Kanak Greenland. Greenland Island. Northern Lights on Greenland

Geographical position

Greenland Island(locally called Kalallit Nunaat) is the largest island on Earth, located northeast of the North American mainland. It is washed by the Baffin Sea in the west, the Labrador Sea in the south, the Greenland Sea in the east (all belonging to the Atlantic Ocean) and the Arctic Ocean in the north.

The length of the island from north to south is 2690 km, the greatest width is 1300 km. Total area - 2166 thousand square meters. km (of which only 410.4 thousand sq. km are to one degree or another free from ice).

Capital

The administrative center is Nuuk (Gothob).

How to get there

The most convenient way to get to the island is from Denmark. National carrier Air Greenland flies from Copenhagen to Kangerlussuaq (four flights per week in winter and eight in summer) in the west of the country and Narsarsuaq (one flight per week in winter and three in summer) in the south. The flight time to Kangerlussuaq and Narsarsuaq is the same - 4.5 hours.

The Icelandic airline Air Iceland (NB! not Icelandair, namely Air Iceland;) flies all year round from Reykjavik airport to Kulusuk (twice a week in winter and every day in summer) and Nerlerit Inaat in eastern Greenland. During the summer, Air Iceland also flies to Narsarsuaq and Ilulissat several times a week, and to Nuuk 2-4 times a week. Travel time to Kulusuk and Narsarsuaq from Reykjavik is ~2 hours.

Visa

To travel to Greenland, you must obtain a visa in advance. The visa is issued at the visa centers of Denmark and Iceland in Moscow, St. Petersburg, Novosibirsk, Rostov-on-Don, Kazan, Samara, Nizhny Novgorod, Krasnodar and Krasnoyarsk.

Climate

The climate on the island of Greenland is subarctic marine and arctic. And the continental Arctic is characteristic of the ice sheet region. Quite often the island is crossed by cyclones, which very dramatically change the climate in Greenland. This is how constant temperature changes occur, strong winds blow and precipitation falls. The ice here covers a colossal area, more than 10 times the size of Great Britain. The weight of this ice forces the earth's crust to subside, forming a concave-shaped basin that reaches a depth of 360 m below sea level. Icebergs constantly float near the coast and are constantly in motion.

Population

The total population is about 56.3 thousand people. Of these, the indigenous inhabitants of the island - Greenlanders (Inuit, people of the Arctic group of the Mongoloid race) - make up about 87%, and Danes and people from other European countries - 13%. At the same time, the local population is heterogeneous - the inhabitants of the western part of Greenland consider themselves a separate people (it was they who were the founders of the term “Greenlander”, since, unlike the inhabitants of the eastern part of the island, they do not consider themselves Inuit). Europeans call local residents Eskimos, which is not entirely true - the term "Eskimo" ("raw food eater") was born in the languages ​​of the Indian tribes of North America and gradually began to be used to refer to the Inuit tribes of the continental USA and Canada, to which the inhabitants of Greenland do not belong.

Almost the entire population of the island lives on a narrow coastal strip between the ice sheet and the sea.

Political state

The island of Greenland (Kalaallit Nunaat) has been a self-governing territory within Denmark since May 1979, a unique case of parliamentary democracy within a constitutional monarchy.

Officially, the head of state is the Queen of Denmark, represented on the island by the High Commissioner (appointed by the monarch). The head of government is the prime minister, elected by the country's parliament (usually this position is given to the leader of the party or coalition that won the last election).

The legislative body is the unicameral Landstinget parliament (31 deputies are elected by secret ballot on a proportional basis, the term of office is 4 years). Parliament is responsible for all matters of domestic policy and legislation (Denmark remains in charge of foreign policy, defense, justice and finance). The people of Greenland elect two representatives to the Danish parliament, the Folketing.

Administratively, the country is divided into 3 districts (landsdele) - Avanna (Nordgrönland), Tuna (Ostgrönland) and Kita (Vestgrönland), which in turn are divided into 18 municipalities.

Nature

The harsh climatic conditions of the island also affected wildlife. Naturally, the island's vegetation is present in places that are free from ice cover. Thus, in the south of the island, dwarf birch, rowan, dwarf alder and willow grow, and there are thickets of shrubs, sedge and mixed-grass meadows. On the western coast of the island up to approximately 80° north latitude in the tundra there are dwarf birch, blueberries and crowberry, closer to the north there are mosses and lichens, on the northern coast (Piri Land), free of ice, there is Arctic desert vegetation (mosses and lichens).

The fauna, unlike the plant world, is more diverse. The coast is home to mammals such as reindeer, polar bear, musk ox, and sometimes polar wolf and arctic fox. The oceanic coastal waters are home to large numbers of bowhead whales, harp seals, walruses and many other polar animals.

Birds on the island are represented mainly by eiders, gulls, and white (arctic) partridge is a little less common.

Among the fish that live in the waters adjacent to the island, the commercially available species are halibut, cod, capelin, salmon and arctic dwarf shark. There are also a lot of crustaceans in the waters of Greenland, especially shrimp and crab.

