Northeast Greenland National Park: Set Foot In The World’s Largest National Park

Welcome to world’s largest national park, bigger than all but 29 nations! Acres and acres of untouched and unexplored wilderness, Northeast Greenland National Park touches the topmost ice-capped regions of the northern hemisphere and also the northernmost part at the end of the world. Sounds amazing! Doesn’t it? Well, the excitement has just begun. Northeast National Park of Greenland has many wonders to offer which will leave you simply awestruck. Nature in its truest and purest form, this definitely should find a place in your itinerary when planning a trip to the largest islands in the world. Home to the ancient Inuits since the Ice Age, this place also has great historical and cultural significance.

Basic Facts About Northeast Greenland National Park

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Read on to know in detail about some interesting facts and thrilling things to do in this natural wonderland when visiting Greenland:

Location: H.J. Rinkip Aqqutaa 9, Nuuk 3900, Greenland; the town of Ittoqqortoormiit serves as the gateway to enter the park.
Timings: 8 AM – 6 PM
Area: 972000 square kilometers
Established: 1974
Population: The park does not have any permanent residents. On a recent survey, 31 people who are involved in patrolling and monitoring inside the park were found at various locations.
Fauna: The area is home to nine land mammal species which includes maneater polar bears and giant size walruses. It has more than 40% of the world’s population of musk owens. Other than these, you can also spot mountain hare, reindeer, and fox. The coastline is famous for its different species of whales and other sea creatures. The most common whale species are minke, humpback and fin. Other than this you will find seals and sharks too. The region is a breeding place for about 60 varieties of birds like goose, eider, snow owl, raven and many more. Northeast Greenland National Park animals are one of the prime attractions of this region as you get to see the wildlife in its natural habitat here.
Rules: The park is governed by the Home Rule Authorities of the country. Those who want to visit the park must submit a specially written application through the Danish Polar Centre. You can enter the park area only with the permit from the Ministry of Nature, Environment, and Justice. The email for submitting your application is exp@nanoq.gl. You are also required to pay INR 43,355 as a nonrefundable deposit per expedition.

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Northeast Greenland National Park Map

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Northeast Greenland National Park Weather

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Northeast Greenland National Park weather is quite harsh in the winter months. Its location in the extreme north adds to the cold. In the summer months, it is warmer and drier because of it’s close vicinity to the sea.

The average winter temperature is around -20-degree Celsius in the months of November to April.
In the summer months which are from June to August, you can expect a better climate. The average temperature at this time of the year is between 10 to 15-degree Celsius but the heat is felt more because of the low humidity. There are practically no rains in this part of the country. The average annual rainfall measured is 200mm and this is why it is also called the Arctic Desert.

All said, there may be sudden variations in the weather, so it is always better to check with the local Greenlanders before you set out on an expedition.

Northeast Greenland National Park: Best Time To Visit

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Summers are the best time to visit as the Northeast Greenland National park weather is most conducive to explore the place in the warmer months. You can plan your trip from in between the end of May to end of August.

The more adventurous travelers should also get a taste of the winters in Greenland as they will be rewarded by some unexpected and breathtaking creations and creatures of nature.

Before you start this journey of a lifetime, remember that it is not an easy one. The prices are steep and there are not many easy roads to travel but the sights and sounds that you will witness during your stay will surely make up for any difficulties you might face.

Places To Visit In Northeast Greenland National Park

Here are the best places in Northeast Greenland National Park that you must consider visiting on your trip to have the best of nature:

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1. Summit Camp

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This is a research station on the top of the ice sheet in Greenland which is in operation around the year. It is located at a height of about 3210 meters from sea level. The number of people at this place during winters has been recorded as mere 5 in numbers whereas an estimated 55 heads reached here in the summer months. The research station is managed by an American company. The nearest town is Ittoqqortoormiit which is located at a distance of 460 km. The station is accessible through aircrafts from Kangerlussuaq airport in the summer season. For winter months, it is better to enquire beforehand as the flights are infrequent.

