While many countries lack railways or airports, have you ever heard of a place where there are no roads at all? Welcome to Greenland, the vast Arctic region where ice reigns supreme and roads are non-existent. Discover how people navigate this unique landscape and learn how you can reach this remarkable destination.
For most places, roads are essential for development, providing easy access from one location to another. While paved roads have replaced traditional trails across the globe, Greenland stands out as a country where cities, towns, and settlements are completely disconnected by road. Each urban area in Greenland is like an isolated island, surrounded by mountains, water, or ice, making travel by boat or plane the only viable options. It might sound unbelievable, but it’s true! Let’s dive into some fascinating facts about this extraordinary country.
No Roads in Greenland
Greenland is a stunning country with a history of habitation spanning over 4,500 years. However, its transportation system is highly unconventional. There are no railways, no inland waterways, and no highways connecting its cities. To travel within Greenland, residents and visitors rely on air travel, helicopters, or other aircraft. Interestingly, Nuuk, the capital, is the only city in Greenland with a traffic light!
Why Are There No Roads in Greenland?
Greenland ranks as the 12th largest country in the world by area and is 10 times larger than the United Kingdom. Given its size, one might wonder why roads and highways were never constructed. The answer lies in the unique challenges posed by Greenland’s environment. About 80% of the country is covered in ice, and the frigid climate makes it nearly impossible to lay asphalt or build stable roads.
How Do People Travel Without Roads?
In the absence of a road network, Greenlanders rely on alternative modes of transportation. For short distances, snowmobiles and dog sleds are the go-to options, with sledding being particularly popular. Over the years, helicopters and planes have become increasingly common for longer journeys. For those who enjoy sea travel, boat services are available during the summer months.
Tourism in Greenland
Greenland is becoming a hot spot for tourists, drawn by its unique geographical features. One of the most intriguing aspects of Greenland’s location is that the sun doesn’t set between May 25 and July 25, offering endless daylight. Visitors are also witnessing significant environmental changes, with ice sheets melting rapidly and greenery slowly emerging. As a result, tourism in Greenland is on the rise.
How Expensive Is Greenland?
Given the lack of roads and reliance on air travel, boats, and other specialized means of transportation, tourism in Greenland can be quite expensive. Hotel rates are also high, so it’s important to plan your budget carefully if you’re considering a trip to this remarkable country.
Building roads in Greenland is an engineering challenge due to its harsh climate and the fact that 80% of the country is covered in ice, making it difficult to lay asphalt or maintain road infrastructure.
Greenlanders primarily use planes, helicopters, and boats for long-distance travel. For shorter distances, snowmobiles and dog sleds are common modes of transportation.
Yes, travel in Greenland is quite expensive due to the lack of road infrastructure, reliance on air travel, and high costs of accommodation.
From May 25 to July 25, the sun does not set in Greenland, offering 24 hours of daylight, a phenomenon known as the Midnight Sun.
Tourism in Greenland is growing, attracting visitors with its unique geographical features, including vast ice sheets, emerging greenery, and the Midnight Sun.