Adventurous travelers are falling in love with Greenland, one of the most isolated and breathtaking places on planet Earth. From whale watching to Inuit culture to the chance to see the northern lights and explore the planet’s second-largest ice sheet, the island’s vast arctic landscape provides endless opportunities for those who come looking for it. And you can experience it all on a trip to Nat Hab’s Base Camp Greenland!
1. Whale Watching With Icebergs
Greenland is one of the premier destinations to see whales up close. Off of the coast of Greenland’s “Arctic Riviera,” known for its mild summer climate, travelers can watch pods of whales feeding in the country’s frigid iceberg-filled fjords. Humpback, fin and minke whales are among some of the species we often spot in the area.
The country is the birthplace of kayaking, and we use the small vessels to search the vast fjords for whales and other wildlife, including both ringed and bearded seals. Kayaking enables travelers to paddle within feet of whales as they take in the beautiful landscapes of Greenland’s glacier-covered peaks and coastal fjords.
Whale dive near Ilulissat among icebergs – Disko bay, Greenland
2. Witnessing the Northern Lights
Greenland is one of the best places on Earth to see the northern lights. Also called the aurora borealis, this majestic natural phenomenon should be on every traveler’s bucket list. The northern lights appear as the night sky glows brightly with brilliant neon illuminations.
© Anne Hornsby
3. Exploring the Greenland Ice Sheet
Greenland’s giant ice sheet, second in size only to Antarctica, is one of the few remnants of the last ice age. The ice sheet is 1,500 miles long and covers 80% of the country, coating mountain ranges and spilling into Greenland’s fjords. It can be up to a mile deep at its thickest points!
The 10,000-year-old edge of the Greenland ice sheet is best seen via Zodiac excursions. These forays allow visitors to view the effects of global climate change as melting glaciers calve massive icebergs into the sea.
Travelers craving an even closer look at the Greenland ice sheet can trek along mountainsides and wander across glaciers that wind down from the ice sheet itself. This provides an opportunity for wildlife lovers to see Arctic foxes, hares, eiders, loons and possibly even peregrine falcons, northern wheatears and gyrfalcons in their natural habitat. Although rare, we’re also on the lookout for polar bears!
The remote village of Tinit provides an amazing vantage point of the Greenland ice sheet. It is home to about 125 hardy locals surviving on subsistence diets.
4. Experiencing Ancient Inuit Culture
Greenland is home to an intriguing ancient culture that still exists today. The Greenlandic Inuit people had no contact with the outside world until the early 20th century. This allowed them to create and maintain a distinct and resilient culture.
Tiny museums throughout Greenland give an interesting peek into the country’s culture and history. As the island’s glaciers have preserved artifacts, landmarks and even fully intact human mummies from the 4,500-year-old culture, visitors are able to discover the area’s human history.
© Colby Brokvist
Travelers can experience the vibrant and enduring Inuit culture that has coexisted with nature for thousands of years. The Inuit lifestyle continues to revolve around hunting and fishing in this stunning yet uncompromising environment.
Many of Greenland’s Indigenous people are open to sharing their culture with visitors. In small towns like Tasiilaq, local Inuit demonstrate how they’ve adapted to survive in such a harsh arctic climate. These cultural interactions are just the cherry on top of an incredible nature journey to Greenland!
