Americas · North America

Greenland

Flag of Greenland
Local Time
--:--:--
UTC-04:00
🏛️ Capital
Nuuk
👥 Population
56,542
📐 Area
2,166,086 km²
💱 Currency
krone (kr.)
🗣️ Languages
Greenlandic
📞 Calling Code
+299
🕐 Time Zones
UTC-04:00, UTC-03:00, UTC-01:00, UTC+00:00
🌐 Region
Americas / North America

About Greenland

Greenland is the last great frontier of Arctic travel — a land of superlatives so extreme they border on the unbelievable. As the world's largest island, it stretches across an area larger than Western Europe, yet its population of just 56,000 people clings almost entirely to a narrow coastal strip around a landmass buried under up to 3 kilometres of ice. Visiting Greenland means entering a world of raw, elemental beauty on a scale that makes human presence feel genuinely small — and that is precisely the point.

The Greenlandic ice sheet, the second largest body of ice on Earth after Antarctica, is not merely a landscape feature but a living, dynamic force that shapes everything. From the observation point above the Ilulissat Icefjord on the west coast, you watch continent-sized bergs that have calved from the Sermeq Kujalleq glacier drift in slow procession toward the open sea. The sound — deep grinding groans, rifle-crack splinterings, and the occasional explosive collapse that sends spray hundreds of metres into the air — is unlike anything you will hear anywhere else. This is the planet's geology happening in real time.

Beyond the ice, Greenland reveals an extraordinary human story. The Inuit people who have lived here for over 4,500 years developed one of the most sophisticated survival cultures in human history, adapted to conditions that seem incompatible with human life. Their traditions of dog sledding, kayaking, hunting, and the spiritual practice of drum dancing are not museum pieces here but living parts of contemporary Greenlandic identity. The settlement of Nuuk, the world's smallest national capital, balances modern infrastructure with traditional culture in a way that feels entirely authentic rather than staged.

History & Background

Greenland's human story begins with the migration of the Saqqaq culture across the Arctic from North America around 2500 BC, the first of several Paleo-Eskimo cultures that inhabited the island over millennia. The Thule culture — direct ancestors of today's Greenlandic Inuit — arrived from the north around 1000 AD, simultaneously with Norse explorers. Erik the Red, exiled from Iceland for manslaughter, famously gave the island its optimistic name in approximately 985 AD when establishing the first Norse settlement — a deliberate marketing exercise to attract settlers from Iceland. Norse colonies on Greenland's southwest tip survived for nearly 500 years before mysteriously disappearing around 1400, possibly due to climate deterioration and conflict with the expanding Inuit population.

Danish-Norwegian colonial activity began in earnest with the missionary Hans Egede's arrival in 1721, establishing a permanent European presence that would shape modern Greenland. The island's strategic importance was highlighted dramatically during World War II when the United States occupied Greenland with Denmark's permission to prevent German control, establishing military bases including the still-operating Thule Air Base in the northwest. Greenland voted in a 1979 referendum for home rule from Denmark, becoming the Faroe Islands' model for Scandinavian autonomy. Further self-governance was granted in 2009, with Greenland controlling its own domestic affairs while Denmark retains responsibility for foreign policy and defence — an arrangement the Greenlandic government is increasingly seeking to renegotiate.

Culture & People

Greenlandic culture is rooted in the Kalaallit Inuit tradition — one of the world's most distinctive and resilient cultural expressions, developed over thousands of years of life in the Arctic. Hunting and fishing remain not just economic activities but cultural practices imbued with deep spiritual significance. The Inuit relationship with the natural world is one of profound interdependence rather than dominance, shaped by the understanding that survival in this environment depends entirely on reading ice, weather, and animal behavior with unfailing precision. Dog sledding, still practiced in northern and eastern settlements, is both a transport method and an art form requiring years of skill development.

Danish colonial influence arrived in the 18th century and left lasting marks on governance, religion, and language, but a powerful cultural renaissance since the 1970s has revitalized Greenlandic language, arts, and political self-determination. Greenland gained home rule from Denmark in 1979 and extended autonomy in 2009. The Greenlandic language — Kalaallisut — is now the official language, and the national museum system, traditional craft production, and drum dance performances reflect a culture actively engaged in its own preservation and evolution. The contemporary Greenlandic art scene in Nuuk, particularly in painting and sculpture, combines Arctic imagery with modern sensibilities in ways that attract international attention.

Food & Cuisine

Greenlandic food is shaped by the Arctic environment with a directness that can be confronting for visitors accustomed to supermarket-mediated diets. The traditional Inuit diet — centered on marine mammals, Arctic caribou (reindeer), musk ox, and fish — reflects centuries of subsistence necessity and nutritional wisdom adapted to an environment almost entirely lacking in plant agriculture. Mattak — raw strips of whale skin with attached blubber — is a traditional delicacy eaten at celebrations and considered a nutritional powerhouse by those who grew up with it. Dried and fermented meats and fish are preserved by wind and cold in traditional methods still practiced in smaller settlements.

