GREENLAND TRAVEL TIPS
A collection of important information that can make your trip more enjoyable.

GETTING AROUND GREENLAND

Most of the settlements are linked by Grønlandsfly (Greenlandair), Greenland's national airline, but the weather can always play havoc with the best of the airline's intentions. The airline has sometimes been referred to as Immaqa Air, loosely translated as Maybe Air, and it's wise to bear this in mind when booking. Leave plenty of leeway to account for grounded planes and other weather-induced delays. Planes may also be chartered from Greenlandair; most of them are five-seaters.

Travelling by boat is a good option; a fleet of coastal ferries run up and down the west coat from Aappilattoq in the south to Uummannaq in the north. They're not the QEII by any stretch of the imagination, but they're safe and go where the Queen's ship would fear to tread. The exception to this is the grand old dowager, the M/S Disko, which has been upgraded and pressed into service as a tourist cruise ship on five-day or eight-day cruises. For those inaccessible villages and towns, or places off the usual ferry route, charter boats are available.

If you're thinking car or motorcycle, forget about it. Glaciers and ravines tend to make road-making a thankless task in Greenland and there are only two settlements connected by tarmac; Ivittuut and Kangilinnguit. You can pootle around the settlements if you really feel like driving - most Greenlanders do - but the 4WD hasn't yet been made that can cope with Greenland's rugged and icy conditions. Dogs, on the other hand, are capable of going anywhere, anytime, although legally dogsleds are only allowed in towns north of the Arctic Circle.

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GREENLAND COMMUNICATIONS

Telephone: IDD is available. Country code: 299. There are no area codes. Outgoing international code: 009. There are no telephone boxes in Greenland, but calls can be made from hotels.

Mobile telephone: GSM 900 network covers all 18 cities. Network operator is TELE Greenland (website: www.tele.gl). Handsets can be hired at TELE Greenland shops (in all cities). A deposit of DKr10,000 is required. There is also an analogue NMT network.

Fax: Services are available in telegraph stations and hotels.

Internet: The only ISP is TELE Greenland (website: www.tele.gl). At present, there are Internet cafes in Aasiaat, Itilleq, Nuuk and Sismut. Access is available in some public libraries.

Telegram: All towns have a telegraph station.

Post: Greenland produces its own stamps which are popular among collectors. Post from Greenland takes about four to five days to reach Europe. Post office hours: Mon-Fri 0900-1500.

Media: There are no daily newspapers in Greenland, but Atuagagdliutit/Gronlandsposten is published twice a week, Sermitsiaq is the main weekly publication and Niviarsiaq is published monthly. There are no English language newspapers. BBC World Service (website: www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice) and Voice of America (website: www.voa.gov) can be received. From time to time the frequencies change and the most up-to-date can be found online.

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GREENLAND BUSINESS PROFILE

Economy: Fish and fish products, especially shrimps, are the territory’s most valuable exports. Greenland withdrew from the European Community (now the European Union) in February 1985 over the issue of the fisheries policy. EU member states are allowed to fish within Greenland’s maritime exclusion zone in exchange for an annual cash payment; this compensates, in part, for the loss of development aid which Greenland would otherwise have received. It also enjoys preferential access to EU markets. Although there are plans to develop the island’s mineral deposits of iron ore, uranium, zinc, lead and coal, the economy ultimately depends on large subsidies from the Danish central government. Denmark retained a monopoly on trade with Greenland until 1950 and continues to dominate its trading patterns. The KNI – Royal Greenland Trade Department – organises transport, supplies and production in the country. Germany, Norway, the USA and France are the territory’s other significant trading partners.

Business: Suits should be worn. A knowledge of Danish is extremely useful. Office hours: Mon-Fri 0900-1700 or 0800-1600.

Conferences/Conventions: The Cultural Conference Centre in Katuaq is Greenland’s principal conference site, hosting many national and international events. Contact Katuaq, PO Box 1622, DK-3900 Nuuk, Greenland. Several hotels in Greenland also have the facilities to host conferences and conventions.

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GREENLAND SOCIAL PROFILE

Food & Drink: Most hotels have restaurants of a good standard, where Danish food and Greenland specialities are served. Reindeer meat (caribou), seal and whale meat, musk ox, fowl, shrimps and fish are the most popular local food. Prices are similar to Denmark.

