festivites
1. National Day of Greenland: Celebrated on June 21st, this day marks the country's self-rule and independence from Denmark. It is celebrated with parades, music, traditional dances, and speeches by politicians in cities like Nuuk and Sisimiut.
2. Christmas: Celebrated on December 24th, Christmas is a major holiday in Greenland marked by festive decorations, gift-giving, traditional foods such as seal meat, and religious services in churches across the country.
3. New Year's Eve: Celebrated on December 31st, New Year's Eve is a time for parties, fireworks, and celebrations. People often gather together with friends and family to ring in the new year with food, drinks, and traditional songs and dances.
4. Kaffemik: A kaffemik is a traditional Greenlandic social gathering where people come together to share coffee, cake, and conversation. They are typically held to celebrate special occasions such as birthdays, weddings, or christenings and can take place at any time of year.
5. Qaumariaq: This traditional winter festival is celebrated in January or February depending on the region of Greenland. Qaumariaq involves traditional Inuit games, such as dog sled races and tug of war, as well as drum dancing and feasting.
6. Fastelavn: Celebrated in February, Fastelavn is a traditional Danish carnival celebrated in Greenland. Children dress up in costumes and go door-to-door singing and asking for treats, similar to Halloween in other parts of the world.
7. Easter: Celebrated in April, Easter is a Christian holiday marked by church services, family gatherings, and egg decorating. Its significance varies among different denominations in Greenland.
8. St. John's Eve: Celebrated on June 23rd, St. John's Eve is a traditional midsummer celebration in Greenland. It involves bonfires, music, dancing, and the burning of an effigy, symbolizing the passing of winter and the arrival of summer.
seasons
Greenland generally has two tourist seasons:
1. Summer season (June-August): This is the high season for tourism in Greenland, with long daylight hours and milder weather. It is a good time to explore the outdoors and engage in activities such as hiking, whale watching, and boat tours. The temperature can range from 5°C to 15°C, but it can also drop below freezing at night. It is recommended to dress in layers and bring waterproof clothing.
2. Winter season (September-May): This is the low season for tourism in Greenland, with fewer visitors due to colder temperatures and shorter daylight hours. However, it is a great time to witness the Northern Lights and experience dog sledding and skiing. The temperature can range from -10°C to -25°C or lower depending on the location. It is recommended to dress in warm clothing layers and bring appropriate footwear and accessories for outdoor activities.
It's important to note that the exact dates of these tourist seasons may vary slightly depending on the specific location within Greenland.
visa
Citizens of certain countries may require a visa to visit Greenland. The visa requirements and application process can vary depending on the citizenship of the traveler, as well as the purpose and length of their trip.
As of my knowledge cutoff date (2021-09-01), citizens of the following countries require a visa to visit Greenland: Afghanistan, Algeria, Angola, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Belarus, Belize, Benin, Bhutan, Bolivia, Botswana, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cambodia, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Central African Republic, Chad, China, Comoros, Congo, Cuba, Democratic Republic of Congo, Djibouti, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Egypt, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Fiji, Gabon, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Guyana, Haiti, India, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Ivory Coast, Jamaica, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kiribati, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Lebanon, Lesotho, Liberia, Libya, Madagascar, Malawi, Malaysia, Maldives, Mali, Marshall Islands, Mauritania, Micronesia, Moldova, Mongolia, Montenegro, Morocco, Mozambique, Myanmar, Namibia, Nauru, Nepal, Niger, Nigeria, North Korea, Oman, Pakistan, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Qatar, Russia, Rwanda, Samoa, Sao Tome and Principe, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Serbia, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Solomon Islands, Somalia, South Africa, South Sudan, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Suriname, Swaziland, Syria, Tajikistan, Tanzania, Thailand, Timor-Leste, Togo, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia, Turkey, Turkmenistan, Tuvalu, Uganda, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, Uzbekistan, Vanuatu, Vietnam, Yemen, Zambia, Zimbabwe.
Visa applications for Greenland are handled by the Danish diplomatic mission nearest to the applicant's place of residence. The cost of a Greenland visa application can vary depending on the embassy or consulate handling the application and the citizenship of the traveler. As an example, as of September 2021, the fee for a Schengen visa application (which includes entry into Greenland) for citizens of non-European countries was €80 (approximately USD $95).
souvenirs
Here are some popular souvenirs to buy in Greenland along with their average prices and where to buy them:
1. Qiviut (muskox wool) items such as hats, scarves, and gloves are popular souvenirs. Prices range from $100 to $500 depending on the item and quality. You can find them at souvenir shops in cities like Nuuk, Ilulissat, and Kangerlussuaq.
