How old is Greenland? Who owns the island of Greenland? Attractions and entertainment in Greenland

The island of Greenland is the largest island on the planet. Greenland - "Green Land", why is this island called that? After all, almost the entire island is covered with a layer of ice, in some places it reaches one kilometer. A huge icy desert, at the edges of which, in the coastal areas of the island, there is lush green vegetation. That is why it is called “Green Land”.

Who owns the island of Greenland

Unlike Antarctica, whose land is neutral, Greenland is an autonomous region of Denmark. Until 1536 the island belonged to Norway. In 1979, the Danish parliament granted it wide autonomy. Today the island with its capital Nuuk is an autonomous region within Denmark. Not a bad addition to Denmark, autonomy the size of half of Europe.

The population of the island is 58 thousand people. Of which about 90% live on the southwest coast. Here are the largest cities in Greenland: Nuuk - the capital, Qaqortoq, Sisimiut and Maniitsok. The city of Upernavik is the northernmost city in Greenland; the air temperature here in summer does not exceed 5 degrees.

The official languages ​​of Greenland are Greenlandic and Danish. Greenlandic is a language belonging to the Eskimo-Aleut group of languages. Many people here also speak English.

The depths of the island of Greenland contain many minerals. This is oil, nickel, gold and so on, but the main mineral resource of the island is considered to be fresh water, which is stored in the ice of Greenland.

The nature of Greenland attracts the attention of thousands of tourists. This is an ideal place for lovers of active and extreme recreation. The harsh climate of the island requires physically prepared people; frostbites have no place here, because the temperature in the central and northeastern regions drops to 47 - 65 degrees below zero. The impressions after walking through the icy desert on dog sleds can be very vivid. They harness the huskies, of course.

The northern part is considered a very popular place on the island; here you can see icebergs of various shapes and sizes.

The northern part is also famous for the fact that there is Greenland National Park, but it is very difficult to get here due to the geographical location and because of the ban on staying here. The park is home to animals such as musk ox, polar wolves, and polar bears. Arctic plants are also very diverse. The special beauty of northern Greenland is the northern lights. This uniquely beautiful natural phenomenon will bring a lot of positive impressions.

Greenlandic cuisine is very unique. For many Europeans it will even seem unsuitable. The traditional food of the Greenlanders is considered to be fresh meat of marine mammals, that is, not even cooked over a fire, in a stove or oven, but taken from a literally live whale, walrus or seal. If you suddenly decide to go to Greenland, then you need to stock up on products that are familiar to us.

Greenland is the largest island on Earth. This is an amazing and unique place that requires special attention from connoisseurs of pristine nature.

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Greenland is the largest island on Earth. It is located northeast of North America. The island is bordered by the Arctic Ocean to the north, the Greenland Sea to the east, the Labrador Sea to the south and the Baffin Sea to the west. Greenland has the status of an autonomous territory of Denmark.

In Greenlandic the name of the island sounds like Kalaallit Nunaat, which literally means "Green Country". Although now such a name for a place almost completely covered with glaciers seems more than strange, this is exactly how the island appeared - covered with greenery - in 982 before its first explorer, Eirik Rauda, ​​who gave it its name.

Glaciers completely occupied Greenland only in the 15th century. Since then, it has been the world’s main “producer” of icebergs, and the same one that the Titanic ran into. In addition, the island is one of the few places in the world almost untouched by destructive human activity. There are fantastic opportunities for extreme recreation, winter sports and eco-tourism. Connoisseurs of natural resources will find unique landscapes and unique wildlife in Greenland, and lovers of ethnography will find the original culture of the Inuit, who still live according to traditions dating back thousands of years.

Climate and weather

Greenland has a very harsh climate, although it varies in different parts of the country.

In the central part of the island, an anticyclone reigns all year round, and the air temperature never rises above 0 °C. In summer the average air temperature here is -12 °C, and in winter there are frosts up to -60 °C!

The east coast is under the influence of the cold Greenland Current, so there is not much rainfall here and it is also cold, although, of course, not as much as in the central regions. In winter, the mercury drops to —30 °C, in summer the temperature is above zero, but there is ice in the waters off the coast Greenland Sea And Denmark Strait they still don't melt.

