North AmericaNuukGreenland eSIM and Travel Guide: Stay Connected in Nuuk, Ilulissat and the Ice
Greenland is the world's largest island: 2.1 million square kilometres, 80 percent covered by the vast Greenland Ice Sheet, and home to only 56,000 people in a handful of coastal towns connected by air and boat rather than roads. Tusass (formerly TELE Greenland, rebranded 2021) is the sole mobile network operator, a state monopoly providing 4G to all inhabited towns and settlements. There is absolutely no mobile coverage on the ice cap, between towns, on dog-sledding routes or at sea. A Roamix Greenland eSIM on Tusass activates before you fly and connects automatically at Nuuk Airport, where a new international terminal opened in November 2024.
Key Takeaways
- Tusass is the only mobile operator in Greenland. There is no competition and no alternative. A Roamix Greenland eSIM connects to Tusass 4G in all inhabited towns.
- There is NO mobile coverage outside inhabited areas. The ice cap, glacier hikes, dog-sledding routes between towns, fjords and open sea have zero signal. Offline maps, satellite communicators and proper expedition planning are essential for anything outside town.
- Nuuk Airport (GOH) opened a new international terminal in November 2024, replacing the former domestic runway. Air Greenland now flies direct routes to Copenhagen, Reykjavik and Canadian airports.
- Towns in Greenland are not connected by road. All inter-town travel is by Air Greenland prop aircraft or by coastal ferry (Arctic Umiaq Line in summer). Plan connections carefully as weather delays are frequent.
- The Danish krone (DKK) is the currency. Card payments work in all town shops and hotels. Cash is less necessary but useful for remote lodge settlements and village purchases.
Quick Facts
Greenland Connectivity
Get a Roamix Greenland eSIM and land connected at Nuuk Airport.
How to Stay Connected in Greenland
Wi-Fi in Greenland exists at hotels, guesthouses and some restaurants in main towns. In Nuuk quality hotel Wi-Fi is reliable. In Ilulissat and Sisimiut it is adequate. In very small settlements like Qaanaaq or Ittoqqortoormiit it may be intermittent at best. Mobile Tusass 4G is typically faster than guesthouse Wi-Fi in Nuuk and Ilulissat.
Option
Best For
Notes
RecommendedRoamix eSIM
All visitors to Greenland arriving from Denmark, Europe or North America
Connects to Tusass 4G automatically on arrival in Nuuk. No SIM registration queue. Best choice for the transition from international connections to Tusass within the towns.
Tusass physical SIM
Long-stay visitors or researchers based in Greenland for a month or more
Tusass SIM cards are available at their shops in Nuuk and other towns. Requires local registration. For a short tourism visit a Roamix eSIM is more convenient.
Hotel and guesthouse Wi-Fi
Evening use at your accommodation
Adequate in Nuuk; variable elsewhere. Useful for large downloads (maps, offline guides) where you want to conserve eSIM data.
Satellite communicator (Garmin inReach, SPOT)
Any travel outside town boundaries, including all hiking, boat tours, glacier visits and sled routes
This is not an eSIM replacement but an essential safety device for Greenland travel beyond mobile coverage. No eSIM or SIM can reach you on the ice cap or in open fjords. A Garmin inReach two-way satellite messenger is strongly recommended for any backcountry activity.
A Roamix Greenland eSIM on Tusass is the most practical way to stay connected in Greenland's towns. Combine it with offline map downloads and a satellite communicator for any backcountry travel, and you have a complete connectivity solution for the world's most remote island.
Get connected the moment you land in Greenland.
Get your Greenland eSIMMobile Networks in Greenland
Greenland has a single mobile network operator: Tusass (formerly TELE Greenland), a state-owned telecommunications company. Tusass provides 4G LTE coverage to all of Greenland's populated towns and larger settlements, including Nuuk, Ilulissat, Sisimiut, Qaqortoq and Aasiaat. Outside these populated areas, mobile coverage ceases entirely. The ice cap, the fjords between settlements, the open Arctic Ocean and virtually all hiking routes between communities have no signal whatsoever. A Roamix Greenland eSIM on Tusass is the standard solution for staying connected in town.
Sole operator in Greenland. Provides 4G in Nuuk, Ilulissat, Sisimiut, Qaqortoq, Aasiaat, Maniitsoq and other inhabited towns. No coverage exists outside town boundaries, on the ice cap, on glacier routes, on fjords or at sea.
Typical Speeds
Nuuk offers 10 to 50 Mbps on 4G. Ilulissat and Sisimiut deliver 5 to 30 Mbps. Smaller settlements may have only 2G to 3G speeds.
5G Status
5G has not yet been deployed in Greenland. Tusass is planning 5G infrastructure as part of a modernisation programme with Ericsson.
Download all maps, accommodation contacts and activity guides offline in Nuuk or Ilulissat before any boat trip, helicopter excursion or glacier hike. The Air Greenland app and Arctic Umiaq Line ferry schedules should be cached offline. Even in small towns, Wi-Fi at hotels is the backup for when Tusass 4G speeds drop.
