“Unveiling the Arctic Wonderland: A Photographer’s Ultimate Guide to Greenland’s Hidden Gems”

As a travel photographer, I relish jetting off to stunning locales—and few regions facilitate my profession like picturesque Greenland. This remote destination overflows with natural splendor, ranging from majestic icebergs and mountain peaks to striking fjords and auroras. These and many of the island’s scenic points will soon become more accessible.

In the summer of 2025, United Airlines will establish a long-awaited connection between Newark, New Jersey, and Nuuk, the capital city of Greenland. This new route, along with several additional flight connections between Greenland and Europe, as well as Canada, will render access to the island’s remote tundra and eternal ice much more manageable. And believe me: those photographers who embark on this journey are in for a remarkable experience.

I have visited Greenland three times, with my fourth trip approaching. The culture, nature, excitement, and, naturally, photography keep drawing me back—but it’s essential to realize that any journey to Greenland necessitates some preparation, particularly if you are venturing solo.

This article will outline the essentials (and potential pitfalls) of a photography expedition in Greenland, including essential equipment, landscape scouting, and what to capture during your stay.

1. Navigating Greenland

Greenland is an enticing locale for those who have fallen for Iceland; however, it’s crucial to recognize that, particularly regarding transportation, the two islands are quite different. In Iceland, renting a car and cruising around the land of fire and ice is straightforward, allowing for stops to photograph diverse landscapes at your convenience. Greenland presents a unique, far more dramatic challenge.

There are virtually no roads connecting the towns across Greenland, which is over 20 times the size of Iceland. Moreover, the world’s second-largest ice sheet blankets 80 percent of the island’s core. Your most reliable means of traveling from one place to another is likely by ferry, cruise, or plane; these often face weather-related delays, highlighting the importance of adaptability.

Rather than attempting to experience all of Greenland’s highlights in a single trip—an impossible feat unless you relocate or possess a significant budget along with ample vacation time—I recommend selecting one or two regions to concentrate on. Fortunately, every area boasts stunning views, with landscapes and nightscapes that transform frequently with the variable weather.

2. Picture-Perfect Locations in Greenland

When it comes to capturing images in Greenland, you truly cannot select a poor location. Even the former international transit hub of Kangerlussuaq, which may feel predominantly industrial in the main area of town, becomes a photographer’s paradise once you step outside the city limits. For instance, I had an unforgettable opportunity to photograph musk oxen on a seven-mile trek from town. Plus, Kangerlussuaq arguably offers the best access to the ice sheet. In 2022, I camped on the ice sheet with Albatros Arctic Circle, and while it was the coldest experience I’ve had, the resultant adventure images remain some of my favorites.

In Nuuk, home to the new international airport, travelers have numerous photographic opportunities. Embark on a boat excursion into the fjords with Nuuk Water Taxi, or spend the night in a glass igloo at Inuk Hostel to witness the fjord’s colors shift as the day unfolds. Nuuk’s old town is just as scenic, adorned with vibrant homes, historic structures, and a waterfront dotted with icebergs.

Last year, I also found myself in South Greenland, a topographical marvel featuring snowy mountains, expansive fjords, and numerous sheep farms—a hallmark of the area’s culture. Of all the regions I’ve explored, South Greenland showcased the most astounding and rugged scenery. In fact, I eagerly took my camera out to capture images through the plane window during my arrival in the transit town of Narsarsuaq. While you’re there, consider engaging in a backcountry sheep-farm trek; my overnight adventure included icefjord kayaking, sheep-dotted trails, and mesmerizing auroras, resulting in thousands of stunning images.

3. What to Capture During Your Visit

I cherish the range of photographic subjects available in Greenland—it ensures each visit is unique. One day, I might be snapping photos of reindeer, the next exploring a forest or fjord, and by night, there’s a strong chance I’ll be capturing stunning auroras—or an entire night’s worth of them.

What you choose to capture will depend on your destination, but generally speaking, be prepared for breathtaking landscapes, captivating icebergs (aim to photograph these during golden hour—the lighting is extraordinary), wildlife, and vibrant…

towns, auroras, and celestial bodies. Almost everywhere, including the capital, experiences atmospheric conditions dark enough for auroras and stars to illuminate the night. I captured some of my preferred Greenland aurora shots directly from the Nuuk waterfront. 

For inspiration in Greenland photography, I suggest following local Greenlandic photographer Emil Stach on Instagram. 

4. Invest in your equipment

Greenland is not for those lacking courage, particularly in terms of weather. Be prepared for nearly four seasons within a single day (excluding summer—the temperatures rarely exceed the 60s). Pack warm base layers, an insulated hat and gloves, a waterproof and windproof jacket, warm socks (or waterproof ones if hiking on the ice sheet), and waterproof items such as dry bags or a waterproof backpack.

Your camera equipment will primarily depend on your photography goals, but if you consider yourself a generalist, be ready for anything. I take my complete kit on every trip because I don’t want to miss any moment in Greenland. This encompasses: 

5. Travel with local individuals

The tourism sector is relatively innovative in Greenland; many aspire for it to offer a more sustainable alternative to environmentally harmful income sources such as mining. However, for it to have a beneficial effect, we as travelers must engage in sustainable and responsible tourism—and above all, that entails traveling with local providers. 

While there are numerous cruise options for visiting Greenland, I strongly recommend exploring by land for greater photographic flexibility (especially if aiming to capture the northern lights). Furthermore, this approach allows you to collaborate with local tour providers who will directly benefit from your exploration. For that, I have a wealth of suggestions. 

In Nuuk, Two Ravens offers remarkable adventure excursions into the mountains and fjords just beyond the capital. They feature day and multi-day tours showcasing the region’s best—including a stay in a genuine igloo or rest on a mountain peak.

In Qaqortoq, the main city of South Greenland, consider female-operated Pink Peak Tours for hiking, northern lights chasing, or cultural experiences where you can observe (and responsibly photograph) aspects of Greenlandic heritage such as traditional clothing, design, and culinary delights. 

If you find yourself in South Greenland, I cannot recommend a stay at Sermilik Hostel—a productive sheep farm featuring a cozy guesthouse—highly enough. The farm is located beside an iceberg-filled fjord, with hiking paths, kayaking, and Viking ruins to explore and photograph; however, my favorite experience outside of meeting the farm owners was watching the auroras dance across the dark sky throughout the night.

If you’re looking to enhance your photography skills prior to your trip to Greenland—or any vacation—be sure to check out our guide featuring expert travel photography tips from Ana Linares. 

Stephanie Vermillion

Stephanie Vermillion is a wedding, documentary, and small business filmmaker serving the New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania region, in addition to being a travel and lifestyle journalist covering diverse topics worldwide. Merging Stephanie’s passions for storytelling, love, wildlife, travel, and media, Stephanie Vermillion Studio was established from scratch in her one-bedroom apartment in Hoboken, New Jersey. Stephanie’s writing and photography have appeared in platforms like Mental Floss and Elite Daily, and her filmmaking encompasses everything from East Coast weddings to awareness-raising wildlife conservation projects globally.