Let the battle of the ‘lands’ start.
So, you’re prepared to your subsequent getaway and also you’ve lastly settled on the overall area (sensible choice by the way in which) however what occurs now? How are you able to even start to resolve between the pure wonders and charming colors of Iceland and the untouched wilderness and wintry climate of Greenland?
Both international locations have fascinating cultures, mouthwatering delicacies, unbelievable landscapes (suppose glaciers and geysers and geothermal spectacles – oh my!) and loads of actions on supply, however which one does it greatest?
Luckily, you don’t have to tug the reply out of a hat – you’ve acquired this comparability weblog as a substitute.
Culture
The ‘Land of fire and ice’ has a powerful tradition with roots going again centuries to the times of its wholesome Viking inhabitants within the 800s. Defined by historical past and conventional customs, this nation’s wealthy starting remains to be celebrated right this moment with numerous guidelines set in place to guard and protect its previous – suppose naming infants in a manner 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 advised to younger kids after they’re rising up, particularly 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.
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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 have been often called ‘hunters’, utilizing canine sleds and superior harpoon know-how (on the time) to outlive in Greenland’s typically harsh circumstances.
These historic practices of looking are nonetheless very a lot alive in Greenland’s tradition right this moment with many Greenlanders supplementing their weight loss plan and gathering supplies from this supply. Other traditions which have carried down by the years embrace telling Inuit legends, throwing cash throughout celebrations similar to weddings and baptisms, and giving one another ‘Inuit kisses’ – the method of exhibiting love by smelling each other.
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Landscapes
Saying you’ll by no means run out of extraordinary issues to see in Iceland may 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 speeding 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 beneath 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.
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If you’re something like me you then’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 typical a part of the nation’s panorama. But 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 outside will go away you with one certainty; Greenland is a few of Mother Nature’s greatest work.
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Cuisine
Icelandic delicacies won’t be as nicely often called Italian or French, however it’ll nonetheless tickle your tastebuds in the identical manner, particularly in the event you like fish (suppose herring and cod). Developed over the centuries by pure, available substances and sources, Icelandic delicacies consists of meat-heavy dishes and hearty meals that’ll preserve you fuller for longer.
Whether you’re eager 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.
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Greenland’s extraordinary landscapes is likely to be recognised all around 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. Due to its distinctive location in between the Arctic and Atlantic oceans, Greenland’s delicacies is made up of a variety of seafood with its nationwide dish being suaasat – a thick, frothy soup historically created from numerous issues together with seal, whale, or seabirds.
Yes, Greenland’s delicacies can take a bit of 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 overlook to clean your meal down with a Greenlandic espresso (a tasty concoction of whisky, Kahlua, Grand Marnier, whipped cream, and occasional).
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Weather
Let’s face it, if you need heat, tropical climate in summer time 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.
In reality, that is virtually sweltering for the Nordic nation as winter lows can drop the temperature right down to a freezing -3°C/27°F (it does have ‘ice’ in its title in any case).
While these temperatures can fluctuate through the yr, the one factor that continues to be constant in Iceland weather-wise is the rain. Each month experiences round 25mm-50mm which implies that every day is prone to deliver at the very least a light-weight smattering of rain. But this additionally relies on the world of Iceland you’re in with the south coast experiencing windier and wetter circumstances than that of different areas.
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It’s going to return as no shock to anybody that the very best months to go to Greenland are the summer time ones of June, July, and August when temperatures can attain as excessive as 15°C/59°F and the solar stays up all night time. While which may not appear very heat, it’s higher than the piercing lows of -20°C/-4°F the nation experiences in winter.
But in fact, with the plummeting temperatures comes the possibility to see the paranormal aurora borealis (whose colors dance throughout the night time sky from October till March), so that you’ll nonetheless see loads of travellers round throughout December, January, and February.
However, whereas temperatures can exceed freezing ranges, it doesn’t truly really feel that chilly because of the nation’s low humidity ranges. The air in Greenland could be very dry and whereas which means you possibly can see additional than you’re used to (mountain peaks can seem nearer than they really are), it additionally means it is advisable to drink loads of water to keep away from dehydration.
Activities
While the chilly temperatures might need you wanting to twist up in entrance of your guesthouse’s fire with a superb e book and a cup of kaffi (espresso), there’s loads of journey available in Iceland with actions that vary from enjoyable to adventurous at your completely gloved fingertips.
Whether 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, take pleasure in 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 become bored with exploring this icy isle.
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From mountaineering by distant areas looking 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.
One day you is likely to be kayaking by glacial lakes and attempting to identify the northern lights whereas the subsequent, you’ll be exploring the stays of historic 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 nicely change its title to ‘Adventureland’.
The verdict
Greenland may dwarf Iceland in measurement however in terms of the issues that depend – tradition, landscapes, delicacies, climate, and actions – it’s arduous to distinguish the 2. That may sound like a cop out however these two Nordic international locations each promise an unforgettable journey you gained’t cease telling your pals about.
But, if we are able to’t resolve which one comes out on prime, then we are able to hardly count on you to. So, why not journey to each on our East Greenland and Northern Lights tour? Problem solved.
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