Destination Guides
Greenland
Nuuk
Greenland offers a genuinely remote Arctic experience unlike anywhere else easily reachable from the US, dramatic fjords, calving glaciers, and small settlements where dog sledding and Inuit culture remain part of daily life. The short summer season (June-August) brings the most reliable access and near-endless daylight, while winter offers a real chance at the northern lights for the more adventurous traveler. A 5-7 day trip typically centers on one region, most commonly Ilulissat and the UNESCO-listed icefjord, since distances between settlements are vast and require flights or boats rather than roads. Because Greenland has no road network connecting its towns and weather can disrupt flight schedules with little notice, an advisor's help building in flexibility and realistic expectations is essential to a trip here going smoothly.
Local Etiquette & Cultural Tips
Greenlandic culture blends Inuit traditions with Danish influence, and is understated and practical rather than performative.
Friendly greetings: A handshake is standard, warmth is genuine but not effusive.
Dress respectfully: Serious cold-weather layering is non-negotiable, even in summer evenings can be cold.
Dining times: Meals follow a fairly standard schedule, dinner from 6:00-7:30pm in most settlements.
Local customs: Traditional foods like whale and seal remain part of local life, a point of cultural significance worth approaching with an open mind and respect rather than judgment.
Transportation and timing: There are no roads between towns, travel is by small plane, helicopter, or boat, and schedules can shift with weather.
Practical tip: Book well in advance, capacity for flights, boats, and accommodations is limited and fills up, especially in the short summer season.
Souvenirs
For the Foodies: Greenlandic Arctic herbs or a tin of locally made chocolate.
For the Fashionistas: A piece of sealskin or reindeer leather craft from a local artisan.
For the Home: An Inuit-inspired soapstone carving, a traditional Greenlandic art form.
Suggested Gratuities
Private Tour Guides: $20-25 per person for a half-day tour
Shared Group Tour Guides: $10-15 per person
Boat/Dog Sled Guides: $15-20 per person per excursion
Restaurants: 10% where not already included, service is often included in Nordic-style pricing
Private Drivers: Limited use given lack of roads
Housekeeping: $2-3 per night
Porters: $1-2 per bag
Practical Travel Notes
Currency: Danish Krone
Language: Greenlandic and Danish, English spoken in tourist areas
Transportation: Small planes, helicopters, and boats connect settlements, no roads between towns
Weather: Arctic climate, short cool summers, long cold winters, plan around a narrow travel season
Walking: Terrain is often uneven and can be icy even in summer, sturdy waterproof footwear essential
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