Hotels, hotels, prices

Like all five-star hotels in the world, this category can be safely classified as- the best hotels in Greenland. They fully feel comfort and national flavor. As for such things as fitness centers, saunas, swimming pools, hydromassage baths, they are available here in abundance. All this allows you to experience all the charm of luxurious life in a hotel. All five-star hotels in Greenland are mostly located in major cities of the country. Their location is typical in close proximity to all major attractions. A feature of hotels of this level is the ability of the staff to speak several languages. The luxury of such hotels is simply amazing.
There are also a large number of hotels with lower levels of service - these are three-star hotels. The three-star hotel in Greenland is an equally comfortable option; the daily rate also includes a delicious breakfast. You can book a hotel in Greenland via the Internet; our website will help resolve all issues related to this. It is possible to choose the best option in terms of price and location. Opt for an inexpensive hotel located in a picturesque rural area or choose a more luxurious option, for example, hotels in the center of Greenland, in the center of the main cities.

Accommodation prices in Greenland
As for the average prices in hotels in the country, they are approximately as follows. Five-star double rooms cost approximately $300 to $500. Four stars from 150 to 300, then on a decreasing scale, the fewer stars, the lower, and accordingly the cost of the room. It is worth noting that in Greenland, inexpensive farm hotels located, as the name implies, in rural areas are becoming increasingly popular. In addition, there are a large number of establishments that operate on a bed-and-breakfast basis. Due to the fact that the country is small in size, distance from large cities does not matter.

Greenland is an island almost completely covered by glaciers. What else do people know about him? Where it is located? Who lives there? And who owns Greenland?

Geographical information

Greenland is the largest island in the world. Its area is slightly less than 2,200 thousand km 2. The length is about 2600 km, and the maximum width is 1200 km.

It is located near the northeastern part of North America, between the Atlantic and Arctic oceans.

Despite its impressive size, it is sparsely populated. This is easily explained by the fact that less than 20% of the total area is suitable for life, since Greenland is an island covered by more than 80% with a thick layer of ice.

The island's population is about 56 thousand people living on its southwestern coast due to the milder climate. In summer, the air temperature here rises to +10 degrees, in winter it averages -7. In the central part, in winter the temperature often drops below -40 degrees, and in the summer it does not reach positive levels, mainly fluctuating around -10 degrees. The largest city is the capital - Nuuk (Gothob).

Colonization of the island

Europeans learned about the island only in the 10th century. Then it was a completely empty place without permanent residents. Therefore, the question of who owned Greenland simply did not arise in those days. The Vikings began to truly explore the island. The first was Erik Rowdy (Red), who was banished from Iceland for three years for a murder he committed.

Together with his family and servants, he sailed towards Greenland in 982. From the tops of the Icelandic mountains on clear days one could observe its lands, so the Viking went in this direction out of curiosity.

During his stay there, Eric was able to explore a large area quite well, but did not meet a single person. He is the author of the name of the island, which literally means “Green Land”. There are several versions regarding such an interesting name. According to one of them, in those days the climate was warmer and milder, so Greenland was an island that was truly covered with greenery.

According to the second version, the name was nothing more than an advertising gimmick that served as a bait for the residents of Iceland to go explore new territories. After returning from exile, Eric began to recruit volunteers to go to explore Greenland. As a result, the Viking was able to gather a sufficient number of volunteers, but not all ships managed to reach Greenland: only 14 out of 25 successfully completed the very difficult journey. And as a result, the first European state was founded.

End of independence

Greenland retained its absolute independence until 1261, when the inhabitants of the colony decided to swear allegiance to the king of Norway. He had to ensure that the island was supplied with everything necessary, and the inhabitants of Greenland, in turn, paid taxes to the Norwegian treasury. At the same time, the colony retained the opportunity to live according to its own laws.

Norway entered into a personal union in 1380 with Denmark. This union became the basis for Denmark's claims to the island, which it presented several centuries later. Since the 18th century, Denmark has been the state that owns Greenland.

New period of development

For various reasons, the colony of European settlers disappeared from Greenland by 1540. Only the Inuit remained.

Due to the final unification of the Norwegian and Danish kingdoms into one, which took place in 1536, the question of who owned Greenland was resolved by itself. It has now become the place of jurisdiction of Denmark rather than Norway.

At the same time, the island was an abandoned territory. Regular expeditions resumed only in 1578. And in the 17th century, the waters of Greenland became more visited due to the development of whaling. On the shores of the island there were sometimes short-term stops for sailors, but no new settlements were created.

In 1814, Norway separated from the Danish Kingdom, which retained Greenland. Denmark managed to retain all of its overseas colonies. The kingdom's influence grew stronger in Greenland, but its laws applied only to the Danes who lived here. The Inuit who also inhabited these lands and their descendants who migrated from Canada were not subject to these laws.

At the beginning of the 20th century, after Norway gained sovereignty, it laid claim to Greenland. As a result of legal disputes, the island was finally transferred to Denmark.

During World War II, Denmark was physically unable to govern such a remote territory. Due to various strategic interests in Greenland, the island's relationship with Canada and the United States has intensified.

