More and more tourists are choosing to sail along the coasts of
Greenland. The most important reason for this is that cruise ship
guests are seeking out different and exotic destinations. And
Greenland fulfils all their notions and dreams with its
breathtaking nature, unique local population and colourful
culture.
The length of a cruise in Greenland, the route itself and the
number of ports of call vary according to the type of ship and the
company you choose to travel with. Coastal cruises typically last
one week, whilst expedition cruises can last up to two weeks.
Encountering icebergs and whales
Those travelling by sea enjoy sailing along Greenland's coasts
to see icebergs of different shapes and sizes; from
small transparent ice floes to colossal 100-metre-high (330-foot
high) icebergs. Do not forget that you only see about one tenth of
the iceberg above the surface of the water - the rest has to be
left to your imagination. You do not have to imagine the
whales, however, because a sailing trip in Greenland
is almost always guaranteed to include an encounter with species
such as the humpback whale, fin whale and minke whale.
Each point of disembarkation provides new
possibilities
When disembarking in South Greenland's green
fjords, there are good opportunities to visit the
popular Viking ruins at Hvalsey and
Qassiarsuk - the home of Erik the Red and Leif
Ericsson from the Viking period. In the larger towns
you can visit local urban museums and several towns can also
present an extensive cultural programme with mask and drum dancing,
kayak displays and choral singing. In the small settlement of
Itilleq, close to Kangerlussuaq and
Sisimiut, the local inhabitants are renowned for
challenging cruise ship guests to a game of football at the
settlement's somewhat primitive, but certainly usable clay
pitch.
From culture to nature
In the capital, Nuuk, and at the UNESCO-protected
ice fjord at Ilulissat, short boat trips and
helicopter flights are popular excursions. In Nuuk visitors also
have the chance to write a card to Santa Claus and be photographed
in front of Santa's huge mailbox. With its unique flora and fauna,
the National Park in Northeast Greenland is another
popular, though completely different, place to visit.
Delicious food and good chances of striking a bargain are
essential elements of any holiday. On cruises in Greenland many
companies make a point of serving locally inspired food of high
quality and many ships purchase meat and fish locally while they
are in Greenland.
Unique souvenirs
Popular souvenirs for yourself or your loved ones include
handicraft products crafted from bone and reindeer
antlers, as well as soapstone figures. The same applies to
Greenlandic minerals such as the pink 'tuttupit', which changes
colour according to the light.
Read more about:
Reasons to go on a cruise to
Greenland
Popular Cruise Ship
Itineraries
Cruise
shopping
Safe and Sustainable
Cruises
FAQ