In Nuuk and the larger towns, restaurants have developed a sophisticated approach to Greenlandic ingredients. Reindeer prepared as steak or slow-braised stew, Arctic char grilled with Nordic herbs, and musk ox burgers appear on modern menus alongside more international dishes. The growing eco-tourism sector has encouraged a farm-to-fjord approach that showcases truly wild, sustainably harvested ingredients. Danish pastry and bread culture has also embedded itself deeply, and a good "kaffemik" — the traditional Greenlandic open house celebration where guests are welcomed with coffee and homemade cakes — is one of the warmest social rituals you can participate in. Locally caught shrimp are exported worldwide as a Greenlandic delicacy, but eating them fresh near the source is incomparably better.

Top Attractions

  • Ilulissat Icefjord — A UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the world's most active glaciers, where titanic icebergs calve from the Sermeq Kujalleq glacier and drift through a fjord in extraordinary concentration.
  • Northern Lights, West Greenland — The aurora borealis above the dark Arctic sky, visible from October through April across the country, is among nature's most overwhelming spectacles.
  • Nuuk & Greenland National Museum — The charming capital contains the world's finest collection of Greenlandic and Inuit heritage including mummified remains from Qilakitsoq.
  • Dog Sledding, Sisimiut or Ilulissat — Multi-day dog sled expeditions across frozen fjords and tundra offer one of the most authentically Arctic travel experiences available anywhere.
  • Russell Glacier Hike — A relatively accessible day hike from Kangerlussuaq to the face of the Greenland ice sheet, one of the few places where visitors can walk to the continental ice edge.
  • East Greenland Fjords, Tasiilaq — The remote east coast, accessible by helicopter or summer boat, offers the most dramatic Arctic scenery and the most isolated and traditional Inuit communities.

Practical Travel Tips

  • Flights into Greenland operate primarily through Copenhagen; book well in advance as capacity is extremely limited and prices spike on popular summer dates.
  • Greenland has no road network connecting settlements — all inter-town travel requires domestic flights, helicopter transfers, or boat, so build extra time and budget for connections.
  • Layer clothing in a system: a moisture-wicking base layer, insulating mid-layer, and fully waterproof and windproof outer shell are essential for any outdoor activity.
  • Always hire a licensed local guide for any expedition onto the ice sheet, glacier, or into the backcountry — conditions can change lethally fast.
  • Respect traditional hunting and fishing activities; these are legal, culturally significant, and not subject to outside protest — observe with respect and without interference.
  • The Danish krone is the currency; card payments are accepted in Nuuk and larger towns, but bring cash for smaller settlements.
  • Altitude, extreme cold, and physical exertion make comprehensive travel and medical insurance with evacuation coverage absolutely essential.

Visa Overview

Greenland is an autonomous territory within the Kingdom of Denmark but outside the European Union and the Schengen Area. Citizens of Denmark and the Nordic countries may enter freely. Most other nationalities, including citizens of the EU, United States, Canada, and United Kingdom, can visit without a visa for tourism purposes. Entry is via Denmark, and Danish immigration rules apply at Copenhagen airport for international arrivals connecting to Greenland. A valid passport is required. Check current entry requirements with the Danish embassy relevant to your nationality before travel.

Getting Around

All international flights to Greenland connect through Copenhagen Kastrup Airport. Air Greenland operates domestic flights and the sole international route to Greenland, landing primarily at Kangerlussuaq (which serves as the main hub), Nuuk, and Ilulissat. Helicopter services connect many smaller settlements. Between May and October, the Arctic Umiaq Line ferry service connects west coast settlements seasonally. There are no roads between towns. Within Nuuk, minibuses and taxis operate. In smaller settlements, walking is the primary transport. Dog sledding is a legitimate transport option in northern and eastern regions during winter.

Safety Notes

Greenland is an extremely safe destination in terms of human threat, with very low crime rates. The primary risks are environmental: extreme cold, rapidly changing weather, crevassed glaciers, polar bears (in eastern and northern regions), and the genuine remoteness that makes evacuation in an emergency extremely difficult and expensive. Always travel with a local guide outside of towns. Register your itinerary with the local police or tourism office before backcountry expeditions. Carry emergency signalling equipment. Comprehensive travel insurance with helicopter evacuation cover is not optional — it is essential.

