Sabbatical & Experiential Travel to Greenland

Holidays & Sabbaticals to Greenland – In a Nutshell

Adventurers come to Greenland in pursuit of its Arctic wonders: 80% of its surface is covered in ice. Its geography has given rise to a landscape of unparalleled natural beauty. Home to countless fjords, towering peaks, and expansive glaciers, travelling to Greenland truly is an intrepid adventure. Polar bears roam its coasts and humpback whales navigate its seas. The Northern Lights dance across the winter skies, while the summer brings the enchanting glow of the midnight sun.

Beyond its natural beauty, Greenland is a culturally unique place due to its harsh living conditions. Predominantly inhabited by indigenous Greenlandic Inuit, the vibrant coastal towns offer a captivating glimpse into the island’s history and the resilience required to thrive in such an unforgiving environment. Here, Danish and Inuit culture intertwine with Viking history, offering travellers a myriad of experiences, from racing sled dogs across icy plains to traditional hand-fishing.

Experiences you shouldn’t miss in Greenland

• Kayak or paddleboard amongst huge icebergs in Ilulissat Icefjord to experience the overwhelming beauty of the fjord from up close.
• In summer, observe the breaching humpback whales by the light of the midnight sun.
• Learn about Norse and Viking history in Greenland’s earliest settlements.
• Adventure to Tasermiut Fjord and take in the huge expanses of towering rock faces. Go wild camping at the foot of Ketil Mountain, enjoy a typical Icelandic dinner, and explore the forests of Nuussuaq.
• Learn the traditional art of salmon fishing by hand in the remote settlement of Kapisillit.
• Fly to the town of Ilulissat, home to the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Kangia Glacier.
• Immerse yourself in the local life at a Kaffemik: an open-house with plenty of local treats, and an opportunity to learn about life in this rugged country from the locals.
• Hop aboard a RIB boat for a midnight humpback whale watching excursion.
• Soar over icebergs and Greenlandic tundra aboard a 5-passenger plane.

Off the Beaten Path in Greenland

• Sail to Ittoqqortoormiit, one of Greenland’s most remote villages known for polar bear sightings in winter.
• Camp amongst spectacular mountain scenery at Kiattua Glamping Site, only accessible by RIB boat or helicopter.
• Take a dip in the natural hot springs at Nanortalik.
• Embark on a kayaking adventure through the sheltered fjord at Tasiusaq, where icebergs dot the water, and jagged mountains rise along the shore.
• Explore the island of Uunartoq, and soak in the same hot springs that Norse warriors would come to after battle. This remote arctic island is thought to be haunted according to Inuit legend.
• Strap on the crampons as you set foot on the Greenland ice cap. Join the ranks of researchers as you spend the night camping on the ice sheet.
• Hike along the edge of the icefjord at Sermermiut, and marvel at the icebergs and traditional grave sites by the sea.
• Drive an ATV across sandy beaches, past challenging tundra and mountains to arrive at Tasiusaq fjord to embark on a glacial hiking adventure.

Wildlife

Greenland’s remote and extreme wilderness is home to a diverse range of wildlife, all incredibly adapted to its harsh climate. The icy seas are frequented by fifteen different species of whale, from Humpbacks to Beluga, and giant walruses. Polar bears inhabit the coastlines and can be seen hunting on the sea ice. Musk ox, Caribou, Arctic wolves and lemmings all roam the tundra.

How to Get to Greenland

To get to Greenland most arrive by air from Denmark or Iceland.

From the UK, fly to Copenhagen in Denmark (2 hours) or Reykjavik in Iceland (3 hours) and transfer to Kangerlussuaq (5 hours) in Greenland.

From New York, fly to Copenhagen in Denmark (8 hours) or Reykjavik in Iceland (6 hours) and transfer to Kangerlussuaq in Greenland (5 hours from Copenhagen and 2 hours from Reykjavik).

When & Weather – Greenland

Greenland can be travelled all year round, but its Arctic climate does have to be considered. Average temperatures don’t exceed 10°C (50°F). Many people prefer going either during the winter months (December-February) or summer months (June-August). When you go will affect the activities on your trip. The summer months are much milder, 5°C to 15°C (41°F to 59°F) in most areas, and with long days the midnight sun. In winter the weather is a lot harsher, -20°C to -40°C (-4°F to -40°F) but there is the appeal of the Northern Lights.

Who will Greenland Appeal To?

The wild natural beauty of Greenland will appeal to:

• Wildlife enthusiasts
• Photographers
• Active travellers
• Adventure seekers
• Nature lovers
• Families with teens
• Solo travellers

Accommodation

Mix up luxurious glamping sites, wilderness camping and charming guesthouses. The Kiattua glamping camp is unmissable: being only accessible by helicopter or boat, it’s just you and the vastness of nature.

Start Planning

Our experienced team will guide you through a number of ideas based on how you would like to experience Greenland.

No matter how long you have to travel, we’ll guide you through the planning process to ensure a trip is carefully pieced together to suit your interests, pace of travel and budget.