Special Events: For further details, contact Greenland Tourism in Copenhagen (see Contact Addresses section). The following is a selection of special events occurring in Greenland in 2005:
Mar 10-17 Greenland Shark Challenge. Apr 8-10 Arctic Circle Race, starts and finishes in Sisimiut. Jul 14-27 Arctic Team Challenge. Aug 6 Arctic Marathon. Sep Greenland Adventure Race. Oct 8 Polar Circle Marathon.

Social Conventions: Life is generally conducted at a more relaxed pace than is usual in northern Europe, as exemplified by the frequent use of the word immaqa – ‘maybe’. Until recently, foreign visitors were very rare. The name of the country in Greenlandic is Kalaallit Nunaat, meaning ‘Land of the People’. Photography: Throughout the country there is a ban on taking photographs inside churches or church halls during services. A UV or skylight filter and a lens shade should always be used. In winter, the camera must be polar-oiled. It is advisable to bring your own films. Film cannot always be developed in Greenland.

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GREENLAND SAFETY ON YOUR TRIPS

Greenland is located in the arctic region and is thus characterized by extreme climatic conditions. The demands made of safety in the transport sector are therefore also amongst the most rigorous in the world.

Excursion vessels: Before a ship can be used to sail passengers, the Danish Government's Ships Inspection Service must approve it.

The vessel must meet stringent demands with regard to hull construction, passenger safety gear, fire extinction, signal and communication equipment as well as crew training. There is a statutory annual inspection of all safety and communication equipment, and every second year hull and machinery must be inspected if the vessel's navigating license is to be maintained.

For ships plying straightforward scheduled routes, the safety requirements are further intensified, just as ships must report in to radio stations when leaving port with details of the number of passengers and expected time of arrival.

Flying safety: Air Greenland Inc. is subject to the Danish aviation authorities' regulations and inspections, and in many areas has stipulated additionally intensified requirements of its own. The overall safety concept includes the principal elements: pilots, airplane stock and weather.

Air Greenland's pilots are internationally recognized for their qualifications. Every year, all pilots are sent on simulator training, where normally inconceivable situations are tested under highly realistic conditions.

By this means, a valuable stock of experience is accumulated, which is then incorporated in day-to-day routine flying.

Air Greenland's material or stock is among the best and most reliable ever manufactured by the aviation industry. It consists of tried and tested plane types which use the experience of its own and other airlines for continual improvements to the benefit of flying safety. Alternative navigation systems have been installed in all planes, and Air Greenland is one of the top airlines when it comes to acquiring the latest satellite navigation.

Even the most reliable flying stock calls for a complicated back-up structure for servicing; here, Air Greenland commands a well-trained staff of flight engineers and mechanics as well as modern workshop facilities where working routines have been organized in keeping with modern quality regulations.

Nevertheless, engineering the weather is still beyond the power of either Air Greenland or anyone else, although they have learned to respect conditions and gained extensive familiarity in handling difficult weather situations. By far the majority of delays are due to the weather, as safety considerations are always given top priority. If, before or during the flight, the pilot estimates that the demands of visibility and wind conditions are not met, the flight is canceled - or he turns the plane around. Safety is always given top priority.

Insurance: All travelers are recommended to take out standard travel and health insurance policies. If necessary special policies should also be taken.

Contact your travel agent for further information.

If there are delays to flights to and from Greenland and during domestic flights within Greenland, the cost of accommodation and meals will be paid by the airlines.

Search and rescue parties: Search and rescue are the job of the police, who call in Air Greenland's helicopters and Greenland's Command as well as their own or private ships, wherever necessary.

Owing to the enormous tracts of mountain and wetland, the scattered settlement and limited infrastructure, searches in Greenland are often very extensive and lengthy, and statistics show that a search can run into 5 sterling figures.

A search will always be given top priority over a scheduled flight, which may inevitably have a disruptive effect on the rest of the community.

In order to minimize inconveniences from this and provide better facilities for successful searching, it is important to follow the most elementary advice about moving around the countryside. Always tell someone where you are heading, when you expect to be back and then let them know once you have returned. Take along safety equipment such as an ANNA emergency kit. If any kind of mishap does occur, contact the nearest local police station as soon as possible with as detailed information as possible.