This is the most important connectivity caveat of any country in this guide. Greenland's coverage exists only in settlements. Step outside the edge of any town and signal disappears immediately. The Ilulissat Icefjord, Disko Bay open water, dog-sledding routes, all glacier hiking and the entire Greenland Ice Sheet have absolutely zero mobile coverage. Carry a satellite communicator (Garmin inReach, SPOT or Iridium device) for any travel outside towns.
Greenland uses standard European LTE bands. Most modern unlocked smartphones including iPhone and recent Android devices work on Tusass 4G. Older budget phones may fall back to 3G or 2G in smaller settlements.
Data Usage Guide
In Greenland, data management is fundamentally different from most destinations. Your Roamix eSIM works in towns on Tusass 4G, but the moment you leave a settlement for any outdoor activity, you are offline. The only connected moments are in town. Use them to download everything you need for excursions.
Download AllTrails or Maps.me offline maps for all hiking areas before leaving your last connected town. Save your activity guide PDFs, emergency contacts, accommodation details and return flight confirmation offline before every departure.
Data by Activity
Light Use
4 GB
Nuuk and Ilulissat icefjord visitor
A standard Greenland trip of one to two weeks with most time in towns and day excursions needs only 4 GB: connectivity in town, offline maps pre-downloaded, evening uploads.
Standard
5 GB
Arctic Circle Trail hiker
Download all trail maps, emergency contacts and weather apps at both ends of the trail (Sisimiut and Kangerlussuaq). 5 GB covers the pre-download plus a few days in town at each end.
Heavy Use
8 GB
Extended Greenland expedition (two to four weeks, multiple towns)
Moving through multiple towns with regular fresh map downloads, Air Greenland booking management, accommodation research and social media uploads from each town justifies 8 GB.
Apps & Internet Freedom
Greenland has a fully open internet. All apps including WhatsApp, Google, Instagram, FaceTime and YouTube work normally on a Roamix eSIM in covered areas without any restrictions.
Greenland has no internet censorship or app blocks. All mainstream apps and platforms work freely where coverage exists.
Works fully in all towns with Tusass 4G. No signal outside settlements.
Google Maps
Works in towns. Download offline maps for all areas you plan to visit before leaving town.
Air Greenland
Essential for flight bookings and real-time status on domestic flights, which are frequently weather-delayed.
Arctic Umiaq Line
The coastal ferry app for summer sailings along the west coast. Download schedules offline as connectivity at sea is zero.
FaceTime
Works fully in Nuuk and other covered towns.
Works in towns. Upload your glacier photos when back in Nuuk.
Garmin Earthmate
Companion app for Garmin inReach satellite communicators. Essential for off-town excursions beyond mobile coverage.
How to Set Up a Greenland eSIM
Install and activate your Roamix Greenland eSIM before leaving home. Nuuk Airport (GOH) opened its new international terminal in November 2024 and is the arrival point for flights from Copenhagen, Reykjavik and Canada.
All recent eSIM-compatible devices work in Greenland on Tusass 4G. Check that your device supports standard European LTE bands. iPhone XS and newer, Google Pixel 4 and newer and most 2021 and later Android flagships are compatible.
- 1
Purchase a Roamix Greenland eSIM plan at roamix.app and receive the QR code by email.
- 2
Go to Settings, then Cellular or Mobile Data, then Add eSIM, and scan the QR code.
- 3
Set the Roamix eSIM as your data line; keep your home SIM for calls and texts if needed.
- 4
Enable data roaming on the Roamix eSIM in your cellular settings.
- 5
On arrival at Nuuk Airport your eSIM connects to Tusass 4G automatically.
APN Note
APN is configured automatically by the Roamix profile. If data does not connect after landing, check Settings, Cellular, Cellular Data Network and confirm the APN matches the value in your Roamix activation email.
Troubleshooting
If no connection after landing, toggle Airplane Mode on and off. Go to Settings, Carrier and select Tusass manually if automatic selection fails. Contact Roamix support via in-app chat if the issue persists.
Get connected the moment you land in Greenland.
Get your Greenland eSIMArrival Checklist
Activate your Roamix Greenland eSIM before departure so it connects to Tusass on landing at Nuuk Airport (GOH).
Download offline Google Maps tiles for Nuuk, Ilulissat, Sisimiut and any other towns you plan to visit. Also download offline glacier hike and iceberg tour maps from AllTrails or Maps.me before leaving each town.
Note the single emergency number for all emergencies in Greenland: 112. Save the number of your accommodation and your activity operator.
Cache the Air Greenland app and Arctic Umiaq Line ferry schedule offline: weather delays are common and flight status updates require working data.
Ensure your accommodation in all towns is booked and confirmed before you fly, as options are limited and walk-ins are rarely possible in remote Greenland settlements.
How locals communicate
Greenlanders use a mix of WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger for daily communication, with Danish also commonly used in professional contexts. English is widely spoken in Nuuk, Ilulissat and tourism contexts. Mobile calls and SMS work on Tusass across all towns.
Air Greenland and boat tour operators communicate via email and WhatsApp. Get all confirmations in email before departing for Greenland so you have them cached offline.
Airports in Greenland
Nuuk Airport
Nuuk
The new international terminal opened November 2024 has modern Wi-Fi. Speeds are good for a terminal of this scale.
Nuuk Airport is now Greenland's main international gateway with direct routes to Copenhagen, Reykjavik and Canada. Activate your Roamix eSIM before departure for instant Tusass 4G on arrival.
