Le Groenland

The largest non-continental island in the world, with the sparsest population of any country, Greenland is a vast wilderness offering spectacular scenery, rugged mountainous terrain, and resilient Arctic wildlife. According to Icelandic legend, the Viking Erik the Red named Greenland (literally “green land”) to attract settlers to its shores, despite the fact that 80% of its surface is covered by thick ice sheets. In contrast to the harsh climate of the interior, the island's coasts are dotted with lush valleys, intricate fjord systems, and picturesque villages made up of brightly painted houses.

Most of Greenland’s population is concentrated along the island’s west coast, in the capital Nuuk and in settlements surrounding the magnificent Disko Bay, while the east coast is virtually uninhabited, aside from a few scattered Inuit villages. During the summer months, the sea ice breaks up, allowing travelers to explore Scoresby Sund, the largest fjord system in the world, passing towering icebergs, snow-capped mountains, and delicate ice sculptures.

Five experiences are not to be missed, whether you visit Greenland in summer or winter: genuine dog-sledding, the uplifting magic of the Northern Lights, the splendor of the ice cap, and fascinating bowhead whales. To top it all off, there are the people of Greenland — pioneers, both traditional and firmly rooted in modernity, ready to welcome you with open arms.