The secret to visiting the most enigmatic region on Earth
That they penetrated so far in five-star luxury, a far cry from the hardships endured by explorers such as Roald Amundsen and Sir John Franklin, might diminish the Arctic's chiselled aura of remoteness. As do rising sea temperatures, which are reshaping its geography and accessibility. By 2024 the Arctic Ocean's sea-ice coverage had reached a historic low by extent.
Yet this evolution of the icescapes and wild tundra above the Arctic Circle – outside of out-of-bounds Russia, which encompasses half the region – have opened new doors to opportunities to explore it. Just a few decades ago, the centre of attention was Sweden's Icehotel, first conceived in 1989, and a Christmas wishlist to visit Santa in Lapland.
Now, there are wildlife cruises to see polar bears in the increasingly popular Svalbard archipelago and Astro-tourism is booming, driven by the sunspot phenomena Solar Cycle 25, which will yield wondrous northern lights sightings well into winter 2025/26. You can dogsled with the Inuit and learn their secrets of survival – ' coolcations ' also offer ever more unique and remote accommodation immersed in the wilderness.
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Daily Mirror
04-07-2025
- Daily Mirror
One of world's most beautiful countries is begging tourists to come
The mineral-rich Arctic island is open for tourism. Whale-watching tours, excursions to the iconic puffin island and guided charters through remote settlements are just the beginning of what Greenland has to offer visitors. One of the world's most striking and least visited countries is bucking the anti-tourism trend. Greenland is extending an open invitation to globetrotters and sharing a warm message with eager adventurers across the globe: We're all set for your arrival. "Come visit Greenland," invites Nukartaa Andreassen, an employee at a water taxi service in Nuuk. "Learn about it, learn about us. We love to have you. We love to tell our stories and our culture." This island, rich in minerals and nestled in the Arctic, is embracing tourism with open arms. From whale-spotting odysseys to treks to the famed puffin island and guided tours of distant hamlets, Greenland is eager to exhibit its charms, hoping to shift focus away from past political squabbles, notably with Donald Trump. "Our goal and mission is to present and be the ambassadors of Greenland," declares Casper Frank Møller, CEO of Raw Arctic, a Nuuk-based tour operation. "and to show what beauty you can experience while you're here." Following the initiation of a newfangled flight path between Nuuk and Newark, New Jersey, expectations are high for a surge in tourist interest this year. The first-ever direct link from the United States to Greenland via an American carrier launched with fanfare on June 14. Previously, U.S. voyagers had to stopover in Iceland or Denmark before continuing their journey to Greenland. This development has simplified travel significantly, much to the delight of travellers like Doug Jenzen, who was among the inaugural passengers on the United Airlines flight departing from New Jersey. "I arrived with the intention of exploring some of the natural wonders on the world's largest island, aiming to promote ecotourism and sustainable travel while bolstering the local economy," stated Jenzen. Cruise ships are already able to dock on the island, but they contribute less to businesses catering to tourists as passengers typically eat and sleep onboard. In 2024, Greenland welcomed around 150,000 tourists, according to Naaja Nathanielsen, Greenland's business minister. "We're keen to expand the tourism sector. It's a great fit for many in Greenland," added Nathanielsen. "Tourism is about good vibes. It's about sharing culture, history. It's about storytelling. And as Inuit, that's very much part of our heritage." Earlier this year, Greenland found itself in the global spotlight when Trump announced his desire to gain control of the semi-autonomous Danish territory, either through purchase or potentially by force. Denmark, a NATO ally, along with Greenland, have firmly stated that the island is not for sale and have condemned reports of the U.S. gathering intelligence there. Despite the diplomatic strain, Frank Møller of Raw Arctic sees a silver lining. "It has kind of put Greenland on the world map. And it's definitely a situation that Raw Arctic has used to our advantage," he said. However, he emphasised that any expansion of the tourism industry should occur at a pace that respects the voices and comfort levels of the approximately 56,000 residents on the island. Andreassen, from Nuuk Water Taxi, agreed. "It's very important for me to tell my own story. Because I always feel like when I meet new people, I always introduce a whole Greenland," she remarked. "It's important for me to show our own culture, our own nature. Not by television, not by other people from other countries." During a boat trip in June, Pinar Saatci, a 59-year-old holidaymaker from Turkey, was thrilled to observe several whales leaping out of the sea. "It's very exciting to be here, at the other part of the world, so far away from home," she exclaimed. "It's a very exciting and unforgettable moment." Risskov Rejser has been organising jaunts to Greenland for Danish globetrotters via her travel agency. Nevertheless, she harbours concerns over the effects of a deluge of tourists. "For me, the worst thing would be if mass tourism starts and people come here, and sort of look upon the Greenland people as if they were a living museum," she stated. "It has to be done in a respectful way and you have to consider what the consequences are."