2. Ella Island

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A part of the Northeast National Park in Greenland, this island formation is mostly known for its amazing vistas. The island also has some wonderful hiking trails and you get to see the unique Arctic wildlife up close on the way too. The view from the top of the island is something will surely be one of your cherished memories. This is also the island where are meteorite was found in the year 1971. You may also find some polar bears lazing around the shores of the island.

3. Kaiser Franz Joseph Fjord

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Northeast Greenland National Park is famous for some spectacular views and one such place is Kaiser Franz Joseph Fjords. This is well known for its stunning tundras surrounded by magnificent mountains. An ideal location for trekking, you will find many old-style huts here to spend the night under the stars. The wildlife is in full abundance here and get ready to spot eider ducks, musk oxen, and Arctic foxes. The view of ice blue waters with the red-hued mountains in the background is breathtaking which makes it a must-visit place on your trip to the park.

4. Scoresby Sund

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The biggest fjord in the world, this is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Northeast National Park in Greenland. Located close to the town of Ittoqqortoormiit, this incredible sculpture of ice boasts of some unique fauna like walruses, seals, goose, Arctic fox, and Atlantic puffins and other Northeast Greenland National Park animals. The flora here also is quite surprisingly very colorful with brightly hued flowers and wild berries growing in some places though it has a very short life because of the small summer season.

Another major attraction is the midnight sun which is a treat for travelers in the warmer months. The sun is out 24 hours here and it is a delight to watch the icebergs sparkling in the lights of the evening sun. It is best to book a cruise to explore the area fully and you can also go hiking and trekking offshore. The guide on the cruise will be there to help you all the way armed and ready in case you are encountered by the fierce and giant polar bears though the chances are unlikely.

Northeast Greenland National Park Accommodation

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The town of Ittoqqortoormiit is the only human habitat for miles near the national park. It is the remotest place in Greenland with a total population of about 400 people whose only source of income comes from hunting and tourism. Staying in this tiny hamlet will also prove to be an adventure for many. There is a guesthouse here which offers a couple of stay options with single and double rooms. They also have an in-house kitchen to take care of the meals.

Among the many activities to do in and near the town, visiting the museum tops the list to learn some unknown and interesting facts about the life and culture of the Inuits. Other popular things to do are kayaking, boat tours, fishing, hiking, hunting, and trekking.

Things to Remember In Northeast Greenland National Park

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Here are some important tips you should keep in mind to have a hassle-free and comfortable experience on your trip:

The Northeast National Park in Greenland is a remote area without any resident human population. The number of animals exceeds far more in count so it is better to travel in groups and through tour operators.
This is not an easy trip so you should be fully prepared with proper information, maps, and prior reservations. There are many places here which do not accept debit or credit cards, so it is better to carry some spare cash.
It is said that there is no bad weather, only bad clothing. You should always be careful when packing for your expedition here. Carry layered clothing so that you can adjust according to the temperatures.

How To Reach To Northeast Greenland National Park

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To reach Greenland you will have to travel first to either Denmark or Iceland. From here, you can take one of the many regular flights to your destination town in Greenland. There are many international cruise companies which have recently started its services to Greenland too. This is a great way to explore and enjoy the colossal nature of this Whiteland.

The National park in Greenland is connected through two small towns Ittoqqortoormiit and Pituffik and both of them have regular air services from main cities of Greenland. After you reach any of these gateways, you can either hire your own charter aircraft or use boats in the summer season, but only with permission from the tourist office in the town.

Further Read: Wildlife In Greenland: 9 Species You Will Be Able To Spot In Greenland

An arctic paradise, the Northeast Greenland National Park is one of the places which should be visited once in your lifetime. A trip which requires detailed planning, plan an international holiday and make the most of Greenland’s incredible wildlife and charismatic scenic locales without any hassles.