Trip Planning
The TakeYourBackpack guidebooks are your all-in-one travel companion, featuring the best cities, national parks, hikes, beaches, and unique sites, along with essential tips on when to go, how to get around, exchanging money, and even local phrases to get you started — everything you need for a smooth, unforgettable backpacking adventure.
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Personal tip: I normally search on good rating for atmosphere (for meeting people) and location (for easy exploring). Cleanliness as a bonus.
Travel Essentials
Routine vaccinations like MMR (measles, mumps, rubella), DTP (diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis), and an annual flu shot are recommended for Greenland. Consider the hepatitis A vaccine if you plan on eating or drinking in places where sanitation is questionable. If you’re venturing into remote areas, a rabies vaccine might be wise. Always double-check with your healthcare provider for personalized advice.
vaccination requirementsWhen I first started traveling, I often spent part of my first day in a new country hunting for a local SIM card. While this can still be slightly cheaper, it also takes time and planning.
These days, it's much simpler to install an eSIM before leaving home. Once you arrive in Greenland, you can activate it immediately and have mobile data from the moment you land — which is especially useful for ordering transport or navigating away from busy airports.
There are many providers nowadays, and price differences are usually small. I personally go with Airalo, as it offers excellent network coverage throughout the country and strong global coverage, so you can manage multiple countries from a single app.
Get your e-sim for GreenlandCulture & Customs
Respect personal space as Greenlanders value it; avoid being overly loud or intrusive. Dress modestly, especially in small towns, as locals tend to be conservative. **Do** accept coffee or tea if offered; it’s a sign of hospitality. **Don’t** refuse food offerings bluntly, as it can be considered rude. **Do** ask permission before photographing people, especially in smaller communities. **Don’t** expect fast service; things move at a slower pace here. **LGBTQ travelers** generally face minimal issues, but discretion is advised in rural areas. **Women** should feel safe, but it’s wise to stay aware in isolated spots.
Trying traditional food is always a great way to experience the culture. Here are some must-try dishes for Greenland.
- Kiviak: This traditional dish involves fermenting auks (a type of bird) inside a seal skin for several months. It’s definitely not for the faint-hearted, but it’s a cultural staple during celebrations and offers a unique taste of Greenlandic heritage.
- Mattak: Whale skin with a bit of blubber, usually eaten raw. It’s chewy and rich in omega-3s, making it a vital part of the diet in harsh Arctic conditions. It’s a must-try to understand the local reliance on marine resources.
- Suaasat: A hearty soup made from seal, whale, or reindeer meat, often with onions and potatoes. It’s a comforting dish, especially during the long winters, and reflects the traditional Greenlandic way of making do with available ingredients.
- Ammassat: These small fish, similar to capelin, are often dried or smoked. Commonly eaten as a snack or side, they highlight the importance of fishing in Greenland’s economy and daily life.
- Grønlandsk Kaffe: Not a dish, but rather a drink, this is Greenland’s take on Irish coffee with a local twist—using coffee, whiskey, Kahlúa, and whipped cream. It’s served in a ceremonial way, often during gatherings, and is a warm treat in the cold climate.
Yes, the tap water in Greenland is safe to drink, and locals usually drink it without any issues. It’s clean and fresh, often sourced from the ice cap or local springs. Bottled water is available, but not necessary unless you prefer it for convenience.
The main language in Greenland is
Greenlandic. Backpacking is way more rewarding if you know a bit of the local language, so I'd suggest brushing up on the basics just in case your Greenlandic skills have become a bit rusty.
Want to understand locals better?The complete Travel Guide for Greenland includes 52 essential words and phrases — greetings, thank-yous, ordering food, transport, numbers, and common local expressions you'll actually hear.
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Get the Travel Guide - In Greenland,
English is widely spoken, especially in urban areas and among younger generations. The majority of Greenlanders are bilingual, with Danish being the official language and Greenlandic (Kalaallisut) as the native language. English is taught in schools and is commonly used in tourism, business, and academia.
In towns like Nuuk, the capital, and other popular tourist destinations, visitors will find that many locals, particularly those in the hospitality and service industries, are proficient in English. However, in more remote areas, English proficiency may vary, and communication could be more challenging.
Overall, travelers to Greenland can generally expect to communicate effectively in English, but learning a few basic phrases in Greenlandic can enhance the experience and show respect for the local culture.
Money & Payments
The local currency of Greenland is DKK (kr).
When backpacking across Greenland, keep in mind that ATM access outside of major towns like Nuuk and Ilulissat can be spotty. Always carry some cash, but don’t go overboard—around 2,000-3,000 DKK should suffice for emergencies. While euros and dollars aren’t accepted, you can easily exchange them at banks or major hotels in larger towns. Cards are widely accepted for most transactions, especially in tourist areas, but it’s not a bad idea to confirm card acceptance before ordering in smaller cafes or shops. If you need to exchange currency, your best bet is to do so upon arrival in Nuuk or at other larger towns. Avoid exchanging at airports if you can; the rates tend to be worse.
Tipping in Greenland isn’t a common practice, as service charges are usually included in the bill. However, if you experience exceptional service, rounding up the bill or leaving a small tip is appreciated but not expected. Remember, locals don’t typically tip, so don’t feel pressured.
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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.
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Hi, I’m Johan (Netherlands 🇳🇱), the creator of TakeYourBackpack. Over the past decade, I’ve backpacked through 80+ countries across six continents, gaining extensive experience with independent travel, long-term trips, and overland routes.