Best Things to Do in Greenland

1. Ilulissat Icefjord

Greenland’s top natural sightseeing attraction, the Ilulissat Icefjord was given UNESCO World Heritage Site status in 2004. Be prepared to be dazzled by this majestic section of Disko Bay where mighty icebergs fall from the glacier in a stupendously gratifying manner.

2. Nuuk, the Capital City

Nuuk was the first town established in Greenland, settled in 1728, and today boasts several attractions, including the redwood Lutheran Nuuk Cathedral, the Katuaq cultural center and the Greenland National Museum.

3. Whale Watching

Take your pick - the whales you’ll see in Greenland include beluga whales, humpback, orcas, sperm whales, blue whales, bowhead whales, horned narwhals and more. And the backdrop of massive icebergs and icefjords couldn't be more impressive. The best time for whale watching in the Arctic Circle is May through July.

4. Northern Lights

The star of the show, seeing the Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis) in Greenland and the Arctic Circle should be top on your list if you’re visiting early autumn through April. During the warmer summer months, they’re not visible due to the Midnight Sun.

So if you’re braving the winter season in Greenland, check out the Northern Lights spectacle from Qaqortoq and Kangerlussuaq for the best views. (Quaqortoq also boasts one of Greenland’s best museums with artifacts from Dorset, Thule and Norse cultures.)

5. Blue River

One of Greenland’s top natural attractions and best kayaking spot in the Arctic Circle (perhaps the world) quite literally changes every year. As the Petermann Glacier melts annually, it creates the Blue River, famous for its gorgeous turquoise color. You might even see polar bears fishing (though they’ll never actually find any here!).

6. Tasiilaq

You’ll fall head over heels for the cute, colorful town of Tasiilaq, on the island of Ammassalik and home to just 2,000 residents. From here, it’s easy to hop on a helicopter tour of Greenland’s eastern coast. Hike in Flower Valley, right behind town, go dog sledding, head out on whale-watching tours and sea kayak between icebergs.

7. Uunartoq Hot Springs

Greenland’s most popular hot springs, these are on their own island. Soak in waters between 98 and 100 degrees Fahrenheit in a small pool fed by three naturally heated springs. To get here, hop on a boat for a short ride from Ilulissat.

8. Sermermiut Eskimo Settlement

Looking for Eskimo history? Just a couple kilometers from Ilulissat, Sermermiut Eskimo Settlement is home to well-preserved remnants of the Arctic’s ancient Eskimo cultures.

You’ll need to walk there - it takes about an hour to get from town to the settlement. If you don’t want to walk, stay in town and check out finds from the excavation site at the Ilulissat Museum.

9. Greenland Ice Cap

The mighty ice cap covers 80 percent of Greenland so it’s only natural that you include it as part of your Arctic tour - it’s hard to avoid it! Explore the ice sheet by foot in Kangerlussuaq, flightsee over it, sail amidst icebergs in Ilulissat or head to Eqi glacier to witness it calving immense icebergs.

10. Arctic Circle Trail

Not for the faint of heart or the beginner hiker, the Arctic Circle Trail is Greenland’s most epic trekking circuit and typically takes 9 to 11 days to conquer. Most hikers follow the trail from Kangerlussuaq to Sisimiut. During the winter months, the trail is popular for dog sledding tours, snowmobiling expeditions and cross-country skiing.