Greenland is a unique land with exquisite and exotic flora and fauna. The ancient culture along with the stunning and varied wildlife is the factor that promotes tourism for this place. Even though it is a land covered mostly by sheets of ice, there are numerous interesting aspects to explore around this naturally attractive location. Listed below are 10 interesting facts about Greenland.
#1- World Championship of Ice Golf
The Worldwide Championship of Ice Golf is held in the month of March in a popular city of Greenland namely, Uummannaq. The course for this frozen version of Golf is snow fields along with icebergs in between. It is a two day event and the greens in common version of golf are known as whites.
#2- Midnight Sun
An extremely stunning phenomenon is the midnight Sun which means that the day does not end with a setting sun. During summer, from mid-May to mid-July the sun does not completely set even though the bright daylight gets converted to warm hues in the evening. It is a sight which enchants and provides peace to both the body and mind, rejuvenating an individual.
#3- First Christian church
The Hvalsey Church, a Norse ruin now is the first church for Christians built on the continent of North America. It was built by Norse settlers who migrated here from Scandinavia and Iceland. This is one of the most well preserved churches and is definitely one of the 10 interesting facts about Greenland.
#4- Contradictory naming
The name Greenland might give one the idea that the landscapes of this country are covered in lush greenery. The term ‘Greenland’ means the ‘land of people’ and the name is contradictory due to fact that 85% of the land of this country is covered in ice.
#5- Northern lights
Greenland is one of the best locations in the world to view the dancing Northern lights. It can be viewed clearly during the nights throughout the year when the skies are clear. It is a thrilling natural phenomenon that can be experienced only when there is no midnight sun.
#6- Air and boat travel
A major part of Greenland is covered by fjords, which prevent the construction of roads for travelling to another city or town. Thus, the forms of transport available for travelling long distances are boats and air.
#7- Temperatures above freezing point for a month
In Greenland the only month where the temperature manages to reach above freezing point is July. It is the ideal time for tourists to travel during this month as they do not have to risk being affected by temperatures below freezing point.
#8- Tourist attractions
Major tourist attractions in Greenland are the fauna and flora of this country. Most of the animals that are sought here are some popular yet endangered species. Some of these animals are polar bears, musk oxen, sea eagles, reindeers, humpback whales and walruses.
#9- Vikings
Greenland was named as Greenland by Vikings who discovered this country in the 10th century. This country was named in this manner to attract settlers so that these raiders could benefit by warring with approaching settlers ships.
#10- Most active glaciers
One of the most active glaciers’ of the world is present in Ilulissat, a city on the western coast of Greenland. It is popular due to the fact that it has the fastest moving glacier in the entire Northern hemisphere.