Why Greenland Should Be on Your Bucket List for 2025

We all know one of history’s most infamous and clever marketing strategies: the misnomer of Greenland. Over the past 1,000 years or so, word’s gotten out — green and lush landscapes won’t be waiting for you upon arrival.

Nevertheless, this travel destination is a sight to behold — the glistening arctic tundra is breathtaking — and unlike its misnamed counterpart, Iceland, it is relatively unspoiled by growing travel and tourism industries.

Let’s look at why Greenland is the dream destination that you’ve never thought about.

Uncommon Destination

Greenland draws those who enjoy authenticity unmarred by year-round tourism. This destination is ideal for those looking to experience something raw, real, and true to its culture.

Many dream of travel plans and imagine marveling at the way those on the other side of the world live, but if your heart calls for wanderlust, adventure, and exposure, you may find yourself frustrated by the dilution tourism can have on culture.

There is a long list of reasons why tourism can benefit a country and its people, but mass tourism can also be pretty harmful. It can commodify culture, harm the natural environment, or create a dependency on tourism in the economy.

Greenland’s isolation throughout history has acted as something of a cocoon to its culture, traditions, and values.

Nuuk, the capital, is a hub for innovation and travel. It’s home to plenty of the comforts and conveniences we’ve grown accustomed to in our Westernized world, which gives first-time adventurers a bit of a safety net to branch out to new experiences at their own discretion.

The weather is still as cold as, well, the Arctic, but don’t worry. There are plenty of places to buy a jacket if you leave yours at home.

How To Get to Greenland

Historically, accessing Greenland, a territory of Denmark, has been difficult. With no direct flights from the U.S. to Nuuk (GOH), anyone wanting to travel to the country has needed to route from Europe. That’s changing with United’s ambitious addition of a route from Newark (EWR), New Jersey, to Nuuk (GOH), which will be launched in 2025.

The direct flights are expensive, running over $1,000 for an economy class ticket on this 4-hour flight:

However, you can also redeem miles for these flights. United charges 40,000 MileagePlus miles in economy one-way:

United miles can be earned by transferring over either Bilt Rewards or Chase Ultimate Rewards at a 1:1 ratio.

Meanwhile, Air Canada’s Aeroplan charges 35,000 points one-way:

Aeroplan points are extraordinarily easy to earn and transfer from American Express Membership Rewards, Chase Ultimate Rewards, Bilt Rewards, and Capital One Miles at a 1:1 ratio.

You can also see that United is charging 120,000 miles for premium economy. As it operates a Boeing 737 MAX on this flight, these seats will instead be domestic first class. Don’t waste your miles.

Even in miles, these awards are expensive. But now is the best time to book your flights to Greenland, as Americans finally have direct access to the country.

Bottom Line:

Starting in June 2025, Americans will be able to fly directly from Newark (EWR) to Nuuk, Greenland (GOH) on United. Use your Aeroplan points to book awards.

Where To Stay

There isn’t much for big hotel chains in Greenland, which is arguably one of its features, not a flaw.

However, that can make it difficult to find somewhere to stay, especially if you’re trying to keep costs low. There aren’t a whole lot of ways to maximize your rewards, but we’ll go through a couple.

Booking via Expedia

There’s basically just 1 hotel in Greenland that belongs to a chain, and that’s the Best Western Plus Hotel Ilulissat. Other than that, you’re looking at independently owned properties.

To really get a good deal, look at booking through Expedia. That’s not something we say often, but hear us out.

You can stack the rewards you earn on Expedia bookings to get more than 30% back on your stay. For example, Rakuten will allow you to earn up to 10% back on hotels booked through its shopping portal.

Since you’re able to earn American Express Membership Rewards with Rakuten and we value Amex points at 2.2 cents each, you’re already at 22% back.

Pay for your booking with a card such as the Chase Sapphire Reserve^®, which earns 3 Ultimate Rewards points per $1 spent on travel. We value Chase points at 2 cents each, so you’d be getting another 6% back.

Or use the Wells Fargo Autograph Journey℠ Card to earn 5 Wells Fargo points per $1 spent on hotels and get 7.5% back, since we value Wells Fargo points at 1.5 cents each.

Top all this off with a free membership to Expedia’s One Key Rewards program and earn another 2% back in OneKeyCash.

Put all those together, and you’re looking at 31.5% back on every dollar you spend on hotels.

