Greenland is the world’s largest island. It has a big and untouched wilderness that feels as if you are stepping into another world. Moreover, it consists of icy landscapes, towering glaciers, and rugged mountains. Basically, these facts about Greenland make it a destination unlike any other.
Hence, if you want to experience true isolation and beauty in its rawest form, Greenland is the ultimate escape. Therefore, whether you are looking for a thrilling adventure or merely a chance to reconnect with nature, you must start exploring Greenland.
Read on to learn more about some of the most interesting facts about Greenland. In addition to that, you will have compelling reasons to visit Greenland now.
Facts About Greenland: Top 6 Reasons to Visit
If you plan to visit Greenland, the ideal starting point is https://nordicsaga.com/greenland-tours-from-reykjavik. From this place, you will experience a guided journey into this magnificent wilderness.
The following are some of the major facts about Greenland, where nature still reigns supreme:
1. A Land of Ice and Giants
Primarily, the immenseness of Greenland is the first thing that strikes tourists. Basically, the island is approximately 2.1 million square kilometers in size. However, most of it is covered with ice.
Do you know? The Greenland Ice Sheet actually covers almost 80% of the surface of this massive island. In fact, this massive ice sheet is one of the largest in the world. Moreover, it forms the backbone of Greenland’s wilderness.
Apart from that, you will have to further explore this frozen world. This way, you will come across enormous glaciers creeping down from the ice cap. Also, they feed into stunning fjords that carve their way through the land.
Meanwhile, these fjords are not merely beautiful. Rather, they show the power of nature and glaciers over millions of years.
2. Remote Villages and Solitude
When you visit Greenland, you must look beyond the glaciers. In some cases, you might come across multiple small and isolated villages. These are home to a sparse population.
However, you will only be able to visit these settlements by boat or helicopter. In fact, these aspects make them even more remote. Moreover, by visiting these villages, you will get a better idea of the way of life that has remained largely unchanged for centuries.
Meanwhile, the locals on those islands are also known as the Inuit people of Greenland. Interestingly, their ancestors have lived on the island for over 4,500 years. Hence, they still rely on traditional methods of fishing, hunting, and gathering.
Therefore, after you visit these villages, you will get a unique cultural experience. Also, you will be able to connect with locals. Moreover, you might learn a lot about their customs and survival skills. This way, you will be able to deal with one of the harshest environments.
One thing to note is that these villages prefer silence. Primarily, the peacefulness comes with the absence of roads and crowds. Also, there are no modern distractions.
In addition to that, you will actually hear the wind whistle through the mountains. Moreover, you will experience seabirds in the distance. Sometimes, you might even hear the occasional cracking of ice in the fjords.
3. A Celestial Show: Behold the Northern Lights
Probably, this will be your most extraordinary experience in Greenland. In fact, beholding the Northern Lights might be an end in itself. This celestial phenomenon is known as the Aurora Borealis. Essentially, it lights up the Arctic skies in vibrant shades of green, purple, and pink.
Meanwhile, the best time to experience the Aurora Borealis is during the winter months. This is because the nights are long and the skies are dark.
4. Greenland Is Actually Wild
In Greenland, you will come across different types of wildlife. This is because they have adapted to the harsh Arctic environment for millennia.
The following are some of the major land and water animals you will come across in Greenland:
- Land Animals: Polar bears, musk oxen, and reindeer.
- Coastal Water Animals: Seals, whales, and walruses.
In addition to that, this island is also a paradise for bird watchers. In fact, millions of seabirds nest along the cliffs. These include puffins, guillemots, and the majestic white-tailed eagle.
Basically, Greenland’s wildlife is thriving because of its remote location. Also, after you visit the island, you will get the opportunity to see these animals in their natural habitats.
However, many creatures, like polar bears and whales, are becoming increasingly vulnerable due to climate change. Hence, tourism and conservation efforts are critical.
5. Greenland’s Landscape Changes with the Seasons
Interestingly, Greenland’s wilderness changes with the seasons. For instance, in the winter, the island is full of snow and ice. Hence, you will get endless opportunities for adventure.
The following are some of the major adventures you will be able to experience in Greenland:
- Dog sledding
- Ice fishing
- Cross-country skiing
Apart from that, the frozen landscapes are bright and beautiful. Moreover, the silence of the winter months is truly remarkable.
Meanwhile, with the arrival of summer, the island transforms. Obviously, the ice starts melting. This way, it reveals the lush tundra beneath. Apart from that, you will see wildflowers blooming in bursts of color. Also, the days grow longer and the midnight sun casts a golden glow over the landscape.
However, if you visit Greenland during summer, you will be able to explore the island by boat. Also, you might choose to explore on foot. In fact, you might see humungous icebergs drifting through the fjords.
6. An Adventurer’s Paradise
If you want to explore the wildlife as an adventurer, there is no better place than Greenland. Basically, you will be able to experience Nature’s raw beauty and purity.
Also, it does not matter whether you are an avid adventurer or not. In fact, you will always find something new to do. Thereby, you will be able to make your experiences more memorable.
Visit Greenland Now
Greenland is a place like no other. If you want the best of what Nature has to offer, you will visit the place more than once. In fact, we recommend that you visit Greenland once in the Summer and in the Winter. This way, you will be able to experience two contrasting natures of the island.
Whether you are an adventurer or merely looking for a quiet place, Greenland has it all for you. Moreover, if you are into exploring wilderness, there is probably no better place than Greenland.