Things are much better on the west coast of Greenland. It is washed Baffin Sea, over which cyclones constantly pass. Thanks to this, the climate here is much milder than in other regions of Greenland, and much more precipitation falls - up to 1200 mm per year. In winter, the air temperature varies within -4…-20 °C, and in summer - about +8 °C. Sometimes the air can even warm up to +21 °C, although the soil temperature remains at +4 °C. In the southern points of the coast there are places where the temperature does not drop below zero even in winter. In summer, thick fogs often descend on the coast.

The best time to travel to Greenland is considered to be the period of polar “white nights” - from May to July. April is best for winter activities.

Nature

Greenland is one of the most amazing places on the planet. The vast expanse of the island first amazes with its external lifelessness, and then with its amazingly diverse natural world.

More than 80% of Greenland's territory is covered by ice sheets. The central part of the island, according to scientists, is a colossal mountain range that comes to the surface in the western part of Greenland. Greenland's highest mountains are located on the east coast of the island. Trout(3360 m) and Gunbjorn(3700 m). Without exception, all travelers are delighted Mount Uummannaq, formed by a combination of black, red and white layers of rocks that change their shades depending on the light.

There are many long fjords on the shores, which are often closed by massive icebergs, and together they present a majestic and unforgettable sight. Some fjords even have their own names, such as Scoresby Sound- the longest fjord in the world, which is located on the east coast of the island.

The flora of Greenland is sparse: only in the southern coastal part of the island can you see dwarf birch, rowan, willow, alder, and juniper. In the north, the place of trees is taken by creeping lichens, which become smaller towards the north.

But the fauna of Greenland is amazing: relict animals that have almost disappeared on the mainland are preserved here. These are caribou and musk ox. Also on the island there are polar bears, arctic foxes, and polar wolves. The world of birds is extremely diverse: Ross's goose, snowy owl, eider, barnacle goose and others live here. Coastal waters are teeming with fish (more than 120 species) and marine life (more than 30 species of mammals). Greenland pays great attention to nature conservation: about 45% of the island's area is protected areas and national parks.

Attractions

Many people imagine Greenland as an endless snowy desert. Meanwhile, the island is pleased to offer travelers a lot of attractions - natural and architectural.

Of the miraculous wonders, the most impressive here are, of course, icebergs and fjords. As they say in Greenland, no two icebergs are alike. Every year thousands of new ice mountains appear here, and the color of the iceberg changes depending on the lighting and time of day from almost transparent to blue-black.

The hot thermal springs of Greenland also cause delight and amazement among tourists. Paradoxical as it may seem, this is possible: crystal clear water (its temperature in some places reaches 380 °C!) and icebergs floating on the horizon. This “medieval SPA” (the Norwegians built unique baths here 1000 years ago) is located at the southernmost point of the island and attracts more and more tourists every year.

No less attractive are the cities of Greenland, which, thanks to their brightly colored red, blue, yellow and green houses, are called “multi-colored”.

Capital of Greenland Nuuk(or Gotthob) is the largest city by local standards. Here it is National Museum of Greenland.

City Ilulissat(“icebergs”) is one of the most popular tourist spots on the island. The main attractions of the city are: Museum of Greenland explorer Knut Rasmussen And Cold Museum.

In the city Uummannaq located Santa Claus Castle, which competes fiercely with the likes to be the world's "realest" Christmas character home.

Intrepid tourists should definitely include the city in their itinerary Upernavik, which is 800 km from Arctic Circle in the fjords of the Baffin Sea. This is the northernmost ferry crossing on the planet, and as the locals like to joke, “no one knows what it’s like to be cold until they’ve been to Upernavik.” The city is of great interest to travelers Old City Museum- the oldest in Greenland.

Nutrition

The traditional cuisine of Greenland will seem shocking to Europeans, since it does not include heat treatment of products. The traditional food of the local population is fresh meat of marine mammals. Moreover, “fresh” means taken from a freshly killed whale, walrus or seal. The carcass is cut up in a strictly established order, all parts (including bones and bile) are sorted and either consumed right there on the spot (such as a local delicacy "mattak"- whale skin with a layer of fat), or are left for further processing (in special brines, in water, in the ground, and so on).

It is unlikely that the delicate stomachs of Europeans can be seduced by local food, even when describing its healing properties (indigenous Greenlanders never suffered from scurvy or suffered from vitamin deficiency), but if you are a gastronomic extreme, you can easily find a restaurant in Greenland that serves national dishes.

Others may well enjoy the “softened” local delicacies - dried halibut, shrimp and crabs in all kinds, cod liver, shark meat and seabird eggs. In the cities there are numerous cafes and restaurants that offer European cuisine, and it is not difficult to find establishments with Western fast food.

