National park · Greenland
Northeast Greenland National Park
Visit Northeast Greenland National Park by flying to Nerlerit Inaat (70.7433 N, 22.6486 W) and camp near the coast; bring a satellite phone, pack for –35 °C (95 °F) to –10 °C (50 °F), and allow extra days for weather delays.Visit Northeast Greenland National Park by flying to Nerlerit Inaat (70.7433 N, 22.6486 W) and camp near the coast; bring a satellite phone, pack for –95 °F (35 °C) to –50 °F (10 °C), and allow extra days for weather delays.
- Source checked
- A source and a date are on record: we read it from an official or published page. Not yet confirmed on the ground.
- Field checked
- Someone checked it on the ground, with the date shown.
- Plan calculated
- Worked out by Voykit from its own data (times, distances, budgets). A calculation, not a measurement.
Unknown times stay unknown. How we verify
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Map to the park
Add your hotel to get directions from it. · stays in this browser; shared with the pocket card.
Area
972,000 km² (375,291 sq mi)375,291 sq mi (972,000 km²)
approximate
Established
1974
Best months
Jun–Aug
UNESCO
None
Rules in force · 6Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs …Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but ta…
- North America ↗Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs your passport even on a day trip; rental cars need the company's written permission to cross, and most US and Canadian rental insurance stops at the Mexican border.
- North America ↗Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but taking any amount across the US, Canadian or Mexican border is a federal crime — including edibles and vapes.
- North America ↗The busiest US and Canadian national parks need timed-entry, campsite or lodge reservations in summer; release dates are months ahead.
- Greenland ↗Greenland is outside the Schengen area even though it is part of the Kingdom of Denmark; check entry rules for your passport with Danish authorities or official Greenland sources before booking.
- Greenland ↗Keep at least one spare day before any international connection; flights and boats are often delayed by weather.
- Greenland ↗Hikes away from towns need preparation, local advice and in some areas a permit; the National Park in the northeast requires a permit.
At a glance
- Country
- Greenland
- Area
- 972,000 km² (375,291 sq mi)375,291 sq mi (972,000 km²)
- World's largest national park; area derived from official park description (check).
- Established
- 1974
- Best months
- Jun–Aug
- Permits
- Not needed
Northeast Greenland National Park is the world’s largest protected area, covering remote Arctic coastlines, glaciers and tundra. With no permanent residents, visitors must fly to Nerlerit Inaat, arrange a helicopter or boat to the coast, and camp self‑sufficiently while respecting strict wildlife distances and extreme weather.
Decide
Why go, which months, and what lives here when
At a glance
Status
- Special national site · 1974Designated by Greenlandic authorities.
Size and age
972,000 km² (375,291 sq mi)375,291 sq mi (972,000 km²) · national park since 1974
World's largest national park; area derived from official park description (check).
Why go
- Experience untouched Arctic wilderness with glaciers, fjords and the world’s largest musk‑ox population.
- Observe remote coastal features such as Kaiser Franz Joseph Fjord and Kaffeklubben Island.
- Visit scientific stations like Zackenberg for a glimpse of polar research.
When to go
- JanAvoid
- FebAvoid
- MarCaution
- AprCaution
- MayCaution
- JunBest
- JulBest
- AugBest
- SepCaution
- OctAvoid
- NovAvoid
- DecAvoid
- JanExtreme cold, limited daylight.
- FebVery cold, storms common.
- MarCold but daylight improves.
- AprCold, still high risk of storms.
- MayCold, melt begins.
- JunMilder, 10 °C (50 °F) average day near coast.Milder, 50 °F (10 °C) average day near coast.
- JulWarmest period, long daylight.
- AugWarm, good for trekking.
- SepCooling, weather becomes unpredictable.
- OctRapid cooling, early winter.
- NovCold, limited daylight.
- DecExtreme cold, polar night.