ANNA Emergency Kit: Air Greenland and Greenland's Home Rule have produced an excellent emergency kit called the ANNA Emergency Kit, which is available in an A5 sleeve, weighs 560 g and takes up approx. 3/4 liter. The kit contains: a whistle, a compass, flares (launching tube + cartridges), signaling mirror, aluminum foil wind sleeve, signal flag and a belt, so that the kit can be strapped around the waist, as well as instructions in Danish, English and Greenlandic.

Do bear in mind that the cartridges have a limited shelf-life.

ANNA Emergency Kits can be bought at Pilersuisoq shops, ship's supply stores and in some towns at the tourist office.

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GREENLAND FLORA & FAUNA

The richest plant growth is found in the sub-arctic belt, which includes only the very southernmost part of Greenland and the inner fjords. The greater part of Greenland, however, has diverse mountain vegetation, reminiscent of northern Scandinavia. In the driest inland areas, the vegetation is similar to that found in the mountainous regions of central North America.

Among the many different types of whale in the waters of Greenland are the fin whales, blue whales, humpbacks, narwhal, white whales, lesser rorquals, sperm whales and pilot whales. On a whale watching trip, it isn't unusual to see two different species, and meeting a humpback with a tail up to 5 meters wide is an experience to be remembered.

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GREENLAND CURRENCY/MONEY

Currency: Danish krone (Dkr)

Greenland is not the cheapest travel destination in the world but if you're prepared to stay at youth hostels or camping grounds and self-cater you could just about get away with surviving on US$40-50 a day. Upgrading to something with solid walls and private facilities and eating food that doesn't come from a can will see you shelling out nearly US$100 a day. If you're looking at full-on Inuit hospitality and luxury complete with mini-bars, TVs and European cuisine expect to drop over US$350 a day.

Two banks operate throughout the country; Nuna bank and GrØnlandsbanken, which readily exchange travellers cheques for a commission of around US$5 and offer cash advances on Visa and Mastercard. Major credit cards are accepted in tourist resorts and restaurants and hotels. Larger towns now have ATMs that recognise all major foreign plastic.

A service charge is normally included in the bill.

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GREENLAND SHOPPING

The range of goods available is similar to that in an ordinary Danish provincial town, but prices are, in general, slightly higher. Alcohol, tobacco, fruit and vegetables are expensive. Special purchases include bone and soapstone carvings, skin products and beadwork. The Greenland Home Rule Administration can provide information on claiming tax back on items purchased in Greenland. Shopping hours: Mon-Thurs 1000-1730, Fri 1000-1800 and Sat 0900-1300. These will vary from region to region.

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GREENLAND TIPPING

Hotels and restaurants include service in the charges. Leave small change for the waiter. A 10% tip for taxi drivers.

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GREENLAND PEOPLE

People have lived on Greenland for about 5, 000 years, the earliest belonging to what are called the Independence I , Saqqaq, and Independence II cultures. They migrated from North America, used stone tools, and were the first to successfully adapt to the island's severe conditions. Following the Independence II migration, a people known as the Dorset arrived, and it is from them that the oldest myths and legends of Greenland's modern day Inuit people are derived. The Thule, who are closely related to the Inuit, arrived in about 900 AD, just before the first Norsemen began settling on the eastern and southern coasts. Today, 80 percent of the island's people are Inuit; the rest are Danish.

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GREENLAND CLIMATE & CLOTHING

Greenland is often associated with cold and darkness and it can, of course, get very cold. However, there is also plenty of light and, although the polar darkness often reigns (in Qaanaaq, the sun doesn't rise for a whole three months!), it is never totally dark. Greenland enjoys more hours of summer than anywhere down south, but the weather is nowhere near as warm, even though the light is much more intense. Greenland summers won't give you an all-over tan, but your face and neck will turn a beautiful shade of brown.

The climate of Greenland is generally dry, and this means that the same temperature feels very different in Greenland from what it does in Europe. 10 - 15 C (50 - 60F) seems very warm, while -10C (-50F) seems a very pleasant temperature.

