Exploring Greenland is a unique and off the beaten track experience due to its remote and untouched natural beauty. The vast and rugged landscapes, including glaciers, fjords, and icebergs, offer a sense of isolation and adventure that is hard to …
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Backpacking Greenland in 2025
A complete guide for backpacking in Greenland with best places to go, best time to visit, what to bring and safety advice.
Visit Greenland
Welcome to Greenland, a captivating frontier for backpackers seeking Arctic wonders and untouched landscapes. Pros? Immerse in pristine fjords, witness the Northern Lights, and experience a unique Inuit culture. Greenland offers unparalleled natural beauty and a serene escape. However, costs can be high, and the tourist infrastructure is limited. Yet, for the intrepid traveler, Greenland's vast expanses and rare cultural encounters set it apart, making it a distinctive and less-traveled destination for backpackers seeking a remote and awe-inspiring Arctic adventure.
Why to go?Why backpacking in Greenland
Uniqueness
Scenery
Greenland is home to some of the most stunning and unique landscapes in the world. The best sceneries to explore in Greenland include the massive ice sheet, which covers most of the island and offers breathtaking views of icebergs, glaciers, and …
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💡 HighlightsTop-5 things to do in Greenland
- Ilulissat Icefjord: Explore this UNESCO World Heritage Site, home to one of the most active glaciers in the world. Witness the breathtaking beauty of towering icebergs and the powerful calving of ice, creating a mesmerizing natural spectacle.
- Greenland National Museum and Archives: Immerse yourself in Greenland’s rich history and culture at this museum. Discover artifacts, exhibitions, and learn about the Inuit people’s way of life, making it an educational and enlightening experience.
- Qaqortoq: Visit this charming town known for its colorful houses and scenic landscapes. Stroll through the quaint streets, admire the art installations, and enjoy the tranquility of the surrounding fjords.
- Eqi Glacier: Take a boat tour to witness the majestic Eqi Glacier. Marvel at the massive ice wall and listen to the thunderous cracks as chunks of ice break off and plunge into the sea, creating a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
- Northern Lights: Experience the magic of the Aurora Borealis in Greenland’s dark winter skies. Head to remote locations away from light pollution for the best chance to witness this natural phenomenon and be enchanted by the dancing lights.
But Greenland offers more...
🌤️ When to go?Best time to go backpacking Greenland
The best time to visit Greenland for backpacking is during the summer months, specifically from June to September. During this time, the weather is relatively mild, with temperatures ranging from 5 to 15 °C (41 to 59 °F). The days are longer, allowing for more exploration and outdoor activities.
Additionally, the summer months offer better accessibility to remote areas, as many hiking trails and camping sites are open and accessible. It is also the best time to witness the stunning natural beauty of Greenland, with blooming flowers, wildlife sightings, and breathtaking landscapes.
However, it's important to note that even during the summer, the weather in Greenland can be unpredictable, and it is advisable to be prepared for sudden changes in conditions. It is also recommended to check with local authorities and tour operators for any specific recommendations or restrictions before embarking on your backpacking adventure.
Additionally, the summer months offer better accessibility to remote areas, as many hiking trails and camping sites are open and accessible. It is also the best time to witness the stunning natural beauty of Greenland, with blooming flowers, wildlife sightings, and breathtaking landscapes.
However, it's important to note that even during the summer, the weather in Greenland can be unpredictable, and it is advisable to be prepared for sudden changes in conditions. It is also recommended to check with local authorities and tour operators for any specific recommendations or restrictions before embarking on your backpacking adventure.
Risk level: low (33%)Safety advice for Greenland
- Denmark's terror threat level is 'significant'.
- There's a risk of terrorist attacks in Denmark. Terrorist attacks can occur at any time. Maintain high vigilance in public spaces and take official warnings seriously. Avoid crowds and be aware of your surroundings.
- Pickpockets often target people in tourist areas. Take care of your belongings, especially on public transport, at national landmarks, museums, railway stations and restaurants.
- Gang-related crime and civil unrest can happen in Copenhagen, especially in Christiania. There's a 'no photography' policy in Christiania. Travellers have been assaulted and robbed for taking photographs. Don't take photos in Christiania.
source: smartraveller.gov.au
GreenlandMy tips to get you on the way!Does Greenland sound like your next backpacking destination? Use these steps to get you on the way.
Get inspiration 📚
While guidebooks used to be the backpacker’s holy grail for finding accomodation, nowadays that’s more conveniently accomplished online. However, guidebooks remain an excellent resource for familiarizing oneself with the country, gaining inspiration, and discovering itineraries. I enjoy reading them before my travels and then leaving them behind at home when I embark on my journey.