In terms of food costs, food is not cheap in Greenland. A light snack will cost 5-10 $ in a cafe, and lunch in a regular restaurant will cost all of 20 $. In high-level establishments you can have lunch for $25-40.

Accommodation

Greenland hotels are classified by the country's Tourist Office in strict accordance with the international service rating system, that is, they have categories from 2* to 5*.

The bulk of hotels are concentrated in the capital of Greenland Nuuk, many hotels in cities such as Ilulissat And Tasiilaq. In general, it should be taken into account that not every locality has a large selection of places to stay.

Hotels are usually located in one- or two-story houses; hotel rooms have private bathrooms, telephones, televisions, and in high-class hotels - broadband Internet access. Most hotels boast beautiful views of the fjords from their room windows. The price usually includes buffet breakfast; lunch and dinner can be ordered for an additional fee.

In Greenland in the summer you can rent a cottage. Typically, the cottages are stylized as traditional Eskimo igloos, although modern materials are used in construction, and, of course, the houses have all the necessary amenities.

The average cost of a double room in a 3* hotel is $150-160 per day.

Entertainment and relaxation

Thanks to its natural features, Greenland is an ideal place for active recreation and extreme entertainment. All the routes that are offered here for tourist travel are not only interesting, but also well thought out from the point of view of organizing more or less comfortable conditions for people who are not accustomed to the climate of Greenland.

The most popular entertainment for tourists, the “calling card” of the island, is observing the aurora and polar mirages, which in these latitudes reveal truly fantastic pictures to the traveler.

Tourists smoothly move from contemplative relaxation to active ones. The following options are possible here:

• trekking;

• dog sledding trips;
• skiing;

• kayaking;
• hunting and fishing.

When it comes to hunting, you should know that in Greenland it is governed by a very strict code of regulations. Most local animals are protected by law, and hunting trophies cannot be exported from the country. So perhaps environmentally friendly activities such as the extremely popular “musk ox safari” here will be much more interesting. Near Kangerdlugssuaq The main routes for observing these relict animals are concentrated. Travelers are taken to the musk ox migration sites by snowmobile or jeep, but you can come by dog ​​sled or even walk, thus combining several types of recreation.

Local colorful holidays and festivals are also a full-fledged form of entertainment for tourists. One of the most colorful events - celebration of the end of the polar night, which takes place in January - February. In March it is interesting to visit International Snow Sculpture Festival, which takes place in Nuuk. In the summer, on June 21, all of Greenland celebrates its national holiday - Festival of the longest day of the year, this is perhaps the largest event in the country. Numerous music and ethnographic festivals, sports competitions, and traditional ceremonies are held in all cities on this day. "kaffemic"(Greenlandic coffee making), special exhibitions and festive church services.

Purchases

Large stores are usually open on weekdays from 10:00 to 17:30, on Friday the working day is extended by half an hour, and on Saturday almost all stores close at 13:00. Private shops can work according to their own schedule; some of them welcome visitors on Sunday.

Local souvenirs are truly small masterpieces of applied art. Since Chinese stampers have not yet reached Greenlandic souvenirs, folk craftsmen make them here by hand, each time creating a unique specimen. Accordingly, prices for souvenirs in Greenland are quite high. The most popular type of souvenir is a figurine "tupilak"(tupilak, that is, “spirit”). They are made from various materials: bone, wood, teeth, stone. Keep in mind that it is prohibited to export “tupilaks” made from whalebone from the country.

Jewelry made from Greenland stones is deservedly popular. For example, stone tugtupit rich pink or purple color is found in only one place on Earth - Narsak city in southern Greenland. You can't resist the beautiful decorations of their stones nuummit And grønlanditten. However, when buying jewelry with local stones, do not forget to ask the seller for a certificate for exporting jewelry from the country.

In general, the price level for goods in Greenland is very high. Prices here are about 10% higher than even in the expensive Scandinavian countries. Tobacco products, dairy products, fruits, vegetables and alcohol are especially expensive. True, the range of goods in stores will only please you.

Transport

Due to the extreme climatic conditions and terrain features in Greenland, there are no roads or railway connections between cities. You have to travel from one part of the island to another by air or water. You can get to the neighboring nearby city by snowmobile or dog sled - completely exotic!

Flights by plane and helicopter around the island are organized by the national airline Air Greenland. Local planes can accommodate up to 50 passengers and fly at an altitude of 4-5 km, so you can see truly stunning views of glaciers and giant snowdrifts from the window. Helicopter service mainly operates in southern Greenland.

