Greenland Cruises

Getting around Greenland

The road network between the towns and cities of Greenland is very limited to say the least. Surrounded by immense mountains and deep wide fjords, nature has made this very difficult. Instead the travel infrastructure relies on the sea and air, making a Greenland cruise an enjoyable, hassle-free way to explore.

Top harbours in Greenland

Kangerlussuaq

Sail east, inland on the long, deep Kangerlussuaq fjord, walled either side by icy-capped mountains and you will reach a small settlement of the same name. Kangerlussaq has only around 530 inhabitants and was founded as a U.S. air force base in 1941, before only recently receiving town status in 1986.

However, this unassuming destination is often referred to as the ‘Gateway to Greenland’. With the only accessible road to the biggest ice sheet in the Northern Hemisphere, the Greenland Ice Cap, Kangerlussuaq draws visitors from afar, seeking to explore this other-worldly landscape whose gigantic, natural ice sculptures rise imposingly from the freezing ground.

It’s worth a late night in Kangerlussuaq, as it has one of the best opportunities to witness the Northern Lights, or Aurora Borealis; a spectacular natural light display caused by the collision of electrically charged particles. --> Kangerlussuaq cruises

Top Visiting Tip

Take a flight tour over Kangerlussuaq to fully experience the grandeur of this landscape. Such tours operate at the lowest possible altitude allowing you to get the best views of the Arctic terrain and its wildlife.

Prins-Christian-Sund (Passage)

To experience the real essence of Greenland, a cruise through Prins-Christian-Sund is not to be missed. This tranquil waterway flanked with rugged mountain peaks dappled with snow, divides Greenland’s mainland from the picturesque islands of Cape Farewell and provides views that are simply astounding. Blueberry-ringed and bearded seals nestle on top of sparkling-blue icebergs, whilst mink and even blue whales dive and swirl in the deep waters below and Arctic terns and seabirds glide above.

Human presence is a rarity in these parts, so the small community of Aappilattoq with its collection of brightly coloured Nordic-style houses, hidden within the steep mountain ranges is exceptional. Here, gain an understanding of the community’s traditional culture; a blend of Inuit and Danish heritage governed by the daily hunting and fishing rhythms.

Travelling Advice for Visiting Prins-Christian-Sund

This 66-mile fjord is only accessible in the summer months, when the icy obstructions melt away, so check before you travel that you are able to visit.

Nuuk

In the Arctic capital of Greenland, Nuuk, traditional Inuit living integrates seamlessly into a modern, cosmopolitan city. Nuuk is a dynamic, up-and-coming Nordic capital and provides its visitors with gourmet restaurants and chic fashion boutiques, alongside rich history, steeped in Viking, Danish and Inuit influences.

As an easy city to discover on foot, a day’s exploration can feature a visit to the Greenland National Museum and Archives and the Nuuk Art Museum, before taking a wander along the quaint Old Harbour, lined with colourful, wooden Scandinavian-style homes. For the best views of the city, climb up to the lookout, where a statue of Hans Egede, the first Danish missionary to land here in 1721, stands. Take in this unique Arctic city, centred around the Lutheran Nuuk Cathedral with the formidable mountains rising in the background.

An interesting fact about Nuuk

Nuuk is one of the smallest capital cities in the world with a population of just under 18,500 people.

When is the best time to visit Greenland?

Greenland has distinct seasons due to the large variation in sunlight it receives throughout the year. The best time to visit, therefore, depends on the type of activities you are hoping to do. In winter, from December to March, the days are very short and extremely cold, however they do offer the best opportunity for seeing the Northern Lights and for going dog-sledding.

Summer provides great hiking opportunities and is the perfect time to get involved in other outdoor sports. The towns are buzzing with life; thanks to the long daylight hours. Experience the midnight sun, as from May until the end of July, the sun barely sets and communities make the most of these extended days.

Top tip for planning your trip

If you have certain activities in mind, check with travel providers in advance. Due to the extreme changes in temperatures and daylight hours, some places are inaccessible at certain times of year.

Top sights in Greenland

Ilulissat Icefjord

Ilulissat Icefjord is an epic landscape filled with icebergs; some enormous, dwarfing ships below and some tiny, but all immensely beautiful. The area is UNESCO protected and is one of the most northern World Heritage Sites on Earth. Taking a trip in the air is highly recommended, as it is one of the best ways of gaining a full appreciation of the vastness of this terrain.

Blue River

A perfectly elegant natural wonder of Greenland, this river cuts through the landscape of ice with its pure, bright blue trace. Created from the melting Petermann Glacier, the river is constantly changing in its shape, but always immeasurably stunning and is best explored close-up by kayaking through its waters.

The National Park

Greenland’s National Park, known simply as The National Park is the largest in the world and is where you can experience some of the world’s most remarkable scenery and wildlife. As a permit is required for entry, the best way to experience this remote part of the country is to book on an expedition cruise. This will provide the opportunity to observe some of the greatest species of mammals in their natural habitat, including giant walrus, musk oxen, Arctic foxes and the mighty polar bear.

Maximise your time in Greenland

Undoubtedly, the best way to explore the isolated areas of this country is via the water. By booking a Greenland cruise, you will not only be able to discover some of the most striking areas of the country, inaccessible by any other method, but you will also have the best chance of witnessing whales and seals, playfully curious in the surrounding waters.

To add to your pub quiz knowledge

• An ice cap and glaciers cover almost 80 percent of the land mass in Greenland
• Greenland may be cold, but it's springs are hot. The steaming temperatures of these natural springs can reach up to 50 - 60 °C; a perfect bathtub for warming up!
• It is estimated that the Greenland ice sheet is between 400,000 and 800,000 years old.
• Greenland may be geographically part of North America, but it is politically part of Europe and its inhabitants actually originate from Central Asia.