The island of Greenland

Greenland is the largest island on earth and a land of extremes. It is a rugged country with a harsh climate, where temperatures in winter may drop to minus 40 centigrade or lower. A thick inland ice sheet covers most of the island. Only a narrow strip along the coast, primarily the west coast, is free of ice and habitable. The island is an autonomous territory in the Kingdom of Denmark.

You go there for the peace and quiet and to see icebergs. I first visited Greenland in 1998. That year, I took a two-week hike in East Greenland. The slides I took then are a fond memory, but they are unfortunately lost in the modern digital chaos. In 2017, I returned to the island, this time to the western side for a four-week trip in spring.

The island is definitely worth a visit if you enjoy rugged landscapes with abundant snow and ice. In spring and summer, temperatures are generally very pleasant, and the number of tourists is still relatively limited. Traveling across the immense island isn’t always easy, and you often rely on boat, plane, or helicopter to get anywhere. You also have to walk a lot, as there are virtually no roads. However, all of this has a certain charm.