It is also convenient to travel between Greenlandic cities by ship; this is a very popular form of transport here. Regular transportation between cities Ilulissat(north of the island) and Narsarsuaq(south of the country) is carried out by the company Arctic Umiaq Line. Please note that in summer, due to the influx of tourists, it is better to book tickets in advance. Flights departing from Disko Bay, operated by Disko Line.

Only two cities are connected by road in Greenland - Ivittuut And Kangilinnguit, and the total length of roads is approximately 150 km.

Connection

Greenland is one of the world leaders in the consumption of Internet services per capita. All hotels and post offices have Wi-Fi hotspots and high-speed Internet access terminals. Internet cafes are widespread in all localities.

Mobile communications are no less developed - in Greenland there are many more cell phone owners than subscribers using landline devices. Cellular communications cover almost all settlements on the coast and adjacent islands. Unstable reception is possible only in the central parts of the island. Russian tourists can use roaming from a local operator TELE Greenland A/S. You can rent a phone in the offices of this company.

Telephone communications in Greenland are provided using both cable and the latest satellite systems. Local and international calls can be made from pay phones that work with prepaid cards. Telephone cards are sold at all post offices.

Safety

Greenland is one of the safest countries to travel. A banal theft will become an extraordinary event here. Crime is almost reduced to zero, there are no terrorist threats, no natural disasters such as tsunamis, earthquakes or volcanic eruptions. It is absolutely safe to be on city streets at any time of the day. But don’t discount chance: still take the usual precautions and don’t leave your belongings unattended.

What is really worth paying attention to in Greenland is clothing and equipment. Even if you do not plan to travel into the wild outside of cities, you need to take enough warm clothing and shoes suitable for wearing in the harsh conditions of the Arctic. If you want to take a ride into the tundra, be sure to organize a trip with the help of a local travel agency: you need to get advice about equipment, a good guide, and the optimal route. Needless to say, you need to take a good supply of food and drinking water with you.

As for water, all tap water here is considered safe for humans, but not suitable for drinking. Therefore, you need to either boil tap water or buy bottled water. We recommend eating meat and fish only after proper heat treatment; be sure to scald vegetables and fruits with boiling water.

In general, the main health hazard for tourists in Greenland is low air temperatures. Hypothermia can occur unexpectedly. It’s easy to catch a cold even during that short summer time when the air during the day in the sun warms up to +18...+21 °C, since the temperature near the ground is still close to zero. The traveler should also keep in mind that the sun is very active here in summer, so you need to take sunglasses and sunscreen for your skin.

Business climate

Recently, Greenland has become attractive to foreign investors, especially mining companies, as global warming makes it possible to exploit mineral deposits.

The Greenlandic authorities are seeking to develop the mining industry in order to reduce the region's economic dependence on financial support from Denmark. For investors, Greenland offers stable political and economic conditions and legal regulations favorable for investment.

The Mineral Resources Act regulates mining in Greenland and sets out the ground rules for foreign companies. Thus, investors can register a subsidiary corporation, official branch, representative office or licensed mining company in Greenland.

Regardless of its type, a company must be registered with the Greenland Business Register (GER) and then registered as an employer if it plans to employ workers. In addition, the company will need to be registered with the Danish Commerce and Companies Agency (DCCA) and receive an individual number. In general, the registration process can take from 2 to 6 months in an optimistic scenario. Unfortunately, certain bureaucratic obstacles still exist. Until registration is completed, the company cannot have the status of a legal entity. In practice, this means that the founders bear full responsibility for its activities.

Real estate

Let us immediately note that buying real estate in Greenland is, to say the least, a non-standard decision. The extreme climate of the island will not appeal to everyone, if viewed through the prism of permanent residence in Greenland.

Foreign citizens can theoretically purchase real estate in the capital of Greenland Nuuk. However, the purchase process will certainly be hampered by bureaucratic difficulties, since Greenland is part of the Kingdom of Denmark: the immigration laws of this country are among the most stringent in the world.

And yet, in the near future, significant relaxations in the rules for purchasing real estate by foreigners are expected. Since Greenland is a very promising region economically due to discovered oil reserves, buying real estate on this island is already considered a profitable investment.

