Greenland is a vast and varied land where icy fjords meet sweeping tundras and towering mountains. Nearly 80% of the island is blanketed by the Greenland Ice Sheet, which covers over 1.7 million square kilometres. This icy expanse is punctuated by vibrant towns and hamlets, set against an otherworldly backdrop of glaciers, fjords, and rolling hills. Each season transforms the landscape dramatically: winter’s snowscapes and northern lights give way to summer’s fields of wildflowers under the midnight sun.
Travelling through Greenland offers glimpses into the impact of climate on daily life, where shifts in the ice and changing seasonal cycles influence everything from hunting practices to family gatherings.
Greenland’s artisans have perfected crafts that are woven into the island’s cultural fabric. When you explore Greenlandic craftsmanship, you’re supporting small-scale artisans who carry on traditions passed down through generations. You can find unique, handmade pieces like:
Tupilak Carvings
These small, intricately carved figures are traditionally crafted from bone or wood and hold spiritual significance in Greenlandic folklore.
Seal Skin Products
Seal hunting has been an essential part of Greenland’s subsistence economy. Local artisans create beautiful bags, shoes, and accessories, all produced sustainably and ethically by community members.
For a hands-on experience, look for workshops where you can learn about Greenlandic craftsmanship, such as tupilak carving or seal skin processing. Many small towns like Qaqortoq and Nanortalik host artisans who offer workshops and sell their crafts, allowing you to take home a piece of Greenlandic culture while supporting local communities.
Greenland’s unique landscapes make it a playground for outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you’re looking for serenity or adventure, Greenland has something for everyone.
Hiking in Ilulissat Icefjord
This UNESCO World Heritage site is home to some of the most impressive ice formations in the world. Hiking trails allow you to experience the dramatic beauty of the Icefjord while learning about the impacts of climate change on the Arctic landscape.
Kayaking in Nuuk Fjord
Kayaking is an essential part of Greenlandic heritage, and Nuuk’s fjord system is one of the best places to experience it firsthand. Guided kayaking tours are available for all skill levels, offering you a serene yet exhilarating way to see Greenland’s natural beauty up close.
Northern Lights in Kangerlussuaq
From late autumn to early spring, Kangerlussuaq is an excellent place to witness the magical dance of the Northern Lights. Clear skies and minimal light pollution make for an unforgettable Arctic experience.
Bolatta Silis-Høegh – A multimedia artist known for her paintings, installations, and illustrations, Bolatta’s work often explores identity, Greenlandic culture, and environmental issues. Her work combines surreal elements with a bold colour palette and is celebrated for its thought-provoking themes.
Pia Arke – A visual artist and photographer, Arke delves into the intersections of identity, colonialism, and Greenland’s complex relationship with Denmark. She is known for her Ethnographic Self-Portrait series, which critically examines Greenlandic-Danish history through her unique lens.
Julie Edel Hardenberg – Julie’s work often challenges stereotypes and explores themes of cultural identity and colonial history. Her book The Quiet Diversity captures Greenlandic life with a unique aesthetic that blends photography and conceptual art.
Niviaq Korneliussen
An internationally acclaimed author, Korneliussen gained prominence with her debut novel, HOMO Sapienne, which explores queer identity and generational conflict in Nuuk, Greenland’s capital. The novel has been translated into multiple languages and has brought Greenlandic literature to a global audience.
Aqqaluk Lynge
A poet, author, and former politician, Lynge is one of Greenland’s most respected voices. His poetry often reflects his strong advocacy for Indigenous rights and Greenlandic independence, touching on themes of identity, land, and Greenland’s cultural heritage.
Katti Frederiksen
Known for her poetry and short stories, Frederiksen often addresses Greenlandic mythology, storytelling, and women’s experiences. Her work has been instrumental in modern Greenlandic literature, making her a significant figure for contemporary readers.
Inuk Silis Høegh
A prominent Greenlandic filmmaker and visual artist, Inuk is known for his documentary and feature films that explore Greenlandic life, culture, and social issues. His film Sumé – The Sound of a Revolution tells the story of the Greenlandic rock band Sumé, whose music played a role in the cultural and political awakening of the 1970s.
Pipaluk Jørgensen
As Greenland’s first female film director, Jørgensen has made waves with her work on both short films and feature films. Her recent projects focus on life in Greenland, environmental issues, and Greenlandic folklore, blending powerful storytelling with Greenland’s breathtaking landscape.
Malik Kleist
Known for his humorous and poignant short films, Kleist often delves into contemporary Greenlandic issues, such as identity, cultural preservation, and the challenges of modernity. His films resonate with younger audiences, providing a voice to modern Greenlandic youth.
One of Greenland’s most prized natural fibres, musk ox wool, also known as qiviut, is a luxurious souvenir that offers both warmth and a deep connection to the Arctic landscape. Harvested sustainably from the soft undercoat of the musk ox, qiviut is among the softest, warmest, and most durable fibres in the world, known for its remarkable insulation and cloud-like feel. Unlike other types of wool, qiviut is non-itchy, hypoallergenic, and up to eight times warmer than sheep’s wool, making it ideal for Arctic conditions.
Visitors to Greenland can find qiviut products crafted by local artisans, who often spin and weave the wool into beautifully designed scarves, hats, and gloves. These pieces showcase not only Greenlandic artistry but also the incredible quality of this rare wool. Because of its warmth, softness, and long-lasting durability, qiviut is prized. Not to mention the time and labour it takes to harvest and spin the wool.
For those venturing to Greenland, picking up a piece of qiviut means taking home a unique and cherished reminder of their Arctic adventure, a gift from the land itself, perfectly suited for cold climates and stylish enough for any setting.
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