Greenland has always been a destination for pioneering explorers, and today's visitors continue this tradition by seeking out its remarkable combination of pristine nature and traditional culture that sets it apart from other Arctic destinations. The world's twelfth-largest country, reached by direct flights from the US as of 2024, Greenland sits near the top of the world—a vast expanse of white in a planet full of green, blue and brown.
Travel within Greenland can present unique challenges given limited infrastructure and often-adverse weather conditions, but with the right planning and guidance, exploring this incredible country becomes remarkably accessible. This guide combines essential information—such as getting around on an island lacking roads connecting major settlements—with practical advice on what to see and do, where to stay, and where to eat. Every chapter is infused with Greenland's unique character, making your trip both rewarding and well-planned.
Today's visitors relish opportunities for close encounters with immense icebergs and glaciers that provide the backdrop to numerous activities. From visiting the world's second-largest ice sheet and taking to the sea in search of thirteen species of whale, to hiking along the 165-km-long Arctic Circle Trail and seeking out polar bears, musk oxen, and walruses—Greenland offers adventures found nowhere else on Earth.
Greenland in winter transforms into another world, where the endless night is brightened by the mesmerising northern lights, creating a snowy paradise that remains until spring—the perfect time to travel by dog sled or snowmobile across the frozen tundra. For a different experience, close your trip with a few days of nature-inspired art, eclectic culture, and fine dining in the diminutive capital, Nuuk, where you can reflect on your Arctic adventures.
Targeted at independent travelers but equally serving those visiting on organized tours or cruises, Bradt's Greenland is more than just a guide—it's your companion to a truly staggering country that will forever change how you see the world.