Wildlife and nature calendar
| What | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Musk ox (≈ 40 % of global population)Jun–Sep · Observe from a distance; do not approach. | no | no | no | no | no | yes | yes | yes | yes | no | no | no |
| Arctic fox, ptarmiganJun–Sep | no | no | no | no | no | yes | yes | yes | yes | no | no | no |
Arrive & move
Getting in, how the park is divided, and where things are
Show 3 sectionsHideHow to get there, Zones and sectors, Sketch map
How to get there
From International arrival (e.g., Copenhagen)
Fly to Kangerlussuaq, then connect to Nerlerit Inaat Airport (70.7433 N, 22.6486 W). From the airport arrange a helicopter or boat shuttle to the park coast.
≈ 5 h total flight + transfer
Open the page →
From Ittoqqortoormiit (nearest settlement)
Boat or charter from the harbor to the park’s coastal edge (≈ 40 km (25 mi)).Boat or charter from the harbor to the park’s coastal edge (≈ 25 mi (40 km)).
2–4 h depending on sea state
Open the page →
Zones and sectors
| Zone | What is there | Access |
|---|---|---|
| Coastal entry area | Landing sites near Nerlerit Inaat and Ittoqqortoormiit; base for backcountry travel. | Open; no facilities. |
| Kaiser Franz Joseph Fjord zone | Glacier‑filled fjord with scenic viewpoints. | Accessible by boat or kayak from the coast. |
| Zackenberg research area | Scientific station and surrounding tundra. | Restricted; visits only with organized tours. |
Sketch map
Take the points offline
3 points as a GPX waypoint file, plus a plain-text list of coordinates. Save it while you have signal: maps apps show the points without a connection.
Coordinates are central to the park; exact trailheads vary.
See & do
Caves, trails and wildlife, with how hard each is and whether it needs booking
Show Top experiencesHide
Top experiences
Practical
Fees, permits, rules, where to sleep and what can go wrong
Show 8 sectionsHideEntry fees and permits, Park rules, Where to stay, Safety, Accessibility, Visiting lightly, Questions people ask, Related
Entry fees and permits
| Item | Range | Per | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Park entry | Free | person | No formal entry fee; costs are for transport and guide services (check). |
Ranges, not quotes: fees change without notice. Check with the park or your operator · checked Sep 2026.
Travel permit no permit
Park rules
- Camping
- Allowed only in designated backcountry sites; no permanent structures.
- Fire
- Open fires prohibited; use portable stoves.
- Wildlife distance
- Keep at least 100 m from musk oxen and polar bears.
Where to stay
Near the park
Ittoqqortoormiit guesthouses
Basic rooms in the nearest settlement, 40 km (25 mi) from park edge.Basic rooms in the nearest settlement, 25 mi (40 km) from park edge.
In the park
Self‑camping
Tent sites on the coast; bring all supplies.
Safety
Polar bears high
Extreme cold high
Isolation medium
How much daylight do you have?
Time out
Finding the local time zone…
Times are local to the spot (zone loading). The half-hour margin is our rule of thumb, not an official figure; light fades earlier in forest or under cloud. Carry a headlamp on any route that could run late.
Accessibility
- No road access; travel by air, boat or foot only.
- Terrain is rugged; not suitable for limited mobility.
Visiting lightly
- Leave no trace; pack out all waste.
- Use approved camping sites and avoid disturbing wildlife.
Questions people ask
How much does it cost to enter Northeast Greenland National Park?
There is no formal entry fee; costs arise from flights, helicopter shuttles or guided tours.
What are the best hikes in Northeast Greenland National Park?
The coastal trek along Kaiser Franz Joseph Fjord and the multi‑day route to Kaffeklubben Island are the main backcountry hikes; both require self‑sufficiency.
When is the best time to visit Northeast Greenland National Park?
June to August offers the mildest temperatures (around 10 °C on the coast) and the longest daylight for trekking.
Is camping allowed in the park?
Yes, but only in designated backcountry sites; bring all gear and follow leave‑no‑trace rules.
Do I need a permit or guide?
No permit is required for self‑guided visits, but guided tours are recommended for safety and logistics.
Deep dive
Every source; fees and rules change, so check before you go
Show the detailsHide
Ask about Northeast Greenland National Park
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