Santa Claus’s hometown “Greenland” boasts the world’s most beautiful aurora. Industry insider: September is the best time to go.

▲In Greenland, the aurora can be enjoyed just by looking up. (Photo / fromI Love Greenland Facebook page)

By Cherie Tsai / Taipei reporting

Santa Claus’s hometown “Greenland” is the world’s largest island. Without needing to go out of your way, you can enjoy the aurora just by looking up, or take a small boat through icebergs—the breathtaking scenery makes it a dream destination for many travelers. But when is the best time to visit? Anika Krogh, Air Greenland’s business manager, says, “September is the best time to travel to Greenland!” and recommends her favorite hidden gem for aurora viewing.

▲Anika Krogh, business manager of Air Greenland. (Photo / by reporter Cherie Tsai)

To travel to Greenland, visitors must first fly from Taiwan to Denmark, Iceland, or Canada, then transfer to an Air Greenland flight to Greenland. According to statistics, in 2015, about 978 Taiwanese tourists visited Greenland, with approximately 852 going to Kulusuk. “Taiwanese travelers love to explore the eastern part, but for locals, the west is actually the most fun,” Anika Krogh points out. Major cities are mostly concentrated in the west, which also offers more diverse activities—besides dog sledding, ice fishing, and aurora viewing, you can sail through icebergs. The most traditional Greenlandic culture and heritage are also mainly found in the west, making it worth staying a few extra days to fully experience.

▲%The main ways to travel between Greenland and other regions during different seasons. (Photo / by reporter Cherie Tsai))

“If you want to visit multiple cities in Greenland, your only transportation options are boats and planes—driving or taking trains is simply not possible.” Anika Krogh explains that due to the terrain, Greenland has no railways, and because there are too many fjords, there are no roads connecting different areas. Therefore, travel relies solely on boats or planes. Air Greenland currently has 66 destinations. Large aircraft like the A330 take passengers to Iceland or Copenhagen airports, while even helicopters serve as local transport for commuting between cities.

▲Traveling between Greenland’s cities relies only on waterways or air transport. (Photo / from I Love Greenland Facebook page)

▲Greenland boasts some of the most pristine natural landscapes. (Photo / from I Love Greenland Facebook page)

When is the best time to experience Greenland’s beauty? Anika Krogh says it depends on what kind of experience travelers are after, but she believes late September is the ideal time. At this time, Greenland’s temperatures are around 6–7°C. Though it’s cold, the dry air makes it feel less harsh, and with less snow, the oldest and most natural landforms reveal their untouched beauty, allowing visitors to cruise around and admire them.

▲The stunning aurora in Greenland. (Photo / from I Love Greenland Facebook page)

When visiting Greenland, the aurora is naturally a must-see. Unlike in Iceland where you have to chase the aurora, in Greenland the sky is clear and clean—you don’t need to go out of your way to see it. In fact, you can even enjoy the aurora through the large glass windows at the airport.

▲Qooqqut Nuan restaurant is a locally recommended hidden gem. (Photo / from Qooqqut Nuan Facebook page)

Anika Krogh also personally recommends her favorite hidden spot—the Qooqqut Nuan restaurant in Greenland’s capital, Nuuk, which is only accessible by boat. Travelers can book a day tour in the city, enjoy unique landscapes and fishing on the boat ride over, and upon arrival at the restaurant, hand over their catch for the chefs to prepare. The restaurant even has a chef who speaks basic Chinese. Afterward, you can go hiking nearby. Qooqqut Nuan also offers capsule accommodation. “Lie in bed and look up—you can enjoy the beautiful aurora!” Anika Krogh says this is the most stunning aurora-viewing spot she’s seen so far.

Currently, most travelers to Greenland combine it with multi-country Nordic trips including Iceland and Denmark. Anika Krogh also suggests using a “triangular flight route”—fly from Iceland to Nuuk for one or two nights, then head to Ilulissat for adventure, and on the way back, choose either to return to Iceland from Ilulissat or fly directly to Copenhagen Airport.