Exploring the Unique Charms and Evolving Tourism of Greenland

Travelers in Greenland quickly notice its distinct challenges in transportation. The lack of roads between towns means that travel relies on boats or planes. Weather conditions often dictate travel plans rather than set itineraries. Despite these hurdles, Greenland is gradually becoming more accessible. April 2026 marked the opening of Qaqortoq’s first airport, offering daily connections to Nuuk and four weekly Icelandair flights to Keflavik, Iceland, during summer months.

Tourism has been expanding rapidly since 2019. By 2024, tourism contributed 4.9% to Greenland’s GDP, providing approximately 1,800 jobs. The growing tourism sector raises questions about who benefits from this economic expansion. In 2024, the national government enacted a tourism law to ensure local involvement in the industry. The law requires tourism operators to be primarily owned and controlled by local residents, with at least two-thirds of capital and voting rights held by tax-paying Greenlanders. Existing operators must comply by January 1, 2027. This change aims to reduce foreign dominance, as the sector historically involved many Danish and European operators.

Tasermiut Fjord, known as “Arctic Patagonia,” offers a breathtaking landscape in South Greenland. Granite walls and mist-covered peaks create a Yosemite-like scenery.

Henrik Hansen from NTS Boat Charter navigates through the rough waves towards the fjord’s glacier. He highlights landmarks such as a summer house his family built, where Arctic char populate the waters during warmer months, and a sheep farm tucked in the Tasiusaq valley.

“You cannot own land in Greenland,” Henrik states. Land is collectively owned, encompassing homes and sheep farms to potential mining sites. This ownership reflects Greenlanders’ deep bond with their land, shaping life and tourism experiences.

At Café Thorhildur, Naasunnguaq Karen Lund, co-owner of Riding Greenland Hostel in Qassiarsuk, explains that hospitality in Greenland is about sharing everyday life, not luxury. Guests stay on working farms, enjoy communal meals featuring lamb and fresh fish, and hostels cooperate by sharing guests along their journey.

Along with weeklong horseback tours, Riding Greenland also offers e-bike day tours. Naasunnguaq’s husband Piitaq guides guests up a 7-kilometer dirt road to Tasiusaq. The view from the hilltop reveals the inner ice cap, while icebergs drift in the bay.

The following morning, Salik Parbst Frederiksen of Local Greenland takes visitors along Tunulliarfik Fjord to Qinngua, where his family has raised sheep for generations. Upon disembarking on a grassy area with rare trees, Salik comments on the region’s inspiration for Erik the Red naming it Greenland centuries ago. In a small red cabin, Salik prepares a meal of locally sourced ingredients, reflecting Local Greenland’s dedication to employing local expertise and using indigenous ingredients for authentic guest experiences.

Improved accessibility to South Greenland invites more tourists to its stunning landscapes. However, the contribution of locals in creating these memorable experiences ensures that the journey remains meaningful and personal.