Places We Could Go : Greenland – The Great Arctic Wonder

Back in November, National Geographic released their Best of the World List for 2016. Whilst not one Australian destination made it to the list, a number of sites that we have visited with the kids were mentioned as well as some spots that I would love to visit in the near future. At the top for me is Greenland.

Why Greenland? Greenland is the largest island in the world (Australia is defined as a continent 😉 ) and immediately conjures up imagery of Narnia under the spell of the White Witch, don’t you think? I imagine the kids and I wrapped in large faux fur jackets, exploring the vast wonders of the destination. With 85% of the land covered in an ice cap, Greenland is renowned for the Big Arctic Five: dog sledding, the Northern Lights, Ice and Snow, whales and its pioneering people. Although we won’t find Aslan, the dog sledding is just up our alley!

Thanks to a pact that I made with Anne Kirstine from Vores Eventyr, Denmark is on the cards for the KidBucketList by 2020 (don’t laugh, it will creep up on us quicker than we think). I think this makes it completely possible for us to visit Greenland and enjoy all its wonders. Oh, I can’t wait to go!

What I most want to see is the Northern Lights. The Northern Lights, or Aurora Borealis, are a phenomenon often found on even the most reluctant traveller’s Bucket List and are a must see if you are heading to Greenland. It is viewable from September to April every year (which means summer is out!) with the very best viewing point at Kangerlussuaq. Interestingly, I am told that even in the capital city, Nuuk, they are visible even with the competing city lights.

Of course food always features on our travels. Greenland, with much of the land under ice, relies on the ocean for a large portion of its food. Master R wildly exclaimed “I’m not eating polar bears!” when I mentioned this and was reassured that fish would be the predominant protein on his plate. I’m keen to try the salmon which isn’t exported out of the country! I haven’t mentioned seal to the kids, with this Greenlandic delicacy something adventurous foodies can taste.

When contemplating a new destination and discussing it with the kids, typically their first question revolves around swimming opportunities. Master R is our resident water baby and a destination doesn’t receive full marks from him if he hasn’t dipped his toes in a natural water source. Greenland boasts some amazing hot springs. I have my eye on the hot springs at Uunartoq with daily tours to the site available from June to September.

I think September will be the month we visit if we are going to experience both the hot springs and the Northern Lights! What do you think? Are you keen to go? Or perhaps you already have?

Thank you to Visit Greenland for permission to republish images.