While guidebooks used to be the backpacker’s holy grail for finding accomodation, nowadays that’s more conveniently accomplished online. However, guidebooks remain an excellent resource for familiarizing oneself with the country, gaining inspiration, and discovering itineraries. I enjoy reading them before my travels and then leaving them behind at home when I embark on my journey.
Prepare your trip ✅
Before embarking on your journey, several essential checks are crucial: passport, visa, vaccinations and insurance. Some countries mandate that your passport remains valid for 3 to 6 months post your return. Additionally, it is important to verify the specific visa requirements for Greenland. These differ per country of origin. While you can handle visa arrangements independently, online visa services streamline the process as they know exactly what’s needed for each country. Greenland may require certain vaccinations. Make sure to timely check which ones you still need. Lastly, if you don’t have a travel insurance yet, Safety Wing is a good choice as they are tailored for backpackers.
Before embarking on your journey, several essential checks are crucial: passport, visa, vaccinations and insurance. Some countries mandate that your passport remains valid for 3 to 6 months post your return. Additionally, it is important to verify the specific visa requirements for Greenland. These differ per country of origin. While you can handle visa arrangements independently, online visa services streamline the process as they know exactly what’s needed for each country. Greenland may require certain vaccinations. Make sure to timely check which ones you still need. Lastly, if you don’t have a travel insurance yet, Safety Wing is a good choice as they are tailored for backpackers.
Book your flight ✈️
The flight may be the most expensive part of your trip. Therefore it’s worth spending a bit of time finding the right one. Flight search engines like Skyscanner and Kayak are the best to compare all possible options. A good tip is to be flexible with your exact travel dates. Traveling one or two days earlier/later may save you some bucks. Also booking about three months in advance can help making the best deal for you (though I’m not the best one myself to follow this advice as I tend to decide last-minute). A final tip would be to check airports in neighbouring countries. Not necessarily for cost saving but it can be intriguing to journey into Greenland, travel overland to one of its neighbours and fly back home from there.
The flight may be the most expensive part of your trip. Therefore it’s worth spending a bit of time finding the right one. Flight search engines like Skyscanner and Kayak are the best to compare all possible options. A good tip is to be flexible with your exact travel dates. Traveling one or two days earlier/later may save you some bucks. Also booking about three months in advance can help making the best deal for you (though I’m not the best one myself to follow this advice as I tend to decide last-minute). A final tip would be to check airports in neighbouring countries. Not necessarily for cost saving but it can be intriguing to journey into Greenland, travel overland to one of its neighbours and fly back home from there.
Book your first night(s) 🛌
Depending on your travel style, you can either plan a detailed day-to-day route and pre-book your accommodations, providing peace of mind, or opt to book them spontaneously, offering greater flexibility to adjust your plan. Personally, I am a big fan of the latter approach, but I always ensure to book the first night(s) in advance.
Depending on your travel style, you can either plan a detailed day-to-day route and pre-book your accommodations, providing peace of mind, or opt to book them spontaneously, offering greater flexibility to adjust your plan. Personally, I am a big fan of the latter approach, but I always ensure to book the first night(s) in advance.
My personal packing list 🎒
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Over the years, I’ve learned the importance of packing minimally. It’s so much easier to jump on the back of a truck or squeeze yourself into the last spot of a minibus without that supersized backpack. If you’re headed to a warm destination, leave your winter jacket at home; for colder regions, opt for thin thermal underlayers. Instead of packing your entire wardrobe, bring just three sets of clothes, as laundry facilities are available everywhere.
Money & Documents
Clothing
Electronics
Health
Others
Over the years, I’ve learned the importance of packing minimally. It’s so much easier to jump on the back of a truck or squeeze yourself into the last spot of a minibus without that supersized backpack. If you’re headed to a warm destination, leave your winter jacket at home; for colder regions, opt for thin thermal underlayers. Instead of packing your entire wardrobe, bring just three sets of clothes, as laundry facilities are available everywhere.Money & Documents
Clothing
Electronics
Health
Others
Moneybelt
[Amazon]
“Best way to carry your important documents”
Quick dry pant
[Amazon]
“Nothing beats these quick dry and light pants when traveling”
Light rain jacket
[Amazon]
“Hiking in rainy season? These keep you dry”
Thermo underwear
[Amazon]
“Less weight and volume than bulky sweaters or jackets”
Quick dry towel
[Amazon]
“Normal towels get smelly and heavy when traveling”
Power bank
[Amazon]
“Pick a small and light one, with 10.000mAh or more”
Travel adapter
[Amazon]
“Needed as each country has its own electricity plugs”
Number lock
[Amazon]
“No chance of losing your key; handy for lockers in dormitories”
Packing cubes
[Amazon]
“Keep your wet or dirty clothes separate from the rest”
Travel pillow
[Amazon]
“Light and great for flights and long bus journeys”
last page update: 29 September 2024