Modern life

Greenland's colonial status ended in 1953 when it officially became part of Denmark. But due to the divergence of interests of the population of the island and the kingdom, they began to fight for autonomy, which they achieved in 1982. It was further expanded in 2009. And in 1985, Greenland left the EU, which is an absolutely unique case.

The area of ​​Greenland is 50 times larger than Denmark, and the population is 100 times smaller. Most of the inhabitants are Inuit, and only 10% are European.

The main activities of the local population are fishing and hunting. The island has good air connections, with a sufficient level of high technology development.

It is an attractive place for tourists. Here you can enjoy unforgettable views, admire the northern lights, and get acquainted with Eskimo cuisine.

Due to the fact that the inhabitants of the island zealously defend their interests, it is quite difficult to say unconditionally who owns Greenland. Legally it is Danish territory, but with such broad autonomy it belongs to the inhabitants themselves. Perhaps, after some time, Greenland will completely separate from Denmark and become an independent state.

The article talks about the largest island in the world, which is occupied by Greenland. What is its history, what country does it belong to and what is there in general? At the same time, try to guess how much one kilogram of cheese costs on the island? At the end of the page you will find the answer!

According to the latest census, 60 thousand people live here. All of them are concentrated in 18 cities and 59 villages. The rest of the land is occupied by glaciers. At last count, 84% of Greenland is covered with ice. For this reason, the island regularly supplies new icebergs to the ocean. Scientists talk about a figure of 15 thousand blocks per year. By the way, it was one of them that sank the Titanic more than a hundred years ago.

Interesting:

• The area of ​​Greenland is 2,166,086 km². This is 50 times larger than Denmark, to which it belongs;
• Here is the world's largest national park, the largest glacier and only one very modest fountain;
• From mid to mid, the northern lights regularly blaze in the sky. From now on it is a polar day and the sun practically never sets.
• Population: 57 thousand people. 90% of them are Inuit (Eskimos). The rest are Europeans. Most often Danes.

Where is it located on the world map

Who owns Greenland

Greenland is the largest island on the planet. It is incorrect to call it a country, since it is part of the Kingdom of Denmark, has its representatives in parliament and uses Danish kroner in circulation. On the other hand, the inhabitants of the island have great autonomy. Here are three examples of the waywardness of the northerners:

• Greenland has left the European Union, although it belongs to Denmark.
• To get to the ice island, Russians and residents of many other countries will need a visa. Schengen does not apply here.
• What language do the locals speak? The main language is Greenlandic, not Danish. Although the latter is known and understood on the island, just like English.

Why this name and a brief history

The name for the “Green Land” was invented by the Scandinavian navigator Eric the Red at the very end of the 10th century. It was he who founded the first settlement on the island, after he was expelled from Iceland for 3 years for double murder. Back then the southern coastal zone was indeed greener than it is now. But there is a version that Eric the Red deliberately gave the new land a euphonious name in order to lure new colonizers.

By the beginning of the 15th century, the climate worsened. Glaciers crawled to the outskirts of the island, plague raged on the island and the colonists were forced to leave their settlements. For a while, all connections between Greenland and Europe were interrupted. The island became a haven for rare pirate ships and wild Inuit tribes. Regular expeditions resumed only in 1605. Since then, the colonization of the island has not stopped.

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Important Features

The thickness of the ice here is from one and a half to three kilometers. They say that if all the Greenland ice melted, the water level in the world's oceans would rise by seven meters.

Before your trip, it is important to understand that there are no large settlements on the island. Local cities are small Inuit villages inhabited by at most several hundred people. Even Gothob (Nuuk), the capital of Greenland, barely has 15 thousand inhabitants. In this regard, you should not count on vibrant city life: nightclubs, a wide selection of bars, museums and shopping centers.

This is, first of all, a country of wild, untouched nature, where any influence or even human presence goes unnoticed. You will feel like an invisible grain of sand against the backdrop of the vast white desert, especially on the ice sheet of the central part of the island, where the harsh arctic climate prevails, and temperatures often reach -60.

Animal world

Greenland is a completely unimaginable region of permafrost. Only 30 species of mammals live here, 22 of which are marine. Greenland is home to 170 species of birds, and more than 100 species of fish swim in the surrounding waters.

Polar bears roam freely on the ice. Sometimes they wander into villages. Coastal areas are occupied by walruses, seals, seals and sea otters, which carefreely bask on the pebbles. On the East Coast you can find polar wolves, hares, reindeer and herds of musk oxen. Several species of dolphins and whales live in coastal waters: Greenland, blue, narwhal, beluga and others.

Sights of Greenland

Ice Canyon

Once on the central plateau, visit the Ice Canyon. This amazing place was formed as a result of the inevitable melting of ice. The canyon is a zigzag, wide fracture in the body of the glacier up to 45 meters deep. Melt water of an unusual blue color flows along its bottom, which, continuing to wear away the ice, increases the area of ​​the fault every year. The heavenly color of the water contrasts with the snow-white walls of the glacier sparkling in the sun.

