Let the battle of the ‘lands’ begin.
So, you’re prepared to your subsequent getaway and also you’ve lastly settled on the final area (sensible choice by the way in which) however what occurs now? How are you going to even start to determine between the pure wonders and charming colors of Iceland and the untouched wilderness and wintry climate of Greenland?
Each international locations have fascinating cultures, mouthwatering delicacies, unbelievable landscapes (suppose glaciers and geysers and geothermal spectacles – oh my!) and loads of actions on provide, however which one does it finest?
Fortunately, you don’t have to drag the reply out of a hat – you’ve bought this comparability weblog as an alternative.
Tradition
The ‘Land of fireside and ice’ has a robust tradition with roots going again centuries to the times of its wholesome Viking inhabitants within the 800s. Outlined by historical past and conventional customs, this nation’s wealthy starting remains to be celebrated as we speak with a number of guidelines set in place to guard and protect its previous – suppose naming infants in a approach that abides by grammatical guidelines and Icelandic custom and observing a number of nationwide holidays and celebrations.
Iceland additionally attracts its tradition from literature with loads of myths and legends informed to younger youngsters once they’re rising up, specifically people tales of elves, gnomes, and fairies. With spectacular landscapes like those in Iceland, it’s simple to think about the place these magical tales got here from.
DISCOVER ICELAND’S CULTURE ON OUR PREMIUM ICELAND TOUR
I can’t inform the story of Greenland’s tradition with out additionally telling the story of its Indigenous individuals, the Inuit individuals of Greenland. Reaching Greenland round 1300AD, the Inuit individuals practiced Thule traditions and had been often known as ‘hunters’, utilizing canine sleds and superior harpoon know-how (on the time) to outlive in Greenland’s typically harsh circumstances.
These historical practices of looking are nonetheless very a lot alive in Greenland’s tradition as we speak with many Greenlanders supplementing their weight loss plan and gathering supplies from this supply. Different traditions which have carried down by way of the years embody telling Inuit legends, throwing cash throughout celebrations equivalent to weddings and baptisms, and giving one another ‘Inuit kisses’ – the method of displaying love by smelling each other.
LEARN ABOUT INUIT CULTURE ON OUR GREENLAND ADVENTURE
Landscapes
Saying you’ll by no means run out of extraordinary issues to see in Iceland would possibly sound like an exaggeration however whenever you’re coping with a rustic that boasts geothermal springs, magnificent waterfalls, pristine nationwide parks, and a shoreline that’s completely charming, it’s simple to make such sweeping statements.
From the dashing waters of the Gullfoss waterfall to the blue-white icebergs floating in Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon, the pure landscapes of this Nordic nation will take your breath away (and never as a result of the temperature’s under freezing).
Exploring Iceland can really feel like discovering one other world; one which’s stuffed with erupting geysers, hovering coastal cliffs, frozen glaciers, and effervescent lava fields seeping from centuries-old volcanoes. And that’s solely the start.
MARVEL AT GLACIERS ON OUR ICELAND DISCOVERY TOUR
Should you’re something like me then you definitely’ve been equally terrified but entranced by icebergs since watching James Cameron’s Titanic for the primary time. There’s one thing so fascinating about their seemingly larger-than-life stature, their glowing whiteness, and the way a lot of them lies beneath the water’s floor.
Your fascination with icebergs will solely develop in Greenland with ice-fjords stuffed with the towering wonders a standard a part of the nation’s panorama. However that’s not all there may be to marvel at.
From discovering Disko Bay with its marine life and Inuit tradition to snowcapped mountains that look as in the event that they’re straight off the pages of a fairytale, spending time within the nice open air will depart you with one certainty; Greenland is a few of Mom Nature’s finest work.
SEE ICEBERGS UP CLOSE ON OUR HIGH ARCTIC EXPLORER TOUR
Delicacies
Icelandic delicacies won’t be as effectively often known as Italian or French, but it surely’ll nonetheless tickle your tastebuds in the identical approach, particularly if you happen to like fish (suppose herring and cod). Developed over the centuries by pure, available components and assets, Icelandic delicacies consists of meat-heavy dishes and hearty meals that’ll preserve you fuller for longer.
Whether or not you’re serious about stepping out of your culinary consolation zone by ordering a plate of hakarl or fermented shark (the nationwide dish of Iceland) otherwise you’re salivating on the considered slurping up some plokkfiskur (fish stew), there’s loads to like about this Nordic nation’s scrumptious delicacies.
