What are the health risks in Greenland? Is it safe and where are the places with the highest crime rates? Are there dangerous animals in Greenland's nature?

Health

Greenland is not a risky country when it comes to diseases. However, it is a good idea to take out insurance, especially if you are going to mountainous areas. If you are injured, you are entitled to treatment like any other Greenlander. However, you have to pay for everything, which can run into hundreds of DKK, and then deal with the insurance company for monetary compensation.

There are hospitals in the largest towns such as Nuuk, Ilulissat, Sisimiut, Narsaq and Aasiaat, and there is also a conventional ambulance service.

The smaller the village you are in, the less you will encounter medical facilities and in the wilderness you will not encounter medical help at all. Air Greenland does operate rescue helicopters, but their availability is dependent on good weather.

There are no exotic diseases in Greenland.

Compulsory vaccinations

You certainly don't need any special travel vaccinations for Greenland. The risk of contracting an exotic disease, hepatitis or rabies for example, is minimal here.

Crime

The Nordic countries are among the safest in the world.

Greenland also has a very low rate of serious crime, thanks to its small and close-knit communities where everyone knows everyone else.

The most common crime is drunken brawls, but these are not usually aimed at tourists at all.

Dangers in the countryside

Greenland's nature poses dangers, particularly with regard to the weather. Weather forecasts are highly unreliable and relevant only 1-2 days in advance.

It can freeze at any time, even during the hottest months of July and August.

Never underestimate good quality waterproof clothing for longer hikes and definitely get good quality windproof clothing, especially if you are planning a boat trip.

What are the dangerous animals in Greenland's wilderness?

In general, the chances of encountering a dangerous animal are extremely low for hiking in Greenland.

The theoretical risk of danger may be from these animals:

Greenland sled dogs

Sled dogs are the most common animal you will encounter in Greenland.

Dog sleds are only allowed in places north of the Arctic Circle and the main dog sledding centres are the towns of Sisimiut, Ilulissat, Tasiilaq or Kangerlussuaq.

Greenland dogs are not aggressive, but very dominant and stubborn. They are definitely not pets and it is undesirable to touch or pet the dogs without the owner's permission.

If you don't pay attention to the dogs, the chances of them being aggressive towards you are absolutely slim.

In addition, by law, all dogs over 6 months of age that are not currently harnessed to a dog sled must be chained.

Polar bears

The total population of polar bears in Greenland is estimated at around 3,000 individuals.

A large proportion of them live on the north and east coasts, but no people live there and there are no organised trips.

There have been no deaths from polar bears in the last 30 years.

The chances of encountering a polar bear while hiking in Greenland are slim to none.

Mrozhi

The walrus is a huge marine mammal that can be quite aggressive. However, like polar bears, walruses live in areas that you are unlikely to get to as a tourist, so they pose no real threat.

Muskox

Muskoxen look like bison at first glance, and unlike polar bears or walruses, populations of muskoxen also live in southern Greenland, where you may encounter them.

Encounters with muskoxen are possible in the south around Narsaq or, exceptionally, along the Arctic Circle Trail.

Muskoxen can be aggressive if they are protecting their young, otherwise they do not notice people.

Disaster risk

Greenland is relatively far from tectonic faults, so there is no risk of earthquakes or tsunamis. Unlike nearby Iceland, Greenland has no active volcanoes.

The greatest natural risk comes from the hard frosts, which normally hover around -15 °C in winter but can drop below -25 °C and even well below -30 °C inland.

Important contacts

You may find the following telephone numbers useful.

• Universal first aid number (ambulance, fire brigade, police) - 112

The international telephone code for Greenland is +299.