Live Exchange Rates

Current exchange rates for currencies used in Greenland.

krone (DKK) kr.
Updated: 2026-05-20
Currency CodeRate
1INCH 1.674602
AAVE 0.001749
ADA 0.620345
AED 0.571247
AFN 9.775362
AGIX 1.840907
AKT 0.196379
ALGO 1.326120
ALL 12.770923
AMD 57.221844
AMP 184.561114
ANG 0.280380
AOA 142.621996
APE 1.062535
APT 0.162486
AR 0.069726
ARB 1.374504
ARS 217.452968
ATOM 0.077269
ATS 1.841366
AUD 0.217392
AVAX 0.016611
AWG 0.278429
AXS 0.127714
AZM 1,322.150520
AZN 0.264430
BAKE 178.949440
BAM 0.261724
BAT 1.564079
BBD 0.311094
BCH 0.000417
BDT 19.121010
BEF 5.398175
BGN 0.261724
BHD 0.058486
BIF 463.177797
BMD 0.155547
BNB 0.000239
BND 0.198794
BOB 1.074726
BRL 0.778570
BSD 0.155547
BSV 0.010319
BSW 209.786793
BTC 0.000002
BTG 0.486612
BTN 15.038167
BTT 482,497.875696
BUSD 0.155614
BWP 2.109985
BYN 0.426201
BYR 4,262.007779
BZD 0.313185
CAD 0.213886
CAKE 0.106041
CDF 356.979588
CELO 1.900397
CFX 2.620923
CHF 0.122461
CHZ 3.386447
CLP 139.797567
CNH 1.057847
CNY 1.057896
COMP 0.006804
COP 577.370963
CRC 70.340300
CRO 2.244701
CRV 0.647073
CSPR 52.405982
CUC 0.155547
CUP 3.733209
CVE 14.756029
CVX 0.090032
CYP 0.078320
CZK 3.251663
DAI 0.155640
DASH 0.003088
DCR 0.008910
DEM 0.261724
DFI 172.102633
DJF 27.724944
DOGE 1.487011
DOP 9.160935
DOT 0.124206
DYDX 1.017880
DZD 20.643832
EEK 2.093790
EGLD 0.039206
EGP 8.310156
ENJ 3.442838
EOS 1.908459
ERN 2.333207
ESP 22.265319
ETB 25.108804
ETC 0.017133
ETH 0.000073
EUR 0.133817
EURC 0.133717
FEI 0.156487
FIL 0.160391
FIM 0.795641
FJD 0.342388
FKP 0.115714
FLOW 4.306190
FLR 18.614859
FRAX 0.156670
FRF 0.877784
FTT 0.474004
GALA 45.452718
GBP 0.115714
GEL 0.415075
GGP 0.115714
GHC 17,961.837511
GHS 1.796184
GIP 0.115714
GMD 11.451113
GMX 0.023256
GNF 1,364.578481
GNO 0.001301
GRD 45.598231
GRT 6.156529
GT 0.021965
GTQ 1.185995
GUSD 0.155881
GYD 32.539364
HBAR 1.738007
HKD 1.218399
HNL 4.137518
HNT 0.187354
HOT 385.156446
HRK 1.008246
HT 1.078741
HTG 20.367055
HUF 48.126102
ICP 0.060798
IDR 2,746.272201
IEP 0.105390
ILS 0.451901
IMP 0.115714
IMX 0.899086
INJ 0.030618
INR 15.038167
IQD 203.792258
IRR 205,591.383818
ISK 19.189607
ITL 259.106346
JEP 0.115714
JMD 24.615300
JOD 0.110283
JPY 24.715271
KAS 4.449733
KAVA 2.635676
KCS 0.019402
KDA 18.810594
KES 20.143219
KGS 13.606147
KHR 623.936071
KLAY 3.041560
KMF 65.833776
KNC 1.082227
KPW 139.995267
KRW 232.803043
KSM 0.031036
KWD 0.048043
KYD 0.129356
KZT 73.460388
LAK 3,412.950310
LBP 13,885.817337
LDO 0.429720
LEO 0.015470
LINK 0.016100
LKR 53.600184
LRC 9.230507
LRD 28.473214
LSL 2.561865
LTC 0.002862
LTL 0.462044
LUF 5.398175
LUNA 2.429772
LUNC 2,026.764984
LVL 0.094047
LYD 0.990192
MAD 1.434881
MANA 1.739135
MBX 3.975185
MDL 2.703878
MGA 653.176572
MGF 3,265.882858
MINA 2.711536
MKD 8.248917
MKR 0.000091
MMK 326.608138
MNT 556.593474
MOP 1.254951
MRO 62.179884
MRU 6.217988
MTL 0.057448
MUR 7.373577
MVR 2.402482
MWK 269.726917
MXN 2.690833
MXV 0.305604
MYR 0.617431
MZM 9,934.416539
MZN 9.934417
NAD 2.561865
NEAR 0.093059
NEO 0.053424
NEXO 0.176023
NFT 550,572.290572
NGN 213.354270
NIO 5.724647
NLG 0.294894
NOK 1.441643
NPR 24.072345
NZD 0.264938
OKB 0.001915
OMR 0.059878
ONE 76.598408
OP 1.196059
ORDI 0.036292
PAB 0.155547
PAXG 0.000034
PEN 0.531725
PEPE 41,508.703678
PGK 0.678335
PHP 9.564257
PI 1.024322
PKR 43.345020
PLN 0.568409
POL 1.709364
PTE 26.827952
PYG 959.490233
QAR 0.566192
QNT 0.002107
QTUM 0.172689
ROL 7,009.576192
RON 0.700958
RPL 0.088929
RSD 15.713230
RUB 11.121790
RUNE 0.352280
RVN 28.214435
RWF 227.689325
SAND 2.142781
SAR 0.583302
SBD 1.249995
SCR 2.274522
SDD 9,335.903057
SDG 93.359031
SEK 1.452668
SGD 0.198794
SHIB 26,749.914388
SHP 0.115714
SIT 32.067968
SKK 4.031379
SLE 3.554239
SLL 3,554.238870
SNX 0.489735
SOL 0.001791
SOS 88.767705
SPL 0.025925
SRD 5.776325
SRG 5,776.324811
SSP 732.232727
STD 3,304.702031
STN 3.304702
STX 0.637937
SUI 0.144131
SVC 1.361037
SYP 17.195647
SZL 2.561865
THB 5.064559
THETA 0.767875
TJS 1.445910
TMM 2,728.969692
TMT 0.545794
TND 0.452027
TON 0.075378
TOP 0.374611
TRL 7,090,262.184720
TRX 0.434105
TRY 7.090262
TTD 1.054819
TUSD 0.155762
TVD 0.217392
TWD 4.913621
TWT 0.335789
TZS 406.498656
UAH 6.886205
UGX 586.748071
UNI 0.043055
USD 0.155547
USDC 0.155628
USDD 0.155637
USDP 0.155789
USDT 0.155731
UYU 6.272941
UZS 1,880.785054
VAL 259.106346
VEB 8,065,763,631.408864
VED 80.654793
VEF 8,065,479.306763
VES 80.654793
VET 23.297877
VND 4,101.517590
VUV 18.503431
WAVES 0.400204
WEMIX 0.555516
WOO 9.026613
WST 0.421193
XAF 87.778368
XAG 0.002047
XAU 0.000034
XAUT 0.000034
XBT 0.000002
XCD 0.421133
XCG 0.280380
XCH 0.043002
XDC 4.438942
XDR 0.113852
XEC 21,382.934208
XEM 231.521192
XLM 1.076986
XMR 0.000385
XOF 87.778368
XPD 0.000113
XPF 15.968647
XPT 0.000079
XRP 0.112981
XTZ 0.454419
YER 37.116302
ZAR 2.561865
ZEC 0.000238
ZIL 39.114622
ZMK 2,954.178950
ZMW 2.954179
ZWD 56.292504
ZWG 4.082294
ZWL 10,200.525911

