Aurora Borealis lights up the fjord in Greenland
Blog home / What makes Greenland so special and how to best explore it
Greenland is one of the most fascinating and often misunderstood destinations on Earth. Usually seen as a frozen wilderness, it’s actually a vibrant world of fjords, icebergs, Inuit culture and wildlife you won’t find anywhere else. If you’re looking for an Arctic experience that goes beyond the ordinary, this is it.
From scenic day hikes to peaceful kayaking excursions, or just simply soaking in the silence as you watch nature unfold before you, Greenland offers a depth of adventure travel experiences like no other.
Our long-standing partnerships with seasoned polar experts—many with over 20 years’ experience—mean you’re in the best hands. We've made sure that each curated journey offered feels truly off the map.
So, what's there to do in Greenland, and how can you best explore it?
Day hike or snowshoe among untouched landscapes
Walk through remote valleys and glacier-carved ridges where there are no roads (or cars!) – only silence, ice and sky. Many Greenland treks begin and end at sea, so you'll want to choose an expedition that gives you more time on land to really immerse yourself in the island's remoteness.
As you journey on foot and spend ample time ashore, you will have opportunities to visit small coastal communities steeped in culture that are only accessible by boat. The Inuit culture remains deeply rooted in tradition, and our journeys often include opportunities to meet local communities—respectfully and responsibly.
You’ll return each day to the comfort of your ship, swapping trail tales under Arctic skies.
Did you know?
You won't find roads connecting towns in Greenland, with travel mainly done by boat, kayak, plane, dog sled, or on foot. In some of the most remote areas, dog sleds still deliver supplies and mail during the long Arctic winter.
Kayak between icebergs
Paddle across Greenland's still waters surrounded by towering icebergs in one of the world’s largest fjord systems. Combine polar kayaking with coastal hikes or sailing legs for a true multi-active Arctic journey. You don't need to be super experienced, but some confidence in water and reasonable fitness is necessary. Paddle as much, or as little, as you wish.
Fun fact:
Inuit culture is deeply rooted in Greenland, where the majority of the population is Inuit or of Inuit descent. For generations, Inuit communities have skillfully navigated these icy waters by kayak, preserving traditions in harmony with nature.
Wildlife spotting as you cruise the Arctic Coastline
Expedition cruises reveal Greenland’s raw coastline, where ice sheets meet the sea and wildlife roams freely. This is what off-the-beaten-path travel is all about. Cruise by small ship into fjords that bigger ships can't access, past calving glaciers and alongside narwhals, whales and seabirds.
The selection of curated small-ship journeys at On Water Expeditions puts you right at the heart of the Arctic’s breathtaking wilderness. With fewer than 200 fellow explorers on board, you'll enjoy an intimate, immersive experience that’s as enriching as it is awe-inspiring.
Fun fact:
Known as the “unicorn of the sea,” narwhals are native to Greenland's Arctic waters.
Incredible stargazing and Northern Lights skies from your sea deck
There’s nothing quite like seeing the Northern Lights from the deck of an ice-class vessel, with the sky ablaze as you drift silently past a fjord.
Depending on the season, you can witness Greenland’s skies transform from September to April as green and violet ribbons dance above snow-covered peaks and glassy fjords — a spellbinding spectacle you’ll never forget. Or you can time your journey during the surreal glow of the Midnight Sun from May to August.
Why Greenland over Iceland?
While Iceland is spectacular in its own right, Greenland offers wilder, more remote adventures with fewer crowds and a deeper sense of isolation. It's also very big, and you'll often have entire valleys, fjords, polar bear spotting moments or coastlines to yourself.
With no tour buses or crowded boardwalks, you’ll explore untouched coastlines by sea, often in total solitude.
Greenland isn’t set up for drive-by tourism – it invites you to slow down, to trek between villages, paddle through silence, or sail into regions with no roads at all.
More interesting facts about Greenland:
- Did you know? Greenland is more ice than green. Despite the name, over 80% of Greenland is covered by ice. (Iceland is actually greener in summer — go figure!)
- Greenland holds around 8% of the world’s fresh water.
- The world’s largest national park is in northeast Greenland. It spans over 972,000 square kilometres, which is larger than France and the UK combined and has no permanent residents. It is one of the last remaining large, protected areas where ecosystems remain undisturbed.
- East Greenland is one of the least populated places on Earth, with some villages home to fewer than 100 people.
- Depending on when you go, you can see both the Northern Lights and the midnight sun.
- Inuit culture is alive and vibrant in Greenland and still rooted in traditional hunting, language, and craft. The majority of Greenland’s population is Inuit or of Inuit descent.
Greenland is a destination like no other - it’s wild, raw, and deeply humbling. Whether you're exploring on foot, by kayak, or aboard an expedition ship, this Arctic frontier rewards every kind of adventurer.
This article was adapted from our parent brand, World Expeditions.