Exploring the Evolving Landscape of Tourism in Greenland

Greenland presents unique challenges for travelers due to its lack of roads between towns, requiring transportation by boat or plane. Weather plays a significant role in determining travel plans rather than itineraries.

Despite these challenges, tourism in Greenland is becoming more accessible. In April 2026, Qaqortoq inaugurated its first airport. It now offers daily flights to Nuuk and four weekly Icelandair flights to Keflavik, Iceland during the summer.

Tourism has been rapidly expanding since 2019, contributing 4.9 percent to Greenland’s GDP in 2024 and supporting around 1,800 jobs. The vital question is who benefits from this growth?

To address this, Greenland’s government enacted a tourism law in 2024 aimed at promoting local involvement. This law requires tourism operators to meet local ownership criteria, ensuring that at least two-thirds of capital and voting rights are held by Greenlanders. Existing operators must comply with these rules by January 1, 2027.

Henrik Hansen explains, “You cannot own land in Greenland.”

Tasermiut Fjord, also known as “Arctic Patagonia,” is a majestic landscape with granite walls and foggy peaks. Henrik Hansen of NTS Boat Charter navigates us through waves toward the fjord’s glacier, pointing out notable nearby sites, including a summer house and a sheep farm.

Greenland’s communal land ownership reflects the locals’ profound connection to their environment and influences how tourism is conducted. In Qassiarsuk, Naasunnguaq Karen Lund, co-owner of Riding Greenland Hostel, emphasizes hospitality rooted in daily life, offering farm stays.

Guests partake in communal meals with host families, enjoying lamb and fresh fish. Rather than competing for guests, hostels collaborate, handing visitors to the next stop as part of their ongoing journey.

In addition to horseback excursions, Riding Greenland now provides e-bike day tours. Naasunnguaq’s husband, Piitaq, guides us up a dirt road to Tasiusaq, offering vistas of the inner ice cap amidst red stone gravel and a bay adorned with icebergs.

Salik Parbst Frederiksen, co-owner of Local Greenland, leads us along Tunulliarfik Fjord to Qinngua, where his family has raised sheep for generations. Here amidst rare trees, Salik serves a lunch of local ingredients. Their dedication to employing only local expertise and ingredients defines Local Greenland’s approach to tourism.

Enhanced access to Southern Greenland connects more tourists to its awe-inspiring landscapes, highlighting the vital role of the residents in creating meaningful visitor experiences.