Danmarkshavn

Understand

History The park was created in 1974, although it has since been expanded from its original size.

Landscape Greenland is a very mountainous country, with valleys which are often a few thousand feet deep. Glaciers and fjords dominate the glacial valleys. However, further inland, an ice sheet covers Greenland's surface, creating flat terrain at an elevation of several thousand feet.

Flora and fauna Due to its northern location, plants and animals in Northeast Greenland National Park are limited. The park is home to an estimated 40% of the world population of musk ox.

Climate The coldest regions of Greenland are the high inland regions. For example, in 1 Summit Camp, a weather and research station near the apex of the Greenland ice sheet, typical daily maximums in January are around −35 °C (−31 °F), and even in July −10 °C (14 °F). The record low is −63.3 °C (−81.9 °F). However, all of northern Greenland is cold. Even in Ittoqqortoormiit at the coast south of the park, average July temperature is about 10 °C (50 °F) in the day and 2 °C (36 °F) in the night, while average winter temperatures there are around −10 °C (14 °F) and −20 °C (−4 °F) respectively.

Getting there

By plane 1 Nerlerit Inaat Airport (some 40 km (25 mi) from Ittoqqortoormiit). There is not really much close to the airport so you will have to book a helicopter shuttle to get onwards; still, this is the most feasible and comfortable entry point.

Getting around

Essentially, one is free to explore the park. However, for those who are not used to being in such remote circumstances, it is probably best to stay closer to tourist guides than polar bears.

See

On the coast, one can see glaciers and musk oxen; inland is dominated by the continental ice sheet.

1 Kaiser Franz Joseph Fjord. (updated Feb 2022) 2 Kaffeklubben Island. The northernmost undisputed piece of land on Earth. (updated Aug 2022) 3 Zackenberg Station. An ecological station. (updated Jul 2023)

Do

Explore the park.

Fifty degrees north is a company arranging tours in the park, such as an eight-day cruise with a visit in the park.

Sleep

Lodging No one permanently lives in the area, so there will not be any lodging.

Camping Bring your own tent and camping materials.

Backcountry Everywhere in Northeast Greenland National Park is "backcountry". One can travel for hundreds of miles and not see one sign of habitation.

Go next

Other parts of Greenland: Greenland is a large country. There are other destinations in the east (to the south of the park – such as Tasiilaq), west (Nuuk and Sisimiut), or south (Narsarsuaq). Iceland: If one visits Northeast Greenland National Park on a 50°N tour, they will then go to Iceland.