Ilulissat Airport
Ilulissat
Small regional terminal with limited public Wi-Fi. Rely on Tusass mobile data once you land.
Ilulissat is the gateway to the Icefjord UNESCO site and Disko Bay. Download your Ilulissat offline maps and icefjord trail guide before departing Nuuk.
Kangerlussuaq Airport
Kangerlussuaq
Now primarily a transit stop for inter-Greenland routes. Limited terminal facilities. Basic Wi-Fi available.
Kangerlussuaq remains an Air Greenland hub for domestic connections and some charter flights. Tusass 4G covers the immediate airport settlement. Download your onward connection details before landing.
Sisimiut Airport
Sisimiut
Small regional terminal. No reliable public Wi-Fi. Use Tusass 4G from town.
Sisimiut is the Arctic Circle Trail trailhead. Download the full 160-kilometre trail map offline before leaving town: there is zero coverage for the entire trek.
Visa & Entry for Greenland
Greenland is an autonomous territory within the Kingdom of Denmark. It is NOT part of the European Union and NOT part of the Schengen Area. However, Denmark's visa rules apply: EU, EEA, US, Canadian, Australian and most Western nationals can enter Greenland visa-free for tourism stays up to 90 days. Entry is usually via Copenhagen (with Air Greenland connections) or Reykjavik (Iceland Air or Air Greenland).
eVisa / ETA
No e-visa or ETA required for most Western nationalities. Check the Danish Immigration Service website for your specific nationality, as Greenland follows Danish visa rules while not being part of Schengen.
Passport validity
Passport should be valid for the duration of your stay plus a reasonable margin. Six-month validity recommended.
Onward ticket
Onward or return ticket recommended. Given the limited and expensive flights out of Greenland, having confirmed return bookings is strongly advisable before arrival.
Download your Air Greenland booking confirmation and accommodation details offline before flying. Connectivity at Kangerlussuaq (the former international hub) is limited; Nuuk Airport (GOH) is now the main international gateway.
Greenland's entry requirements follow Danish law. Verify current requirements at the Danish Immigration Service website before travel.
Get connected the moment you land in Greenland.
Get your Greenland eSIMMoney & Payments in Greenland
The Danish krone (DKK) is the currency. Cards (Visa and Mastercard) are accepted at hotels, restaurants and most shops in Nuuk, Ilulissat and Sisimiut. Cash is more important in very small settlements and for purchasing items from local hunters or craft sellers.
Cash vs Card
Card payments are standard in Nuuk and main towns. Carry DKK 500 to 1,000 in cash for small village purchases, tips and any remote lodge payments. ATMs are available in Nuuk and Ilulissat; not in very small settlements.
ATMs
Nuuk has the most reliable ATMs (GrønlandsBANKEN on the main shopping street). Ilulissat also has a bank ATM. Withdraw enough cash in Nuuk before heading to smaller towns. Credit card acceptance in remote settlements is unreliable.
Payment Apps
MobilePay (the Danish and Greenlandic standard mobile payment app) is widely used in Greenland for peer-to-peer and some merchant payments. Download MobilePay and link a card before your trip if you have a Danish bank or a compatible European card.
Daily Budget
Greenland is expensive. Budget travellers in guesthouses and cooking their own food may spend DKK 800 to 1,500 per day. Mid-range hotel stays, restaurant meals and guided activities run DKK 2,000 to 4,000 per day. Guided multi-day expeditions, helicopter charters and whale-watching boat tours are significant additional costs.
Data cost: Tusass data plans are moderately priced for an Arctic territory. A Roamix eSIM offers the convenience of pre-purchasing before departure without needing to find a Tusass shop in Nuuk on arrival.
Getting Around Greenland
There are no roads between towns in Greenland. Zero. Getting between settlements requires Air Greenland prop aircraft, coastal ferry (Arctic Umiaq Line, west coast summer service), helicopter or private boat. Within each town, walking is the standard mode. Some towns have a small number of vehicles. Snowmobiles and dog sleds are the traditional winter transport between towns in the north.
Air Greenland domestic flights
The only year-round inter-town transport. Air Greenland flies Dash 8 and ATR aircraft between Nuuk, Ilulissat, Sisimiut, Qaqortoq, Aasiaat and other towns. Book well in advance: seats are limited and weather delays are common. Use the Air Greenland app with offline bookings cached.
Arctic Umiaq Line coastal ferry
The summer coastal ferry sails the full west coast of Greenland from Nuuk to Upernavik. Sailings have no mobile coverage for most of the route. Download offline entertainment and maps before boarding. The ferry is the most spectacular way to experience Greenland's fjords.
Dog sled (winter, north of Arctic Circle)
Traditional travel north of Sisimiut in winter. Routes are entirely outside any mobile coverage. A Garmin inReach or similar satellite communicator is essential. An experienced local guide is required for multi-day routes.
Helicopter (Air Greenland and chartered)
Air Greenland operates helicopter services to settlements not served by fixed-wing aircraft. No coverage in transit. Essential for reaching places like Ittoqqortoormiit in East Greenland.
