About Greenland

Originally called 'Thule', northern Greenland is different from the more populous regions to the south. To many people, the region is known as the 'True Greenland', and the way of life has been passed down through the generations, and is lived in a similar fashion to the way the people lived long ago. The main source of income in the north is hunting, particularly seals. In winter, the best way for hunters to get around on the frozen fiords is by dog sled. Fishermen set lines up to 600 metres deep, to catch halibut. The lines are then pulled up by hand. Fishing is also done in dinghies in the summer when the ice clears, and other fishing vessels bring in tons of shrimp and other sea creatures for export. 

Greenland is an excellent place for whale watching; fifteen species of whale (including the beluga, humpback, and sperm whale) are common off the northern coasts around Qeqertarsuaq, Aasiaat and Qasigiannguit. In the 18th century, Dutch whalers used to spend a lot of time hunting in these regions. Included in the view are the skerries, mountains, bird cliffs at Upernavik, and the glaciers and ice fields. Greenland is not home to many species of land animals (with the exception of domestic animals such as dogs and sheep), mostly arctic fox and hare, musk ox, reindeer, caribou, polar bears, wolves, and 235 species of birds. Most of Greenland's wildlife is found underwater.

The summer months are known as midnight sun; the sun is in the sky 24 hours a day between the months of April and August - this varies depending how far north you travel. In the winter, the sun does not appear at all for three months. In Ilulissat, the sun doesn't reappear until January 13th, in which a festival is held to celebrate its reappearance. The Northern Lights can be viewed all year round in the north, particularly when the sky is clear.

Visitors interested in history will find a great variety of things to see and do in north Greenland. Qasigiannguit is home to Greenland's oldest wooden house, built in 1734, as well as a fine museum featuring a collection of archaeological finds from various prehistoric cultures. Dog sled tours can be arranged almost anywhere to visit various points of interest, included deserted settlements, and wildlife. There are museums in every town, showcasing a variety of historical and cultural finds.