Budget & Tips
Accommodation in Greenland is very expensive. Luxury hotels exist in most tourist places such as the Hotel Hans Egede in Nuuk or the Arctic Hotel in Ilulissat. Prices with bathrooms, restaurants and other activities start at around DKK 1,000 and can go up to DKK 4,000 at night, if not more! Otherwise you will find many mid-range hotels (guesthouses with often shared facilities) or the possibility to sleep in modern chalets at cheaper, though still high, prices, especially Glacier Lodge Eqi in the Ilulissat area. A double room usually costs between DKK 800 and DKK 1,500.
There are, however, somewhat cheaper options such as the Seamen's homes (Sømandshjemmene) in Ilulissat, Sisimiut, Aasiaat, Nuuk and soon Ilulissat. Good to know: bringing your sleeping bag is very common in hotels, chalets or inns in Greenland to lower the price of the night.
The most economical solutions are still youth hostels and camping, between DKK 200 and DKK 300 per night. While it is unfortunately not possible to systematically find a youth hostel in every town, it is permitted to camp anywhere in Greenland, as long as it does not disturb the premises in the vicinity of specific areas such as Unesco listed sites, cultivated land or Viking ruins. However, be cautious because of wildlife (polar bears) and the risk of tsunamis (avoid beaches); also think about equipping yourself well to best face the temperatures (even in summer). Don't hesitate to ask the locals for advice on the best spots to camp, or even the possibility of camping close to a hostel in order to take advantage of its facilities (kitchen, shower...) at a lower cost.
Many farms in southern Greenland offer accommodation in old houses that have been converted into hostels; a unique experience to stay with a local family and get an insight into their way of life. The farms are often isolated, in beautiful landscapes, but the agriculture is modern and mechanized. A family usually has 200 ewes, herding dogs, a couple of Icelandic horses, a few chickens, even a vegetable garden with a few vegetables (potato, turnip, lettuce, cabbage...). Most of them offer evening meals, where you can taste local products. For more information, visit the Facebook page Farm Holiday Greenland.
What's very local
If you wish to sleep in a private home, you should know that this is possible even if this type of accommodation is not yet very common in Greenland due to the small size of the houses. However, it will cost you much less than a hotel and is a nice alternative to get in direct contact with the locals. Ask the tourist offices or tour operators for information on booking. Good to know: many cities and villages offer room rentals in schools during school holidays or houses (including via the Airbnb website). These means of accommodation are financially interesting!
Many farms in southern Greenland offer accommodation in old houses that have been converted into hostels. A unique experience in southern Greenland to stay with a family and get an insight into their lifestyle. The sites of these farms are often isolated, in beautiful landscapes, but agriculture is modern and completely mechanized. One family usually has about 200 ewes, herding dogs, a couple of Icelandic horses and a few chickens. Many farms have also started growing vegetables, such as potatoes, turnips, lettuce and cabbage! Many farms offer evening meals, where you can taste all these great local products. Don’t be tempted to try the experience, which is very interesting and full of encounters! The Farm Holiday Greenland facebook page is full of information
For food lovers
Greenlandic breakfasts are strongly inspired by the Danish Morgenmad, rather salty and hearty. You will usually find several types of bread: white bread, rye bread or seeded rolls, which the local people spread with cheese, salami, butter, jam or peaches to spread. Not to mention shell eggs, a porridge based on cereals or compound pastries;these are leaflet and almond peach peaches, often with cinnamon and cardamom. Hot drinks and juices are also available. A good start to the day, before going to face the cold!