When planning a holiday in Greenland, take into account the requirements of local environmental legislation. If you are going to fish, you need to purchase a fishing license from the tour operator or the country's Tourist Office. Its cost depends on the duration of validity: for a permit for a day you will have to pay approximately $13.1, for a week - $35, and for a month - $88. Keep in mind that you will have to take all garbage and waste with you, and the fine for violating this requirement is very high. In addition, it is prohibited to leave even fish or meat waste on the shore in the hope that predators will “dispose” of it.

Local prohibitions also include photography in churches during services. Photographing local residents is allowed only after their consent.

Fans of photography and videography should carefully prepare their equipment for working in the harsh natural conditions of Greenland. Cameras and cameras must be heated and treated with special protective lubricants. We recommend using an ultraviolet filter and lenses with coated optics.

Customs rules do not impose restrictions on the import and export of local currency. But souvenirs made from whalebone, tusks and walrus bones can only be exported with a special permit, which must be issued at a store or tourist office. No more than 11 kg of meat and fish can be exported from the country.

As for tips in establishments and hotels, as a rule, they are included in the bill and no additional incentive is required. However, this is always at the discretion of the client.

Visa information

Travelers from Russia need a visa to enter Greenland. It can be issued at the consular department of the Danish Embassy in Moscow, and documents for a Greenland visa are accepted at the Denmark and Iceland Visa Application Center in Moscow, St. Petersburg, Novosibirsk and Rostov-on-Don.

Keep in mind that, unlike Denmark, Schengen visas are not valid in Greenland. Depending on the purpose of the visit, there are the following types of short-stay visas in Greenland: tourist, business, private visit and sports, cultural or scientific event visa.

In order to obtain a tourist visa, you will need the following documents:

• a foreign passport, valid for at least 3 months from the expected date of completion of the trip;
• copies of the marked pages of the internal passport;
• 2 color photographs 3.5x4.5 cm;
• visa application form filled out in English.

In addition, you will need a certificate from work or from an educational institution, evidence of financial resources (bank statement, travel checks), medical insurance, hotel reservation and air tickets in both directions.

The processing time for a tourist visa is 8 working days. A business visa is issued faster - in 5 working days. However, if embassy officials find it necessary to send documents directly to the Greenland Immigration Service for processing, the waiting time for the result may increase to 2 months.

(Greenland) - the “green country” is primarily known for being the largest island on Earth.

Greenland - “green country”

Its area is 2175.6 thousand square kilometers. The length is 2690 km, width - 1300 km. Located in the Northern Hemisphere off the east coast of Canada. From the north it is washed by the Arctic Ocean, from the south by the Atlantic Ocean, from the west by the Baffin Sea and Davis Strait, from the east by the Greenland Sea and the Denmark Strait. Greenland is administered by Denmark and was a colony of Denmark until 1979, and then an autonomy within the Kingdom of Denmark. The capital of Greenland is the city of Gothob (Nuuk), which is home to more than 15,000 inhabitants.

Geographical features

More than 80% covered with ice. Only 410 thousand square kilometers of its area are not covered with ice. These are the main coastal areas. Only in these areas are settlements located. On average, habitable land is a strip approximately 80 km from the coast. The main ice-free areas are in the north and southwest of the island. The highest peak in Greenland is Mt. Gunnbjorn (3700 m). In addition, Gunbjorn is the highest point in the Arctic.

Greenland has a persistently high concentration of icebergs. It was one of them that broke away from the Greenland glaciers that the famous Titanic collided with. The largest number of icebergs are in the area of ​​the coast of Melville Bay.

The mountains located in the west and east of the island provide a kind of protection for the Greenland glaciers. The highest mountainous region of Greenland is in the east. In addition to the already mentioned Mount Gunnbjorn, you can also note the Forel peak (3360 m). The Greenland coast, like the Scandinavian coast, is rich in fjords.

Climatic conditions

The offshore areas of Greenland have a variable climate. The most suitable climate for living is on the southwest coast. IN capital of Greenland - the average July temperature is 8.3 degrees, in Qaqortoq - 9.6 degrees above zero. In winter in these settlements it is 8-11 degrees below zero. In summer, the temperature here sometimes rises to 21 degrees, but the main time of the year here is about 0 degrees.

In eastern Greenland, climatic conditions are more severe. For example, in Pituffik in winter the average temperature is 27 degrees below zero. The wind speed in these places reaches 70 m/s. The bays and fjords here usually freeze over during this period of time.