Lake Motzenfeld and the Koororsuaq Valley

The reservoir is located in a harsh and inaccessible area. The lake is constantly fed by melting glaciers, it has an unusual angular shape and is surrounded by huge, sharp peaks that rise into the sky to a height of 1600 meters. The only road to Motzenfeld runs through the equally harsh, but even more picturesque Koororssuaq valley. The Koorkup Kuua River flows along its bottom: flowing out of the lake, and on its sides it is supported by two giants - the ice giants Illerfissalik and Suusukutaussa.

Mountain Uummannaq

From afar the mountain Uummannaq looks like a heart. It rises above the snow cover to a height of 1170 meters and appears before the eyes of the tourist in successively alternating colors of black, white and red. The mountain changes shades depending on the lighting.

In addition, you can go on a short kayak trip off the South-West coast to appreciate the true size of passing icebergs, visit the world's largest fjord, Scoresbysand, cutting 250 kilometers inland, and simply relax from people in the vast snow-covered expanses.

Entertainment

Much of the local entertainment is based in nature. Here are the most popular ways to spend time in this harsh region:

• Hikes of all kinds;
• Rides in dog parks;
• Swimming on kayaks, boats and boats;
• Traditional winter activities: snowboarding, skiing, snowmobiling, etc.
• Rock climbing;
• Observation of wild animals: whales, deer, bears, seals, etc.;
• Photo tours of local landscapes;
• Aerial inspection of the glacier and other beauties;
• Visiting traditional holidays: the main ones occur in February, and.

Please note that hunting in Greenland is prohibited for tourists. To fish, you will need to buy a license at the tourist office. Violating the rules is fraught with huge fines and expulsion from the island.

What visa is needed

If you are not a citizen of Denmark or other Scandinavian countries, you will need a visa to visit Greenland. At the same time, Schengen, through which you can get to Denmark itself, will not work here. A special document is required. You can get it at the Danish embassy or consulate, which can be found in Moscow, St. Petersburg, Rostov-on-Don and Novosibirsk. Don't forget to indicate that you need a visa specifically for Greenland. If you intend to spend more than three months there, you will need a residence permit.

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How to get to the harsh north

The easiest way to visit the world's largest island is to take a plane ticket from Copenhagen. There are other options, but for residents of Russia this is the most optimal. Planes from the Danish capital almost always land at one of two airports: Kangerlussuaq or Narsarsuaq. You can reach your destination using local airlines Air Greenland or Arctic Umiaq Line. Because there are no railways on the largest island in the world. There is also a problem here with regular highways. They say the climate is to blame.

According to one saying
"If you have seen the whole world,
Greenland always remains.”

1. Greenland is the largest island in the world. It is located between Europe and America, 740 km from the North Pole. Greenland has an area of ​​2,130,800 km², of which 410,400 km² are somewhat ice-free. The length of the island from north to south is 2690 km, the greatest width is 1300 km.

2. Geographically, this country belongs to North America, but politically it is considered a self-governing province of Denmark. Although Greenland is 50 times larger in area than Denmark, the number of inhabitants of the island does not exceed the population of a small city. The reason for this is the cold - most of the island is covered with a layer of ice almost 2 miles (3 km) thick.

3. The population of Greenland is 56,890 people, which gives a population density of 0.027 people/km².

4. Almost all the inhabitants live on the southwest coast, on a narrow coastal strip between the ice sheet and the sea, because it has a milder climate. The main peoples on the territory of Greenland are the Greenlandic Eskimos (in the local language - Inuit) who make up about 90% of the total population. The remaining 10% are mainly Danes and other Europeans.

5. The Eskimos were the first people to settle in Greenland. Around 985 AD. e. Vikings from Norway and Iceland arrived here and named this ice-covered island Greenland (“green land”) in order to attract more settlers to it. Since 1380, Greenland has been under Danish rule almost forever, but was granted internal self-government in 1979.

6. Europeans call local residents Eskimos, which is not entirely true - the term "Eskimo" ("raw food eater") was born in the languages ​​of the Indian tribes of North America and gradually began to be used to refer to the Inuit tribes of the continental USA and Canada, to which the inhabitants of Greenland do not belong.

7. Administratively, the country is divided into 3 districts (landsdele) - Avanna (Nordgrönland), Tuna (Ostgrönland) and Kita (Vestgrönland), which in turn are divided into 18 municipalities.

8. The capital of Greenland, Nuuk (Gothob), is the largest settlement on the island. The city is a very unusual “fusion” of old European architecture, a few examples of the original Greenlandic school of urban planning and huge (and rather faceless) residential areas built on the block principle. From a bird's eye view, the city looks as if it was built from a child's Lego set, and the only pleasant exception to its appearance is the old quarters of Kolonihavnen - the historical core of Nuuk.

9. The flag of Greenland was adopted in 1985 and has a red and white coloring, which symbolizes the island's political connection with Denmark. The figures depicted on the flag of Greenland, according to one version, represent the setting and rising Greenland sun, according to another, the red half of the circle is the fjords of Greenland, the white half is icebergs, the red and white background illustrates the ocean and the ice cap.

10. The coat of arms of Greenland is an image of a polar bear on a blue shield. The blue color represents the geographical position of Greenland (between two oceans), and the polar bear, being one of the symbols of the island, characterizes the fauna of Greenland.