Regions & Travel
Greenland offers what no other destination can: the raw, unmediated experience of the planet's last great wilderness. Nuuk is a surprisingly vibrant and modern small capital with excellent museums and restaurants. Ilulissat is the gateway to the UNESCO-listed Ilulissat Icefjord, where icebergs the size of buildings calve from the Sermeq Kujalleq glacier. Sisimiut is the dog-sledding capital. East Greenland around Tasiilaq is remote, dramatic and even less visited. Nothing in Greenland is easy or cheap, but nothing else looks or feels like it.
Best time to visit: June to August is the Arctic summer: 24-hour daylight in the north, accessible fjords, hiking, whale watching, midnight sun and the most flight connections. March to May offers the last of the dog-sledding season, frozen fjords and the spectacular possibility of the Northern Lights in the south. September and October see the first autumn colours, returning darkness and the start of Northern Lights season. Winter (November to February) is extreme: darkness, very limited accessibility, but the best Northern Lights displays in years with good aurora activity.
Nuuk and the Capital Region
Greenland's capital and by far its largest city at around 20,000 inhabitants. Nuuk blends Inuit heritage with modern Scandinavian architecture, an internationally acclaimed food scene, the Greenland National Museum, Katuaq Cultural Centre and striking colourful houses. The fjord system around Nuuk is spectacular and accessible by boat tour.
Signal: Best Tusass 4G speeds in Greenland. Nuuk has the most reliable and fastest connectivity in the country. Signal is good throughout the urban area.
Disko Bay and Ilulissat
Ilulissat, on the shores of Disko Bay in western Greenland, is the most visited destination after Nuuk. The Ilulissat Icefjord UNESCO World Heritage Site channels a constant stream of enormous icebergs from the Sermeq Kujalleq glacier (one of the world's fastest-moving glaciers) out into Disko Bay. Midnight sun in summer and dramatic aurora in winter.
Signal: Tusass 4G covers Ilulissat town well. The Icefjord hiking trail near town has signal near the viewpoints. Deep fjord boat tours and glacier hikes beyond town lose all signal immediately.
Sisimiut and the Sled Dog Coast
Sisimiut is Greenland's second-largest town and the starting point of the Arctic Circle Trail, a 160-kilometre wilderness trek to Kangerlussuaq. It is the centre of Greenlandic dog-sledding culture: north of Sisimiut, the fjords freeze reliably in winter and dog sleds remain the traditional winter transport. A base for ski touring, hiking and ice fishing.
Signal: Tusass 4G in Sisimiut town. The Arctic Circle Trail has zero coverage for its entire 160 kilometres. Satellite communication is mandatory for hikers on the trail.
South Greenland (Narsaq and Qaqortoq)
South Greenland is the most temperate and accessible part of the island, with fjords lined by Norse ruins, small farms and patches of green vegetation. Qaqortoq is the main southern town. The Norse settlement ruins of Hvalsey and Brattahlid connect visitors to the saga of Erik the Red and Leif Eriksson. Whale watching is exceptional in the southern fjords.
Signal: Tusass 4G in Qaqortoq, Narsaq and Narsarsuaq. Connections by helicopter or small boat between southern settlements have no coverage in transit.
East Greenland (Tasiilaq and Ittoqqortoormiit)
East Greenland is the most remote and least visited part of the island. Tasiilaq in the Ammassalik Fjord is the only sizable settlement on the east coast, reached by flight from Reykjavik or Nuuk. Ittoqqortoormiit in the far northeast is one of the most isolated permanently inhabited places on Earth. Polar bear sightings, musk oxen, incredible hiking and true Arctic solitude define East Greenland.
Signal: Tusass 4G in Tasiilaq town only. East Greenland beyond the town has zero coverage. Satellite communication is essential for all expeditions from Tasiilaq.
Hidden Gems
Ilulissat Icefjord
UNESCO World Heritage SiteDisko Bay
One of the world's most spectacular natural phenomena: a constant river of enormous icebergs, some the size of multi-storey buildings, calving from the fastest-moving glacier outside Antarctica and floating out through the fjord into Disko Bay. Midnight sun in summer turns the ice golden.
Signal: Tusass 4G at the Sermeq Kujalleq glacier viewpoints near Ilulissat town. Boat tours into the icefjord lose all signal immediately. Download the Icefjord Centre app offline before departure.
Book icefjord boat tours from Ilulissat town using Roamix data. Download the GPS track of the Sermeq Kujalleq hiking trail offline before leaving town.
Disko Island (Qeqertarsuaq)
Island and Volcanic LandscapeDisko Bay
A dramatic volcanic island across Disko Bay from Ilulissat, featuring basalt columns, Arctic flowers, the hot spring at Asuk and spectacular whale watching in the surrounding bay. Reachable by ferry from Ilulissat.
Signal: Tusass 4G in Qeqertarsuaq town. The island's volcanic landscapes, hot springs and hiking trails have no coverage. Download the island map offline from Ilulissat before the ferry crossing.
Take the Air Greenland or ferry connection from Ilulissat. Use Roamix data in Ilulissat to book Disko Island tours and download the island map before crossing.
Sermeq Kujalleq Glacier
GlacierDisko Bay
One of the fastest-moving and most productive glaciers on Earth, the source of the icebergs filling the Ilulissat Icefjord. Hikers can approach within sight of the glacier calving face. Also accessible by helicopter for glacier landing tours.