No currencies match your search.

Other Time Zones in Greenland

Detailed local time across various regions of the country.

Local Time
--:--:--
UTC-03:00
Local Time
--:--:--
UTC-01:00
Local Time
--:--:--
UTC+00:00

Visa Requirements

Check what visa a citizen of Greenland needs to enter any country.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the capital of Greenland?
The capital of Greenland is Nuuk.
What currency does Greenland use?
Greenland uses the krone (kr.) as its official currency.
What language is spoken in Greenland?
The official language(s) of Greenland include Greenlandic.
What is the population of Greenland?
Greenland has a population of approximately 56,542 people.
What region is Greenland in?
Greenland is located in Americas, specifically in the North America subregion.
What is the international calling code for Greenland?
The international dialing code for Greenland is +299.
What time zones does Greenland observe?
Greenland observes the following time zone(s): UTC-04:00, UTC-03:00, UTC-01:00, UTC+00:00.
What is the current time in Greenland?
The local time in Greenland is currently --:--. This time applies to the primary time zone.
What is the total area of Greenland?
Greenland covers a total area of 2,166,086 km².
How many states or provinces does Greenland have?
Greenland is divided into 19 states or provinces.
What are the public holidays in Greenland in 2026?
You can view the complete list of public holidays for Greenland in 2026 on the Holidays 2026 page.
What are the visa requirements for citizens of Greenland?
Visa requirements for citizens of Greenland vary by destination. Use our Visa Requirements Checker below to look up requirements for any destination country.