11. The territory of Greenland is divided into four time zones. Time in the capital Nuuk and most major cities on the southern coast is 6 hours behind Moscow.

12. The climate of the coasts is marine, subarctic and arctic; in the area of ​​the ice sheet - continental Arctic. The island is often crossed by cyclones, accompanied by strong winds, sudden changes in temperature and precipitation. Strong katabatic winds blow from the expanses of the ice sheet almost all year round, the speed of which sometimes reaches 60-70 meters per second.

13. The average temperature in January on the coast is from −7 °C in the south to −36 °C in the north, in July - from +10 °C in the south to +3 °C in the northwest. In the center of Greenland, the average temperature in February is −47 °C (absolute minimum −70 °C), July is −12 °C. In summer, daytime temperatures sometimes rise to +21°C, but often even during this period in the central regions of the island it barely exceeds 0°C (on the coasts, especially on the western coast, the air warms up much better).

14. The average annual precipitation in the south is about 1080 mm, in the capital - up to 600 mm, in the far north - 100-200 mm. The maximum amount of precipitation occurs in the autumn-winter period, but at any time of the year, due to the instability of the local weather, it can snow.

15. If the Greenland ice were to completely melt, global sea levels would rise by 7 meters.

16. England, Scotland and Wales, France, Italy, Holland, Belgium and Norway could be located on the territory of Greenland.

17. The thickness of the ice shell covering Greenland is on average one and a half thousand meters.

18. The highest peak of Greenland and the entire Arctic is Gunbjorn, 3,700 m.

19. Occupations of the population - hunting, fishing.

20. Official language: Greenlandic. The Home Rule Act mandates universal learning of the Danish language

21. Political system - parliamentary democracy within the framework of a constitutional monarchy

22. Head of state - Queen of Denmark (from January 14, 1972 - Margrethe II), represented by the High Commissioner (from January 31, 2011 - Mikaela Engell)

23. Parliament - unicameral Landstinget (31 deputies are elected by secret ballot on a proportional basis, term of office - 4 years). Parliament is responsible for all matters of domestic policy and legislation (Denmark remains in charge of foreign policy, defense, justice and finance). The people of Greenland elect two representatives to the Danish parliament, the Folketing.

24. Monetary unit: Danish krone (designated DKK according to the ISO standard, domestically kr.), in 1 kroner 100 øre. 1 DKK = 5.28 RUB, 10 DKK = 1.66 USD.

25. Most locals receive money directly to their credit card, so using it is easy. ATMs are found in abundance in all localities, and most of them freely accept cards from the world's leading payment systems (Diners Club, VISA, Eurocheque Card, Eurocard/Mastercard, Maestro, Cirrus, Dankort, etc.), issuing crowns on them.

26. The price level on the island is quite high. Greenland independently provides itself only with fish and seafood, as well as some meat products - everything else has to be imported, which naturally affects prices. Even compared to far from cheap Scandinavian countries, prices here are approximately 10% higher, and alcoholic beverages, tobacco products, dairy products, vegetable oil, as well as fresh fruits and vegetables are 14-20% more expensive. At the same time, the range of goods in stores is no less than in any European country.

27. You can easily have a snack in a cafe for 25 DKK (~$4.1) - 60 DKK (~$9.8), lunch in a restaurant will cost 60 DKK (~$9.8) - 120 DKK (~$19.7) and more , and in a high-level establishment - 120 DKK (~$19.7) - 250 DKK (~$41.0). It is quite possible to find a budget hotel for 120 DKK (~$19.7) - 350 DKK (~$57.4) per day, mid-level hotels will cost 350 DKK (~$57.4) - 900 DKK (~$147.6), and high-class hotels now charge up to 900 DKK (~$147.6) - 1500 DKK (~$246.0) per day for their services (there are quite modern hotels in almost all major cities). Transport services and fuel, electricity, all local goods and souvenirs, as well as many luxury items are very expensive.
The cost of service is usually included in the bill; additional tips are rare.

28. Domain zone on the Internet.gl

29. Internet services on the island are excellent - Greenland is one of the world leaders in consumption of network services per capita. High-speed Internet access terminals and Wi-Fi hotspots are installed in all hotels, post offices and office complexes. Internet cafes are found in abundance in all populated areas, in tourist offices and some public libraries.

30. The cellular communication system covers almost all settlements of the coastal areas of the island and adjacent island groups (unstable reception is observed only in the central areas). Roaming with the local operator TELE Greenland A/S is available to subscribers of the largest Russian operators through the foreign partners of this company.

31. Most of the capital's historical collections are concentrated in the National Museum of Greenland. It houses a unique collection of objects and documents illuminating the island’s past over the past four and a half thousand years, including a unique mummy from Kilakitsoq (circa XIV-XV centuries), extensive exhibitions of folk costume, vehicles (including various dog sleds) , kayaks and umiaks of all centuries), traditional tools, arts and crafts items and a large geological exhibition.

32. In the capital of Greenland, Nuuk, to the south of the city tourist office, on the very shore of the Baffin Sea, there is the famous Santa Claus House with its own post office and office.

