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Greenland Cruises
Have you always wondered what life is like past the Arctic Circle? Greenland gives you a rather tantalising glimpse, with its majestic ice-formed fjords, polar landscapes and charming fishing villages. There are miles and miles of space to explore, whether you prefer trekking on foot, sledge, or skis. With the Northern Lights overhead, you can enjoy a treasure trove of outdoor recreation. Go sea kayaking, fishing or whale watching in these cold Arctic waters, before relaxing with a hot Greenlandic coffee in a Nuuk Town café.
Greenland
Ilulissat, Greenland
Qaqortoq, Greenland
GREENLAND CRUISE PORTS
Greenland Ports
Ilulissat
It’s impossible to talk about the Greenlandic port of Ilulissat without mentioning its icebergs! This coastal town is surrounded by ice fjords and glaciers, making it the perfect place for activities like dog sledging through arctic scenery and seeing the Northern Lights overhead. Learn more about the area’s history at the Ilulissat Museum, and admire the sheer variety of ice formations on a hike around the town.
Qaqortoq
Surrounded by awe-inspiring fjords, Qaqortoq gives you the perfect base for exploring Greenland’s famous outdoor scenery! Learn about Greenlandic traditions in the town’s museum and wander past its colonial buildings. From here, it’s easy to find walking trails into the landscapes just out of town. Don’t miss a visit to Lake Tasersuaq with its pathways into the mountains, or relax in Uunartoq’s soothing hot springs.
What You Need To Know About Greenland
When is the best time to visit Greenland?
Being so far north, Greenland’s summer days are super long, as are its winter nights! The winter is the best time to see the Northern Lights, go dog-sledging, or enjoy the snowy landscapes, but the trade-off is that you’ll have just a few short hours of sunlight to do daytime activities. However, the moonlight is brighter than you might think and this can be a magical time of year to visit. Summer is also a popular time to see Greenland, with abundant daylight hours giving you plenty of time to flex your legs on long walks and enjoy the unique sight of the Midnight Sun.
What are the highlights of a Greenland cruise?
Greenland’s natural landscapes are its primary highlight, so you can make the most of your ship’s excursions to get out and enjoy the remote beauty of its Arctic scenery. Visit Uunartoq Island to find Greenland’s only hot springs, see the Northern Lights, or take in the majestic natural beauty of the Ilulissat Icefjord with its impressive glacier-formed peaks. Qaqortoq is South Greenland’s largest settlement, well worth a visit for its colourful wooden houses positioned around the harbour and stately colonial buildings. It’s a great jumping-off point for whale watching excursions or easy day hikes into the fjords. Tasiilaq is another town to explore, known for its picturesque harbour.
Which local foods in Greenland should you try?
Greenland’s harsh climate has traditionally made it difficult to grow fresh vegetables, which means the classic diet has centred on sea animals including an abundance of cold water seafood, particularly codfish. Halibut and Atlantic catfish thrive in the cold, Arctic waters, often simply grilled to let their flavours shine through. Whale meat has long been a staple of the Greenlandic diet, often served smoked or cured. Seals are also hunted here, with the skin used to create clothing and the meat used in rich soups alongside rice or barley. For land-based meat, you can try musk ox tartare or free-range lamb chops!
GREENLAND - DID YOU KNOW?
If you get out into the countryside you’ll have plenty of space to explore, as Greenland is the world’s least densely populated country! It’s a territory of Denmark, so the locals speak both Danish and Greenlandic, although English is also spoken just about everywhere.
If you’re a sporty type, why not try a round of ice golf? This takes all the rules of traditional golf and transports them into challenging courses made from ice and snow. You can even visit the Ice Golf World Championships in March, positioned right on the Arctic Circle’s edge.
Learn some more about the region’s fascinating history at its various museums. Greenland has been inhabited for thousands of years, and you can view archaeological artefacts and handicrafts at the Greenland National Museum or Ammassalik Museum. For a range of artistic treasures, visit the Nuuk Art Museum with its array of works from local artists.
Nuuk is Greenland’s capital city, offering a blend of ancient and modern cultures. This is readily apparent in its architecture, from the wooden Nuuk Cathedral to the charming fishermen’s cottages. Pay a visit to the Pisiffik and Brugsen markets to sample the catch of the day and pick up a souvenir or two!
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