PAID CONTENT FOR EXPLORE NORTH GREENLAND
PAID CONTENT FOR EXPLORE NORTH GREENLAND
Explore North Greenland GREENLAND
Explore North Greenland is operated by a municipal tourism board, representing 70 local businesses and promoting the responsible development of tourism. It represents the ruggedly beautiful northwest region of Greenland, composed of the towns of Ilulissat, Uummannaq, Upernavik and Qaanaaq, as well as 21 smaller settlements. The region features a diverse spread of culture
and tradition across an area the same size as Spain, with an approximate population of 11,000 people. The inhabitants are well adapted to the surrounding nature, with most making their living from fishing, hunting or tourism. There are more or less four seasons in the region,
one of them being the extended polar night of winter from late October until February. During this period, the sun doesn’t rise at all, and is also when the night sky is at its brightest. With the surrounding nature occupying so much territory, one needs to walk a short distance to be able to look up at dark skies untroubled by light pollution. There are few places like this in the world, where the Milky Way, ice fords and Northern Lights can be seen in a single vista.
The lights are an important part of Inuit culture.
According to Inuit belief, the souls of those who have passed away return to the universe above, with the Northern Lights being the spirits playing football with the newly dead’s skull. The Inuit have a tradition of whistling to the Aurora Borealis, and it’s said that the movement of the lights becomes stronger as if the spirits are responding to the sound. The further north a visitor travels in Greenland,
the more ruggedly authentic the experience can become, such as dog sledding on sea ice and seeing the clear, unpolluted dark sky in Uummannaq Fjord. There are also a number of local tourism operators offering Northern Light tours during the polar night period, as well as other wintery activities such as dog sledding, snowshoe hiking and sailing among icebergs. Visiting North Greenland during polar night
offers visitors a unique experience, owing to its remoteness and rich culture and nature. Guests with the courage to do so are encouraged to whistle when the Northern Lights are dancing in the skies above.
DON’T MISS Visit over Christmas and New Year to experience the polar darkness being lit up with festive cheer
This content is brought to you by our sponsor. It does not necessarily reflect the views of National Geographic, National Geographic Traveller (UK) or their editorial staffs. 97 Need to know
KEY ACTIVITIES • Milky Way night sky viewing • Northern Lights tours • Dog sledding • Snowshoe hiking • Sailing
GET IN TOUCH
north-greenland.com E:
explore@avannaata.gl
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