Signal: Viewpoints near Ilulissat town have Tusass 4G. At the glacier face itself there is no signal. Download glacier approach GPS tracks and weather apps before departing town.
Helicopter glacier tours from Ilulissat are bookable online. Use Roamix data to book a slot at roamix.app compatible operator websites and confirm weather conditions before departure.
The Arctic Circle Trail
Wilderness TrekSisimiut to Kangerlussuaq
Considered one of the world's great wilderness hikes. A self-guided 7 to 12-day route through tundra, river crossings and glacier terrain between Sisimiut and Kangerlussuaq, passing through one of the emptiest landscapes on Earth with no villages or facilities on route.
Signal: Zero mobile coverage for the entire 160-kilometre route. Tusass 4G available only at Sisimiut town (start) and Kangerlussuaq (end). A Garmin inReach satellite communicator is essential for the trail.
Download the full trail map, river crossing notes and emergency contact for the Greenland Police Search and Rescue in Sisimiut before starting. Your Roamix eSIM provides data in Sisimiut for final preparations.
Qaqortoq
Town and Cultural HubSouth Greenland
The largest town in south Greenland and the hub for exploring Norse heritage, whale watching and the extraordinary blue-ice hikes near Narsarsuaq. The Stone and Man outdoor sculpture trail weaves through the town's streets. The surrounding fjord is dotted with Viking-era ruins.
Signal: Tusass 4G in Qaqortoq town. The fjords and Norse ruins outside town have no coverage.
Book south Greenland boat tours and Narsarsuaq blue-ice hike packages from Qaqortoq using Roamix data. Download offline fjord maps before any boat excursion.
Hvalsey Norse Church
Archaeological SiteSouth Greenland
The best-preserved Norse medieval building in the Western Hemisphere, built by the Greenlandic Norse around 1300. The site of the last recorded event in the Greenland Norse sagas (a wedding in 1408). A deeply atmospheric ruin in a remote fjord.
Signal: No mobile coverage at the Hvalsey ruins; the site is accessible only by boat from Qaqortoq. Download the site information and GPS coordinates offline before the boat tour.
Book Hvalsey Norse Church boat tours from Qaqortoq using Roamix data. Cache your guide notes and GPS coordinates offline before boarding.
Tasiilaq (Ammassalik)
Remote SettlementEast Greenland
The main settlement of East Greenland, accessible by flight from Nuuk or Reykjavik. Surrounded by dramatic mountains and fjord scenery that is arguably the most spectacular in all Greenland. A centre for dog sledding in winter, mountain hiking in summer and authentic encounters with Inuit culture far from tourism infrastructure.
Signal: Tusass 4G in Tasiilaq town. East Greenland's fjords, mountain hikes and dog-sledding routes have no coverage. Satellite communication essential for all backcountry activity.
Flights to Tasiilaq are infrequent and fill quickly. Book well in advance using Roamix data. Download all offline maps for Ammassalik Fjord before the flight.
Narsarsuaq Blue Ice Hike
Glacier HikeSouth Greenland
A guided hike above Narsarsuaq through ablation zones of the Greenland Ice Sheet's southern edge, where compressed ancient ice turns an extraordinary electric blue. Accessible without technical climbing equipment with a local guide from Narsarsuaq.
Signal: Tusass 4G at Narsarsuaq airport and settlement. The blue ice area above the glacier is completely off-grid. Download the trail GPS track offline before the hike.
Narsarsuaq is a hub for south Greenland exploration. Book guided blue-ice hike tours online from Qaqortoq or Copenhagen and confirm all details before departure using Roamix data.
Qaanaaq (Thule)
Remote Arctic SettlementNorth Greenland
The most northerly town in the world accessible by scheduled flight. A genuine Inuit hunting community in high Arctic Greenland, with dog-sledding as a living tradition rather than a tourist attraction. The sea ice here supports polar bear encounters and narwhal migrations in spring.
Signal: Tusass 4G in Qaanaaq town. All surrounding Arctic terrain has zero coverage. Qaanaaq is one of the northernmost permanently inhabited places on Earth.
Reaching Qaanaaq requires an Air Greenland connection via Kangerlussuaq or Ilulissat. Use Roamix data to book and manage these complex connections. Download offline maps of north Greenland before departure.
Nuuk Fjord
Fjord and Nature ExperienceNuuk and Capital Region
One of the largest and most complex fjord systems in the world, stretching over 180 kilometres inland from Nuuk. Day-trip boat tours from Nuuk reach icebergs, seals, humpback whales and the ancient Norse and Inuit settlement of Qoornoq. The fjord is among the most accessible wilderness experiences in Greenland.
Signal: Tusass 4G from Nuuk town. Signal disappears within minutes of leaving the dock on a fjord boat tour. Download offline maps and the tour guide before boarding.
Book Nuuk Fjord tours from the Nuuk harbor using Roamix data. Cache your return boat time and emergency contacts before departure from Nuuk.
