The world's largest national park
The National Park in Greenland is an Arctic paradise and a wilderness with wildlife not seen elsewhere in the populated areas of the country. To travel in such desolate country amongst the scenery of mountains of basalt and ice on land and in water is an experience like no other.
18,000 km archipelago coast
The long coast line consists primarily of coastal archipelago with long, narrow and wide-branching fjords. The fjords are navigable during the summer months of July and August, but far from free of ice. Huge icebergs, born of the fjord’s many glaciers, move slowly, while metre-thick winter ice flows that the wind and currents move around over the summer. The mountains are not extremely high, but in return they are greatly varied and have spectacular profiles.
The essence of Greenland's flora and fauna
Completely untouched nature and good opportunities to experience the greatest predator of them all, the hardy polar bears, as well as giant walruses. Visitors can experiences these adventures on expedition cruises in the National Park. All of Greenland's flora and fauna is represented here. The bird life is varied and large populations of polar bears, walruses, seals, reindeer, musk oxen and a growing population of wolves live in the area, along with smaller animals such as arctic foxes, stoats and arctic hares.
The King of North Greenland
Many dramas have taken place in this north eastern corner of the world. "The Villa" in Denmark’s Harbour is one of more specific traces from the brave polar researchers' time. Many of the events were played out here in connection with the great Danish expedition. One option is to visit Dead Man's Bay. More than 50 winter houses from the Neo-Eskimo period can be found here - a period that corresponds to our Middle Ages. A visit to Mosquito bay offers spectacular tundra, where large populations of musk oxen and hares graze. Notice the 2-3000 m high mountain peaks, when the boat approaches the Ella Island. Disembark and visit the big cabin of Eagles Castle (Ørneborgen), which in ancient times was the headquarters of Lauge Koch - also known as the King of North Greenland. It is funny to think about how it has been discussed and tall stories told about the massive wooden table in the characteristic alcove room – in the middle of the wilderness.
Cruises and sleigh trips
Cruises or sled trips from Ittoqqortoormiit are some of the best ways to discover the park. Kayaking expeditions are also available for experienced kayakers,. Several agencies organize cruises to East Greenland. The cruises are often 12-14 days and are operated by small custom-built ships. Most have zodiacs onboard - small high speed inflatable boats - so you can quickly come ashore and visit some of the National Park’s attractions.
Climate
The climate is high arctic, with short summers and long winters. There is polar ice throughout the year and this also means that the coastal country has a continental climate. For nine months of the year the sea is frozen. In winter, the sun is below the horizon for about three months of the year. In return, the period of midnight sun is long, from early April to early September.
Permission is needed
To be able to travel and reside in the National Park requires a permit from the Government of Greenland’s Ministry of Domestic Affairs, Nature and Environment. If you participate in an organized tourist trip, for example, a cruise, then the organizers have arranged for the necessary permits.