As adults, we come to the conclusion that the adventures in the fantasy books and films that filled our childhood are almost impossible to experience. I never thought I would be overwhelmed by that same feeling again. Greenland is pure terrestrial magic; our planet in its rawest and most natural state. This island in the Arctic Circle envelops you in such a state of awe that adult life, offices, politics, and technology fade away under the breath of this incredible ice landscape.
Glaciers, fjords and icebergs are commonplace on the island. The impact of mass tourism is non-existent, and given the reduced population, the impact of human activity are almost negligible. It is encouraging to see that the Inuit identity in Greenland remains respected. Inuit life remains firmly intertwined with nature, despite the cultural upheaval caused by Danish colonisation. Recently, this identity, which was on the verge of unravelling, has once again tightened its firm bonds.
The close link between the inhabitants and their environment is also reflected in the care taken to preserve other traditional aspects of Greenland, such as its fauna and flora. From mischievous Arctic foxes to humpback whales, which can be seen up close if you choose to sail among the ice towers.
I loved some of the tourist accommodation options, which, without compromising on comfort and well-being, blend in with the landscape, helping you to immerse yourself completely. The local company I stayed with has two camps that complement each other perfectly: one located above the Arctic Circle and the other further south. It consists of a boutique retreat, in the form of spacious white tents slightly raised off the ground by a wooden platform. Both camps are perfectly equipped to cope with the cold and polar appetites.
While at the camps you can choose from a wide range of exciting experiences. Some prefer to spend more time on land, hiking to places where they can contemplate dreamlike landscapes or explore and interact with inuit villages. One of my favourites was an abandoned mining village. It remains intact, as if frozen in time, with the machines still in disarray and personal belongings still in the houses. A veritable ghost town.
On some of the walks that go deeper into nature, you can forage herbs, mushrooms and seafood, which are then used to prepare local dishes together with the guides. Listening to the stories, beliefs and anecdotes of those who have lived their entire lives in Greenland, while sharing their typical dishes, you immerse yourself in a fascinating culture that is unfortunately not well known globally.
Others prefer to spend more time at sea searching for whales, narwhal, belugas and other marine life. Kayaking or paddle surfing is another option to explore the sea closer to the shore. It is difficult to describe the sensations you feel as you sail silently among enormous icebergs sculpted in fantastic shapes or being immersed in the noise and activity of thousands of sea birds busy building their nests on a protected sea cliff.
My job keeps me travelling constantly. Being able to see the far reaches of the world we live in is a real privilege. As the years go by, and I am still impressed by how enriching each trip is. Yet, it is increasingly difficult for each new destination to make a lasting impression on me. Although it’s very personal, Greenland has had a profound effect on me, and I would return in a heartbeat. It’s a destination I would encourage everyone to visit. Seeing the grandeur of nature in such an extreme way makes you seriously consider whether we have strayed too far in building our modern societies. Nothing can have a greater impact than the work of nature itself.