Northern Lights in Greenland: Complete Guide 2026
Greenland is the world's most dramatic northern lights destination. Imagine the aurora borealis dancing over massive icebergs, glaciers calving into fjords, and a landscape so vast and empty that you may be the only person for hundreds of kilometres. Both of Greenland's aurora destinations — Ilulissat and Kangerlussuaq — score 9/10 for aurora, and they offer something no other destination can: the aurora over the Greenland Ice Sheet.
Greenland is not a budget destination and it's not easy to reach. But for experienced aurora chasers looking for the ultimate frontier experience, it's unmatched. The clear-sky statistics at Kangerlussuaq rival Abisko. The icebergs at Ilulissat provide the most unique aurora foreground on Earth. And the sheer remoteness creates a sense of adventure that tourist-friendly Tromsø or Rovaniemi simply cannot replicate.
Why Greenland for Northern Lights?
Aurora Over Icebergs
Ilulissat's UNESCO World Heritage Icefjord produces the largest icebergs in the Northern Hemisphere. These enormous ice sculptures, some the size of apartment buildings, glow green and purple under the aurora. It's a sight that exists nowhere else on Earth.
Exceptional Clear Skies
Kangerlussuaq sits at the head of a 170km-long fjord, deep in the interior of Greenland. The surrounding ice sheet creates a high-pressure zone that pushes clouds away, resulting in some of the clearest skies in the Arctic. Kangerlussuaq records over 300 clear nights per year.
Genuine Wilderness
Greenland's population is 56,000 — spread across a landmass the size of Western Europe. There are no roads between towns. No railways. No crowds. Aurora viewing in Greenland is a genuine wilderness experience.
Both Destinations Score 9/10
Both Ilulissat (69°N, aurora score 9/10) and Kangerlussuaq (67°N, aurora score 9/10) sit well within the auroral oval and offer exceptional aurora probability.
Greenland's 2 Northern Lights Destinations
Ilulissat — Icebergs and Aurora (Aurora Score: 9/10)
Ilulissat is Greenland's most famous destination. The Ilulissat Icefjord, where the Sermeq Kujalleq glacier calves enormous icebergs into Disko Bay, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Weather: January averages -18°C with 20 hours of darkness. February -18°C with 16 dark hours. March -14°C with 10 dark hours. Coastal but cold.
Activities: Northern lights tours, dog sledding (Greenlandic dog sledding culture is ancient and authentic), whale watching (summer), wildlife watching, snowmobile safaris, kayaking (shoulder seasons), Arctic cruises, hiking, photography tours, ice fishing, glacier hiking, and seal watching.
Best months: September through March. October through February for maximum darkness and aurora probability.
Why choose Ilulissat: The aurora over icebergs — it's that simple. No other destination on Earth offers this combination. The icefjord boardwalk trail provides accessible viewing points with icebergs in the foreground. Ilulissat also offers Greenland's best tourist infrastructure (still basic by European standards).
Getting there: Fly from Copenhagen to Kangerlussuaq, then connect to Ilulissat (45-minute flight). Air Greenland operates the only services. No roads connect Greenlandic towns.
Kangerlussuaq — Clearest Skies in the Arctic (Aurora Score: 9/10)
Kangerlussuaq is Greenland's main international airport hub and one of the world's clearest locations for aurora viewing. The settlement of just 500 people sits at the head of the longest fjord in Greenland.
Weather: January averages -22°C with 17 hours of darkness. February -20°C with 13 dark hours. March -15°C with 8 dark hours. Extremely cold and dry — the interior location means minimal cloud cover.
Activities: Northern lights tours, snowmobile safaris, dog sledding, hiking (to the edge of the ice sheet), wildlife watching (musk oxen, Arctic foxes, Arctic hares), photography tours, ice fishing, cross-country skiing, glacier hiking, and exploring the nearby Russell Glacier.
Best months: September through March.
Why choose Kangerlussuaq: The clearest skies of any aurora destination we cover. Over 300 clear nights per year. The ice sheet is a 30-minute drive away — aurora over the Greenland Ice Sheet is a profound experience. Musk oxen roam near the town. The settlement's minimal light pollution means you can see the aurora from your accommodation.