TTG
19-05-2025
- TTG
Everything you need to know about Ponant Explorations' luxury icebreaker, Le Commandant Charcot
Charlotte Cullinan When designing Le Commandant Charcot, Ponant Explorations set out to create a vessel that could venture further afield, to places where 'few others dare to go'. The ship is capable of sailing to some of the planet's most inaccessible regions, helmed by seasoned captains with extensive expertise in ice navigation. In the Arctic, its destinations include the North Pole, and it is one of the few passenger vessels in the world capable of reaching 90° North Greenland. Its programme also includes a trans-arctic between two of the four north poles, and Antarctica, including the Weddell Sea and Antarctic Peninsula. Facilities and excursions Onboard guests enjoy an indoor and outdoor swimming pool, conservatory, panoramic restaurant, Main Lounge, Observation Lounge and lobby. Each shared space has been designed to convey discreet French-style luxury, with a focus on natural light and open spaces, which let the extraordinary polar landscapes take centre stage. When they leave the ship, customers are immersed in polar experiences such as kayaking, snowshoeing, polar plunges, zodiac excursions and dog sledding, which vary by the cruise and itinerary. Suites and staterooms Carrying up to 245 guests, Le Commandant Charcot boasts 123 suites and staterooms, each boasting a private balcony or terrace, meaning your customers will feel as though they are sailing on a private yacht. The aft of decks six and seven feature four 94-square-meter, split-level suites with private terraces and Jacuzzis. On deck eight, the 115-square-metre Suite de l'Armateur (Shipowner's Suite) offers panoramic views through expansive sliding glass doors that open onto a 186-square-metre private terrace. Culinary excellence This is also the only vessel to feature a gastronomic restaurant curated by Michelin-starred chef Alain Ducasse, meaning your clients can have an exquisite dining experience in the heart of the polar regions. The menu features healthy, refined and elegant dishes, while a second restaurant and a grill also serve wholesome, gourmet fare. Environmental stewardship This hybrid-electric polar exploration vessel is powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG), meaning it excels in safe and low-impact polar navigation. Le Commandant Charcot is the world's first passenger ship with a Polar Class 2 (PC2) ice-strengthened hull, allowing it to navigate drifting sea ice and reach the most remote and isolated regions, when conditions permit. Protecting polar ecosystems and coastal sea ice remains a top priority for the team, who focus on more responsible exploration, which they believe hinges on 'expertise, innovation, humility before nature, collaboration with local communities and a commitment to minimal environmental impact.'
Daily Mail
21-04-2025
- Daily Mail
Chilly Iqaluit warms to its place as star of Netflix series North Of The North
Residents of the remote northern Canadian city of Iqaluit have spoken of their pride after being featured in the hit Netflix series North Of The North. The capital of Nunavut territory, the town of 8,000 people has no roads in and out, and temperatures can plunge to -49F. But the mostly Inuit population are thrilled to show off their 'open and accepting' lifestyle and their renowned sense of humor. 'The whole territory is so proud of this,' said Charlotte Dewolff, who runs a theater where the show premiered. The show follows a young woman and mother who is reinventing herself while living in her the fictional town of Ice Cove in Nunavut. 'It's a small community,' Dewolff, who owns Astro Theatre, said of Iqaluit. 'Everybody seems to know everybody. 'It's a good place to raise a family,' she continued. 'I really like the people... [And] I don't mind cold weather.' Dewolff lived in Iqaluit from 1999 to 2020 after relocating for work reasons. And although she does have some Arctic Indigenous heritage, she didn't know that when she lived there. 'The Inuit are very open and accepting,' Dewolff, who still has an apartment in the town, said, adding they have a 'friendliness' to them and a 'good sense of humor.' She believes Netflix has portrayed the community correctly - or at least their sense of humor. 'I think that it was,' she said. 'I identified with some of it.' Though isolated, Iqaluit offers swimming, hockey, soccer, dancing, and a fitness center - not to mention the Astro Theatre, which screens major movies as well as those made by Inuit creatives. 'You're five minutes away from anything,' adds Dewolff, who still visits regularly. She said the only downside to the remote city is the brittle cold, though it doesn't get a terrible amount of snow or wind. 'It's a dry cold,' Dewolff said, adding the town is often described as an 'Arctic desert.' Another setback is travel: Iqaluit is only accessible by air, and fares can be steep. A ticket to fly from Calgary in Alberta, where Dewolff now lives, to Iqaluit can run upwards of $1,500 - and there are rarely direct flights. The cost of traveling from Canada's capital, Ottawa, and other parts of Ontario are similarly expensive. 'The whole territory is so proud of this,' Dewolff said of the Netflix show, on which many locals worked as extras. 'The whole community supports it.' Series creator Alethea Arnaquq-Baril, who lives in Iqaluit, told Broadview: 'Our town is fictional, and we chose that consciously because we wanted to be able to take the best parts of small, tiny towns and the best parts of Iqaluit, the big city. 'And something we love about living in Iqaluit is that it really is a diverse community,' she continued. 'We wanted our fictional town to have that vibe where there's Inuit from the Western Arctic, Inuit from the Eastern Arctic.' The stunning region is full of snowcapped mountains and large stretches of barren land, only interrupted by small villages of brightly colored homes, and the show's creators were eager to show off its charms during filming between March and June last year. 'The community loves to do it,' Dewolff said. 'We love to host [film crews].' 'They love to see their culture on the screen.' Several local places appear throughout the show, including the curling club and the Discovery Hotel. Even the main character's home can be found at the end of a cul-de-sac in the Tundra Valley neighborhood of the city, according to The Nunatsiaq News. The city, on Baffin Island, gained prominence in 1999 when it became the capital of the new territory of Nunavut following a referendum a year earlier. This gave the Inuit control over their community and institutions. After being named the capital, Iqaluit's population swelled from 3,000 to roughly 8,000 today, much of it driven by public servants. 'It's a government town,' Dewolff noted. And although the majority of residents are Inuit, many arrive from southern Canada, mainly to fill government jobs. Dewolff has watched the area grow and is proud of its achievements.
