Travel to Greenland: cheap flights to giant icebergs and Arctic fjords
Icebergs as tall as buildings drifting in mirror-calm water, villages of red, yellow and blue houses clinging to the rock, whales in the fjords, northern lights in winter and a sun that no longer sets in summer: Greenland, the world's largest island, is an autonomous territory of the Kingdom of Denmark, not to be mistaken for Iceland. Here is what you need to plan the trip, then start watching cheap flights to Greenland.
Greenland at a glance
Capital
Nuuk
Area
About 2.17 million km2
Population
About 56,000 people
Ice sheet
About 80% of the island
Languages
Greenlandic and Danish
Currency
Danish krone
Continent
North America
Time zones
UTC-4 to UTC
Airports covered
1
Why visit Greenland
Icebergs, fjords, colourful villages and Arctic skies
The Ilulissat Icefjord
Listed by UNESCO in 2004, the Ilulissat Icefjord is where the Sermeq Kujalleq glacier, one of the most active in the northern hemisphere, sends its icebergs into Disko Bay. You can watch them drift from the shore or from a boat.
Villages clinging to the rock
Uummannaq, Ilulissat, Nuuk: painted wooden houses of every colour, fishing harbours and shoreline trails. Each village has its own rhythm and light.
Whales and wildlife
The fjords and Disko Bay are good for whale watching, along with seals and seabirds; musk oxen live inland. Trips go out by boat, mostly in summer.
Northern lights and midnight sun
From autumn to spring the sky lights up with aurora; in summer the midnight sun gilds the icebergs. From dog sledding to hiking, the season decides the adventure.
Places to see
Ilulissat, Disko Bay, Uummannaq, Nuuk and the east coast
Greenland is huge and sparsely populated: there are no roads between towns, so you travel by plane, helicopter or boat. Here are the landmarks for building a trip, starting from the west coast and Ilulissat.
Ilulissat and its icefjord
Ilulissat, the country's third-largest town with about 5,000 people, is the base for the icefjord, which runs some 40 kilometres to Disko Bay. Shoreline trails lead to viewpoints over the icebergs, towards Sermermiut, where traces of settlement thousands of years old have been found. Boat trips among the ice, dog sledding and, in summer, sailing under the midnight sun round out a stay. The polar explorer Knud Rasmussen was born here, and his childhood home is now a museum.
Disko Bay and the whales
Off Ilulissat, Disko Bay brings together icebergs, straits and islands, with Qeqertarsuaq on Disko Island known for whale watching. Trips run mainly in summer and into early autumn with local operators; the sea is cold, so pack suitable clothing.
Uummannaq, a village below a mountain
Uummannaq is a village of about 1,400 people on an island, overlooked by a steep mountain of some 1,170 metres. Its colourful houses rise up the rock above the harbour. It is reached by helicopter from Qaarsut airport, and you can go dog sledding, hiking and whale watching.
Nuuk, the Arctic capital
With about 20,000 people, Nuuk is the world's northernmost capital. Visit the Katuaq cultural centre, the Greenland National Museum, home to the Qilakitsoq mummies, and the historic colony quarter. The long Nuup Kangerlua fjord suits boat trips. The international airport opened in November 2024.
East Greenland
On the east coast, villages in the Tasiilaq area, such as Tiniteqilaaq, open onto fjords scattered with blue icebergs and snowy mountains. You get there by plane, usually via Kulusuk; the mood is more remote and wild, ideal for hiking and photography.
Before you go
A bright, clear summer and northern lights in winter
| Season | What to expect | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| June to August | Very long days, midnight sun in the north; roughly 3 to 11 C on average. | Boat trips among icebergs, hiking, whales |
| September to November | Fewer mosquitoes, fading light; northern lights from September. | Aurora, calm fjords, hiking |
| December to March | Sharp cold and polar night in the north; the sun returns to Ilulissat around 13 January. | Aurora, dog sledding (March) |
| April to May | Late winter, often clear skies, snow still on the ground. | Skiing, dog sledding, aurora |
The climate is Arctic: summers are mild but cool, winters cold, with big differences between regions. Pack warm layers and waterproof shoes, and keep a margin on your dates, as weather can delay flights and boats. Entry rules depend on nationality and may differ from those of Denmark: check them before you go.
Getting around
Plane, helicopter and boat: no roads between towns
No road links Greenland's towns: you travel by plane with the national airline, by helicopter to some villages, or by boat. Regional flights leave from hubs such as Nuuk, and weather can shift a departure; keep a spare day before your trip home.
There is no ferry to Iceland, Denmark or Canada: you arrive by air, from Copenhagen or from Reykjavik depending on the season. For excursions, book with local operators, who know the ice and the regulated areas.
Culture and food
Inuit culture, dog sledding and seafood
Greenlandic culture is Inuit in origin: hunting, fishing and dog sledding remain landmarks, and National Day is celebrated on 21 June. The official language is Greenlandic, Danish is widely used, and English gets you by in tourist places.
On the table, fish, shrimp and Greenland halibut dominate, with reindeer or musk ox meat depending on season and lamb from the south. Try local specialities in small village restaurants, often with a view of the harbour.
Travel to Greenland
The Ilulissat airport tracked by SniperAir
Ilulissat
Ilulissat airport, gateway to the icefjord, close to town. You usually arrive with a connection, via Copenhagen, Reykjavik, Kangerlussuaq or Nuuk depending on the season, with the national airline.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions about Greenland
Which airport should I use to travel to Greenland?
JAV, Ilulissat airport, opens onto the icefjord and Disko Bay. SniperAir tracks JAV for you. Other airports, such as Nuuk, serve as gateways depending on your route.
What is the best time to visit Greenland?
June to August for long days, the midnight sun and boat trips among icebergs. Winter and late autumn suit northern lights and, in March, dog sledding.
Is travelling to Greenland expensive?
Greenland is a fairly expensive destination: flights, accommodation and above all boat or helicopter excursions weigh on the budget. Watching flights early helps keep the cost under control.
Do I need a visa for Greenland?
Entry conditions depend on nationality and may differ from those of Denmark. A valid passport is expected. Always check the official rules before you book.
How long should I stay in Greenland?
A week lets you see Ilulissat and its icefjord, with a boat trip and a hike. Ten days to two weeks allows you to add Uummannaq, Nuuk or the east coast.
When can I see the northern lights and the midnight sun?
The aurora is seen from late autumn to spring, when nights are dark; the midnight sun lights up summer, especially in the north. Dates vary with latitude.
How do I get alerted when a flight to Greenland drops below my budget?
Create a SniperAir alert with your departure airport and JAV, set your maximum price, and we will let you know as soon as a fare falls below it. SniperAir tracks prices and sends alerts. See how it works.
Ready to track prices to Greenland?
Create an alert and let SniperAir do the rest.
Create my alert