The southwestern part of the island is characterized by high humidity. For example, in Nuuk the average annual precipitation is 660 mm, and in Qaqortoq - 1080 mm. For comparison, in the north this value is 100-200 mm. Coastal areas are characterized by foggy weather.

Flora and fauna

In the southern regions of the “green country” there are birch forests. Willow, rowan, alder, and juniper also grow here. Tundra predominates in these places. But the main part of Greenland is an icy, lifeless desert.

The fauna of Greenland, like the flora, is not diverse. Representatives of the island's fauna include polar bears, deer, hares, stoats, arctic foxes and lemmings. It is rare to see wolves. Musk oxen also live here, but their numbers have now declined. The coastal areas are home to a large number of birds: eiders, gulls, partridges.

Among the marine inhabitants of Greenland, we can distinguish cod, sea bass, striped catfish, and flounder. A lot of shrimp live in local waters. You can often find walruses and seals here.

Population

According to the 1998 census, the population of Greenland was almost 60 thousand people, most of whom lived on the southwest coast of the island. The capital of Greenland, Nuuk, is located here, as well as such settlements as Sukkertoppen, Frederikshob, Arsuk, Julianehob and Narssarssuaq.

The main part of the population are Greenlandic Eskimos, who call themselves Inuit or Kalaallit. Europeans make up only 8% of the island's population. These are mainly Danes. By religious affiliation, almost 40% of Greenlanders are Lutherans.

Greenland has two official languages: Danish and Greenlandic. In turn, the Greenlandic language is divided into three dialects - West Greenlandic, East Greenlandic and North Greenlandic, between which there are significant differences. The West Greenlandic dialect is considered the normative dialect on the island.

The most densely populated areas of Greenland are in the southwestern coast where the capital of Greenland is located. Settlements are also found here near the southern cape of the island - Farwell. The eastern coast is sparsely populated. In this regard, two areas can be distinguished here - Angmagssalik and Itokortormiit. The largest number of indigenous people (Polar Eskimos) live in the northwestern part of Greenland (the settlements of Kanak (Thule) and Eta). There are practically no Europeans here.

Economy

Since it cannot boast of rich resources, Denmark provides assistance in the form of subsidies. Seal fishing has developed on the island. Fishing for cod and shrimp is also common here. At the beginning of the 20th century, sheep farming began to develop in Greenland. In large settlements, the population lives in frame houses, and in small settlements - huts covered with stone or turf.

In 1950-51, the Danish government passed laws according to which foreigners could obtain permission to reside in Greenland, and residents of the autonomy received the right to emigrate. Nowadays, various enterprises operate on the island: ship repair shops, fish canning factories, refrigerators and others. Organized for local residents professional teaching in schools. For Danes on the island there are restrictions on trade and entrepreneurship. In turn, Greenlanders enjoy free medical care, and the work of medical workers is paid from state budget Compulsory education has been introduced for all children of the autonomy between the ages of 7 and 16. Teaching is conducted in Greenlandic. Newspapers and magazines are published in Greenland in Danish and Greenlandic.

Marine fishing is the main type of economy of the island. The seal fishery is of great importance (seal skins are valued, which are both exported and used in the domestic market). Some time ago, a large number of large whales lived in the area of ​​the “green country”. Now their number is negligible, as a result of the activities of whalers from Great Britain, Norway, the Netherlands and the USA. Now only 2.5 thousand of the island's population have the right to fish for large marine mammals. Vegetable growing has also developed in southern Greenland.

85% of Greenland's export share is made up of fish and shrimp. It is shrimp that are the main product that is sold. As for fish exported, salted cod predominates here. Wool is also supplied for sale from Greenland. Greenlandic goods are mainly exported by EU countries and Japan.
The bowels of the “green country” store large deposits of minerals. In earlier times, the island was dominated by mining of zinc, coal, graphite, lead, marble and cryolite. Now because of unprofitability their development has been discontinued. In mountainous areas you can find: rubies, garnets, moonstones and, rarely, tuttupites.

Tourism

Until relatively recently, tourism in Greenland was not developed at all. And although now the number of tourists visiting the island during the year does not exceed 5,000 people, the situation is beginning to change for the better. Many tour operators around the world offer tours to Greenland.

After all, only here you can enjoy the views of endless snowy open spaces, do beautiful photo icebergs, fjords, chat With friendly local population, try dishes local kitchens. AND Although map « green countries» Not rich abundance attractions, amateurs exotic will receive unforgettable pleasure from visits this countries eternal cold .

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 the 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.

Planning a trip? That way!