EAT YOUR WAY THROUGH ICELAND ON OUR ICELAND EXPRESS SMALL GROUP ADVENTURE
Greenland’s extraordinary landscapes is perhaps recognised everywhere in the world however the identical can’t be stated for its delicacies which stays a thriller for a lot of travellers to the world’s largest island. Because of its distinctive location in between the Arctic and Atlantic oceans, Greenland’s delicacies is made up of lots of seafood with its nationwide dish being suaasat – a thick, frothy soup historically comprised of a variety of issues together with seal, whale, or seabirds.
Sure, Greenland’s delicacies can take somewhat getting used to but when that soup’s not to your tastebuds, there are many different scrumptious dishes and accompaniments to attempt from crowberry marmalade to reindeer mignon. And don’t neglect to clean your meal down with a Greenlandic espresso (a tasty concoction of whisky, Kahlua, Grand Marnier, whipped cream, and occasional).
TRY GREENLANDIC CUISINE ON OUR WEST GREENLAND GEMS TOUR
Climate
Let’s face it, if you’d like heat, tropical climate in summer season then Iceland’s not the place you’re travelling to however whereas it won’t fairly rise up to sunbathing temperatures, the seasons of June, July, and August nonetheless attain highs of round 13°C/55°F.
Actually, that is virtually sweltering for the Nordic nation as winter lows can drop the temperature all the way down to a freezing -3°C/27°F (it does have ‘ice’ in its identify in any case).
Whereas these temperatures can fluctuate throughout the 12 months, the one factor that continues to be constant in Iceland weather-wise is the rain. Every month experiences round 25mm-50mm which implies that every day is prone to convey at the very least a lightweight smattering of rain. However this additionally depends upon the realm of Iceland you’re in with the south coast experiencing windier and wetter circumstances than that of different areas.
WITNESS THE NORTHERN LIGHTS ON OUR SMALL GROUP ADVENTURE
It’s going to return as no shock to anybody that the most effective months to go to Greenland are the summer season ones of June, July, and August when temperatures can attain as excessive as 15°C/59°F and the solar stays up all evening. Whereas which may not appear very heat, it’s higher than the piercing lows of -20°C/-4°F the nation experiences in winter.
However after all, with the plummeting temperatures comes the prospect to see the paranormal aurora borealis (whose colors dance throughout the evening sky from October till March), so that you’ll nonetheless see loads of travellers round throughout December, January, and February.
Nonetheless, whereas temperatures can exceed freezing ranges, it doesn’t truly really feel that chilly due to the nation’s low humidity ranges. The air in Greenland could be very dry and whereas which means you’ll be able to see additional than you’re used to (mountain peaks can seem nearer than they really are), it additionally means you have to drink loads of water to keep away from dehydration.
Actions
Whereas the chilly temperatures might need you wanting to twist up in entrance of your guesthouse’s hearth with an excellent ebook and a cup of kaffi (espresso), there’s loads of journey available in Iceland with actions that vary from stress-free to adventurous at your completely gloved fingertips.
Whether or not you wish to lace up your boots and hike to Vatnajokull (Europe’s largest glacier), soak within the mineral-rich waters of Grindavik’s well-known blue lagoon, get pleasure from a scenic drive alongside the rugged coasts of East Fjords, or just take a strolling tour of Reykjavik’s landmark points of interest (suppose the outdated harbour and Hallgrimskirkja church), you’ll by no means get tired of exploring this icy isle.
GET ACTIVE ON OUR ICELAND’S GOLDEN CIRCLE IN DEPTH TOUR
From mountaineering by way of distant areas in the hunt for mind-boggling landscapes and tenting in a single day in a fjord to catching a helicopter for spectacular views over the immense Greenland ice sheet, this nation is stuffed with activity-filled surprises.
In the future you is perhaps kayaking by way of glacial lakes and attempting to identify the northern lights whereas the following, you’ll be exploring the stays of historical settlements at Sydkap and Frederiksdal and cruising the waters of Disko Bay, retaining your eyes peeled for the breach of a whale of the cry of a seabird.
At this level, Greenland might as effectively change its identify to ‘Adventureland’.
The decision
Greenland would possibly dwarf Iceland in dimension however relating to the issues that depend – tradition, landscapes, delicacies, climate, and actions – it’s exhausting to distinguish the 2. Which may sound like a cop out however these two Nordic international locations each promise an unforgettable journey you gained’t cease telling your mates about.
However, if we are able to’t determine which one comes out on high, then we are able to hardly anticipate you to. So, why not journey to each on our East Greenland and Northern Lights tour? Downside solved.
EXPLORE BOTH COUNTRIES ON OUR EAST GREENLAND AND ICELAND NORTHERN LIGHTS TOUR
