Photography enthusiasts: Unmissable exploration of Greenland's undiscovered beauty and thrilling travel opportunities
Hittin' the road as a weekend shutterbug, Greenland's the spot where I love to share my lens with the world. This frozen nirvana's full of natural stunners, from massive icebergs and peaks to bone-chilling fjords and shimmering northern lights. And guess what? It's getting even more accessible in summer 2025!
United Airlines is at it again, opening a long-awaited route from Newark, NJ to Greenland's capital city, Nuuk. Plus, several new flight paths between Greenland and Europe and Canada are on the horizon, making even the ice-coldcenter of this landmass a lot less icy! So if you're ready to go all polar bear and snap some unreal shots, here's the lowdown on Greenland, from must-have gear to location scouting and, of course, what to shoot while you're up north.
1. How to travel around Greenland
Greenland-it's like Iceland's cool but stubborn cousin. Trafficing around isn't as easy here; roads are almost non-existent, and the second-largest ice sheet covers 80% of the island's center! That means your best options are ferry, cruise, or plane, which can be frostbite-inducing slow-moving, thanks to Greenland's moody weather.
Rather than trying to check off every Instagram-worthy spot on your list in one go (that'd take months or a million bucks), I suggest focusing on one or two areas. Trust me-everywhere in this picture-perfect island's bound to have breathtaking landscapes and jaw-dropping nightscapes.
2. The Prettiest Spots in Greenland
Greenland's full of awesomeness, regardless of where you point your camera. Even the dirtier parts, like former international transit hub Kangerlussuaq, hide jaw-droppers if you're willing to hike seven miles for musk oxen or go camping on the ice sheet. I managed to spend a freezing night there in 2022, and I gotta say-the adventure was worth the frostbite!
As you hit Nuuk, seat of the new international airport, you'll find a veritable smorgasbord of photographic backdrops. Take a boat trip into the fjords with Nuuk Water Taxi, or cozy up in an igloo at Inuk Hostel to watch the colors dance as the day goes by. Nuuk's old town is just as spectacular, with colorful homes, old buildings, and bobbing icebergs.
Last year, I found myself in South Greenland, a landscape photographer's wet dream of snowy peaks, icy fjords, and fluffy sheep farms. The region's seriously mountainous scenery took my breath away, especially when I snapped some epic shots on the flight into transit town Narsarsuaq. If you're movin' through here, don't miss an overnight backcountry trek with icefjord kayaking, sheep-dotted trails, and ethereal auroras.
3. What to Photograph While You're There
All around Greenland's a smorgasbord of photo ops-but each destination'll have its unique mix of beauty. Be prepared to shoot sweeping landscapes, interesting icebergs (go for golden hour if you can), wildlife, cute towns, northern lights, and stars. Everywhere's dark enough for auroras and stars to show off, even the capital city! I grabbed a few of my favorite Greenland aurora snaps just strollin' the Nuuk waterfront.
If you need some inspiration, give a follow to local Greenlandic photographer @emilstach on Instagram.
4. Gear Up, Buttercup
Greenland ain't for the faint-hearted, especially weather-wise. Be ready for multiple seasons in a single day (you'll lucky if it hits 60!). Pack plenty of warm base layers, an insulated hat and gloves, a wind-proof jacket, warm socks or waterproof hiking boots, and waterproof gear like dry bags or a waterproof backpack.
Your camera kit depends on what you wanna shoot, but don't be caught off guard. I keep my whole kit with me on every trip-I don't wanna miss a single Greenland moment! Here's what I bring:
- Sony A7R IV and Sony A7 III
- Sony FE 14mm f/1.8 lens, Sony FE 20mm f/1.8 lens, Sony Sonnar 55mm f/1.8 lens, and Sony FE 100-400mm lens
- A travel tripod and Joby Gorillapod
- Extra memory cards
- An external hard drive for photo dumping
- Spare batteries
- A lens warmer for those crisp nights
- A Shimoda backpack that'll stand up to the elements.
5. Travel Like a Local
Greenland's tourism scene is just startin' to bloom, and tourism can help keep things nice and peaceful by not ruinin' the land or livin' conditions for the locals. When you're hopin' to join the fun, make sure to travel responsibly and sustainably.
While there are plenty of cruise ship options, I'd suggest visitin' by land if you wanna see the best sights and work directly with local tourism providers. Check out Nuuk-based Two Ravens for incredible adventure tours into the hills and fjords around the capital. They offer day and multi-day tours-including an actual igloo sleepover or a night on a mountaintop!
Give Pink Peak Tours in Qaqortoq, South Greenland's biggest city, a try. Female-owned and run, these folks offer hikes, aurora hunting, and cultural immersion opportunities that even help you learn about traditional cuisine and Greenlandic culture.
If you're down south, don't miss Sermilik Hostel-a working sheep farm with a cozy guesthouse. The place overlooks an iceberg-laden fjord, with hiking trails, kayaking, and Viking ruins waitin' to be explored and captured on camera. But the best part for me was the chance to hang with the friendly hosts and watch the auroras dance 'cross the sky all night. Enjoy your adventure up north, and get ready to snap some stunning pics that'll make your friends green with envy!
Stephanie Vermillion
- In Greenland, the best way to travel around is through ferry, cruise, or plane due to the lack of roads and extensive ice cover.
- Greenland's beauty is abundant regardless of location, with hidden gems like Kangerlussuaq offering breathtaking landscapes if one is willing to hike.
- Nuuk, the capital city, offers unique photographic backdrops, such as fjord boat trips, igloo stays, and old town exploration. South Greenland is another spectacular location with snowy peaks, icy fjords, and backcountry trekking opportunities.
- Essential gear for Greenland photography includes warm clothing, waterproof gear, a variety of camera lenses (14mm, 20mm, 55mm, and 100-400mm), a travel tripod, Joby Gorillapod, extra memory cards, an external hard drive, spare batteries, a lens warmer, and a waterproof backpack.
- To truly experience Greenland like a local, travel responsibly and sustainably by visiting by land and supporting local tourism providers, such as Two Ravens in Nuuk or Pink Peak Tours in Qaqortoq.
- Adventure travel to Greenland will not only provide unforgettable photographic opportunities but also help contribute to the local economy and culture, enriching the overall travel experience.
