Greenland remains one of the most untouched and enchanting corners of our planet. This land, steeped in Arctic legends and adventure, captivates visitors with its pristine, unspoiled natural beauty. Far from the familiar world of civilisation, majestic glaciers merge with endless seas, while ancient landscapes silently tell the story of a time when the Earth was just beginning to take shape.
Maxim Balakhovsky, an experienced guide, talented photographer, and founder of Helipro, knows exactly where to find unforgettable adventures in Greenland. Back in 2005, he started to organise heliskiing tours in the Land of Icebergs.
The region’s breathtaking scenery is a striking contrast of sparkling snow, massive icebergs, deep blue ocean, and towering mountains. The best months for winter sports here are April and May, when the glaciers are covered in a thick, stable layer of snow, reducing the risk of avalanches. During this time, sunny days allow you to fully enjoy the experience.
On Greenland’s east coast, the peaks rise dramatically into the sky. For example, Mount Forel, located north of Ammassalik in southeast Greenland, reaches an impressive height of 3,360 meters. However, the true joy for heliskiing enthusiasts lies in the mountains surrounding the village of Kulusuk. This area receives far more snow than the west coast, and the low average temperatures help preserve the snowpack. Starting from a drop-off point around 1,000 meters above sea level, the descents are truly remarkable, often ending right at the water’s edge.
Eastern Greenland is also famous for its stunning views and charming villages, rich in history comparable to settlements on the western coast. For après-ski, visitors can enjoy thrilling dog sledding rides, admire the icebergs, go fishing, or immerse themselves in the traditional culture of the local Inuit. And, of course, there’s always the chance of a polar bear encounter.
Another way to explore Greenland’s beauty is through ski touring. The Angmagssalik region is perfect for this, with mountain ranges rising between vast fjords that have retreated from the ice cap. Peaks near the ocean range from 1,000 to 2,000 meters in height. The climbs offer incredible views, while the descents toward the icebergs create memories to last a lifetime. Many of the fjords are covered in thin ice, and the surrounding ocean is locked in dense pack ice, making the region accessible by boat only during the summer months. For ski tours, helicopters transport tourists to the starting points. The routes often pass through satellite islands formed by retreating ice, allowing visitors to explore small Inuit villages and experience their traditional way of life.
For a truly immersive experience, water expeditions allow travellers to witness the grandeur of nature up close. You can observe massive glaciers, the formation of icebergs, and the playful antics of sperm whales and bowhead whales, the Arctic’s largest mammals. Sailing expeditions offer a unique opportunity to navigate narrow inlets and small bays that cruise ships cannot reach. These adventures are only possible from mid-July to mid-September and utilise modern sailboats specifically designed for polar expeditions.
The journey typically begins in Kulusuk and continues to Tasiilaq, the largest settlement in eastern Greenland, located in a picturesque fjord surrounded by mountains. With a population of just under 2,000, mostly Inuit, the town has a unique charm. Visitors can explore the local history museum, learn about Inuit traditions, try kayaking, and experience a way of life shaped over centuries.
The next stop is Sermilik Fjord, famous for its icy beauty. Its waters are always dotted with enormous icebergs in incredible shapes. Zodiac boats allow you to get closer to these ice giants and hear the loud cracking sounds of a nearby melting glacier.
Another destination is Tiniteqilaaq, an old Inuit village nestled on the shores of the Sermilik Fjord in the heart of mainland Greenland. Here, you can take a leisurely walk, buy local delicacies from hunters and fishermen, and try dried trout or cod. The cold waters, home to whales and narwhals, are dotted with massive icebergs that form stunning natural sculptures. In good weather, you can even take a motorboat ride to immerse yourself further in this magical atmosphere.
Finally, there’s Bluie East Two, an abandoned U.S. Air Force airfield in the Ikateq Fjord, which was once home to a native village. Surrounded by scenic landscapes filled with lakes and hidden spots, this area offers plenty to explore. When the weather is favourable, you can head to the Ammassalik Fjord, a hotspot for whale sightings.
Every moment in this pristine land offers unforgettable adventures in the heart of untouched nature.
Fascinating Facts About Greenland
- Gravitational Anomaly: Due to the immense weight of the ice sheet, some areas of Greenland have weaker gravity compared to other parts of the Earth.
- Ice Sheet Thickness: The ice cap is up to 3.2 kilometres thick in some places.
- Ancient Dogs: Greenland sled dogs, also known as Eskimo dogs, have lived here for over 4,000 years and are one of the oldest dog breeds, unchanged since the first settlers arrived.
- Alcohol Restrictions: Alcohol is available but heavily regulated. Limited access and high prices are part of a government policy to reduce the negative effects of alcohol consumption.
- Polar Bear Quotas: Hunting polar bears is restricted to preserve their population and is primarily allowed for indigenous communities as part of their traditional lifestyle.
- Fire Safety: Vast distances between settlements make fire safety a critical concern for Inuit communities. Small villages often rely on volunteer fire brigades.
- Traditional Cuisine: Greenlandic food includes whale meat, seal, reindeer, and fish. Vegetarian options are rare due to the harsh climate.
- Aurora Borealis: Seeing the northern lights is a common experience in Greenland, especially during winter.
