Best Places to Visit in Greenland in Winter

Winter in Greenland is an absolute dream if you love adventure! Picture yourself racing across the ice on a dog sled, the crisp Arctic air on your face as eager huskies pull you through snow-covered landscapes. Or maybe you’d rather chase the northern lights, watching them swirl and dance in the pitch-black sky—an experience that feels straight out of a fantasy novel. If speed is more your thing, zooming over frozen fjords on a snowmobile is an adrenaline rush like no other!

Skiing? Oh, Greenland takes that to the next level. Heli-skiing here means untouched slopes, insane views, and powder so fresh you’ll feel like you have the entire Arctic to yourself. Not a skier? No problem! Ice fishing, winter hikes, and visits to Inuit communities give you a deeper look into life in one of the world’s most extreme environments. Whether you’re carving down a mountainside or sipping hot coffee in a cozy settlement, Greenland has you covered if you’re up for some cold-weather fun.

Getting Around in Winter

Winter travel in Greenland is a bit of an adventure in itself! Since there are no roads connecting towns, you’ll be relying on flights, helicopters, and, if conditions allow, boats. But don’t worry—getting there is half the fun. Here’s a breakdown of the best places to visit in winter:

Easiest to Access (Year-Round Flights Available)

• Nuuk – The capital and biggest city, with regular flights from Iceland and domestic connections from Kangerlussuaq. It’s a great mix of modern life and Arctic culture.
• Kangerlussuaq – Greenland’s main airport hub. Not much of a town, but it’s the easiest gateway to the Ice Sheet and some serious wildlife spotting.
• Ilulissat – Home to the legendary Icefjord, where massive icebergs float in the sea like natural sculptures. You can fly here from Nuuk or Kangerlussuaq.
• Sisimiut – A cool little town in western Greenland, perfect for winter sports. It has year-round flights, so getting here is relatively easy.

Other Towns with Regular Winter Flights

• Qaqortoq – The largest town in South Greenland, accessible via helicopter from Narsarsuaq. Think colorful houses and stunning fjords.
• Tasiilaq – The biggest town in East Greenland, reachable by helicopter from Kulusuk. It’s remote but insanely beautiful, with jagged mountains and endless snow.
• Narsarsuaq – A tiny settlement with an airport, often used as a jumping-off point for exploring South Greenland.
• Maniitsoq – A west coast gem, famous for heli-skiing. If you’re looking for an untouched ski paradise, this is it!

Harder to Access in Winter (Weather-Dependent Flights & Helicopters)

• Paamiut – A small coastal town south of Nuuk. Flights are hit-or-miss in winter.
• Uummannaq – A stunning fjord town in North Greenland, but flights can be unpredictable due to ice and weather.
• Qaanaaq – One of the northernmost towns on Earth! Flights from Ilulissat are rare in winter, but if you make it here, you’re in for a true Arctic adventure.

Limited or No Access in Winter

• Many tiny settlements, especially in the north and east, are completely cut off except by dog sled or snowmobile.
• Boats, like the Arctic Umiaq Line ferry, stop running in winter due to sea ice.

Best Winter Travel Strategy

If you’re planning a trip in winter, stick to Nuuk, Ilulissat, Sisimiut, Kangerlussuaq, and Tasiilaq—these places have the most reliable transportation. Keep in mind that flights can be delayed due to weather, so a little flexibility in your schedule goes a long way. But trust me, the payoff is worth it—Greenland in winter is unlike anywhere else on Earth!