Suggested length of stay
If you’re planning a trip to Greenland, you should consider staying for at least a week. There’s so much to see and do in this beautiful country, from hiking and exploring the stunning landscapes to visiting historic sites and learning about the local culture.
Modes of transport
Road
Especially in Greenland’s bigger towns like Nuuk, Ilulissat, Sisimiut and Qaqortoq cars, buses, and taxis are popular means of transportation. Even though Greenlandic towns aren’t very big population they can spread over a few kilometres from one end to the other.
Air
As there are often no landing strips for planes in the smaller settlements and towns, Air Greenland serves these settlements with different helicopters. Helicopters especially serve the settlements in South Greenland, North and East Greenland, and some smaller villages. As with the planes, the helicopters also offer you a one-of-a-kind view over the beautiful landscape of Greenland.
Rail
There are no rail connections in Greenland.
Ferry
The passenger ship Sarfaq Ittuk from Arctic Umiaq Line is in service from April to December between Qaqortoq in South Greenland and Ilulissat in North Greenland. In the summer, booking tickets well in advance is a good idea. You have the possibility to book a bunk bed in a common cabin (1-4 beds) or a private cabin with a bathroom. Additionally, Sarfaq Ittuk offers two suites: the Umiaq Junior Suite and the larger Igloo Suite.
Food
Greenlandic cuisine is heavily influenced by the country’s Arctic climate and limited access to fresh produce. Traditional dishes include seafood such as fish, whale, seal and game meats like reindeer and muskox. Popular dishes include Kalaallit Kaffemik, a buffet-style meal featuring various meats, fish, and cakes, and Suaasat, a soup made with seal or reindeer meat, potatoes, and onions. Due to the harsh climate, preserved and fermented foods like dried fish and seal blubber are also common in Greenlandic cuisine.
Drinking water
Greenland’s tap water is safe to drink.
Visas
Greenland is part of the Schengen area and many other European countries, meaning you can enter Greenland without a visa.
Money
The currency used in Greenland is the Danish Krone (DKK)
Inoculations & health precautions
Health risks in Greenland are broadly similar to those in Australia.
Embassy Contacts for Greenland
The Australian Embassy in Denmark, is responsible for Greenland
Australian Embassy, Copenhagen
Dampfaergevej 26
2nd floor
2100 Copenhagen Ø DENMARK
Phone: (+45) 7026 3676
Email: copenhagen.embassy@dfat.gov.au
Electricity
All power sockets in Greenland provide a standard voltage of 230V with a standard frequency of 50Hz.
Getting there
If you’re looking to get to Greenland from Australia, the best way is to take a connecting flight through several major cities along the way. Start by flying from Australia to a city like Copenhagen, Denmark, which offers direct flights to Greenland’s capital city, Nuuk.
Time Zone
Greenland has 3 time zones, but in Nuuk the capital city, it’s West Greenland Summer Time (WGST) UTC-2
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