Six Greenland wonders you don’t want to miss

Are you dreaming of unforgettable Greenland holidays? If you want to sail past towering glaciers, watch cosmic lights dancing in the sky, and immerse yourself in a culture like no other, then our trips to Greenland are just what you need! This is your chance to escape to one of the most remote parts of the world. Sail through intricate fjord systems, discover fascinating local traditions, and get close to incredible wildlife on a voyage you’ll never forget! Read on to discover six special wonders of the world's largest island.

Holidays in Greenland would’t be complete without a trip to this UNESCO World Heritage Site – it has to be seen to be believed! Ilulissat Icefjord is the outlet for Sermeq Kujalleq, one of the world’s fastest-moving and most productive glaciers. Studied for over 250 years, it has helped to develop climate change research and icecap glaciology. Join us on our Greenland tours and you’ll see this glacial giant calves massive icebergs that can tower up to 3,300 feet above sea level – it’s responsible for roughly 10% of all the icebergs produced in Greenland! With its mesmerizing icy landscape, dramatic sounds of a fast-moving glacial ice-stream calving into a fjord, and colossal icebergs, it’s no wonder sailing through the majestic Ilulissat Icefjord on your Greenland travels with Swan Hellenic is often described as a magical experience.

Greenland’s most isolated town, Ittoqqortoormiit, is a small community of around 500 residents. It’s said to be one of the best places on Greenland tours to experience the traditional Inuit style of living. Founded in 1925 by the Danish explorer Ejnar Mikkelsen, local hunters still follow ancient traditions here. Apart from summer, this picturesque town is inaccessible for much of the year, due to a thick layer of winter sea ice, which prevents ships from approaching its port. To the north is the world’s largest national park, and to the south, the largest fjord system on the planet. The surrounding unspoiled lands are home to fascinating wildlife, including Arctic foxes, seal colonies, and millions of seabirds.

Want to dive into Viking history on your Greenland trip? Travel to Qaqortoq, the largest city in South Greenland, and you’ll be in the perfect place to explore UNESCO-listed Kujataa World Heritage Site’s extensive Norse ruins. The southernmost Norse settlements ever discovered, Kujataa’s farmsteads date back to 10th-15th centuries AD and showcase the resilience of the people who lived in this challenging environment. Discover the cultural histories of the Norse farmer-hunters who started arriving from Iceland in the 10th century, and of the Inuit hunters and farming communities that developed from the end of the 18th century. You’ll step back in time as you discover hundreds of archaeological remains set in a unique sub-arctic farming landscape.

Picture yourself cruising Greenland and exploring charming Nordic houses, with towering snow-tipped mountains all around you. Welcome to Aappilattoq, a remote Inuit village found on a small island in the Upernavik archipelago. Set in the icy wilderness of Prins Christian Sund, this small settlement is steeped in history, and only accessible by boat or helicopter. Aappilattoq means "the red thing," which is a reference to the geology of the large mountain that towers over the settlement. You’ll never forget walking around this picturesque village, which has brightly painted houses and granite domes scattered across it, and is home to around 100 people who make a living from fishing and hunting.

Imagine cruising past soaring cliffs, and gigantic icebergs and glaciers, as you sail through the pristine Arctic wilderness. Sound good? Well, cruise Greenland with Swan Hellenic and you’ll soon be discovering all this and more as you voyage through the vast Scoresby sund fjord network! This majestic labyrinth of interconnected fjords and inlets is the largest and most complex fjord system in the world. Renowned for its breathtaking natural scenery, and framed by imposing basalt mountains, Scoresby sund is a haven for incredible wildlife, including mountain hares, Arctic foxes and an abundance of wonderful birdlife, including Atlantic puffins, fulmars, and snowy owls. Seals and whales are common sightings here too!

Ready to step into a different world? Explore Kangerlussuaq, found at the head of Kangerlussuaq Fjord. Greenland’s longest fjord has the world’s second-largest ice cap on its doorstep, and herds of arctic wildlife roaming through its UNESCO World Heritage Listed wilderness. Kangerlussuaq, which means "long fjord" in Greenlandic, was used as a summer hunting ground by the Saqqaq culture around 4,000 years ago. Now, you might spot reindeer, Arctic hares, and gyrfalcons when you’re here, as well as the elusive Northern Lights (visible during clear, dark nights)!

Is it easy to go to Greenland on holiday?
Absolutely! Join us on an expedition voyage to Greenland and you’ll get to experience the wonders of this captivating land from the comfort of your boutique ship. You'll get to explore with experts, see wonderful wildlife and incredible scenery, stay in 5-star accommodation, and enjoy delicious meals – and can leave all the planning to us!

Does Greenland accept Euros?
The official currency of Greenland is the Danish Krone (DKK). Euros (EUR) are not legal tender in Greenland, although you may find some shops, particularly in larger towns, that may be willing to accept them. However, we wouldn't recommend relying solely on Euros.

What do you need to enter Greenland?
You’ll need a passport, valid for at least six months beyond your visit. If you are a citizen of the United States, Canada, Australia and Switzerland, or an EU/EEA country, you don’t need a tourist visa for stays in Greenland up to 90 days.

Is Greenland expensive?
Prices in Greenland can vary depending on where you’re visiting, and what you're looking to buy. If you still have any concerns, contact one of our expedition specialists, and they’ll be happy to give you more information about this, and answer any other questions you might have!