Why Alcohol Prices are Surprisingly High in Greenland

Dear traveler, if you’re planning a trip to Greenland, you might be wondering about the cost of alcohol in this country located in the far north of our planet. In this article, I’ll shed some light on this topic, as well as provide some additional information that might be useful for anyone traveling to Greenland.

First of all, let me clarify that, unlike some other countries, Greenland has strict laws regarding the sale and consumption of alcohol. Only licensed bars, restaurants, and stores are allowed to sell alcoholic beverages, and people must be at least 18 years old to purchase them. Additionally, the sale of alcohol is prohibited on certain days, such as election day and some national holidays.

Now, let’s address the main question of this post: is alcohol expensive in Greenland? Well, the answer is not straightforward, as it depends on several factors. One of them is the type of alcohol you’re looking for. Beer, for example, is generally cheaper than wine or spirits. Another factor to consider is the location where you’re buying alcohol. As you might expect, prices in a remote village in northern Greenland will be different from those in the capital city of Nuuk.

To give you a better idea of the prices, let me share some examples. According to a recent survey by the Greenlandic Statistics Bureau, the average price of a beer in a bar or restaurant in Nuuk is around 50 Danish kroner (DKK), which is roughly 7 US dollars (USD) or 6 euros (EUR). The price of a bottle of wine starts at around 100 DKK (14 USD/EUR) in a supermarket and can go up to several hundred DKK in a restaurant. As for spirits, a bottle of vodka can cost around 250-300 DKK (35-43 USD/EUR), depending on the brand and store.

It’s worth noting that these prices might be higher than what you’re used to in your home country, particularly if you come from a place where alcohol is cheaper or less regulated. However, keep in mind that Greenland is a small, isolated country with a high cost of living, so prices in general might be higher than what you expect.

Now that we’ve answered the main question, let’s dive into some additional information that might be useful for anyone planning a trip to Greenland. First of all, it’s worth mentioning that alcohol is not a central aspect of Greenlandic culture. In fact, many locals don’t drink at all, and some villages have even banned alcohol altogether to prevent social problems. Therefore, if you’re interested in experiencing local culture, you might want to focus on other aspects such as traditional music, dance, and food.

Another thing to consider is the limited transportation infrastructure in Greenland. While there are some roads and airports, many parts of the country are only accessible by boat or helicopter. This means that getting around might be expensive and time-consuming, so plan accordingly. Additionally, weather conditions can be harsh and unpredictable, so make sure to pack warm and waterproof clothing.

In terms of activities, Greenland offers a wide range of options for visitors. You can go hiking in the stunning national parks, observe the Northern Lights, visit traditional Inuit settlements, or go on a boat tour to see whales and icebergs. However, keep in mind that some activities might be seasonal or only available in certain areas, so do some research before you go.

To sum up, while alcohol is not the main focus of a trip to Greenland, it’s still an aspect that might interest some visitors. Prices vary depending on the type of alcohol and location, but in general, they might be higher than what you’re used to. If you’re planning a trip to Greenland, make sure to consider other aspects such as local culture, transportation, and activities, and pack accordingly. Greenland is a unique and fascinating destination that is sure to leave a lasting impression on anyone who visits.