The regulations for Tourist and Business visas are the same as for Denmark . Visitors should specify that they wish to visit Greenland when they make their application. Special permits are necessary for persons wishing to transit in Pittuffik (Thule Airbase), as it is a North Atlantic Territory.

Further information and application requirements may be obtained from the Nordic Countries, Faroe Islands and Greenland Office at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Asiatisk Plads 2, DK-1448 Copenhagen .

Visitors who wish to explore the glaciers and mountains or visit the National Park also require a special permit. Applications should be made to the Danish Polar Center, Strandgade 100H, DK-1401 Copenhagen.

Government of Greenland

Executive power rests with the five-member Landsstyre, excepting defence, foreign affairs and constitutional affairs for which the Danish government is responsible.

Its members are drawn from the local legislature, the Landsting (known also by its Inuit title Inatsi-Satut), which has 31 members elected for four years.

Activities in Greenland

Fishing
During the summer period anglers come to Greenland for the superb Arctic fishing in the rivers and fjords. Fishing permits can be obtained from the local tourist offices. Persons fishing without a license are liable to a fine and confiscation of equipment. Those interested should contact the local tourist offices for detailed information.

Hiking
Guided tours for mountain walking are available. Greenland Tourism has published color-coded hiking maps and guides for Qaqortoq, Narsaq, Narsarsuaq in South Greenland and Ammassalik in the east. Mountain huts are often available, particularly in the region of the Narsaq and Qaqortoq peninsulas and Vatnahverfi.

Glacier scaling can be performed by experienced mountaineers and skiers. All expeditions need a permit from the Danish Polar Center, Strandgade 100H, DK-1401 Copenhagen K, Denmark . The center also provides information about organizing expeditions and stays in the National Park area.

Greenland also offers excellent opportunities for those interested in activities such as geology, botany and birdwatching. Maps of the coastal area (scale 1:250,000) can be purchased from the Kort og Matrikelstyrelsen, Proviantgaarden, Rigsdagsgaarden 7, DK-1218 Copenhagen K.

Ice golf
This can be played among the ice hills on meter-thick ice in Uummannaq. Greenland’s first grass golf course has recently been inaugurated, and is situated in the countryside near Nuuq. This 9-hole course features hillocks and waterholes as obstacles. There is also a golf course among the sandy riverbanks of Kangerlussuaq.

Cruises
It is becoming increasingly popular to take cruises along Greenland’s coast, with most following the west coast, from Nuuk to Thule. Highlights include fjords, mountains, islands and icebergs. There are abundant opportunities to view wildlife including several species of whale, seals and birds.

Greenland’s quality of light, one of the reasons tourists visit the country, can be especially appreciated at sea. Aspiring photographers should remember to use a UV filter or a sunlight filter and lens hood when capturing the many sights. From mid-May to mid-August, the Midnight Sun can be experienced in the north.

Tourist Attractions in Greenland

Organised excursions can be arranged from every town in Greenland. However, the Disko Bay region and South Greenland are the most visited places and offer the widest selection of tours. For information on all-inclusive tours/package tours, hiking and hotels, contact Greenland Tourism in Copenhagen for a list of tour operators (see General Info section).

Greenland is not a country for those seeking an ordinary holiday. It is a place of wild and rugged scenery and clear, clean air. The region may be seen on foot, by boat, by plane, by helicopter or by dog sledge according to the season and the terrain.

Note
(a) By far the most common, and recommended, method of visiting Greenland is with a tour operator. Stories of people traveling independently and subsequently finding themselves in trouble are not uncommon. Only travelers already familiar with the country are advised to make the journey by themselves. (b) No finds may be removed from ancient monuments, which are all protected areas.