Note: Conditions in all parts of the country can become hazardous when there is a combination of a low temperature and a strong wind. Local advice concerning weather conditions should be followed very carefully. Nevertheless, the summer months are suitable for a wide range of outdoor activities.

Required clothing: Good-quality windproof and waterproof clothes, warm jerseys and moulded sole shoes at all times of the year; also some slightly thinner clothes – it is important to be able to change clothing during a day’s climbing as temperatures can vary greatly during one day. Sunglasses and protective sun lotion are strongly advised. In July and August, mosquitoes are rather annoying, especially inside the fjords and so a mosquito net can prove indispensible. Extra warm clothes are necessary for those contemplating dog-sledge expeditions. Extra clothes are not always available for hire in Greenland.

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GREENLAND SPORTS & ACTIVITIES

Fishing: During the summer period anglers come to Greenland for the superb Arctic fishing in the rivers and fjords. Fishing permits can be obtained from the local tourist offices. Persons fishing without a licence are liable to a fine and confiscation of equipment. Those interested should contact the local tourist offices for detailed information.

Hiking: Guided tours for mountain walking are available. Greenland Tourism has published colour-coded hiking maps and guides for Qaqortoq, Narsaq, Narsarsuaq in South Greenland and Ammassalik in the east. Mountain huts are often available, particularly in the region of the Narsaq and Qaqortoq peninsulas and Vatnahverfi.
Glacier scaling can be performed by experienced mountaineers and skiers. All expeditions need a permit from the Danish Polar Centre, Strandgade 100H, DK-1401 Copenhagen K, Denmark (tel: 3288 0100; fax: 3288 0101; e-mail: dpc@dpc.dk; website: www.dpc.dk). The centre also provides information about organising expeditions and stays in the National Park area. Greenland also offers excellent opportunities for those interested in activities such as geology, botany and birdwatching. Maps of the coastal area (scale 1:250,000) can be purchased from the Kort og Matrikelstyrelsen, Proviantgaarden, Rigsdagsgaarden 7, DK-1218 Copenhagen K.

Ice golf: This can be played among the ice hills on metre-thick ice in Uummannaq. Greenland’s first grass golf course has recently been inaugurated, and is situated in the countryside near Nuuq. This 9-hole course features hillocks and waterholes as obstacles. There is also a golf course among the sandy riverbanks of Kangerlussuaq.

Cruises: It is becoming increasingly popular to take cruises along Greenland’s coast, with most following the west coast, from Nuuk to Thule. Highlights include fjords, mountains, islands and icebergs. There are abundant opportunities to view wildlife including several species of whale, seals and birds. Greenland’s quality of light, one of the reasons tourists visit the country, can be especially appreciated at sea. Aspiring photographers should remember to use a UV filter or a sunlight filter and lens hood when capturing the many sights. From mid-May to mid-August, the Midnight Sun can be experienced in the north.

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GREENLAND TIME ZONE

Greenland is the largest island on Earth. The country forms part of the North American continent. From Cape Farewell in the south to the world's northernmost landmass, Odak Island, there is a distance of 2,670 kilometres.
Measured across, the island stretches 1,050 kilometres at its widest point. Out of Greenland's 2,175,600 square kilometres, 1,833,900 are covered by inland ice, corresponding to 85% of the country – the ice-free area only covers a total of 341,700 square kilometres.

The northern location and extensive width of the northernmost part of Greenland places it in four time zones. For practical reasons, however, GMT -3 is used as the country's official time. Summer time (daylight saving time) and winter time follow the European Union system.

Other Time Zones in Greenland

Greenland - Danmarkshavn Area
Danmarkshavn Area means a small area in the northeast including Germania Land and Store Koldewey Island.

Standard Time: GMT
(all year)

East Greenland - Ittoqqortoormiit / Scoresbysund
Ittoqqortoormiit Area essentially means the peninsula on the east coast of Greenland that includes Scoresby Land, Jameson Land, and Liverpool Land.

Standard Time: GMT-1
Summer Time: GMT

West Greenland - Thule / Pituffik air base
Pituffik Area means the Hayes Peninsula, roughly from Savissivik to Etah, including Dundas and Thule.

Standard Time: GMT-4
No Summer Time

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