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Truth be told, there are not many ribbon-cutting ceremonies left for untouched destinations, but mark your calendars this fall for perhaps the most exciting airport news of the year.
Better yet, two more are in the works for the same destination. For those, you’ll have to wait until 2026, but the first domino will fall in November.
One of Europe’s most challenging destinations to reach is about to become so much easier with the initial spate of flights already set.
Unfortunately, you will have to connect through Denmark, but hey, beggars can’t be choosers, and there’s been a whole lot of begging over the years to make Greenland more accessible.
Move Aside Iceland! There’s A New Natural Wonder To Explore
Iceland was long a far-flung fascinating destination filled with wondrous sites, but now it’s so much easier to reach that many argue it’s not worth visiting.
Between sky-high prices, possibly the most expensive in Europe, and crowded waterfalls and thermal springs, it’s made doppelganger’s like the gorgeous Faroe Islands all the more appealing.
Of course, the Faroes beat Greenland to the punch, even launching direct flights to the U.S.
But Greenland is a more recognizable name, long desired as the last frontier of Europe to explore.
Flying here has been quite a trek, so many have opted for cruises instead.
Greenland does receive a high amount of cruise tourists. In fact, according to Greenland’s official tourism statistics, there was a 73% spike from 2022 to 2023.
Now, more travelers will surely take to the skies to avoid the hassle of flying to Iceland only to set sail across the frigid sea.
Coming this fall, visiting will be easier than ever.
Truly Wild: Think Iceland, Alaska, And Antarctica All In One Place
Greenland is not its own country; it’s a Danish territory.
While it’s not exactly an alternative to Copenhagen per se, it’s a great alternative to some of the world’s most remote natural marvels.
Believe it or not, Antarctica, of all places, saw a surge in travel interest earlier in the year, so this type of destination is definitely being hyped up.
Visiting urban jungles like New York City and Sao Paulo can be the trip of a lifetime, but nothing competes with immersing yourself in the elements of raw, untouched atmospheres, which is why I’m glad I had the chance to visit Iceland before it became super popular.
You’ll feel the same way about Greenland.
Imagine going dog-sledding through wide-open snowy landscapes and visiting stunning glaciers without the eyesore of selfie sticks like Iceland has now.
Perhaps best of all, it would be great to be able to witness the Northern Lights where there’s absolutely no light pollution.
Just crystal clear dancing skies all to yourself. Well, and the entire island’s roughly 60,000 residents…
It’s often said Greenland and Iceland should’ve swapped names, but there are scattered spots to enjoy a nice, scenic hike too without mountaineering boots.
Check out Ilulissat Icefjord, a UNESCO-protected site boasting mesmerizing glaciers.
Not to get political here, but this particular spot has moved the needle on the conversation of climate change.
New Nuuk Airport Opening In November
Greenland’s capital city is Nuuk, a small, vibrant town boasting stunning backdrops, colorful architecture, incredible whale-watching tours, and proud natives holding on to long-standing traditions.
This will be your gateway to Greenland November 29, 2024 when the new international airport opens their runway for direct flights from Copenhagen (CPH).
Tickets are on sale now for $415 on Air Greenland’s official website.
An apprehension that “experts” have regarding more travel to Greenland is the lack of hotel rooms.
For a country where most tourists rest their heads at night on a cruise ship, this is a rightful cause for concern.
If Rome wasn’t built in a day, we shouldn’t expect Greenland to be either.
Only time will tell how this issue fairs, but for now, there are hotels scattered across main destinations.
There are also more listings popping up on Airbnb as locals become more accustomed to opening up their homes to travelers.
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.