Events & Best Seasons
Nuuk Snow Festival
Cultural and Arts FestivalNuuk · March
The Nuuk Snow Festival transforms the capital's central areas into an open-air gallery of monumental snow and ice sculptures carved by international artists. The festival coincides with the last of winter and the return of the sun, creating a celebratory atmosphere. Live music, traditional Greenlandic performances and the spectacle of the sculptures under the low Arctic sun.
Network note
Full Tusass 4G throughout Nuuk for the festival period.
Roamix tip
The Snow Festival is the main winter cultural event in Nuuk. Use Roamix data to navigate the sculpture trail and check the event programme on the Nuuk Tourism website.
Greenland Midnight Sun Season
Natural PhenomenonAll of northern Greenland above the Arctic Circle · June to July
Above the Arctic Circle, the sun does not set from approximately late May to late July. Ilulissat experiences continuous daylight for 51 days. This transforms the icefjord at midnight into one of the most remarkable spectacles on Earth, with golden light illuminating drifting icebergs. Nuuk also has very long days but does set briefly in midsummer.
Network note
Tusass 4G in Ilulissat, Sisimiut and other towns during midnight sun season. All fjord boat tours are offline.
Roamix tip
Book a midnight sun icefjord boat tour in Ilulissat using Roamix data. These tours sell out in June and July. Book months in advance.
Northern Lights Season
Natural PhenomenonAll of Greenland (best in clear-sky areas away from Nuuk light pollution) · September to March
Greenland's dark winter skies and distance from urban light pollution make it one of the world's premier Northern Lights destinations. The auroral activity is frequent from September through March. Nuuk, Ilulissat and Tasiilaq all offer aurora viewing, with Tasiilaq's mountain backdrop providing the most dramatic setting.
Network note
Tusass 4G in town; aurora views in open countryside or on fjord tours are offline. Download aurora forecast apps (SpaceWeatherLive) offline for checking before going out.
Roamix tip
Check the aurora forecast index (Kp) before heading out each evening. Use Roamix data in town to monitor real-time activity on SpaceWeatherLive or the Aurora Service app.
Nuuk Culture Night
Cultural FestivalNuuk · October
Nuuk Culture Night opens galleries, museums, cultural institutions and private studios to the public in one evening of free events across the capital. The Greenland National Museum, Katuaq Cultural Centre and commercial galleries all participate. Local artists, musicians and craftspeople present their work to a festive city crowd.
Network note
Full Tusass 4G throughout Nuuk.
Roamix tip
Check the Culture Night programme at Visit Nuuk website using Roamix data. Navigate between venues on foot through the compact Nuuk city centre.
Greenland Sled Dog Race (Avannaata Qimussersua)
Traditional Sporting EventUpernavik region, North Greenland · April
One of Greenland's oldest dog-sled racing traditions, the Avannaata Qimussersua is a competitive dogsled race in the Upernavik district of northwest Greenland. Traditional Greenlandic sled dog teams race across frozen sea ice in what remains a living part of Inuit culture rather than a tourism show.
Network note
Very limited Tusass coverage in the Upernavik region. Most of the race route and spectator areas are beyond mobile coverage.
Roamix tip
Reaching Upernavik requires Air Greenland from Ilulissat or Kangerlussuaq. Book in advance using Roamix data and download all offline content in Ilulissat before proceeding north.
Qooqqut Festival
Music FestivalQooqqut fjord settlement near Nuuk · August
An intimate outdoor music festival held at the remote Qooqqut mountain lodge in the Nuuk Fjord, reached only by boat from Nuuk. Greenlandic and international artists perform against a backdrop of mountains and Arctic wilderness. Attendance is limited to a few hundred people, making it one of the most exclusive and atmospheric music experiences in the world.
Network note
No mobile coverage at Qooqqut. The festival is entirely offline. Download your ticket, boat time and artist schedule before boarding in Nuuk.
Roamix tip
Qooqqut Festival tickets sell out almost immediately. Monitor the festival website using Roamix data and purchase as soon as tickets go on sale.
Greenland Independence Day (National Day)
National HolidayAll of Greenland (main events in Nuuk) · June 21 (Ulloriarsuaq, the longest day)
Greenland's National Day is celebrated on June 21, the summer solstice. It marks the advent of Greenlandic self-government and cultural pride. Nuuk hosts parades, outdoor concerts, traditional Inuit games (Kalaallit Nipaat) and the raising of the Greenlandic flag (Erfalasorput). The day coincides with the midnight sun season.
Network note
Full Tusass 4G in Nuuk for the National Day celebrations.
Roamix tip
June 21 is a major celebration in Nuuk. Katuaq Cultural Centre and the harbour area host main events. Use Roamix data to navigate the programme.
Whale Watching Season
Wildlife ExperienceSouth Greenland fjords and Disko Bay · June to September
Greenland's waters host some of the highest concentrations of humpback, minke, fin and bowhead whales in the North Atlantic. Disko Bay and the southern fjords around Qaqortoq and Narsarsuaq are the prime whale-watching areas. Day-trip and multi-day boat tours from Ilulissat, Sisimiut and Qaqortoq run throughout summer.
Network note
No coverage on open fjord boat tours. Save the whale species guide offline and take photos to identify later.
Roamix tip
Book whale watching tours with local operators in Ilulissat and Qaqortoq using Roamix data. Tours from Ilulissat offering combined icefjord and whale encounters are especially popular.