33. In the city of Qaqortoq there is a square city fountain, the only one in Greenland, decorated at the base with copper plaques with the names of city burghers (although many plaques “fell victims” of souvenir hunters).

34. Just a few hours by boat or boat northeast of Qaqortoq is the best-preserved and most extensive medieval Norse settlement on the island - Hvalsey (Hvalsi). Hvalsey is even mentioned in the ancient Icelandic chronicle Flateyarbík as the site of witch burnings in the early 15th century, as well as the only place where marriages between Inuit and colonists took place. However, to this day only the ruins of several dozen houses and the picturesque Khvalsey Church have survived here.

35. The city of Upernavik, located in the fjords of the Baffin Sea on the west coast of Greenland, 800 km north of the Arctic Circle, is one of the northernmost cities on the planet and the northernmost ferry crossing in the world. This is a very beautiful, but harsh place - the locals even have a saying: “You won’t even know what real cold is until you visit Upernavik.”

36. The name of the city Upernavik is translated in a rather funny manner as “Spring Place”. Considering that the average summer temperature here is no more than +5°C, this is quite strange. However, scientists claim that when the first settlers chose this place, the climate was much milder, and therefore the city then justified its name (like all of Greenland). With the onset of a general cooling of the climate that occurred in the 16th-18th centuries, it turned into one of the coldest inhabited places on the planet. Here, hunting for polar bears and sea animals, prohibited almost everywhere in the world and, as an exception, allowed to local residents, is one of the few ways to feed a family here.

37. A popular three-hour excursion from Upernavik's highest peak, Inusussak, to the northern tip of the island, Najarsuit, passes through an absolutely magical landscape. Stones interspersed with colored minerals of all colors and shades, veins of natural graphite, the unique acoustics of the valleys, allowing the whisper to spread for many kilometers - all this can be seen and felt only here.

38. West of the city of Ilulissat, 300 km north of the Arctic Circle and 600 km north of the capital, splash the waters of Disko Bay, which is perhaps the most famous bay of Greenland. This is a real “country of icebergs” - up to a thousand ice mountains of all sizes constantly “cruise” on the surface of the bay, as coastal glaciers slide into the sea at a speed of up to 30 meters per day, which produces up to 7 million tons of ice every day! This enchanting picture, only intensified in the summer by the never-setting sun in these parts, makes Disko Bay and the five towns located on its shores one of the most beautiful places on the planet.

39. In Greenland there is Mount Umanak - a natural formation of stunning beauty and the most unusual colors. The mountain is an ancient gneiss base of the continental shield, rising up in alternating black, white and red layers of rocks that change shades of color depending on the light. Although the mountain looks completely inaccessible, several expeditions still climbed to the top, but for most visitors it is enough to simply explore this unique natural formation, the only analogue of which is Mount Uluru in Australia.

40. The southern part of the island is similar to the Norwegian fjords - the same alternation of countless bays, islands, rock ridges and tiny coastal lowlands, the same harsh and majestic nature, the same lead-gray sea.

41. The southernmost city of Greenland, Nanortalik is literally surrounded by a wall of rocks soaring into the sky (they are called “skyscrapers” here), steep peaks and mountain walls framing magnificent fjords. This is a real Mecca for fans of active recreation and extreme sports; climbers will find a lot of interesting things here - the Ketil and Ulmaretorsuaq mountains are suitable even for experienced athletes.

42. In Greenland there is the fastest moving glacier in the World (Jakobshavn), moving at a speed of about 30 meters per day.

43. In the summer, the country has quite strong solar radiation - the sun stands in the sky almost all day long, and its rays are reflected both from the surface of glaciers and from the sea. It is worth bringing sunscreen, creams and good glasses, hats, as well as light scarves or headscarves to cover your neck.

44. A few things are prohibited in the country: taking photographs in churches during services, as well as of local residents without consent, fishing without a license (from 75 DKK for 1 day, up to 500 DKK for a month) and littering.

45. The best time to visit the country is during the polar “white nights” from May to July or for lovers of winter fun - in April.

46. ​​In Greenland there are no roads or railways between cities. Therefore, you can get from one end of the island to the other either by water or by air. Closely located cities and towns are connected to each other via snowmobiles and dog sleds, if the weather cooperates.

47. The national airline, Air Greenland, operates many plane and helicopter flights throughout the island. Airplanes like the Dash-7 can carry 50 passengers at a time and fly at an altitude of 4-5 km above sea level, which guarantees fantastic views of glaciers and snowdrifts. Helicopters mostly fly between cities located in the south of the country.

48. Another popular way to travel around Greenland is by ship. Arctic Umiaq Line's Sarfaq Ittuk passenger ship operates regular services from April to December between the city of Narsarsuaq in the south of the country and Ilulissat in the north. During the summer season it is better to book in advance.

49. Souvenirs from Greenland are unique works of art: they are not made in China, they are not created according to one template, but are made by hand by folk craftsmen, which is why they are quite expensive. The most popular souvenir is a figurine of tupilak, which according to local belief means “spirit”. Today they are made from completely different materials: teeth, bones, stones or wood, and they can be found everywhere in shops and tourist offices in large cities. However, it is worth keeping in mind that tupilaki made from whale teeth cannot be exported.

