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Greenland,
Resorts & Excursions
Introduction: -
Organised excursions can be arranged from every town in Greenland. However, the Disko Bay region and South Greenland are the most visited places and offer the widest selection of tours. For information on all-inclusive tours/package tours, hiking and hotels, contact Greenland Tourism in Copenhagen for a list of tour operators (see Contact Addresses section).
Greenland is not a country for those seeking an ordinary holiday. It is a place of wild and rugged scenery and clear, clean air. The region may be seen on foot, by boat, by plane, by helicopter or by dog sledge according to the season and the terrain.
Note: (a) By far the most common, and recommended, method of visiting Greenland is with a tour operator. Stories of people travelling independently and subsequently finding themselves in trouble are not uncommon. Only travellers already familiar with the country are advised to make the journey by themselves. (b) No finds may be removed from ancient monuments, which are all protected areas.
Ilulissat (Jakobshavn): In west Greenland, Ilulissat is one of the country’s growth areas and the gateway to Disko Bay and the whole of northern Greenland. Originally named Jakobshavn in honour of its Danish founder Jakob Sverin (1691-1753), the Greendlandic name Ilulissat (meaning iceberg) is now more commonly used. Local history, however, dates much further back than the founding of Jakobshavn. Sermermiut, a settlement situated a few kilometres southwest of the town, shows traces of habitation as early as 2000 BC. With a population of approximately 4700, Ilulissat boasts many modern as well as traditional buildings surrounded by breathtaking scenery. The famous explorer Knud Rasmussen was born here in 1879 and the house where he grew up has been transformed into the interesting Knud Rasmussen Museum. Motor-trips to nearby trading stations can sometimes be arranged.
South Greenland: In addition to Ilulissat, the main tourist centres are in South Greenland. Nuuk, the capital, with a population of 13,889, overlooked by Sermitsiaq Mountain, is a popular destination for visitors. One of the major attractions is the Greenland National Museum. It is situated near the entrance to a large fjord complex with steep mountains, lush valleys and a few small villages. Narsarsuaq and Qassiarsuk in southern Greenland was the area first settled by the Viking Eric the Red 1000 years ago. Many ruins from this epoch of Greenland’s history still survive.
Qaqortoq is the largest town in South Greenland and the area’s administrative centre. The town has several houses of historical interest and a museum. Excursions can be arranged by the local tourist office. Narsaq tourist office also arranges regular excursions.
The area between Kangerlussuaq and Sisimiut is good for walking in summer and for dog-sledge expeditions in winter. Cross-country skiing can also be arranged. There is a small Inuit (Eskimo) museum at Qaqortoq, which includes an exact copy of a turf-built house.
There are minor local museums in most towns. The country also has many ruins of old Norse settlements and Inuit houses. For further details, contact tour operators, the Danish Tourist Board or local tourist offices in Greenland.
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