Top 10 Things to Do in Greenland

There is no image more iconic of Greenland than the colossal icebergs of the Ilulissat Icefjord, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. To experience this natural wonder is to witness the awesome power of a glacier in motion. A private sailing charter allows you to navigate this maze of ice giants in intimacy and style, creating a truly unforgettable memory.

As you glide through the calm waters, your expert skipper will position the vessel for the most breathtaking views, especially as the Midnight Sun or a dramatic sunset casts a golden or pink hue across the ice. Listen to the thunderous crack of the ice and feel the sheer immensity of a landscape being actively shaped by nature.

What to Expect

When sailing the Ilulissat Icefjord, look forward to:

• An Exclusive Vessel: Enjoy the comfort and intimacy of a private boat charter.
• Spectacular Light: Witness the ice under the ethereal glow of the Midnight Sun or sunset.
• Profound Sounds: Hear the humbling crack, groan, and splash of calving ice.

Best Places for Icefjord Sailing

• Ilulissat Icefjord
• Disko Bay
• The fjords of East Greenland

The Greenland Ice Sheet is a remnant of the last Ice Age, a vast and silent desert of ice covering 80% of the country. To truly comprehend its scale, you must see it from above and, more remarkably, stand upon it. A private helicopter excursion offers this exclusive opportunity, transcending a simple tour into a once-in-a-lifetime expedition.

Your journey begins as you soar over a dramatic landscape of deep blue meltwater rivers and jagged crevasses. The pilot will then select a safe, pristine location to land directly on the ancient ice. In profound silence, you can take a guided walk on the ice cap or enjoy a gourmet picnic, completely surrounded by one of the planet’s last great wildernesses.

What to Expect

When landing on the Greenland Ice Sheet, expect:

• Breathtaking Aerial Views: A god’s-eye perspective of the immense ice sheet.
• Exclusive Landing: The rare privilege of setting foot where few humans have ever been.
• Profound Silence: Experience an unparalleled sense of peace and isolation.
• Expert Pilot-Guide: Learn about the geology and significance of this massive ice reserve.

Best Places for an Ice Sheet Landing

• Near Kangerlussuaq
• Above the Ilulissat Icefjord
• In the highlands of South Greenland

For centuries, dogsledding was the essential mode of winter transport in Greenland, a testament to the powerful bond between humans and animals. To experience it is to connect with a vital piece of Inuit heritage. A private expedition elevates this from a simple ride to an immersive cultural journey across the frozen tundra.

Guided by an authentic Greenlandic musher, you will learn the commands and feel the primal power of the dogs as they pull you effortlessly through a silent, white world. Dressed in professional thermal wear for complete comfort, you can embark on a multi-hour journey or even an overnight trip between cozy huts, fully engaging with this timeless tradition.

What to Expect

When on a private dogsledding expedition, look forward to:

• Authentic Cultural Connection: Ride with a local musher who shares stories and techniques.
• Thrilling Adventure: Experience the speed and power of a well-trained dog team.
• Stunning Winter Landscapes: Glide through pristine snow-covered valleys and over frozen fjords.
• Intimate Group Size: A private tour ensures a personal experience.

Best Places for Dog Sledding

• Kangerlussuaq
• Ilulissat
• Tasiilaq (East Greenland)

The word “kayak”, or qajaq, is Greenlandic in origin and there is no more authentic place to dip a paddle into the water. Silently gliding at sea level offers a unique and intimate perspective on the icebergs that dot the fjords. It is a peaceful, meditative, and profoundly beautiful way to connect with the Greenlandic landscape.

Accompanied by a private guide, you will paddle in calm, protected waters, navigating a maze of smaller, crystalline-blue ice formations that have broken off from larger giants. Dressed in a dry suit over your warm layers, you'll be perfectly comfortable. The silence feels all-encompassing, broken only by your paddle and the distant groan of ice.