Ilulissat (Jakobshavn)
In west Greenland, Ilulissat is one of the country’s growth areas and the gateway to Disko Bay and the whole of northern Greenland. Originally named Jakobshavn in honor of its Danish founder Jakob Sverin (1691-1753), the Greendlandic name Ilulissat (meaning iceberg) is now more commonly used. Local history, however, dates much further back than the founding of Jakobshavn. Sermermiut, a settlement situated a few kilometers southwest of the town, shows traces of habitation as early as 2000 BC.

With a population of approximately 4700, Ilulissat boasts many modern as well as traditional buildings surrounded by breathtaking scenery. The famous explorer Knud Rasmussen was born here in 1879 and the house where he grew up has been transformed into the interesting Knud Rasmussen Museum. Motor-trips to nearby trading stations can sometimes be arranged.

South Greenland
In addition to Ilulissat, the main tourist centers are in South Greenland. Nuuk, the capital, with a population of 13,889, overlooked by Sermitsiaq Mountain, is a popular destination for visitors. One of the major attractions is the Greenland National Museum.

It is situated near the entrance to a large fjord complex with steep mountains, lush valleys and a few small villages. Narsarsuaq and Qassiarsuk in southern Greenland was the area first settled by the Viking Eric the Red 1000 years ago. Many ruins from this epoch of Greenland’s history still survive.

Qaqortoq is the largest town in South Greenland and the area’s administrative center. The town has several houses of historical interest and a museum. Excursions can be arranged by the local tourist office. Narsaq tourist office also arranges regular excursions.

The area between Kangerlussuaq and Sisimiut is good for walking in summer and for dog-sledge expeditions in winter. Cross-country skiing can also be arranged. There is a small Inuit (Eskimo) museum at Qaqortoq, which includes an exact copy of a turf-built house.

There are minor local museums in most towns. The country also has many ruins of old Norse settlements and Inuit houses. For further details, contact tour operators, the Danish Tourist Board or local tourist offices in Greenland.

Shopping in Greenland

The range of goods available is similar to that in an ordinary Danish provincial town, but prices are, in general, slightly higher. Alcohol, tobacco, fruit and vegetables are expensive. Special purchases include bone and soapstone carvings, skin products and beadwork. The Greenland Home Rule Administration can provide information on claiming tax back on items purchased in Greenland.

Shopping hours
Mon-Thurs 1000-1730, Fri 1000-1800 and Sat 0900-1300. These will vary from region to region.

Currency
Danish Krone (DKr) = 100 øre. Notes are in denominations of DKr1000, 500, 200, 100 and 50. Coins are in denominations of DKr20, 10, 5, 2 and 1, and 50 and 25 øre.

Note
There is no banking service in Søndre Strømfjord at present.

Currency exchange
Cheques drawn on Danish banks or on Eurocheque cards can be cashed at banks and cash can also be exchanged. There are two banks in Greenland; Grønlandsbanken (PO Box 1033, DK-3900 Nuuk) and Nuna Bank (PO Box 1031, DK-3900 Nuuk). Nuna Bank has branches in Nuuk, Sisimiut, Oaqortoq, Ilulissat and Maniitsoq. KNI represents the banks in other towns and villages.

Credit and debit cards
Diners, Eurocard and Visa are accepted in most restaurants, shops and hotels. Check with your credit or debit card company for details of merchant acceptability and other services which may be available. Most larger towns now have ATMs.

Travelers cheques
Cheques in major currencies may be exchanged as indicated in the currency exchange section above. To avoid additional exchange rate charges, travelers are advised to take travelers cheques in Pounds Sterling or US Dollars.

Currency restrictions
The import of local currency is unlimited; export of more than DKr50,000 is allowed provided it can be proved this amount was imported or obtained by changing imported foreign currencies. The import and export of foreign currencies is unlimited. All amounts (either for import or export) greater than andEuro;15,000 must be declared to Danish Customs Authorities.

Exchange rate indicators
The following figures are included as a guide to the movements of the Danish Krone against Sterling and the US Dollar

Banking hours
Mon-Wed and Fri 1000-1600, Thurs 1000-1800.