Must-Have Travel Apps and Tools for Visiting Greenland

Must-Have Travel Apps and Tools for Visiting Greenland

Planning a trip to Greenland? It’s one of the world’s most incredible destinations, but since it’s remote, having the right apps on your phone can save you a lot of time and hassle. Whether you’re navigating untouched landscapes, catching local transportation, or checking the weather, here are the must-have apps and tools to make your trip to Greenland smoother.

Navigation

Maps.me

Maps.me is a free app that provides offline maps. This is an absolute lifesaver in Greenland, especially in areas with weak or no signal. Simply download the map of Greenland before you go and you’ll have all the towns, trails, and even some hiking routes ready, right on your phone.

Why it’s useful: You’ll likely venture into remote areas where there’s no internet, so having a reliable offline map is essential.

Google Maps

Google Maps is a free app that works well in Greenland’s cities and towns, but note that its offline capabilities are more limited compared to Maps.me. Still, it’s great for navigating around the main cities, like Nuuk, or finding local businesses.

Why it’s useful: If you’ll mostly stick to urban areas, this will be enough. Plus, the ability to discover restaurants, shops, and accommodations via user reviews is helpful.

Fatmap

If you’re into hiking, skiing, or other outdoor adventures, Fatmap offers detailed 3D maps. It’s free, but the paid version unlocks more advanced features like weather layers and GPS routes.

Why it’s useful: Greenland is a paradise for outdoor lovers, and Fatmap gives you detailed topographic info that most maps lack. It’s perfect for adventurous travelers!

Translation

Google Translate

Google Translate is free and offers offline translations when you download a language pack. While Greenlandic is a tough language to master, many locals also speak Danish. Download both the Greenlandic and Danish packs before your trip. Plus, you can use the camera feature to translate signs or menus directly.

Why it’s useful: Greenland’s official languages include both Greenlandic and Danish. While you’ll find English speakers in tourist areas, the app will help in more remote places.

iTranslate

iTranslate is free but has a premium version for offline use. It supports Danish and Greenlandic, which can be helpful when Google Translate’s usability is spotty. It also offers voice-to-text translation.

Why it’s useful: Though free features are limited, downloading offline languages with the premium version can be worth it if you want something lightweight and easy to use.

Booking

Booking.com

When it comes to booking accommodations in Greenland, Booking.com is your best friend. They cover many of the hotels, guesthouses, and apartments available in Greenland. The site also has great filters and reviews, all for free.

Why it’s useful: Greenland has a limited number of accommodations, especially in remote areas. Using this app guarantees you’ll find the best-rated places before they get booked up.

Airbnb

Airbnb is free to use and offers an alternative to hotels. You can find cozy apartments and homes in cities like Ilulissat or Nuuk. Just be aware that the selection is more limited compared to other countries.

Why it’s useful: It’s perfect if you want a more local and unique experience, like staying in a Greenlandic home or renting a cabin in the wilderness.

Rome2Rio

Rome2Rio is a free app that helps you find transport options between towns and villages. Greenland’s transport system is limited primarily to flights and boats, and this app helps you understand how to get from point A to point B.

Why it’s useful: Since you can’t drive between most places, knowing whether you need to take a flight or ferry will help you plan your trip better.

Local Transportation

Nanook Taxi

Nanook Taxi is a local taxi-hailing app available for free. It works primarily in Nuuk, the capital, and it’s the go-to service locals use. Requesting a ride is quick and simple.

Why it’s useful: Public transport in Greenland is fairly limited, so having a taxi app can be your backup when needed.

Uber

Unfortunately, Uber is not available in Greenland. However, it’s worth knowing that ridesharing is not really an option here yet, making apps like Nanook Taxi even more critical.

Weather and Nature

Yr.no

Yr.no is a free weather app with highly accurate forecasts, especially for Greenland. The app is from Norway, so it’s designed to handle extreme and cold-weather conditions better than most weather apps.

Why it’s useful: In Greenland, weather changes fast—and it gets extreme. Having an accurate weather forecast will help you plan your activities or avoid potential danger on hiking or boat trips.

Windy

Windy is another free, reliable weather app, but its specialty is tracking wind and storm systems. Perfect if you’re crossing Greenland by plane or boat where wind conditions can make or break your travel plans.

Why it’s useful: Wind is a big deal in Greenland. Knowing the wind speeds and conditions will help, especially if you’re taking flights or boat tours.

Planning and Info

Polarsteps

Polarsteps is a free app that lets you track your travel route and create a travel journal in real-time. It works offline and syncs up when you have internet, so it’s perfect for keeping a log of your adventures across Greenland.

Why it’s useful: Not only does this make sharing your itinerary with friends and family easy, but it also turns your journey into a personalized travel book when your trip is over.

Visit Greenland Official App

This free app is the official guide by Visit Greenland and gives you inside tips on different attractions, activities, and advice on making the most of your stay. You’ll know everything from where to see the Northern Lights to when the best season for whale watching is.

Why it’s useful: This is one guide you can trust. It’s ideal for finding things that may not always be on the map, like local events or community activities.

Currency and Money

XE Currency Converter

XE is free and works offline to show you up-to-date currency conversions. Greenland uses the Danish Krone (DKK), and it’s helpful to have a currency converter like this when shopping or paying for services.

Why it’s useful: In Greenland, credit cards are widely accepted, but if you handle any cash, this app will help you know how much you’re spending.

Revolut

Revolut is a virtual bank app that allows you to exchange currencies without hefty fees. It’s free, though there are premium layers for additional benefits. It also makes sending money between travelers easy, and you get free foreign ATM withdrawals within limits.

Why it’s useful: If you’re looking to avoid ridiculous bank fees, Revolut can help you exchange your money easily and at better rates without a traditional bank card.

Other Essentials

Trail Wallet

Trail Wallet is free and helps track travel expenses. It’s particularly useful if you want to stay on budget while visiting Greenland, where costs can add up fast. You can log all your purchases and adjust your budget as needed.

Why it’s useful: Greenland is not cheap, and it’s easy to lose track of spending. Trail Wallet keeps you organized and helps avoid unexpected overspending.

PackPoint

PackPoint is a free (with in-app purchases) packing list app that helps you pack smart. Once you input your trip details, it generates a list of recommended items based on the weather, activities, and region.

Why it’s useful: Greenland’s cold weather and varied activities require very specific gear. PackPoint ensures you don’t forget essentials like hiking boots or waterproofs.