Ratgeber
A trip to Greenland: summer or winter?
Summer from June to September offers long days, ice fjords and whale watching, winter dark nights with northern lights and snow. Flights depend heavily on the weather, so buffer time is a must. Once in a Lifetime is a Swiss travel agency with video consultations and plans Greenland trips with enough reserve.
Von Once in a Lifetime, Stand
Schritt für Schritt
- Clarify whether you want light or darkness
- Choose the season
- Fix the base and region
- Plan flights with a buffer
- Prepare clothing and equipment
- Check insurance with repatriation
Checkliste
- Season chosen
- Region fixed
- Buffer time planned
- Flights booked flexibly
- Warm clothing packed
- Insect repellent in summer
- Insurance confirmed
- FDFA (EDA) and FOPH (BAG) advice checked
Greenland is a land of wide open spaces, ice and stillness. The season decides light, activities and experience. Both seasons have their appeal, and whoever chooses also chooses expectations.
Summer: light and ice
From June to September the days are long, and in some regions it stays almost light. Ice fjords, icebergs and fishing villages are easily accessible, and whale watching is among the highlights. The midnight sun in high summer shifts your rhythm, so bring a sleep mask. Nature sets the pace in Greenland, and guests who accept that experience the country most intensely.
Hiking, boat tours and kayak tours are possible. Temperatures are mild but changeable, and mosquitoes can be a nuisance in some areas. If you set off early, you often experience the fjords especially quietly. Note that accommodation is small and quickly booked out in high season, so early planning is important.
Summer suits travellers who put scenery and activities first and want less cold.
Winter: darkness and northern lights
In autumn and winter, dark nights shape the country. The northern lights are possible with a clear sky and a little patience. There are no assurances, but several nights raise the chance. The ice rarely looks the same, and every day shows new shapes. If possible, visit a museum or a cultural centre to better understand how people live.
Dog sledding, snowshoe tours and stillness are part of winter. It is cold, and the days are short. The supply of fresh goods is limited, and the cuisine often relies on fish, meat and local ingredients.
If you choose winter, you need good clothing and a willingness to go along with the weather. Dogs are part of everyday life in many places, so respect their space.
Flights and buffer
Flights in Greenland depend heavily on the weather. Fog, wind or snow can postpone connections. That is normal and part of the trip. Cold calls for breaks, so drink warm drinks and keep moving. Photograph people only with permission, and respect the wish for privacy.
Plan at least one buffer day before the return flight. Do not schedule important appointments directly after the trip. The stars are especially clear on Greenland's nights.
Flexible fares and insurance with cancellation cover make sense. Pack binoculars, as whales, birds and ice formations are even more impressive with them.
Region and focus
The southwest with Ilulissat and the ice fjord is the best developed. The east feels wilder and more remote, with less infrastructure. Delays are also part of the trip, so stay relaxed. In winter, a headlamp and spare batteries are useful, as darkness falls early.
Think about how much comfort you want. Accommodation is simple but warm-hearted, and the choice is limited. Flexible planning helps more than any reserve.
Good advice matches region and season to your wishes. Do not plan a tight connection to the return flight to Switzerland. Ask about insect repellent for summer, because in some valleys the insects are numerous.
The seasons in between
Spring and autumn have their appeal too. In spring there is still snow, the days quickly grow longer, and the landscape glows in the light. In autumn the tundra changes colour, and the first nights become dark enough for northern lights again.
These transitional periods are quieter but less predictable. Weather, ice conditions and connections change faster, and some offerings run only in a limited way. Plan enough cash or card payment, as not every place accepts both equally.
If you are flexible and value stillness, you will often find the most solitary moments in the in-between seasons. When planning, ask which offerings are available in your chosen month. Before departure it is worth looking at weather forecasts, as they give a hint of possible flight postponements.
Preparation and advice
Check the current position with the FDFA and the FOPH on entry and health. Pack layers and weatherproof clothing.
Travel insurance with repatriation is important, as medical care can be far away. Stay flexible in your planning, because weather can change programme items at short notice.
In the [planning call](/m/once-in-a-lifetime/planen) by video call, we clarify season, region and buffer. This creates a trip that suits you.