50. Jewelry and jewelry made from local stones are also popular. For example, tugtupit, which is distinguished by its rich pink or purple flowers, is born in a single place on Earth - the city of Narsaq, in southern Greenland. Jewelry made from nuummit stone (a radiant dark brown color) and grønlanditten stone, which has a fresh green tint, look especially beautiful. When purchasing a cute bracelet or beads, ask the seller to issue a CITES certificate, which will allow you to export the jewelry from Greenland.

51. As terrible as it may sound, traditional Greenlandic cuisine does not involve any heat treatment of food. If it is whale skin with a layer of fat (mattak delicacy), then they eat it fresh, just, excuse me, skinned. Extreme lovers, of course, will have no problem finding restaurants offering some of the country’s national dishes. A delicacy of national cuisine is a mixture of partridge droppings with seal fat... A fairly popular dish in these parts consists of narwhal fat, water, walrus brains and fermented grass extracted from the first stomach of a reindeer. However, the more European-minded stomachs of tourists will not remain empty either: recently, traditional methods of cooking are increasingly retreating under the onslaught of international cuisine and fast food.

52. Fish and seafood in Greenlandic cuisine are used in almost all forms - raw, salted, pickled, dried, baked in ash. The assortment also includes delicacies - dried halibut and ammasat, cod liver, shrimp and crabs in all types, as well as shark meat and seabird eggs.

53. Popular drinks - black tea and tea with milk (which often replaces the first course, with added fat, salt and spices), deer milk, "kaffemik" - a specific Greenlandic coffee, which is prepared from coffee, sugar and three types of alcohol with whipped cream (often it is also set on fire when serving).

54. Greenland National Park, located in the northeast of the island, is the largest and most inaccessible nature reserve on the planet. In addition, it has been closed to outside researchers for many years. UNESCO recently included it in its list of biosphere reserves of global importance, and for good reason - the park has a vast area of ​​relict tundra, which is home to musk oxen, polar bears, polar wolves and a wide variety of forms of Arctic plants.

55. Currently, Greenland remains one of the few places on the planet little affected by human activity, a place of fantastic opportunities for both extreme recreation and sports, and for eco-tourism. Vast tundra, a picturesque coastline with its fjords and pristine shores, monstrous glaciers that “give birth” to icebergs right before the eyes of observers, year-round opportunities for ice clambering, snowboarding and skiing, unique (albeit scarce) nature, a sea rich in living creatures, The silent Inuit with their unique culture and fantastic adaptability to the harsh local conditions - all this constantly attracts more and more tourists here.

Contrasts: it is green and white, icy and grassy, ​​with a polar day and a polar night, with the night sun and northern silence. In some places in Greenland there is life, but in others there is complete silence. In the northern part, it is almost immobile in the cold, and in the south there is an abundant amount of ice icebergs sliding from the shores. The nature of this island is no less amazing in comparison with other islands on earth.

Greenland has an area of ​​2,175,600 sq. km. The largest islands on Earth, such as New Guinea, Kalimantan, Madagascar, Baffin Island, have an area several times smaller than the area of ​​Greenland. has a length from north to south of 2690 km, from west to east 1300 km.

The name of the island was given by the Vikings, who arrived in the southwestern part in the 10th century. The coast of the island in the summer was covered with green grass, so this new land was called Greenland. Translated from the Viking language, it means green country. At that time, the Vikings did not yet know that the main part of the island was covered with ice. And, probably, it would be more accurate to call the island white. Locals call Kalallit Island Nunaat.

Where is it located?

Greenland is located northeast of the mainland. In the north it is washed by the Atlantic Ocean and the Greenland Sea in the east. On the western side, the island is washed by the Baffin and Davis Seas and the Labrador Sea. The Danish is separated from the island of Iceland. in the southern part the island crosses the Arctic Circle. Most of the island lies north of the Arctic Circle.

Greenland stretches between the 60th and 82nd parallel north latitude. The island lies between the 70th and 120th meridian west longitude.

In the northeast, the island is washed by the cold Greenland Current, and from the south a branch of the warm Gulf Stream approaches. The warm current softens the climate of this northern land from the south and west.

History of the study

The first Europeans to arrive off the coast of Greenland were the Viking Erik the Red. The people who arrived with him founded the first settlements on the west coast. Contact with Europe ceased in the 15th century, and Greenland was rediscovered by Europeans in 1578.

In 1721 the island became a colony of Denmark, and in 1953 it became part of the Danish kingdom. In 1979, Greenland received self-government status. The head is the Danish monarch, and the governor represents his power. The main city on the island is Nuuk.

Nature of Greenland

Relief

Greenland formed within the ancient Canadian Shield. The shield is composed of gneisses, granites, quartzites and is overlain by sandy and clayey deposits. The island has minerals: graphite, marble, brown coal, lead and uranium ores.