Nuuk Marathon
Sporting EventNuuk · August
The Nuuk Marathon is one of the world's most unique road races, run partly along Nuuk's spectacular fjord coastline and through the colourful city streets. The route offers views of icebergs floating in the fjord, and the clean Arctic air and moderate August temperatures make for excellent running conditions.
Network note
Full Tusass 4G throughout the Nuuk Marathon course.
Roamix tip
Register for the Nuuk Marathon months in advance at the official event website. Use Roamix data to navigate registration and track the race-day timetable.
Musk Ox Hunting Season
Traditional Cultural PracticeWest Greenland and East Greenland (Tasiilaq region) · August to October
Greenlandic musk ox hunting is a regulated traditional practice that continues as both subsistence and cultural activity. For visitors, guided musk ox watching safaris (non-hunting) in the Kangerlussuaq area and around Tasiilaq provide extraordinary wildlife encounters with these prehistoric-looking Arctic mammals in their natural tundra habitat.
Network note
Kangerlussuaq has Tusass 4G. The musk ox viewing areas on the tundra outside town have no coverage. Download offline maps for the Kangerlussuaq area before heading out.
Roamix tip
Book guided musk ox safari tours from Kangerlussuaq or Tasiilaq using Roamix data. Tours run from August to October as the animals descend to lower valleys.
Spring
March to May brings the return of the sun, still-frozen fjords and the last of the dog-sledding season. Temperatures rise slowly from minus 15 to plus 5 degrees Celsius. March and April are ideal for ice-fishing, dog-sledding and the last of the winter activities. May sees the first flowers on the southern tundra. The Nuuk Snow Festival is in March.
Summer
June to August is Arctic summer in Greenland. Days are endless north of the Arctic Circle (24-hour sun in Ilulissat for 51 days). Temperatures in Nuuk reach 12 to 17 degrees Celsius; Ilulissat may see 15 degrees on calm days. Hiking is accessible, icefjord tours are spectacular, whale watching peaks and all coastal ferry services operate. This is peak season; book everything well in advance.
Fall
September and October bring the first darkness back to Greenland after months of midnight sun. The Northern Lights begin appearing in September. Temperatures drop: Nuuk averages 5 to 10 degrees in September, minus 2 to 5 degrees in October. Colours on the tundra turn briefly vivid before the freeze. Fewer tourists than summer but most activities still operating. An excellent shoulder season.
Winter
November to February is deep Arctic winter. Nuuk averages minus 8 to minus 12 degrees Celsius; the north is much colder. Polar night (total darkness) is experienced north of the Arctic Circle from November to January. Dog-sledding is at its peak in the north. The Northern Lights are at their most dramatic. Very few scheduled flights; the territory enters a quieter, more local rhythm.
Remote Work from Greenland
Greenland is not a practical remote work destination except for journalists, researchers and nature documentarians willing to work from Nuuk. The infrastructure is limited, costs are very high and connectivity outside Nuuk is unreliable even in town.
Nuuk offers the most reliable Tusass 4G and hotel Wi-Fi sufficient for video calls and cloud work. Ilulissat has adequate but slower connectivity. Anywhere else in Greenland is too unreliable for regular remote work.
If working from Nuuk, the Katuaq Cultural Centre has Wi-Fi and a pleasant working environment. Hotel Hans Egede in Nuuk has business facilities. Plan work tasks around connectivity windows in town before any off-grid excursion.
Get connected the moment you land in Greenland.
Get your Greenland eSIMLocal Tips for Greenland
Language
Greenlandic (Kalaallisut) is the official language and the first language of Greenlanders. Danish is widely spoken, particularly in Nuuk and in professional contexts. English is spoken by most people working in tourism, hotels and the airport. In very remote settlements only Greenlandic and Danish may be present.
Tipping
Tipping is not a strong tradition in Greenland, following Danish cultural norms. In restaurants a small tip of five to ten percent is appreciated but not expected. Tip your guide on multi-day expeditions: DKK 200 to 500 for a full-day tour is appropriate.
Food & Dining
Greenlandic cuisine is built on Arctic produce: Greenlandic lamb (world-renowned for its quality from the southern fjords), reindeer, musk ox, whale (contested but traditional), Arctic char, Greenlandic shrimp and halibut. Nuuk has excellent restaurants including Sarfalik at Hotel Hans Egede and the innovative Brasserie Nansen. In small settlements, expect simpler local food or self-catering.
Transport
Book all Air Greenland flights well in advance, especially in summer when the Ilulissat route fills quickly. Travel insurance covering weather delays and cancellations is essential in Greenland: weather holds the real schedule, not the timetable.
Emergency Numbers
general
112
police
112
ambulance
112
fire
112
Essential Apps
Air Greenland
Essential for booking and managing domestic flights between Greenland towns. Download booking confirmations offline before departing Nuuk.
Maps.me
Offline map app that works without internet. Download Greenland map tiles in Nuuk for use during coastal ferry trips and between-town transitions.
Garmin Earthmate
Companion app for Garmin inReach satellite communicators. Essential for any travel beyond mobile coverage including all hiking, boat tours and glacier excursions.