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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 fall 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.

• Aviasales - save up to 30% on purchasing air tickets.
• Hotellook - book hotels with discounts up to 60%.
• Numbeo - look at the price order in the host country.
• Cherehapa - take reliable insurance so you don't have to worry.
• AirBnb - rent an apartment from locals.

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.

Greenland literally means Green Land, although the local Inuit Eskimo population call their land "Kalaallit Nunaat", which means "Land of the People".

The area of ​​Greenland is more than 2 million sq. km, but only 56 thousand people live here.

Such an area could easily accommodate eight Englands or five Norways with the same population. But this is not possible, because almost three-quarters of Greenland is completely covered with permanent ice.

And yet people live here. Moreover, according to the UN, the standard of living in Greenland is so high that according to this indicator it is one of the ten richest countries in the world. Paradox? Nothing like this. Everything is determined by the attitude of people and their position in life. This northern island is not like the Bahamas or New Guinea; here you won’t sit under a palm tree with coconuts falling from above. Here in the north, everything is obtained through hard work, often at the risk of life. The people living here are not used to idleness and therefore, despite the cold, quite comfortable conditions for living, working and relaxing have been created here.

This northern, sparsely populated land has long attracted people from North America and Iceland. Back in 875, the Norman Gunbjorn was the first European to visit this island. And in 982, Erik Rowdy settled on the island with several comrades, expelled from Iceland for the crimes he had committed. Later they were joined by Norwegian Vikings. In 983, the first Norman colony was founded in Greenland.

But this does not mean that the island was deserted before the Europeans. Long before their arrival, for several thousand years, Greenlandic Eskimos lived on the island, although they call themselves Inuit, and consider the name “Eskimo”, which means short, offensive. The Inuit have adapted to the Arctic climate and feel quite comfortable. From time immemorial they have been engaged in fishing and hunting.

The main part of the island is a kind of platform, the average height of which is about 125 m. The interior of the island has significant depressions, and although the glacial cover rises significantly above the island, the soil foundation under the glacier in many places is below sea level. These depressions were most likely caused by the enormous weight of the glacier. But there are also hills. The mountain ranges in the south rise to 1500-1600 m, and in the east and north up to 3000 m. In the northern part there is Mount Gunbjorn, whose height is 3700 m. Mount Gunbjorn is the highest point in the entire Arctic.

The northern and eastern parts of the island are almost constantly under snow and glaciers. A little further south, on the east and northeast coasts, the climate is somewhat milder, but there are only small Inuit settlements here. Well, the coastal strip of the south and west of the island in summer is covered with green meadows and forest-tundra vegetation. Mostly polar birch and willow bushes grow here. But thick and juicy grass is an excellent food for grazing livestock. The fertile soil is quite suitable for growing vegetables. The majority of the population lives here in the south and west. These areas are relatively warm. In summer, the temperature here is about +8-10, and in winter -8-10.

Throughout its existence, after Greenland was settled by Europeans, the island was repeatedly passed from hand to hand.

Since the time of European exploration, the island was Norwegian, but in 1536 it passed to Denmark, in accordance with the union between Denmark and Norway. In 1721, a Danish colony called Gotthob was officially established on the island. After the dissolution of the union between Norway and Denmark in 1814, Greenland became the complete possession of Denmark. In 1931, Norway again wanted to take control of the eastern part of Greenland, but the International Court of Justice in The Hague did not recognize its advances. During the Second World War, the United States, with the consent of Denmark, placed several of its military bases in Greenland. True, now all that remains of them are piles of iron and the remains of rusted equipment.

The administrative management of the country has undergone significant changes over the years. If in the 13th-19th centuries it was completely a colony, then in 1953, in accordance with the Danish constitution, Greenland received internal autonomy. Since then, the legislative power has been the Danish Parliament, and Greenland's own Parliament of 31 people elected for 4 years. But until 1979, the executive branch was represented by a commissioner appointed by the Danish government. In 1978, after years of protests by the Greenlanders, the Folketing, Denmark's unicameral parliament, ratified full autonomy for the island. It came into force in 1979. The city of Nuuk, the old name of Gothob, was approved as the capital.

Now legislative power in Greenland belongs to the Landsting, the local parliament, which is also elected for 4 years. And the political party that wins the elections forms a cabinet of ministers headed by the prime minister. In 1985, the national flag of Greenland was approved.

