Why Greenland is a Great Off-the-Beaten-Track Destination for Families

With new flight and cruise options, Greenland has never been more accessible. Now is a great time to visit with kids before it skyrockets in popularity. Greenland is only four hours from New York, making it a convenient destination for East Coast families.

Many visitors to Greenland land in Nuuk (GOH), where they can take in the town’s colorful homes, kayak and experience cultural events at Katuaq Cultural Centre. From Nuuk, board an Air Greenland flight to explore most of the country.

In Illustat, hop on an icebreaker boat to sail through a fjord past endless, enormous icebergs that look as though they were carved by hand into intricate sculptures. Next, take a gentle hike through Sermermiut Settlement Walk, a UNESCO World Heritage site where some of Greenland’s original settlers lived thousands of years ago. Then, spend some time wandering around town to grab a bite to eat or pick up a souvenir made by a local artist.

Kangerlussuaq is Greenland’s only inland town and the perfect base for adventures. In Kangerlussuaq, families can hike to a waterfall; explore Russel Glacier; and walk on Greenland’s ice cap, the only one in the world outside of Antarctica. If there is enough snow, Kangerlussuaq is a great place for dog sledding.

In summer, Greenland is an ideal place. In winter, wander outside nearly anywhere in the country to see the Northern Lights at night.