Greenland is one of the last frontiers of travel and a place of great intrigue for many adventurous travelers. However, it’s not an easy destination to reach. Greenland’s remote location and island status make it impossible to drive there. Despite Greenland’s proximity to Canada and Iceland, there are no roads, bridges, or tunnels, so it is impossible to drive to Greenland. Instead, almost all visitors choose to fly to Greenland from nearby Iceland or Denmark.
Canada is the closest country to Greenland, and in many places along the Baffin Bay Straights, the two countries are only 20 miles apart. During the Arctic winter, large swathes of the ocean freeze over in this area. However, as this area is north of the Arctic Circle, incredibly remote and inhospitable, no roads have been constructed to or from the region. Building a bridge here or traveling on a seasonal ice bridge across the Baffin Bay Straits is unfeasible.
Greenland is located in the North Atlantic Ocean. It is an autonomous territory of Denmark and is geographically situated between the Arctic Ocean to the north and the Atlantic Ocean to the southeast.
Greenland lies northeast of North America, with the Canadian Arctic Archipelago to the west and the northern part of the Atlantic Ocean to the east. Greenland is known for its vast ice sheets, stunning fjords, and remote Arctic landscapes. Its capital and largest city is Nuuk.
It’s not just driving to Greenland that is problematic. Greenland’s inhospitable climate means few permanent roads between towns and cities exist. It’s thought that there are only 150 kilometers of roads in the country and only 60 kilometers of paved roads. Even these roads will become difficult and impassable in the depths of winter.
It’s possible to fly to Greenland on both scheduled and chartered flights. The only viable way to get to Greenland is by flying, and almost all visitors arrive by this mode of transport.
There are limited International flights to Greenland, with just Air Greenland and Air Iceland offering regular services. These airlines connect Greenland with Reykjavik in Iceland and Copenhagen in Denmark. Despite the short distance, no direct flights between Canada and Greenland exist. If you travel from North America to Greenland, you must travel via Reykjavik in Iceland.
At the current time, there are no international ferry routes to Greenland. The problematic sea conditions and limited demand for such a service mean that this will not change any time soon. Most international visitors choose to fly to Greenland instead.
While there isn’t a ferry service, getting to Greenland by boat is still technically possible. To do this, you must travel on a cruise ship, expedition ship, or freight ship. Both cost and frequency of sailings will be a challenge, but if you’ve got the time, money, and determination, why not give it a go?
Several cruise lines offer cruises to Greenland, including Fred Olsen and Ambassador. Cruises range from 14 to 35 days, and costs begin at $3,000 per passenger. Cruises leave from many destinations, including Liverpool in the United Kingdom and Reykjavik in Iceland.
Given the minimal road network in the country, travel between towns has to be by another method. The following options are available in Greenland:
Helicopter – Many smaller settlements don’t have airports or landing strips. Therefore, the only way to reach them via air is by helicopter. Air Greenland operates Eurocopter AS 350, Airbus H155, and Bell 212 helicopters within its fleet. While the views can be spectacular, the cost can be prohibitive.
Ferry – The Artic Umiaq Line operates along the coast of Greenland. The ferry connects settlements as far north as Qeqertarsuaq and Ilulissat with settlements in the far south, such as Narsaq and Qaqortoq. The ferry runs on a weekly schedule from late March to early January. It doesn’t run during the depths of winter, as sea ice and extreme temperatures make the journey treacherous.
Air – Air Greenland is the domestic carrier and services various towns throughout Greenland. It has multiple planes, although most domestic flights are on Dash-8-200 planes. These efficient planes comprise the bulk of the fleet and are hardy enough to withstand the inhospitable climate. There are currently 14 domestic airports in Greenland.
Dog Sled – That’s right, dog sledding is a viable alternative to driving in Greenland! Providing the terrain doesn’t include hills or mountains, many locals take to their dog sleds to travel between villages. For visitors, it’s more likely to be a gimmick rather than a viable option, but it’s how some locals choose to travel.
Once you’ve decided how to get to Greenland, you must think about when you want to visit. Greenland experiences vastly different weather conditions, so you’re experience will vary dramatically by season.
The best time to visit is during the milder summer months of June through September. During this time, the sun shines almost all day and most of the night. Snow melts in low-lying and coastal areas, making the country much more accessible. Summer is also the peak season, so hotels and flights are more expensive. You will also need to book travel and accommodation well in advance.
Post-September visitor numbers drop dramatically, as does the temperature. However, winter’s onset means you can see one of Greenland’s most fantastic attractions, the Aurora Borealis or Northern Lights. Not visible during the summer, this wonder of nature is the principal reason to visit during winter. The winter is also attractive for those seeking a glimpse of the real Greenland.
Whichever time of year you visit, you will undoubtedly enjoy a unique experience in Greenland.
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