Discover the Travel Options Between Greenland and Iceland: Ferry or Flight?

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Are you planning a trip to the North and wondering if there is a ferry from Greenland to Iceland? You are not alone. Many travelers dream of visiting these two extraordinary destinations and connecting them by sea. In this article, we will provide you with all the relevant information about transportation between Greenland and Iceland.

About Greenland and Iceland

Greenland, the world’s largest island, is an autonomous territory of Denmark located between the Arctic and Atlantic oceans. Its population is around 56,000, most of whom are Inuit. The country’s culture is rich and diverse, with a strong influence from Inuit traditions and Norse history, and its natural beauty is astonishing, from glaciers and icebergs to stunning fjords.

Iceland, on the other hand, is an island nation in the North Atlantic with a population of around 364,000. Known as the land of fire and ice, it’s famous for its volcanoes, geysers, hot springs, and glaciers. Iceland is also renowned for its vibrant arts scene and lively capital city, Reykjavik. Although Iceland is less isolated than Greenland, it’s still a magical destination a lot of people wish to visit.

Transportation in Greenland

Greenland is a vast and sparsely populated country with limited access by land or sea. The country’s main airport is Kangerlussuaq International Airport. It has direct flights from Copenhagen with Air Greenland, making it the most common way to arrive in Greenland. There are also domestic flights from Kangerlussuaq to Nuuk, Ilulissat, and other smaller cities.

Another option for transportation is by sea, with Arctic Umiaq Line, Greenland’s ferry operator. The company sails along the west coast of Greenland year-round, connecting 13 towns and settlements. Most of the ferries used are comfortable and modern, and offer a cabin with two or four beds, a sitting lounge, and a restaurant. The ferries also allow passengers to bring their cars for an additional fee. This transportation option is less common for tourists, but it can be a unique way to experience the country’s coastal landscape.

Transportation in Iceland

Getting around Iceland is fairly easy, with various transportation options. Reykjavik’s Keflavik International Airport is the main gateway to the country with numerous international airlines flying there. Domestic flights are also available, but they are relatively expensive. Renting a car is the most popular way to explore Iceland, with several car rental companies located at the airport and in Reykjavik. There is also a bus system called Strætó, which is affordable but not very extensive, and hitchhiking is also relatively common.

Is there a ferry from Greenland to Iceland?

The short answer is no. Unfortunately, there isn’t a direct ferry service connecting Greenland and Iceland. Both Arctic Umiaq Line and Smyril Line, the two main ferry companies in Northern Europe, do not offer this route. The distance between Greenland and Iceland is approximately 290 miles, meaning the journey would take several hours, if not a whole day or more.

However, there are possibilities for connecting the two countries. One way is to fly from Kangerlussuaq International Airport in Greenland to Reykjavik’s Keflavik International Airport, with a stopover in Nuuk, the capital of Greenland. Air Iceland Connect, a subsidiary of Icelandair, offers seasonal flights (June to August) between Nuuk, Ilulissat, and Reykjavik.

Another option is to sail with the Smyril Line ferry from Iceland to Denmark’s Faroe Islands, and then to Seyðisfjörður in East Iceland. From there, you can fly or drive to Reykjavik. The whole journey would take around four days, with ferry trips from Denmark to Iceland taking around two days.

Conclusion

While there isn’t a direct ferry connection between Greenland and Iceland, there are still plenty of options for getting to either destination. Greenland and Iceland are both unique and fascinating places to visit, each offering their unique culture and nature. Whether it’s by air or sea, we hope this article has helped answer your question. Pack your bags and start your journey to the North!

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