The internal political life of modern Greenland is built on generally accepted standards in the world. In the 1970s and 1980s, two main political parties were formed in society: Siumut, which translates as “Forward” and Atassut, which translates as “Cohesion”. The Siumut Party is dominated by Greenlandic Eskimos, who advocate further expansion of autonomy, especially in the economic sphere and use of natural resources. The Atassut party is represented by local Danes who are trying to maintain ties with Denmark. There is also a socialist party, formerly the Greenland branch of the Communist Party of Denmark, Inuit Atagatigiit, which means Inuit Brotherhood, this party is seeking complete separation from Denmark. The less representative Democratic party, which includes both Danes and Eskimos, advocates maintaining the current status of Greenland. Despite the differences in demands, the debates between these parties are completely peaceful.

The main activity of the population of Greenland is, as before, fishing. But to this, at the end of the twentieth century, the breeding of northern sheep was added; in addition, in recent years, a significant part of the budget has been formed by oil production. Tourism and air transport play an important role. Greenland is home to the world's largest national park, covering an area of ​​almost 70 million hectares. It is not surprising that about 20 thousand tourists visit the island every year.

The climate of the coastal part of Greenland is marine subarctic, arctic and continental arctic. Quite often there are cyclones on the island, bringing strong winds, sudden changes in temperature and precipitation. Most precipitation occurs in autumn and winter, but snow can be expected here at any time of the year. In summer, thick fogs are common on the coast. The vegetation of Greenland cannot be called tall; most plants are low-growing. At the end of summer, the lowlands of the southern part of the island are covered with a carpet of wild berries and wildflowers.

Of the animals in this harsh climate, only the strongest survive, so the animal world is not particularly diverse. Traditional representatives of Greenland's fauna are polar bears, hares and wolves, reindeer, lemmings, blue-gray and white arctic foxes. Several species of whales live in coastal waters - from the beluga whale. The northern seas are home to narwhals, seals and walruses. In addition to them, harp seals, seals and seals are found in the waters of Greenland.

Typically, a trip around the country begins with a tour of the capital. Nowadays, although it is small by European standards, it is a completely modern city with a population of just over 14 thousand people. It is considered the smallest capital on the planet. It is worth visiting the old quarters, where the reception hall of the local parliament is located, the churches of Savur Church and Hans Eged Church, the Arctic Garden and Ilisimatusarfiyk University, the seminary, the Kayak Club and the Queen Margrethe memorial. However, the main attractions of the country and the capital are, of course, natural. Directly within the city there are many observation platforms from which anyone can admire views of the coastline, as well as frolicking whales.

In the northeast of the island there is Greenland National Park, although it has long been closed to outside researchers. The reason for this is the vast zone of relict tundra located on the territory of the reserve, in which musk oxen and polar wolves live, as well as many species of Arctic plants.

Greenland is a dream for those who are fans of snow and ice. Here you can admire the colossal glaciers, the bright northern lights, stay in an igloo hotel and go dog sledding, kayaking or take a cruise along the coast of Greenland.

Fans of fishing and hunting will have an unforgettable experience here. Here you can even catch a shark from the ice or hunt a musk ox.

The country has an extremely low crime rate, and even old-timers don’t remember earthquakes, tsunamis or volcanic eruptions. Inappropriate equipment can cause much more trouble. Even within the city limits, a tourist risks seriously freezing when traveling in clothes without protection from the wind, as well as without strong, warm shoes. When traveling to the tundra or area of ​​ice fields, you should show maximum precaution: find out the weather forecast in advance, choose equipment, find a guide and be sure to stock up on water, maps and a walkie-talkie. It’s good if representatives of the local travel office or rescue service know about the trip.

There is no usual public transport or taxi on the island; long distances will have to be traveled by air - the national airline organizes flights around Greenland by plane and helicopter. During the flight, you can see fantastic landscapes of glaciers and snowdrifts. Nearby villages are connected by dog ​​sleds, snowmobiles and snowmobiles.

The most popular among tourists is the northern part of Greenland. Here you will see the powerful beauty of icebergs with the most incredible fantastic shapes and sizes. The northern lights give special beauty to these places, which will not leave anyone indifferent. It cannot be conveyed, it just has to be seen.

The most convenient way to get to Greenland is from Denmark by plane. The island has its own airport, Nerlerit-Inaat, located in eastern Greenland. You need to take care of your visa in advance - you can get it at any visa center. The best time to visit the country is considered to be the period of polar “white nights”, that is, the months from May to July. And for lovers of winter fun, April is suitable.