Greenland and Iceland Tours and Trips
Traveling to Greenland Iceland: An Overview
Planning a combined Greenland and Iceland tour? Here's an overview of the transportation options, highlights, and travel tips.
Getting from Iceland to Greenland
The combined tours of Iceland and Greenland popularly start in Reykjavik, Iceland. Traveling from Iceland to Greenland and vice versa is possible by flight, cruise, or overland routes. The most direct, fastest, and convenient way of traveling is by air, with several airlines, including Air Greenland and Icelandair, offering regular flights between the two countries. The flight duration can last anywhere from two to three hours.
An alternative option is to travel by sea. Passenger ferries operate Greenland and Iceland cruise tours between select ports during summer. These ferry journeys can take 12-24 hours, depending on the route and port of departure/arrival. This is a more leisurely and scenic way to travel between the two countries.
A third option is to travel overland, which involves taking a flight or ferry from Iceland to the Faroe Islands and then connecting to Greenland. This roundabout route is less direct but also presents the opportunity to visit the Faroe Islands.
Best Time to Visit Greenland and Iceland
The optimal time to embark on a Greenland and Iceland tour is during the summer months, from June to August. This period offers the most favorable weather conditions, with average temperatures ranging from 12°C (54°F) to 13°C (55°F) in Iceland and 9°C (48°F) to 10°C (66°F) in Greenland. Additionally, it is only during the summer season that all attractions and activities are fully operational. While the winter months present the opportunity to witness the mesmerizing Northern Lights, the summer is generally considered the prime time for first-time visitors to explore Greenland and Iceland.
Related articles:
Best time to visit Iceland
Highlights of Iceland and Greenland Trip
- Witness the stark beauty of the Arctic landscape as you journey overland across the Denmark Strait on your Iceland to Greenland day tour, marveling at icebergs and glaciers along the way.
- Opt for an Iceland Northern Lights tour in Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon, especially during the winter months when the daylight hours are shorter and there is less light pollution.
- Immerse yourself in the Viking history of Iceland on a guided trip to the Westfjords region and the Inuit culture of Greenland in places like Sisimiut with an Inuit guide.
- Delight your senses on an Iceland and Greenland culinary tour, savoring traditional Norse delicacies like smoked lamb and skyr (Icelandic yogurt) alongside Inuit specialties such as mattak (whale skin) and reindeer soup.
- Witness two vastly different sides of Arctic wildlife on an expedition spanning whale-watching tours off Iceland's coast and polar bear sightings amid the icy tundra of Northeast Greenland National Park.
- On your Greenland adventure trip, kayak in Disko Bay, and on your Iceland adventure trip, hike across the dramatic lava fields and waterfalls of its renowned Landmannalaugar region.
- Add an extension to Spitsbergen, the largest island of the Svalbard archipelago, on your Greenland and Iceland tour, to witness the stunning Arctic landscapes, glaciers, and diverse wildlife, including polar bears, reindeer, and Arctic foxes.
Greenland and Iceland Travel Tips
- Pack for extreme weather conditions. Greenland and Iceland are known for their harsh cold climates. Ensure you have warm layers, waterproof clothing, and sturdy footwear.
- Be prepared for long daylight hours in the summer months. During the peak season, both Greenland and North Iceland experience nearly 24 hours of daylight. Bring an eye mask and earplugs to help you sleep through the bright nights.
- Carry some Icelandic krona and Danish krone. While credit cards are widely accepted in Iceland, cash is still preferred in some remote areas of Greenland.
- Embrace the adventure and flexibility. Weather conditions and natural phenomena can change rapidly in both Greenland and Iceland. It is important to check trusted sites such as safetravel.is to get live updates on road conditions before heading out for the day.
- Book a group tour in Greenland for added safety when entering the remote terrains of the Ilulissat Icefjord, and the Disko Bay region.
At a Glance: Greenland Vs Iceland
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FAQs for Greenland and Iceland Tours
1. Do I need a visa for Greenland and Iceland?
If you are a US citizen, you do not need a visa to visit Iceland for up to 90 days, thanks to Iceland's Schengen Agreement membership. However, a visa may be required for Greenland if you do not travel to Iceland via Denmark, as it is not part of the Schengen area. It's best to check the latest entry requirements before your trip.
2. Which is colder, Iceland or Greenland?
Greenland is colder than Iceland. With 80% of its landmass covered by an expansive ice sheet, Greenland experiences significantly lower temperatures than Iceland.
