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