10 Kickass and Incredible Facts About Greenland

Greenland is the largest island on our planet, located between the Arctic Ocean and the Atlantic, east of Canada’s Arctic archipelago. More than four-fifths of the island is covered by ice, shaping both its dramatic landscape and extreme climate. With a population of just over 56,000 people, it is one of the most sparsely populated places on Earth.

Greenland is an autonomous territory within the Kingdom of Denmark, having exercised extensive self-rule since 1979. In 2008, Greenlanders voted in a referendum for even greater autonomy, with 75% supporting the move.

Below are ten fascinating facts you might not know about the world’s largest island.

  1   Just how massive Greenland really is…

As mentioned earlier, nearly 80% of Greenland’s landmass is covered by ice and glaciers. While only a smaller portion of the island is ice-free, that ice-free area alone is almost as large as Sweden in total land area.

This puts Greenland’s immense scale into perspective — even the parts not buried under ice are larger than many countries. [source]

  2   Ice Golf World Championship…

Scientists estimate that Greenland’s ice sheet is between 400,000 and 800,000 years old. But ice isn’t just something to study — it can also be used for fun. Every year in mid-March, golf enthusiasts can take part in — or watch — the Ice Golf World Championship in Uummannaq.

This unique two-day event is played on a golf course carved directly into the ice, surrounded by icebergs and vast snowy landscapes. It’s one of the most unusual sporting events on the planet — and one that could only happen in Greenland. [source]

  3   Greenland has a polar bear as its coat of arms…

Greenland’s official coat of arms features a polar bear set against a blue shield. The polar bear is meant to symbolize the island’s unique Arctic wildlife, while the blue background represents both the Atlantic Ocean and the Arctic surrounding Greenland.

It’s a powerful symbol that reflects Greenland’s close connection to nature and its extreme environment. [source]

  4   It’s not just Iceland that has hot springs…

Hot springs are often associated with Iceland, but Greenland also has a stunning landscape filled with naturally occurring hot springs. On the island of Uunartoq, you’ll find springs that are warm enough for bathing, offering a rare and unforgettable experience in the Arctic.

Surrounded by dramatic scenery, these hot springs highlight another unexpected side of Greenland’s extreme environment. [source]

  5   How Greenland got its name…

If your first thought is, “Why does it even include the word ‘green’?”, that’s a fair question. As mentioned earlier, most of Greenland is covered in ice. According to historical accounts, the name was given by Erik the Red, who settled there in the 10th century after being exiled from Iceland for murder.

Some believe he chose the name as a form of early marketing, hoping a more appealing name would attract new settlers. Others suggest that the climate may have been warmer at the time, making parts of the land genuinely greener. Whatever the reason, many people did follow Erik to the island, and the two earliest settlements are believed to have included around 280 farms. [source]

  6   You can only fly there from Denmark and Iceland…

If you’re curious about visiting Greenland, getting there can be a bit tricky — unless you’re traveling from Denmark or Iceland. These are the only two countries with regular direct flights to Greenland. Even travelers coming from places like the United States usually have to route through Europe first before continuing on to the ice-covered island.

This limited access makes Greenland one of the most remote destinations with commercial air travel, adding to its sense of isolation and mystery. [source]

  7   There are no roads connecting towns and settlements…

Movies sometimes give the impression that Greenland has highways stretching across the island — but that’s not the case. While roads do exist within towns and cities, there are no roads connecting different settlements.

Instead, transportation relies heavily on boats and air travel. Small airports and helicopters are scattered across the country, making flying essential for daily life. It’s also common to get around by snowmobile or dog sled, especially in more remote areas. [source]

  8   Several words actually originate from the island…

Have you ever gone kayaking? Or wondered what it’s like to sleep in an igloo? Those are just two examples of words that originate from the Greenlandic language and have made their way into everyday use around the world.

It’s a small but fascinating reminder of how Greenland’s culture and language have influenced global vocabulary in unexpected ways. [source]

  9   Summers in Greenland can actually be quite warm…

During the summer months, especially in the southern parts of Greenland, temperatures can rise to around 20°C (about 68°F) or even higher. For many people, this comes as a surprise — especially given the island’s icy reputation.

It’s a reminder that Greenland’s climate is more varied than most people expect. [source]

  10   Greenland has a surprisingly thriving agricultural sector…

The southern part of Greenland, located south of the Arctic Circle, is far greener than many people imagine. In this region, farming is a primary occupation, with agriculture centered around sheep and reindeer herding, as well as the cultivation of hardy root vegetables.

This unexpected side of Greenland shows that the island is not just ice and glaciers, but also home to productive farmland and long-standing agricultural traditions. [source]

  Xtra   Greenland sharks can live for centuries…

The Greenland shark is believed to be one of the longest-living vertebrates on Earth, with some individuals estimated to be over 250 years old — and possibly much older. [source]