Getting there: Direct flights from Copenhagen (Air Greenland, approximately 4.5 hours). Kangerlussuaq is the only Greenlandic airport that can handle large jets, making it the main gateway.
When to Go
September–October: Early season. Autumn colours on the tundra. Good aurora probability. Milder temperatures (-4 to -5°C in October). Last boat tours before sea ice forms.
November–February: Peak season. Maximum darkness. Coldest temperatures (-18 to -22°C). Best aurora probability. Dog sledding season (sea ice required for traditional routes). Limited daylight for other activities.
March: Improving light and temperatures. Still excellent aurora probability. Longer days for daytime activities. Dog sledding still possible on sea ice. Good overall month.
Costs
Greenland is expensive — among the priciest aurora destinations. Everything is imported (except fish and some meat), and the logistics of operating in such a remote environment drive costs up.
Budget (DKK 1,500–2,500/day | £160–270)
Not really possible in Greenland. Even basic accommodation is expensive.Mid-Range (DKK 2,500–4,000/day | £270–430)
- Hotels/guesthouses: DKK 1,000–2,000/night (£110–215)
- Restaurants: DKK 400–600/day
- Guided tours: DKK 800–2,000/activity
- Internal flights: DKK 1,500–3,000 per sector
Luxury (DKK 5,000+/day | £540+)
- Premium accommodation: DKK 2,500–5,000/night
- Private dog sled tours: DKK 3,000–6,000
- Multi-day ice sheet expeditions: DKK 10,000+
Flights
- Copenhagen to Kangerlussuaq: DKK 3,000–8,000 return (£325–870)
- Kangerlussuaq to Ilulissat: DKK 1,500–3,000 return
- No budget airlines serve Greenland
Practical Tips
Logistics
Greenland requires more planning than other aurora destinations:- No roads between towns — all inter-town travel is by air or sea
- Limited flights — services can be cancelled due to weather (allow buffer days)
- Book early — limited accommodation capacity means peak season sells out
- Travel insurance is essential — medical evacuation from Greenland is extremely expensive
What to Pack
Greenland is colder than coastal Scandinavia. Full Arctic gear required:- Heavy-duty parka, insulated snow pants
- Boots rated to -30°C minimum (-40°C for Kangerlussuaq)
- Balaclava, heavy mittens, multiple layers
- Camera gear with extra batteries (cold kills batteries fast)
Cultural Notes
Greenland is an autonomous territory of Denmark with a predominantly Inuit population. The culture is unique — blending traditional hunting practices with modern Danish-influenced society. Dog sledding in Greenland is not a tourist attraction but a genuine mode of transport still used by hunters. Treat it with respect.Frequently Asked Questions
Is Greenland worth the cost for northern lights?
For experienced aurora chasers who've seen the lights in Scandinavia and want something truly extraordinary: absolutely. For first-timers: Scandinavia offers better value and easier logistics. Greenland is for people who want the frontier experience.Which is better — Ilulissat or Kangerlussuaq?
Ilulissat: Better for icebergs, whale watching (summer), more to do, better tourist infrastructure, slightly warmer. Kangerlussuaq: Better for clear skies (statistically superior), ice sheet access, musk oxen, cheaper, the main gateway airport. Ideal: Combine both — fly into Kangerlussuaq, spend 2 nights, then fly to Ilulissat for 2–3 nights.How do I get to Greenland?
Fly from Copenhagen to Kangerlussuaq on Air Greenland. This is the only international route serving Greenland with large aircraft. From Kangerlussuaq, domestic flights connect to Ilulissat, Nuuk, and other towns.Is Greenland safe?
Very safe. Crime is minimal. The main risks are weather-related: blizzards, extreme cold, and travel disruption from cancelled flights. Polar bears are present in some areas of East and North Greenland but not in Ilulissat or Kangerlussuaq.Can I combine Greenland with Iceland?
Yes — Icelandair operates seasonal flights from Reykjavik to Ilulissat (summer only). In winter, the only reliable route is via Copenhagen. A combined trip is possible but requires careful flight planning.Explore our detailed guides to Ilulissat and Kangerlussuaq for more information.