Destination Attractions Things to do in Greenland

Posted: 02/09/2007--25/11/2008 || Rate this Article: 3 || Views|| Sign In || Register ||Hello Guest

Greenland is the worlds largest island. While most people dream of tropical weather and sunny beaches when they think of islands, Greenland is far removed from this atmosphere. The majority of the country is located in the Arctic Circle, where summer days rarely register a temperature above 50F.

Despite its cold climate, Greenland has much to offer its visitors. What are some of the top tourist destinations in Greenland?

Nuuk: Compared to the other world capitals, Nuuk is seemingly small with a population of approximately 15,000. Founded in 1728 by Danish missionary Han Egede, it is also Greenlands oldest city. Nuuk embraces its past and present culture. Its harbor is home to Nuuks historical buildings and marketplaces. A traveler will find more modern buildings further inland.

Nuuk has many points of interest that a visitor should make plans to see. The National Museum and Archives showcases Greenlands vast history and culture. On display, a person will find costumes symbolizing the different periods in Greenlands history, various Viking findings and the infamous Qilakitsoq mummies.

For a more modern destination, a traveler may want to visit Katuaq. This is the culture center of Greenland and is home to the countrys only movie theater. Various cultural events and exhibitions are held here throughout the year.

Ilulissat: Just over 430 miles north of Nuuk and bordering on Disko Bay, is the town of Ilulissat. This is one of Greenlands oldest settlements, dating back over 3,000 years. Its citizens have survived the harsh climate due to the fishing and hunting trades.

The Ilulissat Icefjord is the top travel destination in the town. This is one of the largest glaciers in the world, measuring over three miles wide. Each spring a number of iceburgs, some weighing several hundred tons, break off from the glacier.

Ilulissat offers a visitor a variety of museums. The Knud Rasmussen Museum, for example, displays a number of local artifacts as well as findings from various expeditions.

A traveler will also want to travel to the nearby Sermermiut valley, located just over a mile from the town. The lush valley was once the largest settlement in Greenland.

Qaanaaq: Although a traveler may find the town to be inaccessible, a trip to Qaanaaq is well worth the time. Qaanaaq is the worlds most northern town and its culture still reflects that of the historical hunter.

A visitor to Qaanaaq does not usually have the luxury to sit back and relax. Most travelers try to experience first-hand the culture surrounding them. Tourists are given the opportunity to partake in dog sledding, fishing and/or hunting expeditions that require travel to various settlements in the region. Others may choose to hike in the mountains, ski across the icecap or try their hand at kayaking.

Oodaaq Island: Although Oodaaq Island is not inhabited; it is a well known part of Greenland. The island is approximately 330 feet wide and was discovered in 1978 by Uffe Peterson during an expedition to survey Northern Greenland. It is located approximately five kilometers off the coast of Greenland and 400 miles from the North Pole. Because of this, Oodaaq Island is famous for being the most northern piece of land on Earth. Unfortunately, it is almost inaccessible unless a person is with an expedition or surveying party.

North East Greenland National Park: Until Oodaaq Island was discovered, Cape Morris Jesup located within the park was hailed as being the northernmost point in the world. North East Greenland Park is the largest park in the world, taking up almost a quarter of the land area in Greenland. The park is difficult to get to and was closed to visitors for many years. However, in recent years, private expeditions have been allowed inside the park. A person visiting the North East Greenland National Park will be amazed to see an untouched tundra and native wildlife such as polar bears, wolves and caribou.

Qaqortoq: The harbor town of Qaqortoq was founded in 1775 and is located at the southernmost tip of Greenland. Considered to be Greenlands largest southern city, Qaqortoq is home to approximately 3,500 people.

A person traveling to Greenland during the summer can immerse himself or herself in the natural beauty of the town in the form of the landscape and wildflowers. Hiking the popular Peters Cairn or around Tasersuaq Lake is also a favorite pastime.

Qaqortoqs town square is renowned for being the home of the oldest of the oldest fountain in Greenland. The fountain is located near the harbor and the names of the towns political figures are kept on its base. The rest of the town square is encircled with many historical buildings, some dating back over 200 years.

Located just outside of Qaqortoq are the ruins of Hvalsey. These are some of the most well-preserved Norse ruins in the world. The site dates back prior to the 14th century.

Kulusuk and Tasiilaq: Kulusuk is a small island located near Tasiilaq, just off the coast of eastern Greenland. Despite its size, it is a favorite travel destination. Kulusuk is home to one of the few international airports in Greenland and has frequent flights to and from Reykjavik, Iceland. From the airport, a vacationer can walk the short distance to the nearby town and enjoy the astonishing scenery along the route. A person should be sure to visit the local cemetery which is well kempt by the locals with flowers against the ice covered landscape.

A short ferry ride from Kulusuk will bring a visitor to Tasiilaq. Located on the eastern coast of Greenland, Tasiilaq is the largest town in this region. Tasiilaq is completely surrounded by mountainous terrain. The town is a favorite travel destination due to the natural landscape in the form of Flower Valley.

Despite its cold location in the Arctic Circle, Greenland has much to offer a traveler. A person visiting the country will leave with a renewed respect of Greenlands natural beauty and culture.