Discovering Greenland: A Thorough Expedition Guide to the Arctic's Jewel
Greenland, a land of rugged beauty and rich wildlife, is an increasingly popular destination for eco-conscious travellers. Here's a guide to help you find the best eco-friendly accommodations in this stunning Arctic nation.
For those planning a visit to Nuuk, Greenland's capital, Hotel Aurora, Hotel Soma Nuuk, and Hotel Hans Egede are recommended places to stay. In Ilulissat, home to the Ilulissat Icefjord – a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to one of the world's fastest-moving glaciers – Hotel Icefiord, Hotel Arctic Ilulissat Paa & Jannik Bed & Breakfast, and the Best Western Plus Hotel Ilulissat are top choices.
Greenland's accommodations typically consist of boutique hotels and eco-lodges that offer an intimate, nature-focused experience with sustainable practices. These smaller establishments are more likely to employ eco-friendly measures such as energy efficiency, waste reduction, and use of local produce.
Hotel Arctic Ilulissat, a well-known hotel associated with eco-conscious tourism, is a standout example. Located on the UNESCO-listed Ilulissat Icefjord, it supports awareness of natural heritage and environmental preservation. The Best Western Plus Hotel Ilulissat, while larger, offers amenities with a focus on nature and local culture, making it a good choice for eco-conscious travellers.
Travellers aiming for sustainability should also look for hotels that contribute to local communities, use renewable energy, practice waste reduction, and promote responsible tourism. The Red House in Tasiilaq is another recommended eco-friendly stay.
Exploring Greenland during the summer months (June-August) offers milder temperatures, long daylight hours, and easy access to hiking and boat tours. However, the shoulder seasons (April-May and September-October) are less busy and still beautiful, though weather can be unpredictable.
Direct flights to Greenland are now available from major cities like Copenhagen, Reykjavik, and New York. From Nuuk, small regional flights or boat rides can take you to remote towns and villages. Kangerlussuaq and Tasiilaq offer prime Northern Lights viewing from November to March, making winter (November-March) a magical time to visit, albeit requiring preparation for cold, dark days. Hotel Kangerlussuaq, Old Camp, and Polar Lodge are recommended places to stay in Kangerlussuaq, a gateway to Greenland's wilderness. Hotel Angmagssalik and Hotel Kulusuk are top choices in Tasiilaq, an east coast adventure hub.
Participating in local festivals like the Greenland National Day on June 21st offers an opportunity to experience Inuit culture up close. A highlight of visiting Greenland is the traditional open-house event, Kaffemik, offering coffee, cake, and good company. Local museums and galleries like the Greenland National Museum & Archives in Nuuk showcase ancient traditions, Norse history, and local art.
When planning a trip to Greenland, it's important to consider travel insurance to navigate unexpected situations. Hiking the coastline or boat tours are available for exploring the Ilulissat Icefjord, making your stay in this Arctic paradise an unforgettable eco-adventure.
- For those venturing to Greenland's capital, Nuuk, consider staying at Hotel Aurora, Hotel Soma Nuuk, or Hotel Hans Edede.
- In Ilulissat, home to the Ilulissat Icefjord, Hotel Icefiord, Hotel Arctic Ilulissat Paa & Jannik Bed & Breakfast, and Best Western Plus Hotel Ilulissat are top choices.
- Greenland's accommodations often include boutique hotels and eco-lodges with sustainable practices.
- Hotels like Hotel Arctic Ilulssat and Best Western Plus Hotel Ilulissat focus on nature and local culture,making them suitable for eco-conscious travelers.
- The Red House in Tasiilaq is another eco-friendly accommodation recommendation.
- Summer months (June-August) offer milder temperatures, longer daylight hours, and easy access to hiking and boat tours.
- Shoulder seasons (April-May and September-October) are less busy, still beautiful, but weather can be unpredictable.
- Direct flights to Greenland are now available from cities like Copenhagen, Reykjavik, and New York.
- From Nuuk, smaller regional flights or boat rides can take you to remote towns and villages.
- Winter in Greenland (November-March) offers prime Northern Lights viewing, but requires cold weather preparation.
- Kangerlussuaq and Tasiilaq are recommended for travelers seeking Northern Lights viewing.
- Participating in local festivals like the Greenland National Day on June 21st and Kaffemik events provide cultural experiences.
- Local museums and galleries like the Greenland National Museum & Archives in Nuuk showcase Greenland's history and art.
- Travel insurance is advised when planning a trip to Greenland to navigate unexpected situations, making your stay in this Arctic paradise an unforgettable eco-adventure.
