Explore the Majestic Wonders of Greenland: A Traveler's Paradise
Occupying the no man’s land at the top of the Atlantic Ocean, Greenland doesn’t really seem to belong anywhere. Though it has historical and cultural ties to Denmark, the immense island is part of the North American continent yet often remains overlooked by travellers.
However, the mysterious island holds secret wonders in its stunning Nordic landscape, including majestic mountain ranges, jagged fjords, and giant glaciers. Sparsely populated, Greenland is a paradise for outdoor adventurers keen on activities such as kayaking, hunting, fishing, mountaineering, dog sledding, whale watching, and scuba diving.
Truly an all-season travel destination, Greenland is also a popular place to see both the Northern Lights and the famed Midnight Sun, which keeps the northern parts of the island sunny for weeks on end in summer.
Though Greenland’s population is small and scattered, the cultures of the local Inuit tribes blend with the heavy Scandinavian influences to create a unique blend of Europe and North America that proves fascinating to intrepid explorers. Many quaint villages lie along the country’s west coast, including popular towns such as Nanortalik, Qassiarsuk, and the capital city of Nuuk.
The towns and cities of Greenland can’t compete with global capitals in terms of nightlife and shopping, but the frontier feel of the settlements is supported by good infrastructure for active holidays, including good hotels and restaurants, interesting museums, and cultural attractions.
Largely unexplored by package holiday tourists, travelling to Greenland allows an opportunity to trek off the beaten path and experience the undiscovered treasures of the north Atlantic.
Key Facts
- Language:
- Since 2009 Kalaallisut has been the sole official language of Greenland, but the majority of the population speaks both Kalaallisut and Danish.
- Passport/Visa:
All visitors to Greenland from countries other than those included in the Nordic Passport Union should contact the Danish immigration service in order to learn the specific requirements for entry. A valid Schengen visa for Denmark does not automatically apply to Greenland. It is highly recommended that travellers’ passports have at least six months’ validity remaining after the intended date of departure from their travel destination. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources.
- Currency:
The currency of Greenland is the Danish Krone (DKK). There are banks and ATMs in all major towns and credit cards can be used at many hotels, restaurants, and shops.
- Electricity:
- Electrical current is 220 – 240 volts, 50Hz. Two-prong round plugs (Europlug) and three-prong round plugs (as typical in Denmark) are most common.
Health Notes when travelling to Greenland
No vaccinations are required for travel to Greenland, but vaccinations are recommended for hepatitis A and hepatitis B. Medical facilities are limited in Greenland and travellers with serious health issues will generally need to be evacuated to Denmark, where the medical facilities are excellent. Comprehensive health and travel insurance is therefore recommended, and travellers should bring with them any prescription medication they require, in the original packaging, and accompanied by a signed doctor’s note detailing what it is and why it is required.
Passport/Visa Note
All visitors to Greenland from countries other than those included in the Nordic Passport Union should contact the Danish immigration service in order to learn the specific requirements for entry. A valid Schengen visa for Denmark does not automatically apply to Greenland. It is highly recommended that travellers’ passports have at least six months’ validity remaining after the intended date of departure from their travel destination. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources.
Entry Requirements
- Entry requirements for Americans:
A valid passport is neccessary for travel to Greenland, and no visa is required for nationals of USA for 90 days.
- Entry requirements for Canadians:
Passports and other documents must be valid for a minimum of three months beyond the intended stay. No visa is required for nationals of Canada for a maximum stay of 90 days.
- Entry requirements for UK nationals:
British passports endorsed ‘British Citizen’, ‘British Subject’ (containing a Certificate of Entitlement to the Right of Abode issued by the United Kingdom), and ‘British Overseas Territories Citizen’ issued by Gibraltar, only need to be valid for period of intended stay in Greece. All other endorsements require at least three months validity beyond the period of intended stay in Greenland.
A visa is not required for passports endorsed ‘British Citizen’, ‘British Subject’ (containing a Certificate of Entitlement to the Right of Abode issued by the United Kingdom), and ‘British Overseas Territories Citizen’ issued by Gibraltar. No visa is required for stays of up to 90 days in a 180 day period for holders of passports with any other endorsement.
- Entry requirements for Australians:
Passports and other documents must be valid for a minimum of 3 months beyond the period of travel. No visa is required for nationals of Australia for stays up to 90 days.
- Entry requirements for Irish nationals:
Passports and other documents must be valid on arrival. No visa is required.
- Entry requirements for New Zealanders:
Passports and other documents must be valid for a minimum of 3 months beyond the period of intended stay. No visa is required of nationals of New Zealand for up to 90 days.
- Entry requirements for South Africans:
Passports and other documents must be valid for a minimum of 3 months after the period of intended stay. A schengen visa is required and must be endorsed ‘Valid for Greenland’.
Tourist Offices
Australia Tourist Office, Nuuk: +299 34 2820 or http://www.visitgreenland.com
Greenland Embassies
- In the United States:
Royal Danish Embassy, (also responsible for Greenland), Washington DC, United States: +1 202 234 4300
- In Canada:
Royal Danish Embassy (also responsible for Greenland), Ottawa, Canada: +1 613 562 1811.
- In the United Kingdom:
Royal Danish Embassy (also responsible for Greenland), London, United Kingdom: +44 (0)20 7333 0200
- In Australia:
Royal Danish Embassy, (also responsible for Greenland), Canberra, Australia: +61 (0)2 6270 5333.
- In Ireland:
Royal Danish Embassy, (also responsible for Greenland), Dublin, Ireland: +353 (0)1 475 6404.
- In New Zealand:
Royal Danish Consulate General (also responsible for Greenland), Auckland, New Zealand: +64 (0)9 537 3099
- In South Africa:
Royal Danish Embassy, (also responsible for Greenland), Pretoria, South Africa: +27 (0)12 430 9340.
Public Holidays Around the World
Planning your year? Knowing public holidays in different countries can help you plan trips, schedule events, or understand global schedules. Below, find a comprehensive list of public holidays sorted by country.