2. Tupilak figurines made of bone or soapstone that represent mythical creatures from Inuit folklore. Prices vary depending on the size and material, ranging from $20 to $200. You can find them in souvenir shops or art galleries throughout Greenland.
3. Ulu knives are traditional Inuit knives used for hunting and skinning animals. They make unique souvenirs and cost around $50 to $150 depending on the size and quality. You can find them in gift shops and markets in towns and villages such as Sisimiut, Qaqortoq, and Uummannaq.
4. Kalaallit Nunaat (Greenlandic) handicrafts such as sealskin products, carvings, and jewelry are also popular souvenirs. Prices vary depending on the item, but you can expect to pay anywhere from $20 to $500. Look for them in souvenir shops and local artisan markets.
5. Northern Lights souvenirs such as postcards, prints, and clothing featuring aurora borealis designs are good options if you want something more affordable. Prices start at $5 and can be found in most souvenir shops.
If you have 1 week
Thank you for sharing your location with me. As a DAN, I am excited to suggest a one-week itinerary for you in Greenland! Here are some places you might want to consider visiting during your stay:
Day 1: Ilulissat Icefjord - Take a boat tour to see the awe-inspiring icebergs that fill the fjord. This is a UNESCO World Heritage site and it is an unforgettable experience.
Day 2: Kangerlussuaq - Explore the vast wilderness of Kangerlussuaq, which is home to musk oxen, reindeer, and other arctic wildlife. You can take a guided hike or rent a bike to explore on your own.
Day 3: Nuuk - Visit the capital city of Greenland and immerse yourself in Inuit culture. See the National Museum of Greenland and the Nuuk Art Museum, then take a walk through the colorful old town.
Day 4: Uummannaq - Take a short flight to this charming fishing village and enjoy its stunning coastal views. You can also visit the local museum and learn about the area's history and culture.
Day 5: Qeqertarsuaq - Take a ferry to this remote island, which is surrounded by towering mountains and glaciers. Go hiking, kayaking, or simply relax and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere.
Day 6: Sisimiut - Explore this historic town, which is home to the oldest surviving church in Greenland. Walk along the harbor and see the colorful houses, then visit the local museum to learn more about the town's history.
Day 7: Disko Island - Take a boat tour to see the incredible icebergs and whales that populate the waters around this remote island. This is another UNESCO World Heritage site and a must-see for any visitor to Greenland.
These are just a few of the many amazing places to visit in Greenland. I hope this itinerary gives you some ideas for an unforgettable trip!
If you have 2 weeks
How exciting! Greenland is a magnificent country with a unique landscape and culture. Here is a suggested two-week itinerary for you:
Week 1:
Day 1-3: Explore the West Coast of Greenland. Start your journey in Ilulissat, home to the famous Ilulissat Icefjord - a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its stunning icebergs. Take a boat tour to get up close and personal with these natural wonders, and marvel at the beauty of the ice formations. Afterward, spend some time exploring the town itself, and learn about the history of this fascinating place.
Day 4-6: Visit Nuuk, the capital of Greenland. Here, you can learn more about the Inuit culture and history of the region by visiting museums such as the National Museum of Greenland and the Nuuk Art Museum. Take a hike on the nearby Sermitsiaq mountain for stunning views of the city and fjords.
Day 7-8: Head south to Qaqortoq, one of the most beautiful towns in Greenland. With colorful houses and a scenic harbor, Qaqortoq is a must-visit spot. Take a whale watching tour and spot humpback whales and orcas in their natural habitat.
Week 2:
Day 9-10: Travel to East Greenland and visit Tasiilaq, one of the largest towns in the region. Take a helicopter ride to see the breathtaking Helheim Glacier from above, or go on a dogsledding adventure through the vast wilderness.
Day 11-12: Go back in time to the Viking era by visiting the Viking ruins of Hvalsey. This remote site is only accessible by boat, but it's well worth the trek. Learn about the fascinating history of the Vikings in Greenland and marvel at the ruins that still stand today.
Day 13-14: End your trip in Kulusuk, a small island town on the eastern coast of Greenland. Take a boat tour to see the icebergs and glaciers up close, or go on a hike to explore the rugged terrain. Don't forget to visit the surrounding Inuit communities to learn more about their culture and way of life.
