Earlier I shared my travel bucket list, with the places that I’d most like to visit in the near future. Perhaps the single place that I’d most like to travel to is Greenland, so in this post I wanted to talk about that a bit more. The territory is becoming more accessible (for better or worse), and I’d love to go next summer… I just don’t even know where to start with planning.
In this post:
Greenland is becoming more accessible by air
It’s kind of impressive how rapidly the Greenland aviation scene is evolving at the moment. Historically, Kangerlussuaq (SFJ) has been Greenland’s only airport capable of handling jets, as Greenland’s capital of Nuuk (GOH) only had a small airport. This greatly complicated travel logistics, not just in terms of needing to connect, but also in terms of frequent cancelations due to weather issues, leaving travelers stranded.
In the coming months, Nuuk’s expanded airport will open, and this has exciting implications, since it means that people will be able to fly directly to Nuuk more easily.
With that in mind, travelers have quite the variety of choices for getting to Greenland in 2025:
- Air Greenland offers a year-round flight from Nuuk to Copenhagen (CPH), using a rare Airbus A330-800neo
- Air Greenland operates a seasonal flight between Nuuk and Iqaluit, Canada, using a De Havilland Dash 8-200
- Icelandair has a year-round flight to Nuuk out of Keflavik (KEF), using a De Havilland Dash 8-200
- United will launch a seasonal flight to Nuuk out of Newark (EWR), using a Boeing 737 MAX 8
I definitely want to fly Air Greenland’s A330-800neo. So if I visit Greenland, the only question is whether I’d rather fly United out of Newark (which is cool for being a direct link between the US and Greenland), or Air Greenland’s flight out of Iqaluit (which is a fascinating route, and I’d also love to visit the Canadian Arctic).
Where to start with planning a trip to Greenland?
When it comes to travel, personally I’m much more into nature than cities. Some of my most memorable trips over the years have been to rather secluded destinations, from Bhutan, to Easter Island, to Svalbard. I’d much rather go on a hike and enjoy nature than be in a city going to restaurants, shops, museums, etc.
But here’s the thing — I don’t even know where to start with planning a trip to Greenland. It’s not exactly a mainstream tourist destination (at least compared to most places), and it’s also not necessarily that easy to get around.
So I’d love some feedback on how others have approached this, or any resources people have found useful for planning Greenland travel. I’m sure I’m not alone in appreciating this information, since I know others are considering a Greenland trip as well.
The slight catch here is that I’d probably only be able to plan a trip with maybe five days on the ground. I don’t think this is a good trip for our son, and I also don’t like to leave him for too long, so I’m just trying to be realistic. With that in mind, I’ve heard that at a minimum, Nuuk and Ilulissat are worth visiting.
Nuuk is largest city in Greenland, though still only has ~20,000 residents. So presumably it’s worth stopping here, both to see what town life is like, and to do some excursions to nearby sights. As far as I can tell, Hotel Hans Egede is the best option in town, but if someone has any other recommendations, I’d of course love to hear them.
Ilulissat is known for ice fjords and glaciers, which I suppose is the first thing that comes to mind when most people think of Greenland. It’s located around 350 miles north of Nuuk, and Air Greenland operates frequent services between the two airports. There are quite a few hotel options here, from Hotel Arctic, to Hotel Icefiord, to the Best Western Plus.
So, if you were to visit two places in Greenland, is that the right approach to take? Anything in particular that should be done in those places, in terms of specific excursions? Or is there another place in Greenland that absolutely needs to be visited?
Bottom line
Visiting Greenland is becoming significantly easier as of 2025, between United launching nonstop flights from Newark, plus Nuuk’s expanded airport opening. Admittedly easier tourism to Greenland is a double-edged sword, given what an unspoiled and off the beaten path destination it is.
I’m hoping that 2025 is the year where I finally visit Greenland, so it’s time to get planning. I’d love ideas from anyone who has been or who has looked into this in great detail. Are Nuuk and Ilulissat the two destinations that must be visited, or is there a better approach to take? And if those are the places to see, any tips for the best things to do?
This is a bit of a different experience, but we did a whale watching cruise with North Sailing in Iceland on their electric tall mast (the Schooner Opal). They do week long sailings in Scoresby Sound and it's number one on my bucket list when my kids are old enough. The price includes airfare from Reykjavik, so it might not be the best way to fly Greenland from North America, but all the video and photos I've seen from their expeditions looks incredible!
There are lots of good suggestions here. One I would add is the Ilimanaq Lodge south of Ilulissat. Definitely book as far in advance as possible. But also like others have said, plan on your plans changing due to weather. If you get lucky and have no weather disruptions, treat it as a gift from the gods haha.
I'd second the notion to focus mostly on Ilulissat for a short trip like this and your...
There are lots of good suggestions here. One I would add is the Ilimanaq Lodge south of Ilulissat. Definitely book as far in advance as possible. But also like others have said, plan on your plans changing due to weather. If you get lucky and have no weather disruptions, treat it as a gift from the gods haha.
I'd second the notion to focus mostly on Ilulissat for a short trip like this and your first time there. Disko Bay is so incredible. The town itself is forgettable but the nature around is stunning and the Hotel Arctic is the best option in town. They have a great restaurant too. Definitely get out on the water as much as possible.
It's cool to spend a night in Nuuk just to get a feel for the capital, try some food and see the museum, but you don't need a lot of time there.
And another very cool thing is to take a scheduled helicopter flight (great way to get to Qaqortoq for example, and the south has a very different vibe and look from the rest of Greenland) – but you won't have enough time this time.
By the way the folks at Visit Greenland are really nice and eager to show off their country so if you get in touch with them I'm sure they'll have lots of good ideas for you.
Oh and if you go hiking, watch out for Qivittoq!
I can only second pstm91. If you don't travel in greenland by water you will miss out on a huge part of the experience. Especially going north from Ilulisat, visiting Disko Island and then further north, nature really starts to shine. Visiting the far northern villages, like Kullorsuaq, is also very special. This can only be achieved on a ship.
Realistically though, given your restrictions, this is not an option. So I would plan a...
I can only second pstm91. If you don't travel in greenland by water you will miss out on a huge part of the experience. Especially going north from Ilulisat, visiting Disko Island and then further north, nature really starts to shine. Visiting the far northern villages, like Kullorsuaq, is also very special. This can only be achieved on a ship.
Realistically though, given your restrictions, this is not an option. So I would plan a cruise when your son is older. And for now just visit Ilulisat and then go visit visit Qeqertarsuaq on Disko island either as a day trip or an overnight stay (Hotel Disko Island is quite cute).
Have you tried asking ChatGPT to develop an itinerary?
Ilulissat, Qaqortoq, and viewing Qilakitsoq mummies at the Greenland National Museum in Nuuk were highlights.
Air Greenland, Icelandair and Atlantic Airways just signed a New 3-way codeshare agreement the other day.
So it should be possible to go from Nuuk via Keflavik to the Faroe Islands on one ticket and yes the A338 will also be on the GOH-KEF route next summer
For activities to do in Ilulissat i can highly recomend to look up Airzafari.
They are a Nice little Company flying sightseeing tours over the...
Air Greenland, Icelandair and Atlantic Airways just signed a New 3-way codeshare agreement the other day.
So it should be possible to go from Nuuk via Keflavik to the Faroe Islands on one ticket and yes the A338 will also be on the GOH-KEF route next summer
For activities to do in Ilulissat i can highly recomend to look up Airzafari.
They are a Nice little Company flying sightseeing tours over the Icefjord and glaciers, on their Partenavia P.68 Twin engined piston Aircraft
The Southern part of Greenland is also very nice in the Summer
The area around Narsarsuaq
and Qaqortoq is incredibly scenic
I'll second using the Visit Greenalnd website as a resource. (There are regional ones, too, like Visit East Greenland). Far more than other national tourism website I've seen, this one has a lot more useful resources and information to get started.
****You should fly from EWR to Nuuk, spent some time in Nuuk, then fly to Iqaluit, Canada spend some time there, and then fly back to Nuuk before connecting on A330-800neo to Copenhagen. From Copenhagen, just find some flight home***********
The best way to do Greenland is by water, and 5-days is definitely not long enough to really get to experience/enjoy it. As others mentioned, weather plays a huge role and you absolutely need to budget/plan a few extra days on either end to be safe. Ilulissat is particularly bad with fog. I know someone who was stuck there for 5 days this summer.
I have visited Greenland by cruise. Ilulissat certainly was the highlight! Had a nice beer at Icefjord Hotel
You can book great day tours in Greenland through World of Greenland
Haven’t been yet but, planning to hike the Arctic Circle trail in August 2025. Been on my bucket list for a while and I’m not getting any younger. Probably will stay 2 weeks.
I may have mentioned some of this on your older Greenland articles. My wife and I spent 11 days in Greenland last Summer in July. We flew to Nuuk. Then flew to Kangerlussuaq and in the end to Ilulissat. We flew US to KEF. Spent a day there before flying to Nuuk. The approach to Nuuk's old airport is mind boggling. I'd want to go back JUST for the approach. I'll try to be as...
I may have mentioned some of this on your older Greenland articles. My wife and I spent 11 days in Greenland last Summer in July. We flew to Nuuk. Then flew to Kangerlussuaq and in the end to Ilulissat. We flew US to KEF. Spent a day there before flying to Nuuk. The approach to Nuuk's old airport is mind boggling. I'd want to go back JUST for the approach. I'll try to be as succinct as possible:
1. Planning - Primarily https://visitgreenland.com/, and the Greenland forums on TripAdvisor. I also used few blogs that I found based on "x days Greenland itinerary". I'll be more than happy to share our detailed itinerary if you'd want. We focused on culture and nature.
2. Destination - With 5 days, I think you are better off going to Ilulissat. Weather delays are very common. We never encountered delay on any of our 4 flights, but on our return flight from Ilulissat to KEF, we had BBC's crew, who were stuck there for 3/4 days. So I would advice against visiting 2 cities in 5 days . If you can extend your trip to 7 days, I'd suggest Nuuk and Ilulissat.
3. Stay - Nuuk: The Hans Egede is good. Has nice breakfast, is centrally located. All good restaurants are walkable. Including the myggedalen - a picture of colorful houses by the ocean.
Ilulissat - We stayed at Hotel Arctic. The location is amazing. We thought it was better than Hotel Icefiord. If you do choose HA, stay at either their Aurora Cabins or The Outdoor rooms. They were still building the Aurora cabins while we were there so I sneaked in one of them to catch the view and it was pretty. It is a bit outside of the "town", but they do offer free shuttle service. The area is hilly enough to not be walkable. Heads up, due to the open air sewage, the town is dirty (not a complaint, they don't have a choice with their rocky and hilly terrain).
4. Places to Visit - Nuuk: We hiked 1 day, took city bus tour on another and explored museum and surrounding areas on 3rd day. It can be done in 2 days and you'll still probably have time to attend a concert if there happens to be one. It was recommended to us but there was none while we were there.
Ilulissat - The Icefjord Center and boardwalk, Disko Bay - specifically Qeqertarsuaq. There's a lush green soccer pitch right by the ocean with huge icebergs in the background. It is open for all. Iceberg Tour, Day trip to Eqi Glacier.
Awesome advice! Thank you!
I second these recommendations.
In Ilulissat ( which is also getting a new airport btw) we had great experiences with Ilulissat Adventures for day tours.
I also recommend the restaurant at Hotel Hvide Falk.
As of now now Air Greenland is still flying the A330-800 to Kagernlussuaq not Nuuk. But that may change once the new airport opens.
One can also do kayaking around icebergs in Ilulissat. There’s also a hike to Oqaatsut. Take early morning ferry, explore the settlement, lunch at H8 restaurant and then hike back (~20kms).
Ben, @Apple makes a good point. Flight delays in Greenland are common. The weather can be epic and also aircraft parts are best effort availability. My best was a 9 day delay departing Kulusuk. in early Spring. Given your stay duration, I'd fly from CPH to Nuuk and take UA on the way back. And stick to the west coast for the best experiences over a 5 day stay.
Illulisat.
There really is no point of going to Nuuk.
There are no chain hotels in Greenland (except for one BW).
I flew Icelandair from Nuuk to KEF for just 7,500 Alaska miles which is an amazing deal! The same price was also available from Ilulissat, making it easy to just do one way to JAV and leave Greenland from there.
I didn't realize Ben ever left the airport. It certainly seems like a rare treat to read about his travel as "travel," where he gets out and does things like a tourist. It would be a neat set of trip reports!
Wait till he finds out there are no chain hotels!!!
I went to Ilulissat a while ago and caught the ferry up north to do a time lapse of glaciers melting, unbelievable. It was a while ago, but be aware that I didn’t have the most “on time” performance in Greenland. The ferry got delayed and then I got food poisoning.
Definitely Ilulissat, cannot recommend highly enough. Also, ice fishing, what a fun experience
I left some Nuuk tips on your last post, but what I didn't mention is the Aurora Glass Igloos by Inuk Travel. You'll want to stay there for a night. It's pretty incredible.