Self-organized travel around Greenland to see the amazing Aurora Borealis is something amazing. The self-organizing pinks, greens, and purples of the northern lights entice travelers to the reaches of the Arctic Circle. Greenland is one of the best places to witness this natural phenomenon in that it has an almost untouched environment and a small amount of artificial night light. Here you will learn when and where to go to see the lights, as well as actual tips and tricks, and ways to save money on the Greenland Northern Lights Tour Complete Guide.
Greenland Flag
Greenland is a North American island autonomous territory of the Kingdom of Denmark. It is the larger of two autonomous territories within the kingdom, the other being the Faroe Islands; the citizens of both territories are full citizens of Denmark.
Why Greenland for Northern Lights?
Greenland, being situated closer to the pole itself and not as affected by the excessive amount of artificial light as other countries are, and not having a large populated area, also makes for one of the best staking places for the aurora. Sweet little towns, immense ice fields, and snowy fjords turn into beautiful settings when the lights are on. Apart from the Northern Lights, other attractions include Inuit culture, dog sledding, and the enchanting Arctic environment. Below is Greenland Northern Lights Tour Complete Guide
Best Time to Visit
- Aurora Season: According to the travel information, the Northern Lights can be seen in Greenland in September and October, and after that, during the winter and early spring until April.
- Peak Months: On average, nights are longest during December and February, and the sky is also fairly clear most times.
- Optimal Viewing Times: During what can be considered the prime nighttime, between 10pm and 2 am, when the night is at its blackest.
- Weather Considerations: They should find out whether it is sunny or cloudy outside. Although winter means cold, it also means fresh, cool air, which increases visibility of items.
Top Locations to See the Northern Lights
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Ilulissat:
- Well known as the iceberg and the Ilulissat Icefjord, which is listed as a world heritage site.
- Aurora is particularly good to watch at the same time as boat tours to check the glowing icebergs.
- Iceberg is one of the most popular attractions of the town, while the Ilulissat Icefjord is also a World Heritage Site. This stunning town has nice icebergs towering behind it, and they give nice colors that depict the aurorae.
- If you want to see the light on the glaciers, it is most suitable for it during the night when you can combine it with the boat trip or go to Sermermuit, an ancient Inuit settlement slightly off the area.
Location: Situated on the western coast of Greenland, about 220 nautical miles north of the Arctic Circle. This place can be reached by flights from Nuuk or Kangerlussuaq in the shortest of times.
Best Time: From December to February, this season is recognized for clear skies.
2. Kangerlussuaq:
- Even though it is more to the north than Arctic Light, it is famous for clearer skies and more frequent flashes of Greenland Northern Lights.
- Near the Greenland Ice Cap, which gives stunning views for that!
- There are perceived to be more clear skies and more frequent Northern Lights displays due to its position well inland.
- Near the Greenland Ice Cap itself, a person can hike or snowmobile to view the lights free from artificial light interference
Location : It is in central western Greenland, and it is the only airport that many visitors use to access Greenland.
Best Time: The best time to witness the auroras is from late November to March due to the darkness during winter nights.
3. Nuuk:
- Greenland’s capital city offers metropolitan life along with great places for watching the Northern Lights.
- Locally, go and visit museums and cultural establishments during the day.
- The capital of Greenland is the place with lots of comforts of big city life and good locations for trying to catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights. Besides that, the lights are complemented by the beautiful scenery of the city by the water and the nearby mountains.
- When in Greenland, explore and interact with the native Greenlanders in local arts, theaters, and museums like the Greenland National Museum during the day.
Location: Located in the southwestern part of Greenland, you can easily get a flight from Iceland or Kangerlussuaq to Nuuk.
Best Time: In the beginning of the year, especially in January and February when nights are longest.
4. Tasiilaq:
- Housing a small population, this town is situated along the eastern coast, which makes it a quiet and secluded community.
- Perfect for any photographer who would like to have beautiful scenery shots taken.
- Based on the eastern side of the mainland, this city is relatively small and provides seclusion for travelers looking for solitude owing to the rawness of the natural environment.
- Visit nearby Ammassalik Fjord or go dog sledding by day and have a spellbinding experience of the Northern Lights at night.
Location: Located in southeastern Greenland, and one can reach there through a flight from Reykjavik or Kulusuk.
Best Time: February to April for less severe weather and clear skies.
Honest Tips for Viewing the Northern Lights
- Patience is key: The Northern Lights show is, in fact, natural, which means that they may appear at any time, and this is unpredictable.
- Avoid Light Pollution: Avoid places with artificial light or spend a lot on areas that have low artificial lighting.
- Stay Warm: Carry insulated clothes, gloves, hats, and strong boots to last for the cold times.
- Use an Aurora Forecast App: Popular tracking applications like “My Aurora Forecast” are available now.
Photography Tips: For the lights, use a tripod, wide-angle lens, and manual settings for better results. The ISO, aperture, and shutter speed should be moved up or down to match the brightness level.
SEE ALSO
6 Days Possible Greenland Northern Lights Tour
Day 1:
- Arrive in Kangerlussuaq.
- Greenland Ice Cap—hunting for the aurora in the evening.
Day 2:
- Sisimiut can be discovered on a dog sled or by snowmobile.
- Shoreline watching at night to watch auroras.
Day 3:
- Go to Greenland and watch the ice fjord, and take a tour on a boat.
- Spending time having a Greenlandic-style dinner is one of the best ways to wind down.
Day 4:
- Visit new cultural facilities of Nuuk and museums.
- Nighttime shoot of the aurora.
Budgeting for Your Trip
- Flights: The flight to Greenland costs $800-$1,500 for a round trip, depending on the season.
Accommodation:
- Budget: From $50 to $100 a night for guesthouses and hostels.
- Mid-range: Prices of hotels range from $150 to $250 for a night.
- Luxury: More than $300 USD per night for lodges that offer the option to see the aurora.
Tours and Activities:
- Northern Lights tours: $100-$200 USD.
- Dog sledding: $150-$250 USD.
- Iceberg boat tours: $200-$400 USD.
Meals: You can eat inexpensive fast food for $10-$20 USD per person per meal, and moderately priced restaurant meals will cost you $30-$50 USD.
Packing Essentials
- Thermal wear, which includes a waterproofed insulation jacket.
- Outdoor wear, including rain and windbreaker material.
- This season I recommend wearing stable and practical shoes with a non-slip sole for snowy days.
- Hand and foot warmers.
- Cameras and other camera accessories, spare batteries included. Read About Best Affordable Camera
- In this sense there is either travel insurance that pays for being caught in extreme weather. Read More About Best Tour Accessories
Conclusion
The Greenland Northern Lights tour is not just about watching the Northern Lights but is a journey to one of the most spectacular destinations on Earth. However, most people can make this a once-in-a-lifetime occasion if it’s well planned for and the expectations are not very grand. Here is a useful guide which you should follow Make sure to have fun on your journey as you have at your destination.
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