10 Things You Didn’t Know About Greenland
Greenland is one of the most adventurous destinations to visit in the Arctic. Ice cold in winter and blisteringly green in summer, this truly is a land of extremes. But with Greenland becoming ever more accessible, this unique part of the world is no longer as difficult a place to visit as it once was. We shall not forget the Icebergs and Polar Bears in Greenland, apart from all the other things that is characteristic for Greenland.
You can explore Greenland in spring, summer, autumn and even winter and, rest assured, the world’s largest island is packed full of epic scenery, curious culture and incredible wildlife throughout the year. To inspire your next adventure, here are 10 things you didn’t know about Greenland.
- Greenland Is the World’s Largest Island
Did you know that Greenland is the world’s largest island? With almost 2.2 million square kilometres of landmass, this is the largest island nation in the world.
That’s a lot of land waiting to be seen, but most of the human habitation is concentrated in the south of the island. Greenland is huge, and it really is one of the world’s last true areas of wilderness.
- 81 Per Cent of Greenland Is Covered in Ice
You’ve probably heard the old cliché that Greenland isn’t really green. Well it’s true, because as much as 81 per cent of the island is covered in ice.
Greenland is home to the second largest permanent ice sheet in the world, with the largest located in Antarctica.
- Greenland Is the Least Densely Populated Place on Earth
Greenland might be the largest island on earth, but given that millions of square kilometres of land are permanently covered in ice, it should come as no surprise that Greenland is also the least densely populated region on the planet.
The total population of Greenland is less than 60,000, and almost everyone lives in a few small towns and cities along the most southerly coastlines.
- The Lowest Recorded Temperature Is -69 Degrees
You might be wondering just how cold it can get in Greenland. The answer? Very cold, indeed!
The lowest recorded temperature was -69 degrees Celsius in 1991, although that was in the far north. Even in summer, the temperature in Nuuk never gets much higher than 11 degrees Celsius, so make sure you pack those warm clothes year round.
- Greenland’s Head of State Is Technically the Queen of Denmark
Greenland is much closer to North America than it is to Europe, but did you know that the country’s head of state is the Queen of Denmark?
Greenland is an autonomous region within Denmark, because alongside the local Inuit population, there’s been Norse influence here for centuries.
There are royal visits from Danish monarchs every now and then, while Greenland receives much financial funding from Denmark.
- The Largest Airport in Greenland Was Built during WWII
Located far out in the frigid waters of the Atlantic Ocean, Greenland has always been a remote and difficult destination to visit. But did you know that the nation’s largest and busiest airport was originally built by the United States when they occupied Greenland during World War II?
This little known fact will be of interest, because if you’re flying into Greenland then it’s likely you’ll be landing at Kangerlussuaq Airport. Many decades on from WWII, it’s still the longest airport in the country.
It’s hoped that the airport at Nuuk (the capital) can also be extended to accommodate trans-Atlantic flights, while more airports are in development to open Greenland up for tourists.
At the same time, the US and European Union are both looking to help improve Greenland’s infrastructure, with the EU going so far as to plan the opening of a consulate here. If anything, all this development shows that Greenland is on the up!
- In Summer, the Sun Never Sets in Greenland
In summer, you can experience the beauty of the midnight sun, as darkness rarely falls across the island.
But long hours of summer daylight turn to long hours of darkness from November through to April, when the sun rarely rises.
That’s just fine though, if you want to see the Northern Lights!
- Up to 16 Species of Whale Can Be Seen in Greenland
Greenland is not only one of the world’s best whale-watching destinations, but it’s one of the most important habitats for many of the world’s most endangered species of whales. The long Greenland coast is home to up to 16 species of whale throughout the year, with many migrating through during the warmer months.
Migratory whales that you might see on a whale-watching tour include blue whales, humpback whales and baleen whales. Three species of whale live in Greenland’s waters year round, and these are the narwhal, beluga whales and bowhead whales.
- Greenland Is Packed with Natural Resources
In 2019 Donald Trump made a wild claim about wanting to buy Greenland. It might have seemed like a crazy offer, but given the number of natural resources packed below Greenland’s ice sheet, it shouldn’t really have been a surprise.
In fact, the US has continually shown interest in Greenland, and that’s often down to the resources available. There’s iron ore, lead, hydrocarbons and even uranium beneath the surface. Greenland needs to balance any exploitation of natural resources with a desire for conservation and sustainability, particularly as the country becomes more popular as a tourist destination.
- You Can See and Experience the Big Arctic Five in Greenland
You’re a long way from an African safari, but there’s a ‘big five’ in the Arctic too – and in Greenland, you can see and experience all of them. The Arctic big five aren’t just animals, but experiences and cultural exchanges with people that help you to appreciate Greenland as a unique destination.
The Arctic big five includes dog sledding, whales, the Northern Lights, ice and snow (of which there is a lot in Greenland!) and the ‘pioneering people’ who make human habitation in this remote corner of the planet possible.
Book Your Greenland Getaway with Baltic Travel Company
If you’d love a remote adventure to the edge of the Arctic, then Greenland is the destination you’ve been looking for. The experts at Baltic Travel Company have curated a unique range of Greenland tours, so why not get in touch to plan your trip?
Contact the Baltic Travel Company today to find out more about booking the adventure of a lifetime to Greenland!
All photos by VisitGreenland and IloveGreenland