Greenland is a land of awe-inspiring contrasts, where towering icebergs drift through deep-blue fjords, colourful Arctic towns cling to rugged coastlines, and silence stretches across vast, untouched landscapes. Though it is the world’s largest island, more than 80% is covered by an immense ice sheet, leaving its communities scattered along a dramatic coastline alive with culture and history.

Travel here is unlike anywhere else. With no roads connecting towns, journeys unfold by boat, helicopter, or small plane, turning every transfer into an adventure of its own. Visitors can witness calving glaciers, sail among ice giants, hike pristine valleys, meet Inuit communities, and experience the midnight sun or the dancing Northern Lights depending on the season.

Greenland’s towns each offer a unique window into Arctic life. Nuuk, the world’s smallest capital by population, is also one of the Arctic’s most vibrant cultural hubs, with a blend of Inuit culture and modern Nordic energy. Ilulissat is home to the UNESCO-listed Icefjord and mesmerises with giant calving icebergs. Disko Bay dazzles with soaring icebergs and rich Arctic wildlife, while the Icefjord Museum in Ilulissat offers an immersive look into Greenland’s ice and climate story. Kangerlussuaq serves as the main gateway, offering easy access to the vast Greenland Ice Sheet, and Sisimiut brings adventure with year-round hiking, dogsledding, and a lively coastal culture. Together these towns make Western Greenland the economic and cultural hub of the country.

Further north, Uummannaq captivates with its iconic heart-shaped mountain and traditional village charm, and Upernavik’s remote archipelago showcases colourful settlements and some of Greenland’s most untouched wilderness. Qaanaaq, often called Thule, is one of the northernmost towns in the world. Quiet, and breathtakingly stark, it is one of Greenland’s most isolated communities; an unforgettable destination for adventurers seeking true Arctic wilderness.

Southern Greenland is dotted with charming towns like Narsarsuaq, home to lush valleys shaped by Norse history; Nanortalik, known for its stunning mountains, ice-filled fjords, and warm village atmosphere; and Narsaq, a colourful settlement surrounded by rolling green hills, glaciers, and rich Viking heritage. Qaqortoq charms visitors with art-filled streets, hot springs, and rolling green landscapes. Together, they showcase the gentler, greener side of Greenland.

East Greenland is one of the most remote and rugged regions of the Arctic, where high peaks, deep fjords, and powerful glaciers define the landscape. Tasiilaq, the cultural heart of the east, offers stunning valley hikes, vibrant Inuit traditions, and sweeping coastal scenery. Nearby Kulusuk provides a raw, authentic glimpse into Greenlandic village life, surrounded by impressive mountains and floating ice. Farther north lies Ittoqqortoormiit, one of the most isolated settlements in the world, serving as a gateway to the vast wilderness of the Northeast Greenland National Park. Together, these communities showcase the wild, untouched spirit of East Greenland.

For nature lovers, explorers, and cultural travellers, Greenland remains one of the most diverse and extraordinary destinations on Earth...a place that feels distant until experienced, but impossible to forget once discovered.

Nuggets of information:

• For the original inhabitants, Greenland is known as Kalaallit Nunaat, meaning ‘country of the Greenlanders'.
  
• Greenland is the largest island in the world (when excluding continents), yet nearly 80% of  it is covered by ice and glaciers.
• The total population is just around 56,000 people, making the country one of the most sparsely populated places on earth.
• They hosts one of the world’s toughest ski races.
• Much of the island has no roads connecting settlements. Towns and villages are primarily linked by plane, boat, helicopter or snowmobile depending on season.
• Greenland has just one inland town—Kangerlussuaq.
• Greenlandic Coffee is a festive treat, combining whiskey, Grand Marnier, Kahlua, a topping of whipped cream, and of course, coffee.
• The coastline is carved by deep fjords, and massive glaciers frequently calve enormous icebergs, especially around places like the Ilulissat Icefjord.
• The country's ingenious Inuit hunters invented the kayak, with the word itself coming from the Greenlandic term ‘qajaq.’
• In summer, parts of the country experiences the Midnight Sun (continuous daylight), while in winter, the dark polar nights offer prime chances to witness the Aurora Borealis (Northern Lights).
• Greenlandic (mainly Kalaallisut) is the official language, though many people also speak Danish.
• Humans have inhabited Greenland for more than 4,500 years, with rich Inuit and Norse histories.
• Over 2.5 million years ago, Greenland was much greener than today, covered with forests and lush vegetation.
• The south is home to naturally occurring hot springs, offering unique geothermal experiences amid Arctic landscapes.
• The island boasts 3 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the Ilulissat Icefjord, reflecting its natural and cultural significance. 
• Greenland holds the largest national park on Earth, the Northeast Greenland National Park.
• The Greenlandic Sled Dog, bred for endurance and resilience, is the only dog allowed north of the Arctic Circle and in East Greenland. Strict regulations protect its purity, preserving this iconic breed as a vital part of Greenlandic culture.

Greenland Through the Lens