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Greenland has opened its first international airport in Nuuk. This will connect the capital city with the island for tourists and residents.
Most towns in Greenland do not have roads.
Known for its vast tundra and giant glaciers, Greenland has seen a rise in the number of tourists who visit the country. The world’s largest island is all set to see an influx of tourists this winter to witness the Northern Lights in its full glory. As the country expects double the number of tourists, Greenland has opened a new international airport in its capital city, Nuuk.
As reported by CNN, the 2.2 kilometer (1.4 mile) runway was approved on Wednesday after a series of test flights. It was formally opened on Thursday. The Nuuk International Airport serves not just tourists but also citizens as no roads lead out of the city. The airport will help larger planes enter the Arctic country. Reports mention that airlines will announce direct flights from Newark, New York, Copenhagen, and Keflavik, among others.
Previously, all international flights to Iceland landed in the secluded town of Kangerlussuaq which is located in the north of the country.
In case you are planning to visit Greenland, here are the top five things that you should know.
- 1. Greenland is sparsely populated and only a few roads connect the towns. The best way to explore the island is via ferries, helicopters, or planes. Public transport options are limited.
- 2. Only 20% of Greenland is ice-free. The climate varies from Arctic in the north to subarctic in the south. Summer temperatures range between 5°C (41°F) to 15°C (59°F), while winter temperatures can go below the freezing point.
- 3. You can witness the Midnight Sun (when the sun does not set for weeks) in summer or the Polar Nights (when the sun does not rise for weeks) in winter. It all depends on when you are travelling to the island.
- 4. For an authentic Arctic experience, one should try dog sledding which is a historic way of transport in Greenland.
- 5. The island does not have traffic lights because of its low population density.