Majestic landscapes, a unique Arctic fauna and icebergs the size of skyscrapers. With 80% of the landscape covered in ice, the great Arctic wonder has made it to National Geographic Traveler's Top 20 Best of The World.
The largest island in the world, also known as the great Arctic wonder, Greenland is often forgotten as a unique travel destination. However, each year the ice-covered country impresses thousands of tourists with its beautiful, white landscapes and its majestic icebergs rising from the gleaming surface. With a coast-to-coast ice cap as its claim to fame, Greenland has something that almost no other country in the world can boast of. Even National Geographic acknowledges the Arctic wonder by ranking the island as a top 20 must-see place of the world.
A Unique Adventure with the Big Arctic Five
Even though it does not seem so from the outside, the white island offers more than just snow and cold temperatures. Greenland holds a variety of Arctic adventures with a unique Greenlandic touch, where everybody from world travelers to winter sport enthusiasts can break away. The island offers a world of Arctic experiences with its five core attractions - also known as the Big Arctic Five, which includes dog sledding, northern lights, ice and snow, pioneering people and whales.
There is something uniquely special about experiencing Greenland's majestic landscapes from the perspective of a dog sled while the breathtaking Greenland Ice Sheet goes as far as they eye can see. The enormous inland ice has become a sought-after spot for travelers in search of an unmistakable adventure, and there is no better way of experiencing it than feeling the Arctic breeze while dog sledding.
Under the surface of the dark ocean more fascinating experiences awaits. The cold water holds some of the world's most beautiful animals from mighty killer whales to enormous walruses. The creatures are just a few of the core attractions the Arctic wonder has to offer, and all of them influenced National Geographic's ranking of Greenland. Jonathan Irish, a National Geographic Photographer states: "Greenland is beyond amazing. I've always dreamed of seeing this mystical place and it exceeded all of my expectations. From the massive icebergs of the Ilulissat Icefjord to the sled dogs and seals, it really delivers an experience that is unique and special. Don't hesitate....go now!"
A Melting Arctic Wonder
It's true, no one should hesitate to visit the ice-covered country especially as warm temperatures heat the earth and pose a great danger to the amazing landscape of the Arctic island. Statistics show that the Greenland Ice Sheet is slowly disappearing, affecting everything from the unique Arctic fauna to the majestic landscape. Life underneath the surface of the arctic wonderland, is all tied together in a global, borderless ecosystem, affected by the huge changes in temperatures on land as well as under the surface of the dark ocean.
With these increasingly warm temperatures and the threat of climate change hanging over our heads, there is something deeply beautiful about an island covered in 80% ice. The amazing Greenland Ice Sheet is one of only two ice sheets in the world, and it has been present for almost 18 million years. Currently, the Greenland Ice Cap reaches a thickness of 3 kilometres and is visible from most towns in Greenland.
When you're ready, the Official National Tourism Board, Visit Greenland, will be there to welcome you. CEO of Visit Greenland Anders Stenbakken stated, "It is a great honor to be a part of the travel magazine and to be selected as one of the World's Best Destinations 2016... Greenland is now a destination where travelers can make their dreams come true."