This map shows the surface of Greenland without the glacier. In the eastern and southern parts there is a large mountain range. In the western part, an ancient crystalline shield comes to the surface. In the center of the northern part

The eastern part of Greenland is formed by ridges of younger mountains. This part is separated from the shield by a deep fault. Under the influence of tectonic processes and lower glacier pressure, the eastern part is higher than the western part. The highest points of the island are located here - Mount Gunbjorn (3700 m) and Trout (3360 m), which are located on the Watkins Ridge.

There are many ancient massifs in the eastern part. The shores are heavily indented by deep and long fjords. They are blocked by icebergs that slid from the glacier. On the outskirts of Greenland, depressions on the surface of the earth are visible in the form of long furrows left by sliding glaciers.

Glaciers

found in cold areas of land and oceans. On land, the largest ice areas are in the Patagonian Glacial Plateau and in Greenland. On the island of Greenland, glaciers occupy 80% of its territory. The ice sheet covers the island in a thick layer. In many places on the island, the earth's crust subsided under the weight of the ice sheet, creating concave basins up to 360 meters below sea level.

Scientists believe that glaciers in Greenland formed 150 thousand years ago. There are two domes in the ice sheet of the island: northern and southern. The two domes are separated by a depression. The northern ice dome has a height of 3300 meters, and the southern one 2730 meters.

In Greenland, the volume of ice is 2.6 million sq. km. The area of ​​the glacier is 1834 thousand square meters. km. The average ice thickness is 2300 meters. There are many cracks on the surface of the glacier, some reach depths of 30–40 meters. The glacier moves at a speed of approximately 150 meters per year. In the north of the island the glacier is almost motionless. In the southern part, icebergs break off from the outlet ice, which moves at a speed of 20–40 meters per day. There are a lot of them off the coast of the island, and the fiords are sometimes completely clogged with them. There is snow on the surface of the ice. The area of ​​glaciers is currently decreasing, this is explained by global warming on the planet. Island glacier - .

Climate

The climate in Greenland is subarctic and arctic. Greenland is one of the coldest areas in the world. On the coast of the island there is a sea coast, and in the center of the island there is a continental coast. The climate-forming factor is its northern position, white surface, cold and warm currents, and the influence of the ocean. The warm current approaches the island from the south, which is why the climate of the southern part is much warmer and more humid compared to the northern part.

Average temperatures in January are -27 degrees, in July +7, +9 degrees. Very rarely the temperature in summer rises to +21 degrees.

The average rainfall is 100-200 mm per year. Precipitation most often falls in the form of snow. In the east it snows 103 days a year, and in the western part it snows 55 days. There are often fogs off the coast of Greenland. Winds constantly blow on the island, their speed reaches 60 - 70 m/sec.

The climate of Greenland is very harsh. It is very difficult for a person to survive in such climatic conditions.

Vegetation

The vegetation of Greenland is sparse and is found only in the southern regions of the island where there are no glaciers. Arctic deserts with small islands of mosses and lichens are common in the northern part of Greenland.

In the southern part, tundra vegetation predominates: mosses, lichens, dwarf birches and willows, creeping shrubs, wild rosemary, blueberries, cloudberries, and herbs. Trees no more than 4 meters high. 46 plant species appeared on the island with the arrival of Europeans. The flora is richer on the west coast. In summer, you can see about 5 00 plant species.

The island has its own world record in the plant world. The world's northernmost plant grows here. This is a saxifrage.

Animal world

The fauna is also not very rich. The island is home to polar bear, reindeer, arctic fox, musk ox, and polar wolf. In summer, birds fly here: gulls, eiders, guillemots, cormorants, and ptarmigan. There are a large number of marine inhabitants around the island: 30 species of mammals, 120 species of fish. There are an abundance of midges and mosquitoes here in the summer.

Seals are of great importance to the population. There are several types of them: ringed seal, bearded seal, spotted seal and Greenland seal. Ringed seals are often found in fiords off the coast. Seals are the main object of hunting. People use them for food, cover their homes with skins, and sew traditional fur clothing.

Many whale species live off the coast of Greenland, including the bowhead whale, humpback whale, blue whale, and narwhal. Whales have been severely exterminated, and their fishing is now prohibited.

Population

Greenland has a population of 57,611 (1995). The density is very low, only 0.027 h/sq.km. The national composition is represented by Eskimos and Danes. Eskimos 86%, Danes 14%. The national language in Greenland is Danish. The main city is Nuuk, with a population of 15,469 people. The population is engaged in fishing and hunting, making souvenirs for tourists. Fish is an important food product and a major export product to Europe.

Greenland – an island of contrasts

This is a white and green land.

In the southern regions there is active life, in the north there is complete silence.

There is a polar night and a polar day.

In summer it is 24 hours a day, in winter it is 24 hours a day at night.

This land has a white vast expanse and the blue waters of the ocean around it.

There are no roads, and the main means of transport is dog sleds, the most convenient in Greenland conditions. People use Greenland huskies for transportation. In Greenland, dog sled racing is organized as a spectacular attraction for tourists. dog sledding trips are also offered.

Beautiful bright glow of the northern lights and terrible bottomless cracks in the ice, huge icebergs.