What to Expect

When kayaking in Greenland, expect:

• A Unique Perspective: See icebergs from water level, appreciating their color and form.
• Peace and Tranquility: Experience the profound silence of the fjords.
• Connection to History: Participate in an activity central to Greenlandic culture for millennia.
• Surprising Wildlife Encounters: The quiet approach may allow for encounters with seals or seabirds.

Best Places for Kayaking

• Disko Bay
• The fjords near Nuuk
• South Greenland

If you are a history aficionado, South Greenland offers a journey back in time to the Age of Vikings. It was here that Erik the Red established the first European settlement a thousand years ago, and the stories of these Norse farmers are written into the landscape. A private guided tour of these ruins offers a fascinating glimpse into a lost world.

Explore the UNESCO-listed sites of Brattahlíð, Erik the Red's former estate, and Hvalsey, home to the best-preserved church ruin in Greenland. As you walk among the stone foundations set against lush green hills, your guide will bring the epic Norse sagas to life, detailing their arrival, their struggles, and their mysterious disappearance from Greenland.

What to Expect

When exploring Norse ruins, look forward to:

• Compelling Historical Narratives: Uncover the epic and mysterious saga of the Norse settlers.
• UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Walk through the authentic, well-preserved ruins.
• Stunning Scenery: The ruins are set in the uniquely green and fertile landscape of South Greenland.
• Expert Historical Guides: Benefit from insightful commentary that brings a lost world to life.
• A Sense of Mystery: Contemplate one of history’s great questions: what happened to the Norse?

Best Places for Norse History

• Qassiarsuk (Brattahlíð)
• Igaliku (Garðar)
• Hvalsey Fjord

To truly understand Greenland, you must connect with its enduring heart: the Inuit culture. Move beyond museums for a genuine, respectful, and curated interaction that offers insight into the daily lives, traditions, and resilience of the Greenlandic people. These experiences are built on authentic relationships and a desire for mutual understanding.

Through our network, we can arrange a private kaffemik, a traditional Greenlandic social gathering with coffee and cake, in the home of a local family. Alternatively, you might enjoy a private storytelling session with a community elder or witness a powerful drum dance performance that conveys ancient myths.

What to Expect

When experiencing Inuit culture, expect:

• Genuine Human Connection: Share stories and time with local Greenlanders in a respectful setting.
• Living Traditions: Witness customs and arts that have been passed down for generations.
• Exclusive Access: Enjoy private performances or gatherings not available to the general public.
• Deeper Understanding: Gain insight into the values, community, and modern life of the Inuit.
• Warm Hospitality: Experience the famous Greenlandic friendliness firsthand.

Best Places for Cultural Immersion:

• Ilulissat
• Nuuk
• Towns throughout East and South Greenland

In the summer months, the nutrient-rich waters of Greenland become a feeding ground for some of the world's most magnificent creatures. A private whale-watching safari is the ultimate way to witness these gentle giants, offering the flexibility and intimacy to create a perfect encounter.

On your private charter with an expert naturalist guide, you’ll journey into Disko Bay or the vast fjord systems to search for humpback, minke, and fin whales. Listen for the powerful sound of a blowhole and watch in awe as a 40-ton humpback breaches the surface. The intimacy of a private tour allows you to linger respectfully, observing their behaviors without the disturbance of a crowded boat.

What to Expect

On a private whale-watching safari, you can expect:

• High Probability of Sightings: The summer months in key areas are world-renowned for whale activity.
• Expert Naturalist Guide: Learn to identify species and understand their behavior.
• Flexibility and Privacy: Linger at sightings and enjoy the experience without crowds.
• Dramatic Backdrops: See whales with colossal icebergs and towering mountains in the background.
• Awe-Inspiring Encounters: The thrill of seeing these massive mammals surface nearby is unforgettable.

Best Places for Whale Watching

• Disko Bay (especially near Ilulissat)
• Nuuk Fjord System
• Uummannaq Fjord

Greenlandic cuisine is a celebration of the purest ingredients from land and sea, a "new Nordic" culinary scene that is hyper-local by nature. For the traveling foodie, Greenland offers a unique and unforgettable gastronomic journey that tells the story of the nation on a plate.