Safety & Health in Greenland
Greenland is safe in terms of crime; violent incidents against tourists are extremely rare. The real risks are environmental: Arctic weather changes rapidly, distances are vast, terrain is unforgiving and rescue services in remote areas can take days to reach you. The golden rule of Greenland safety is: never go beyond town without proper equipment, guides and a satellite communicator.
A Roamix eSIM works in town but provides zero safety benefit outside settlements. For glacier hikes, fjord boat trips, dog-sledding routes and any backcountry activity, a Garmin inReach or similar satellite two-way communicator is not optional: it is essential safety equipment in Greenland.
Health Note
Medical facilities are limited. Nuuk has Dronning Ingrids Hospital, the only full hospital in Greenland. Smaller towns have health centres. Serious injuries or illnesses require medevac to Nuuk or Copenhagen. Comprehensive travel insurance with emergency evacuation cover is mandatory for any Greenland trip.
Water Safety
Running glacier meltwater in Greenland is among the cleanest water on Earth and can be drunk directly from glaciers and many mountain streams with very low risk. Tap water in all towns is safe to drink. Bottled water is unnecessary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Greenland eSIM, connectivity, and travel
Is there mobile coverage in Greenland outside the towns?
No. This is the most important connectivity fact about Greenland. Tusass 4G covers all inhabited towns and settlements, but coverage ends at the town boundary. The ice cap, all glacier hikes, fjord boat tours, dog-sledding routes, open sea and every stretch of wilderness between settlements has absolutely zero mobile coverage. A satellite communicator (Garmin inReach or similar) is essential for any off-town activity.
Which mobile network operates in Greenland?
Tusass (formerly TELE Greenland) is the only mobile network operator in Greenland. It is a state-owned monopoly providing 4G LTE to all inhabited towns and 2G to 3G in some smaller settlements. There is no competitor; a Roamix Greenland eSIM connects to Tusass.
How do I set up a Roamix eSIM for Greenland?
Purchase a plan at roamix.app, scan the QR code in your phone eSIM settings (Settings, Cellular, Add eSIM), set Roamix as your data line and enable data roaming. Your eSIM will connect to Tusass 4G automatically on arrival at Nuuk Airport.
Does Greenland have 5G?
No. Greenland has 4G LTE as the fastest available network technology. Tusass is planning 5G infrastructure but has not yet deployed it. Nuuk and Ilulissat have the best 4G speeds.
What is the best time to visit Greenland?
It depends on what you want to experience. June to August for midnight sun, hiking, whale watching and icefjord tours. September to October for Northern Lights and fewer crowds. March to April for dog sledding and the last of winter activities. Each season is radically different; Greenland does not have a bad season, only different ones.
How do I get to Greenland?
The main route is via Copenhagen with Air Greenland to Nuuk (GOH), which now has a full international terminal opened November 2024. Icelandair or Air Greenland fly from Reykjavik. Air Canada has started seasonal routes. Most travellers route through Copenhagen.
Do I need a visa to visit Greenland?
Greenland follows Danish visa rules but is not part of the EU or Schengen Area. Most Western nationalities including EU, EEA, US, UK, Canadian and Australian citizens can enter visa-free for stays up to 90 days. Verify your specific nationality requirements at the Danish Immigration Service website.
What currency is used in Greenland?
The Danish krone (DKK) is the currency. Card payments (Visa, Mastercard) work in Nuuk and main towns. Carry some DKK cash for small settlements, village purchases and tipping guides.
Are there roads between towns in Greenland?
No. There are no roads connecting Greenland's towns. Inter-town travel is by Air Greenland aircraft, the Arctic Umiaq Line coastal ferry (summer only on the west coast), helicopter or private boat. Each town is effectively an island in terms of ground transport.
Is the internet open in Greenland?
Yes. Greenland has a fully open internet with no censorship. All apps including WhatsApp, Google, FaceTime and Instagram work normally in covered areas.
What is the Arctic Circle Trail?
The Arctic Circle Trail is a 160-kilometre self-guided wilderness hike from Sisimiut to Kangerlussuaq through complete Greenlandic tundra with no villages or facilities on route. It takes 7 to 12 days and has zero mobile coverage for the entire route. A Garmin inReach satellite communicator is mandatory. Download all maps offline from Sisimiut before starting.
Do I need a satellite communicator in Greenland?
For any activity outside a town, yes. A Garmin inReach, SPOT or equivalent satellite two-way communicator is essential safety equipment in Greenland. Mobile coverage ends at every town boundary. Rescue services in remote areas can take days to reach you. Your Roamix eSIM works in town but provides zero safety protection in the backcountry.
What emergency number should I use in Greenland?
112 is the universal emergency number in Greenland for police, ambulance and fire. It works from any mobile device within Tusass coverage (in towns). Outside coverage, only a satellite communicator can summon emergency services.
What is the new Nuuk Airport?
Nuuk Airport (IATA: GOH) opened a new extended runway and international terminal in November 2024. The old airport could only handle regional aircraft; the new terminal handles wide-body jets and enabled direct routes from Copenhagen, Reykjavik and Canada. It is now Greenland's main international gateway.
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Land connected at Nuuk Airport, ready for the ice
A Roamix Greenland eSIM connects to Tusass 4G the moment you land. Activate before you fly and arrive prepared with working maps and messaging before you step into the Arctic.