"Greenland" Top 5 Page for this destination Greenland by glenn57

Greenland Travel Guide: 315 reviews and 682 photos

Ilulissat, with icebergs in the background

I spent 2 weeks in Greenland in 2004, and the scenery was absolutely spectacular. My photos can't do justice to the incredible sites that I saw there.

Although the old expression is 'Iceland is green, and Greenland is ice', I have to disagree. In most of the inhabited parts of Greenland in the summer, you see mostly green (and the blue of the water); you only see ice in those few places that are near the ice cap, or near icebergs. The non-ice cap part of Greenland is up to 250 km wide.

What surprised me most about Greenland was how Westernized the West coast is. Teenagers on cell phones, adults bopping around small villages in their SUV's, rock music blasting from speakers.... it was all very disappointing for me, who had imagined something a bit more traditional. Also, I found the West Greenlanders stand-offish; perhaps they're tired of tourists, but on the West coast, they certainly took no interest in me or other tourists I saw.

The East coast, however, is completely different. In the village of Kulusuk, there is no running water, there are no cars, and there is no transport from the airport to the village (you have to walk the 3 km with all your luggage). The people still hunt seals, polar bears and whales. And the people are very friendly. This was the Greenland I had pictured in my head. Kulusuk also has a spectacular setting.

Last visit to Greenland: Jul 2004
Intro Updated Feb 21, 2005
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Reviews (12)

Kulusuk - from the air Things to Do (10)

The area around Kulusuk is stunning from the air. All you see is blue water, grey mountains, and snow and ice, for... more travel advice

Kulusuk - the new cemetery Things to Do (10)

Bodies are buried above the ground, since the ground is just solid rock or permafrost. No names are put on the graves... more travel advice

Kulusuk - the village Things to Do (10)

Kulusuk, on the east coast of Greenland, has a population of about 300. It is the destination of day-trips to Greenland... more travel advice

Kangerlussuaq - wildflowers Things to Do (10)

I saw at least 12 types of wildflowers in Greenland. The Arctic Cotton Grass, pictured here, was my favourite. It often... more travel advice

Warnings Or Dangers (1)
Whale Watching in Aasiaat

Transportation (1)
Travelling to Greenland

Comments (20)

Anita_Porec Aug 30, 2009 at 11:41 PM Report Abuse

awesome! I can't wait to go now....:) Great photos
margaretvn Nov 23, 2008 at 1:56 AM Report Abuse

enjoyed your page, with its good tips and great photos. its somewhere I still want to visit
Carmanah Aug 18, 2008 at 12:20 PM Report Abuse

Your photos are spectacular... what a fantastic experience you had. I would love to visit Greenland one day.
galy Oct 22, 2007 at 10:18 AM Report Abuse

Great pictures, very good information. So when is the whale watching season?
tini58de Oct 1, 2007 at 9:45 AM Report Abuse

I am dreaming of going there as well, Glenn - thanks for a great page with awesome pictures!
Vulindlela Apr 9, 2007 at 4:24 PM Report Abuse

Wow, that is pretty! It must have been wonderful to visit Greenland.
sachara Apr 8, 2006 at 3:22 PM Report Abuse

Interesting page about this fascinating destination. Many times I have allready considered to make a trip to Greenland. For now I visit your page again....
Saagar Feb 28, 2006 at 3:16 AM Report Abuse

Glenn, thanks for good tips! I am thinking of flying on the Kuluskuk day trip from Reykjavik. Is it a good idea? Olav
spanishguy Jan 30, 2006 at 12:37 AM Report Abuse

What a wonderful pictures of the icebergs and the animals Glenn! I felt in love with Greenland when I flough over it.
hunwagner Dec 20, 2005 at 7:54 PM Report Abuse

This is a place high on my Wish List - but unfortunately the costs of visiting will make sure it will stay just a wish for long time yet... :-(