Greenland

Greenland is unlike anywhere else - the world's largest island, with a population that revolves entirely around it's harsh, unusual, frozen environment.  Greenland currently faces serious issues as it's ice sheets are melting rapidly due to rises in climate temperatures.  Greenland is an expensive country.

Greenland has modernized quickly, and amongst the traditional clothes you'll find modern t-shirts and mobile phones.  The unusual environment has brought about unusual food, such as whale, preserved seal and putrid fish.  Tourism is fairly basic in Greenland, and most people have few interactions with the local people, but the a tourist project is making steps to make this easier.

Sights and Activities

• Aurora borealis - The norther lights appear year round, but are best viewed against the dark skies of autumn and winter.
• Midnight sun - Greenlandic National Day is June 21, the longest day and festival time.
• Boat trips - into the icy fjords, popular in summer.
• Winter dogsled safaris - take a spin through the frozen wilderness
• Helicopter glacier tours
• Trekking - Greenland offers good trekking in the summer months.  You don't need a guide (luckily, as there are few in Greenland) for the easier trails.  In summer the local fauna is outstanding. 

Current Issues

• Climate change seriously threatens Greenland.  Since 2004 the rate of ice loss has tripled.  A global temperature rise of 2 degrees Celsius would be enough to melt the Greenland ice sheet completely, raising sea levels by 7m.  The Intergovernment Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) agrees, predicting global temperatures will increase by 4 degrees Celsius by the end of the century.  In East Greenland locals report that ice from the Helhrim glacier, just south of Tasiilaq, is retreating at a rate of 10-15 cm per day.  The warmer waters flood the fjords and the seals retreat to colder waters, which cause the fish to Flourish. But, Greenlanders eat seal - they believe fish is a poor substitute.

Facts

• Greenland has more than a dozen words for ice.
• During summer the sun doesn't set, during winter the sun doesn't rise.
• Greenland has 4 primary languages - East Greenlandic, West Greenlandic, Danish and English.
• Most of Greenland lies within the Arctic circle, and is cut off from the rest of the world for 8 months of the year as the fjords freeze over with thick pack-ice.
• Denmark subsidizes Greenland with US$274 million each year.

Vital statistics

Capital	Nuuk (Godthab)
Population	57,000
Language	Greenlandic, Danish
Visas	Not required by EU citizens
Money	Danish Krone (Dkr), about 22Dkr to the US$.  ATMs accept foreign cards.  Travelers chques are not widely accepted.

When to go

Greenland's climate is sub-Artic.  Summer is surprisingly mild, averaging 17 degrees Celsius.  But by January temperatures have plummeted to -40 degrees Celsius.  Peak tourist season is mid-May to mid-September.  Be prepares for changing conditions.  Pack waterproof clothes and sunscreen. 

Getting there

Getting around

Transfers between major towns are mainly by helicopter.  The 10 minute ride from Kulusuk to Tasiilaq costs 631Dkr (US$120) one way.  In summer boat transfers are also possible, while in winter, skidoos and dogsleds are the mainstay of local transport.  Everything is weather dependant, so be prepared for long delays and cancellations.

Costs

Costs are high in Greenland, even by Scandinavian standards. 

• Restaurant mains - 160Dkr (US$30).
• A mid range double room - 800Dkr (US$150). 
• A bottle of water - 14Dkr (US$2.60)
• Can of beer 35Dkr (US$6.40)
• Cup of coffee 15Dkr (US$2.80)

Accommodation

Hotels are generally good.  More and more B&Bs are appearing, while seamen's homes are cheap-and-cheerful options.

Food and drink

Most hotels offer full board, which gives little choice to sample local foods.  Hotels offer lots of fish and Danish specialities - vegetarians may struggle.

Health and safety

No vaccinations are required, but beware of mosquitoes in summer, bring repellant.

Useful websites

• www.geenland.com - Greenland Tourism website
• www.greenlandguide.gl - Links and practical tips
• www.eastgreenland.com - Tasiilaq Tourist Information Office