Book Through a Credit Card Travel Portal

Another option for travelers is to book through a travel portal.

Chase, American Express, Citi, Capital One, Wells Fargo, and Bilt all have their own travel portals. Those with a Citi Strata Premier℠ Card, a Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card*×Information collected independently. Not reviewed by Capital One., or a Chase Sapphire Reserve card can book hotels through their respective travel platforms and earn 10 rewards points or miles per $1 spent. Depending on which card you use, this gives you between 16% and 20% back in rewards on your booking.

Those who hold the Chase Sapphire Reserve card can also use their Chase points at a rate of 1.5 cents each to book hotels. While this isn’t the best deal on the block, it’s a decent enough redemption and can be a good way to keep your out-of-pocket expenses low.

Bottom Line:

There aren’t many opportunities to use hotel points in Greenland. Instead, book through a third party, such as Expedia or a credit card travel portal, to maximize your earnings.

What To Do in Greenland

When you’re jacket-ready, Greenland is a playground for those who love exploring the great outdoors.

Hiking

Trekking and hiking the rugged mountains to get that panoramic view of the fjords and surrounding oceans is the perfect balance of challenge and payoff.

Or, if you’d prefer not to trek long distances, find a local dog sledder who’s willing to show you the ropes.

While on these outdoor adventures, you’ll find that the preservation of the land includes the preservation of wildlife. Above ground, you’re likely to spot the polar bear (sans Coke bottle and red scarf) and reindeer (sans magical sleigh).

Sailing

Below sea level, majestic marine wildlife thrives. Hop on a local tour boat or kayak for the opportunity to sail or paddle out to see orcas, humpback whales, and minke whales in their natural environment.

Whale-watching is a staple summer activity, especially for first-timers. The sheer size of these majestic creatures is humbling.

There are also a variety of cruise lines that sail throughout Greenland if you’re so inclined.

Northern Lights

Depending on the time of year, when the sun goes down, the lights come out. Very little compares to the beauty and wonder of the northern lights. Imagine this: the quiet, darkened landscape, breath held as you wait for the aurora to show. Even as you shiver, the lights begin to dance. Whether you reach for a camera or not (they tend to show up better in photos), it’s a moment you’ll always remember.

The northern lights are Mother Nature’s own fireworks. They are so visually striking and are an instant reset for the otherwise chaotic and busy hustle we find ourselves in.

24-Hour Daylight Summers

During other parts of the year, you can expect the sun to never truly go down. Better known as the midnight sun, it’s an unusual and disorienting experience but one that’s frequently sought after by travelers looking for something special.

You have more hours in the day to explore, more opportunities to photograph the landscape, and, as a bonus, you’ll be the coolest person in the room at your next dinner party.

Festivals and Sporting Events

Greenland’s festivals reflect its surroundings and its people’s ability to push the limits of human capability. Here are some of the most exciting festivals to consider attending.

National Day

Greenland’s National Day, established officially in the 1980s, is a day to celebrate tradition, national pride, and the diverse cultural tapestry of the country. Taking place on June 21, around the summer solstice, everyone comes out for the party.

Expect a sea of red and white to fill the streets, with people singing and dancing, marching, and parading. A select group will be in the waters showing off their kayaking skills.

Arctic Circle Race

The Arctic Circle Race is considered the world’s toughest cross-country skiing race, and even if you don’t hit the slopes yourself, it’s still a sight to behold. Since its inception, it has become a staple for the town of Sisimiut, which happily hosts the race every April.

The skiers complete the event in 3 days, and they spend 2 numbingly cold nights in the snow and ice.

New Year’s Eve

What’s better than celebrating the end of a year with a dazzling fireworks display? Doing it twice.

Because it’s technically a part of Denmark, many in Greenland celebrate the new year once at 8 p.m. and again at midnight. If you’re lucky, and you plan accordingly, you may even be able to see the fireworks and northern lights in the same 24-hour period.

Final Thoughts

Even if you’ve never left the continental U.S., Greenland is an easy addition to the bucket list. For many, it should also be near the top. There’s nothing more exciting than the majestic glaciers at your fingertips — with just enough comfort and proximity to give you a safe place to land.

The conservation efforts and preservation of the country’s cultural history are a draw to all of us who want to see the world represent itself authentically. Plus, with new United flights available to U.S. travelers, it’s more accessible than ever.