Enjoy the region’s specialties in charming restaurants with harbor views or arrange for a private chef to craft a tasting menu in your luxury lodge. Sample delicacies like musk ox tataki, fresh-caught Greenlandic halibut, reindeer carpaccio, and snow crab, often paired with sauces made from local angelica and crowberries. This is a culinary adventure for those who appreciate provenance and purity.

What to Expect

When indulging in Greenland's culinary delights, you can anticipate:

• Fjord-to-Table Ethos: Taste fish and seafood that was caught just hours before.
• Unique Wild Game: Savor the clean, rich flavors of musk ox and reindeer.
• Foraged Ingredients: Discover the subtle taste of Arctic herbs, berries, and mushrooms.
• Private Chef Experiences: Enjoy a bespoke menu crafted just for you.
• Innovative Cuisine: Experience how top chefs are blending traditional ingredients with modern techniques.

Best Places for Food Tours

• Ilulissat
• Nuuk
• Qaqortoq

From September to April, Greenland becomes one of the best places on Earth to witness the aurora borealis. This celestial spectacle is a wish-list experience and viewing it from a remote, luxurious setting transforms it into a moment of pure spectacle and comfort.

Stay in a secluded, five-star wilderness lodge or a modern "igloo" cabin with a panoramic glass roof, designed for optimal Northern Lights viewing. A private guide can lead you to a perfect dark-sky location, sharing the science and folklore behind the lights as they dance across the arctic sky in mesmerizing shades of green, pink, and violet.

What to Expect

When hunting for the Aurora Borealis, look forward to:

• Prime Viewing Location: Greenland’s dark, clear winter skies offer optimal conditions.
• Luxurious Comfort: Watch the show from a cozy lodge, hot tub, or heated glass igloo.
• Expert Guidance: Learn the science and myths of the Aurora from a knowledgeable guide.
• A Mystical Atmosphere: Witnessing this natural wonder in the silence of the Arctic is a spiritual experience.

Best Places for Aurora Viewing:

• Kangerlussuaq, known for its stable, clear weather
• Ilulissat, for views over the frozen fjord
• South Greenland

For a truly hands-on and authentic Greenlandic experience, venture onto a frozen fjord with a local expert for a day of ice fishing. This is a quiet, patient, and rewarding cultural practice that offers a deep connection to the environment and the local way of life.

Your guide will transport you by snowmobile or 4x4 to a prime fishing spot on the thick sea ice. They provide all the high-end equipment and expertise needed to drill through the ice and jig for delicious species like Greenlandic halibut and redfish. The experience is often capped by having your guide prepare and cook your fresh catch right there on the ice, providing the freshest meal imaginable.

What to Expect

When ice fishing in Greenland, you can expect:

• An Authentic Local Guide: Learn the craft from someone who has done it their entire life.
• A Thrilling Journey: Travel over the frozen sea to reach your remote fishing spot.
• The Reward of the Catch: Experience the excitement of pulling a fish up from the depths.
• An Ice-Top Meal: Enjoy the incredible experience of eating your catch moments after it’s caught.

Best Places for Ice Fishing

• The fjords near Kangerlussuaq
• Ilulissat Icefjord
• Near the town of Sisimiut

Greenland truly has it all: primordial landscapes that humble the soul, enticing culinary adventures that beckon discovery, and ancient sagas waiting to be heard. Each of these diverse landscapes and cultural centers offers a wealth of activities designed to captivate visitors with varied interests, encouraging exploration of the best places to visit in Greenland and beyond.

Whether you're looking for the profound silence of a private kayak trip among icebergs or an exclusive encounter with the Northern Lights from a luxury lodge, our experts are ready to help you plan your trip. For more inspiration on visiting the world’s wonders, take a look at our trips of a lifetime series.