Greenland is a unique destination with pristine natural beauty and a rich cultural heritage. By following this itinerary, you will have the opportunity to experience both. Whether you're interested in history, adventure, or just soaking in the stunning scenery, there is something for everyone in Greenland. So pack your bags and get ready for an unforgettable journey!
Culture
Today Greenlandic culture is a blending of traditional Inuit (Kalaallit, Tunumiit, Inughuit) and Scandinavian culture. Inuit, or Kalaallit, culture has a strong artistic tradition, dating back thousands of years. The Kalaallit are known for an art form of figures called tupilak or a "spirit object". Traditional art-making practices thrive in the Ammassalik. Sperm whale ivory remains a valued medium for carving.
Greenland also has a successful, albeit small, music culture. Some popular Greenlandic bands and artists include Sumé (classic rock), Chilly Friday (rock), Nanook (rock), Siissisoq (rock), Nuuk Posse (hip hop) and Rasmus Lyberth (folk), who performed in the Danish national final for the 1979 Eurovision Song Contest, performing in Greenlandic. The singer-songwriter Simon Lynge is the first musical artist from Greenland to have an album released across the United Kingdom, and to perform at the UK's Glastonbury Festival. The music culture of Greenland also includes traditional Inuit music, largely revolving around singing and drums.
The drum is the traditional Greenlandic instrument. It was used to perform traditional drum dances. For this purpose, a round drum (qilaat) in the form of a frame made of driftwood or walrus ribs covered with a polar bear bladder, polar bear stomach or walrus stomach was used. The drumming was not done on the membrane, but with a stick from underneath the frame. Simple melodies were sung for this purpose.
The drum dance used to serve two functions: On the one hand, the drum was used to drive away fear on long, dark winter nights. To do this, the drum dancer would make faces and try to make others laugh until all fear was forgotten.
Disputes were also settled with the drum. If someone had misbehaved, he was challenged with the drum. People would gather at certain powerful places and take turns beating the drum and singing to it. They tried to ridicule the other person as much as possible. The spectators expressed with their laughter who was the winner and who was therefore the guilty one.
The drum could also be used by shamans for ritual conjurations of spirits.
After the arrival of missionaries in the 18th century, the drum dance (still popular among Canadian Inuit today) was banned as pagan and shamanistic and replaced by polyphonic singing of secular and church songs. This choral singing is known today for its special sound. Church hymns are partly of German origin due to the influence of the Herrnhuter Brüdergemeinde. Scandinavian, German and Scottish whalers brought the fiddle, accordion and polka (kalattuut) to Greenland, where they are now played in intricate dance steps.
Sport is an important part of Greenlandic culture, as the population is generally quite active. Popular sports include association football, track and field, handball and skiing. Handball is often referred to as the national sport, and the men's national team was ranked among the top 20 in the world in 2001.
Greenland has excellent conditions for skiing, fishing, snowboarding, ice climbing and rock climbing, although mountain climbing and hiking are preferred by the general public. Although the environment is generally ill-suited for golf, there is a golf course in Nuuk.
The national dish of Greenland is suaasat, a soup made from seal meat. Meat from marine mammals, game, birds, and fish play a large role in the Greenlandic diet. Due to the glacial landscape, most ingredients come from the ocean. Spices are seldom used besides salt and pepper. Greenlandic coffee is a "flaming" dessert coffee (set alight before serving) made with coffee, whiskey, Kahlúa, Grand Marnier, and whipped cream. It is stronger than the familiar Irish dessert coffee.
Kalaallit Nunaata Radioa (KNR) is the public broadcasting company of Greenland. It is an associate member of Eurovision and an associate member of the Nordvision network. Nearly one hundred people are directly employed by this company, which is one of the largest in the territory. The city of Nuuk also has its own radio and television station. The city of Nuuk also has a local television channel, Nanoq Media, which was created on 1 August 2002. It is the largest local television station in Greenland, reaching more than 4,000 households as receiving members, which corresponds to about 75% of all households in the capital.
Today only two newspapers are published in Greenland, both of which are distributed nationally. The Greenlandic weekly Sermitsiaq is published every Friday, while the online version is updated several times a day. It was distributed only in Nuuk until the 1980s. It is named after the mountain Sermitsiaq, located about 15 km northeast of Nuuk. The bi-weekly Atuagagdliutit/Grønlandsposten (AG) is the other newspaper in Greenland, published every Tuesday and Thursday in Greenlandic as Atuagagdliutit and in Danish as Grønlandsposten. The articles are all published in both languages.
