Greenland is a beautiful, rugged destination, but it’s also one that comes with some unique health and safety challenges. Planning ahead and being prepared can help ensure you enjoy your trip to the fullest while staying safe and healthy.
Staying Healthy in Greenland
Greenland can offer some harsh weather conditions, so taking steps to stay healthy during your trip is key. Keep in mind that its remote locations might require extra precautions.
Weather Considerations
Greenland has a polar climate, meaning it can get cold quickly, even during summer. Always bring layers, including thermal clothing, windproof jackets, and waterproof footwear. Hypothermia is a real risk if you aren’t prepared for the weather.
Frostbite is another risk, especially during the colder seasons. Make sure to cover your hands, ears, and toes well. Avoid wearing tight shoes or clothes that cut off circulation.
During summer, the constant daylight can make it difficult for some to sleep. Consider packing an eye mask to block out light while catching some rest.
Food Safety
Most restaurants and hotels in Greenland have good food hygiene, but if you’re planning to explore remote areas or villages, pack some snacks or ready-to-eat food just in case. Local food might include whale or seal meat, which is safe to eat, but only if well-cooked. Be cautious of undercooked or raw food, especially seafood.
Carry some hand sanitizer with you to use before meals in case you can’t wash your hands. The water in Greenland is generally safe to drink, especially from streams and rivers, but it’s often best to boil it or use water filtration if you’re unsure.
Physical Activity
Greenland is an outdoor adventure paradise, but the terrain can be challenging. Hiking paths, ice caps, and glaciers can be physically demanding. Be mindful of your fitness level when venturing out, and always let someone know where you’re going.
If you’re going on guided tours, follow the tour guide’s advice carefully. It’s easy to get hurt or lost if you wander on your own.
Recommended Vaccinations
Before your trip to Greenland, make sure you’re up to date on routine vaccinations like tetanus, diphtheria, measles, and polio. Luckily, Greenland doesn’t require any specific vaccines, but depending on where you’re traveling from, it might be worth checking country-specific recommendations.
It’s also a good idea to have a flu shot if you’re visiting during the colder months. Getting a vaccine for pneumonia might be recommended too for at-risk travelers (like seniors or those with respiratory issues).
Elderly Travelers and Pregnant Women
If you are older or pregnant, consult your doctor before coming to Greenland. The cold environment and lack of quick medical access could pose risks for some people.
Medical Emergencies in Greenland
Access to Medical Care
Greenland has limited healthcare facilities. The main hospital is in Nuuk, but there are also a few regional clinics. Medical staff often have to send serious cases abroad for treatment, usually to Denmark or Iceland.
If you’re headed into remote areas, know that it could take some time to be evacuated in case of an emergency. Always bring a basic first aid kit with bandages, antiseptics, and any medications you often need.
Emergency Numbers
Greenland uses the same emergency number as Europe: 112. This number connects you to all emergency services, including police, ambulance, and fire departments.
If you get hurt while exploring rural Greenland, you’ll likely need helicopter or boat evacuation. Emergency evacuations like this are costly, so be sure to have travel insurance that covers such situations.
Pharmacy Access
Pharmacies are located in larger towns, but in smaller villages, you won’t always find one nearby. Bring all medications with you, as you might not have access to replacements. Pack extras in case of travel delays.
Be Careful in Remote Areas
Many tourists come to Greenland for its wild landscapes, but adventuring into remote areas requires special attention to safety. Navigation can be difficult, and weather can shift suddenly.
Hiring a Guide
If you’re venturing out to hike, explore glaciers, or experience the wilderness, consider hiring a local guide. The terrain can be unpredictable, and a guide will help you avoid dangerous areas or sudden weather changes.
Anchoring in Place
In case of severe weather or blizzard-like conditions, the best move usually is to stay in place until the conditions improve. Never wander off alone during a storm.
Pack enough supplies for emergency situations in remote areas. Always bring extra food, water, a power bank, and emergency gear, including a space blanket or emergency shelter.
Wildlife Encounters
Greenland is home to animals like polar bears, musk oxen, and reindeer. Polar bear encounters are rare but can happen in certain areas. If you’re venturing into known polar bear territory, always keep food stored in sealed containers and stay close to your guide.
For musk oxen and reindeer, it’s best to keep your distance. While most animals avoid human contact, they’re potentially dangerous if startled. Never approach wildlife for photos.
Safety in Urban Areas
Greenland’s towns and cities, like Nuuk or Ilulissat, are generally safe, and crime against tourists is very rare. The most common issues are petty theft, but even that’s uncommon.
Personal Belongings
While Greenland is safe for tourists, it’s still smart to lock your bags, keep an eye on your belongings, and avoid showing off valuables like jewelry or large amounts of cash.
Hotels and hostels are generally secure, but it’s never a bad idea to use any available safes to store important documents or money.
Transportation Safety
There’s no road network between cities in Greenland, so getting around requires taking either flights, boats, or sometimes snowmobiles. Be sure to only use licensed transportation services.
If you’re planning to rent a snowmobile, be aware of icy patches or deep snow that can cause accidents. Always wear a helmet.
Travel Insurance
This point can’t be stressed enough: do not visit Greenland without travel insurance. Healthcare can be expensive, especially if you need to be evacuated in an emergency.
Make sure your policy covers emergency services, high-risk activities like glacier hiking or dog sledding, and medical evacuation. It’s better to be safe than sorry, especially in a remote location like Greenland.
Final Tips
Keep accustomed to the local culture. In Greenland, it’s common practice to engage with locals and even lean on their expertise when you need help. People are friendly but shy, so don’t be discouraged by initial reserve.
Respect the natural environment. Greenland’s ecosystems are delicate, so practice sustainable travel by reducing waste and sticking to marked trails to avoid disturbing wildlife.
Communication outside major towns can be difficult; cell service is limited in many remote areas. You’ll be relying on Wi-Fi in hotels or local cafes. If you’re venturing further from urban areas, consider renting a satellite phone.
By taking these precautions, you’ll be well-prepared for a safe and healthy visit to Greenland. The country is stunning, and being prepared will let you experience its beauty without unnecessary risks.
Leave a reply