Greenland, a vast and awe-inspiring land, is the world’s largest island. Spanning a staggering 2.16 million square kilometers, it is also the least densely populated. A large portion of this island is covered by the Greenland Ice Sheet, which accounts for about 80% of its landmass. The majority of Greenland’s population of 56,000 lives along the southwest coast in urban centers. The stunning natural landscape, including glaciers, icebergs, and rugged mountains, makes it an appealing destination for those seeking adventure and untouched beauty.
Aleqa Hammond, Greenland’s first female prime minister, is an influential figure who has spent much of her life advocating for the development of her country. After holding various ministerial roles, including Minister of Finance and Foreign Affairs, Hammond became Greenland’s first female prime minister in 2013. During her time in office, she worked to balance Greenland’s desire for greater economic independence with a commitment to protecting its cultural heritage.
Greenland has long captivated the imagination of travelers, thanks to its remote location and untouched landscapes. It is a land where outdoor adventures such as kayaking, hiking, and dog sledding await. For nature lovers, there are few places more spectacular than Greenland’s vast wilderness. The midnight sun and the mesmerizing Northern Lights offer rare glimpses of beauty, while colorful villages dot the coastlines, offering travelers a taste of local life.
We asked Hammond for her top recommendations on how to experience Greenland’s stunning contrasts and rich culture. “Greenland is so vast and unexplored that even though it was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2004, it wasn’t until 13 years later that we had three World Heritage sites,” Hammond explains. “The country has so much to offer, and it’s still largely untouched.”
With tourism rapidly growing, thanks to new international airports opening in 2024 and 2026, Greenland is preparing for an influx of visitors. However, Hammond is cautious about the scale of tourism. “Greenland doesn’t want mass tourism,” she states. “We want tourism that benefits the people, not one that overwhelms us. Controlled and responsible tourism will make this destination even more special.”
For a deep dive into Greenland’s rich history, a visit to the Greenland National Museum & Archives in the capital, Nuuk, is essential. The museum, located in the Colonial Harbour area, offers exhibitions on the country’s early Paleo-Eskimo cultures, Norse settlements, and the long history of Danish colonization. One of its most significant features is its collection of the Qilakitsoq mummies, the naturally mummified remains of a family from Greenland’s northern Saqqaq culture. These mummies, dating back to between 2500 BCE and 800 BCE, are among the oldest examples of Inuit heritage. The museum’s blend of history and archaeology makes it an indispensable stop for anyone visiting Greenland.
No visit to Greenland would be complete without sampling its unique cuisine. Aleqa Hammond recommends Restaurant Sarfalik in Nuuk, where visitors can taste the best of Greenlandic food. The restaurant, located on the top floor of Hotel Hans Egede, offers a menu full of fresh, locally sourced ingredients such as musk ox, reindeer, and halibut. The combination of traditional Inuit cooking methods like drying, fermenting, and smoking with modern culinary techniques results in a dining experience that is both innovative and deeply rooted in Greenland’s cultural traditions.
Greenland’s art scene is thriving, and a visit to the Nuuk Art Museum is a must for art enthusiasts. The museum, housed in a former Adventist church, showcases both Greenlandic and international artists. The museum’s permanent collection features works by early 20th-century landscape artist Emanuel A. Petersen, whose romanticized depictions of Greenlandic nature capture the island’s unique beauty. Greenlandic art often reflects the connection between Inuit culture and the Arctic environment, featuring subjects like wildlife and spiritual beliefs.
One of the most spectacular natural phenomena in Greenland is the Northern Lights, and the best place to witness them is at the Ilulissat Icefjord. Located around 250 kilometers north of the Arctic Circle, Ilulissat is a fishing village famous for its large icebergs and its proximity to the Icefjord, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Hammond describes it as the ultimate place to experience the Northern Lights. “The Northern Lights light up the icebergs in ways you can’t even imagine,” she says. “The ice takes on a magical glow under the Aurora Borealis.” With clear skies and long nights from September to February, Ilulissat offers some of the most incredible views of this mesmerizing phenomenon.
Greenland may be vast and remote, but it is a land filled with history, culture, and breathtaking natural beauty. As Greenland prepares for an influx of travelers, visitors can rest assured that the country’s pristine landscapes and unique experiences will continue to be accessible to those who seek them. Whether you’re hiking across glaciers, dining on fresh local cuisine, or marveling at the Northern Lights, Greenland promises an unforgettable adventure.