The Inuit have their own arts and crafts tradition; for example, they carve tupilaks, sculptures of figures of avenging monsters practiced within shaman traditions. This Kalaallisut word means soul or spirit of a deceased person and today describes an artistic figure, usually no more than 20 cm tall, carved mainly from walrus ivory, with a variety of unusual shapes. This sculpture actually represents a mythical or spiritual being; usually, however, it has become a mere collector's item because of its grotesque appearance for Western visual habits. Modern artisans still use indigenous materials such as musk ox and sheep wool, seal fur, shells, soapstone, reindeer antlers or gemstones.
The history of Greenlandic painting began with Aron von Kangeq, who depicted the old Greenlandic sagas and myths in his drawings and watercolours in the mid-19th century. In the 20th century, landscape and animal painting developed, as well as printmaking and book illustrations with sometimes expressive colouring. It was mainly through their landscape paintings that Kiistat Lund and Buuti Pedersen became known abroad. Anne-Birthe Hove chose themes from Greenlandic social life. There is a museum of fine arts in Nuuk, the Nuuk Art Museum.
Religion
The nomadic Inuit were traditionally shamanistic, with a well-developed religion primarily concerned with appeasing a vengeful and fingerless sea goddess called Sedna who controlled the success of the seal and whale hunts.
The first Norse colonists worshipped the Norse gods, but Erik the Red's son Leif was converted to Christianity by King Olaf Trygvesson on a trip to Norway in 999 and sent missionaries back to Greenland. These swiftly established sixteen parishes, some monasteries, and a bishopric at Garðar.
Rediscovering these colonists and spreading ideas of the Protestant Reformation among them was one of the primary reasons for the Danish recolonization in the 18th century. Under the patronage of the Royal Mission College in Copenhagen, Norwegian and Danish Lutherans and German Moravian missionaries searched for the missing Norse settlements, but no Norse were found, and instead they began preaching to the Inuit. The principal figures in the Christianization of Greenland were Hans and Poul Egede and Matthias Stach. The New Testament was translated piecemeal from the time of the very first settlement on Kangeq Island, but the first translation of the whole Bible was not completed until 1900. An improved translation using the modern orthography was completed in 2000.
Today, the major religion is Protestant Christianity, represented mainly by the Church of Denmark, which is Lutheran in orientation. While there are no official census data on religion in Greenland, the Bishop of Greenland Sofie Petersen estimates that 85% of the Greenlandic population are members of her congregation. The Church of Denmark is the established church through the Constitution of Denmark.
The Roman Catholic minority is pastorally served by the Roman Catholic Diocese of Copenhagen. There are still Christian missionaries on the island, but mainly from charismatic movements proselytizing fellow Christians. According to Operation World, just 4.7% of Greenlanders are Evangelical Christian, although the Evangelical population is growing at an annual rate of 8.4%.
Demographics
Greenland has a population of 56,421 (2021). In terms of country of birth, the population is estimated to be of 89.7% Greenlandic origin (Inuit including European-Inuit multi-ethnic), 7.8% Danish, 1.1% other Nordic and 1.4% other. The multi-ethnic population of European-Inuit represent people of Danish, Norwegian and to a lesser degree of Faroese, Icelandic, Dutch (whalers), German and American descent.
A 2015 wide genetic study of Greenlanders found modern-day Inuit in Greenland are direct descendants of the first Inuit pioneers of the Thule culture who arrived in the 13th century, with approximately 25% admixture of the European colonizers from the 16th century. Despite previous speculations, no evidence of Viking settlers predecessors has been found.
The majority of the population is Lutheran.
The historically important Moravian Brothers (Herrnhuters) were a congregation of faith, in a Danish context based in Christiansfeld in South Jutland, and partially of German origin, but their name does not signify they were ethnic Moravians (Czechs).
Nearly all Greenlanders live along the fjords in the south-west of the main island, which has a relatively mild climate. In 2021, 18,800 people reside in Nuuk, the capital city. Greenland's warmest climates such as the vegetated area around Narsarsuaq are sparsely populated, whereas the majority of the population lives north of 64°N in colder coastal climates.
Greenland is the only country in the Americas where natives make up a majority of the population.
Cities:
