Looking to get away? Consider Greenland, one of the Arctic’s most impressive, humbling, pristine and wild places - and the ideal place to disconnect. When you’re surrounded by wildlife, rugged mountains and massive ice fields, it’s impossible not to unwind. You’ll reemerge many wonder-filled days later with a renewed outlook on what treasures our natural world holds.
According to an article in a 2020 New York Times article, Greenland was #4 among the Top 52 Places To Go In the World in 2020 (granted, there’s been a pandemic since then, but we would argue that’s even more reason to go!). “With that mile-thick ice sheet melting fast, and two new international airports slated to open in 2023, the time to explore an untrammeled, intact Greenland is now,” the article states.
It may belong to the Kingdom of Denmark, but Greenland is run independently, continuing to be a world where European and Inuit cultures commingle. Restricted access to the land due to having the second largest ice sheet in the world means that Greenland’s diverse wildlife is free to roam the northern and eastern shores unfettered by human populations. If visiting the country with the lowest population density, where there are vast tracts of land with little to no sign of human habitation sounds like just what the doctor ordered, here’s why the time is right.
What Will I See in Greenland?
When you cruise by small ship along the jagged, fjord-lined coastline of Greenland, you’ll witness hardy Inuit communities carrying on their traditions and livelihoods despite living on an unforgiving ice cap. The land is dotted with fascinating archaeological sites, reminding us of the ancestral ways of life here. Small-ship expedition cruises to Greenland may include:
Marveling at school-bused sized icebergs in UNESCO World Heritage-listed Ilulissat Icefjord (actually, they are much bigger than school-buses)
Image by Susan Tuckey, Penguins2PolarBears - While on our Silversea's expedition on the Silver Explorer with only 129 passengers onboard. (2014)
- Exploring Greenland’s coastline by Zodiac and on foot, searching the tundra for wildlife.
- Learning about Greenlandic culture and meeting residents of Uummannaq Island
- Visiting natural history sites like Qilakitsoq, where well-preserved 500-year-old mummies of Thule people (ancestors of the modern Inuit) were discovered in 1972
Walking through the former whaling port of Sisimiut and its 18th-century wooden buildings
Image by Susan Tuckey, Penguins2PolarBears - While on our Silversea's expedition on the Silver Explorer with only 129 passengers onboard. (2014)
- Glimpsing Arctic fox and caribou while hiking across spongy tundra near Ataneq Fjord
- Whale watching for belugas, blue, fins, bowhead, minkes, narwhals and sperm whales
- Sailing into Segelsallskapets Fjord beside the Berzelius Mountains and hiking to a small lake where you might see musk oxen and Arctic hares
- Walking amidst the remains of an Inuit settlement abandoned around 200 years ago on Danmark Island, noticing the circular stone tent rings that indicate the summer homes
Why Should I Sail by Small Ship to Greenland?
Small-ship cruises to Greenland allow a more immersive cruise experience than you may be used to. Additionally, there are several options for expedition itineraries, some of which can combine Greenland with Iceland and remote Jan Mayen island.
With its lengthy coastline and countless fjords, Greenland is tailor made for small-ship cruising. Your captain can seek out spectacular scenery you won’t find elsewhere or stop to view a pod of whales on a whim. The towering mountains, sheer cliff faces and behemoth icebergs prevent extensive access to the land and ice sheet, so this is the best and most authentic way to get about this large, remote destination.
Intrigued by the grandeur of Greenland? Hurtigruten, Aurora Expeditions, Quark Expeditions and Adventure Canada provide immersive experiences in Greenland and I'd love to help plan your trip. Let’s chat. Please sign up for my weekly small ship inspirational newsletter if you haven't already.