When most people think of an autumn vacation in Europe, they don’t think of Greenland, but this amazing island has tons to offer. Here are three super cool things to do in Southern Greenland this fall to help you plan for your next vacation.
3 Things to Do in Southern Greenland this Fall
When most people first hear the idea of a fall European vacation, they think of festivals on the mainland. What traveler hasn’t heard of England’s Falmouth Oyster Festival or Germany’s Oktoberfest? Although they’re great autumn vacation locations, there’s an island that few people first think of when they imagine European travel: Greenland.
The largest island country in the world has roughly 56,500 residents (think about that compared to North America: Lafayette, IN, has roughly the same amount in its city!) and 2/3 of it lies in the North Pole. Hello, Santa Claus!
The population is low due to the fact that 80 percent of the land is covered in a sheet of ice. So, why is it called Greenland, then? Kind of a crazy story, but it’s compliments of the Icelandic mass murder, Erik the Red, who was in exile on the island. He gave the island the title with the hopes that the pretty name would attract visitors. Clever…
Greenland is geographically closer to North America than Europe, but it’s politically part of Denmark, meaning you can explore part of Europe this fall without taking a long plane ride. Keep reading to learn three things to do in southern Greenland this fall.
Explore the Fjords
Few places on Earth are as breathtaking as European fjords, for certain. Tall blue mountains seem to scrape the sky, cut by a channel of water so pure it looks like glass, decorated with small, colorful villages and plenty of green spots for camping. You can’t go wrong exploring the fjords of southern Greenland, whether by boat or kayak. If you’re lucky, you may even see some humpback whales on your adventure.
See the Northern Lights
In the far south of Greenland, you won’t be able to see the Northern Lights. Luckily, you don’t have to go to the northern tip of the country to see them. Kulusuk Island is off the southeast side of Greenland, and since it’s located just outside the Arctic Circle, it offers beautiful views of the Northern Lights.
While it’s a small village, the area has an airport and offers dog sled tours, so you’re sure to get a glimpse of this impressive natural feat. Additionally, you’ll really be able to dig into some quaint Greenland culture if you do have the opportunity to go.
Visit the National Museum
You don’t have to spend all your time in Greenland outdoors if you don’t want to. There are lots of amazing indoor experiences, including the National Museum in Nuuk in southwest Greenland.
This museum holds the largest collection documenting Greenland’s culture and history and gives you the opportunity to learn about the Inuit people and early settlers. It’s also located in a picturesque building right on the water, so you can enjoy beautiful views going in and out.
Three things you should do in southern Greenland this fall include exploring the fjords, seeing the Northern Lights, and visiting the National Museum. While these activities will have you crisscrossing the southern part of the country, all of them are worth the time and effort it takes to get there. Allow yourself to experience a unique part of Europe and leave with spectacular memories.