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In the early days of his re-election, news of President Donald Trump's expressed desire to buy Greenland captured worldwide attention, viewed as an absolute necessity for national security. So what made this remote Arctic island the focus of attention, not only for a powerful president but also for thousands of tourists from around the world?
Greenland, an autonomous country within the Kingdom of Denmark, boasts the world's largest island, four times the size of France, yet with a population of just under 60,000. This creates a vast, tranquil space where visitors can truly experience a rare sense of peace and serenity. With over 80% of its area covered by ice, Greenland is undeniably a "green land" in another sense – the green of permafrost and the vast ocean, creating unparalleled landscapes.
Icebergs stand tall like ghost ships.
Greenland's most distinctive and famous symbol is its massive icebergs and glaciers. Formed from thousands of years of ice accumulation and compression, these icebergs are pristine white or captivating turquoise, forming colossal natural sculptures that stand out against the deep blue sea and sparkle under the Arctic sun.
A Danish autonomous territory since the 19th century, Greenland is located near the North American continent, between the Atlantic and Arctic Oceans, and is covered by ice over 80% of its surface.
Visitors to Greenland shouldn't miss the opportunity to admire these "giants" from cruises navigating through icy fjords. Captain David Karlsen of the Katak cruise ship once shared an unforgettable experience: "I was on board and saw icebergs break in half, the fragments falling back into the sea, creating a giant wave."
If you look far into the distance, you'll see icebergs the size of Manhattan skyscrapers jutting out, drifting like ghost ships in Disko Bay.
The overwhelming feeling of awe at the grandeur of nature, coupled with the gentle sound of ice colliding, creates an experience that is both peaceful and magical. Although visitors can admire the scenery up close, they must adhere to regulations to avoid getting too close in order to ensure safety and protect the environment.
Colors amidst the blue of the ocean
If icebergs symbolize the grandeur of nature, then the colorful villages along the Greenland coast represent the warmth and vibrancy of human life. In contrast to the vast, icy landscape, the small wooden houses here are painted in striking colors such as red, yellow, blue, and white. This not only creates a stunning aesthetic but also has immense practical value: the bright colors help residents easily identify their homes amidst the long, snow-covered winters and the dim light of the Arctic.
If icebergs symbolize the grandeur of nature, then the colorful villages along the Greenland coast represent the warmth and vibrancy of human life.
This tradition stems from indigenous culture, where Greenlanders have always sought to create a sense of warmth and intimacy in a harsh environment. Each house's color is not only a personal choice but also reflects its different functions, such as an administrative building, hospital, or residential area, making differentiation easier in challenging weather conditions.
The vibrant colors help people easily identify their homes amidst the long, snow-covered winter and the dim light of the Arctic.
Not only the capital Nuuk, but also smaller villages like Ilulissat, Sisimiut, and Qaqortoq possess their own unique charm, with picturesque scenery. Each village gives visitors the feeling of stepping into a fairytale world, where people live in harmony with nature and enjoy peace amidst the icy environment.
The Northern Lights, a magical band of light.
Greenland boasts one of the most beautiful places in the world to see the Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis), attracting thousands of visitors each year to admire this magical natural phenomenon. From September to April, as night falls over the Arctic sky, streaks of green, purple, pink, and sometimes golden light dance across the sky, creating a wondrous natural spectacle that leaves everyone in awe.
Thanks to its low levels of urban light pollution, Greenland is a dark canvas and the perfect stage for the Northern Lights to display in the sky.
The aurora borealis occurs when charged particles from the sun collide with the Earth's atmosphere, creating a magical, shimmering light display. In Greenland, the cold climate, clear skies, and minimal light pollution provide an excellent opportunity to observe this phenomenon. Visitors often choose dark, moonless nights, far from city lights, for the most complete experience.
Visitors can also participate in activities such as building igloos and hiking the 160km Arctic Circle Trail, and should bring a gun to fire warning shots in case of encountering polar bears.
Inuit culture: Enduring life amidst harsh conditions.
The soul of Greenland lies in its deep and enduring Inuit culture. The Inuit, the indigenous inhabitants of the Arctic, have survived and thrived on this harsh island for thousands of years, adapting remarkably to its unique environment. Their culture is a unique blend of tradition and modernity: they still dry fish outdoors but watch cable television and listen to the radio indoors. Children learn Western subjects in school while simultaneously being taught traditional survival skills, demonstrating a strong preservation of their identity.
Greenland is attractive not only for its spectacular natural scenery but also for the unique culture of the Inuit people.
The Inuit have developed a lifestyle in harmony with nature, making the most of resources from the sea and ice to survive in their harsh environment.
Traditional ice igloos, dog-sleds, and animal skin clothing are hallmarks of Inuit culture. Visitors to Greenland can experience Inuit life, enjoy traditional cuisine, and participate in unique cultural activities, gaining valuable insights into a resilient culture in the heart of the Arctic.
In addition to hands-on activities, visitors can also listen to colorful Inuit myths, such as the story of Sedna – the goddess of the sea.
Greenland is not just an icy island, but a treasure trove of nature and culture, a destination where every corner holds stories and timeless beauty, waiting for visitors to discover and experience. This is precisely why it holds such a special appeal, transcending the realm of mere tourist destinations, becoming a strategic and potentially rich land in the eyes of many world leaders.
