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Part of the United Kingdom of Denmark, the world’s largest island is a place of paradox. Gay rights are among the world’s best, but there isn’t a major queer community. You can explore the country’s Viking history or beautiful geography. Go dog sledding or whale watching. And enjoy natural phenomena like the Midnight Sun in the summer and Northern Lights in the winter.
As part of the Kingdom of Denmark, Greenland offers some of the most liberal attitudes and extensive rights for its LGBT community. There’s an equal age of consent, while same sex marriage and adoption were both fully legalized (with unanimous approval) in 2016. You can even apply to change your legal gender without hormone therapy, reassignment surgery, or even a medical diagnosis. While no anti-discrimination laws regarding sexual orientation exist, incidents are rare and hate speech and other crimes are prohibited by the Criminal Code. That said, given the country’s incredibly sparse population, gay people seeking community will often move to Copenhagen.
Gay Activity: Legal
Lesbian Activity: Legal
Same-Sex Marriage: Legal
Right to Change Gender: Legal
Same-Sex Adoption: Legal
LGBT Discrimination: Some Protections
It may be the world’s largest island, but Greenland also has the world’s lowest population density. This is not a gaycation hotspot, but rest assured you’ll be warmly welcomed.
5. Nuuk Art Museum
This national museum began as the private collection of Svend and Helene Junge. Look out for paintings by residents and visitors of the island nation, along with figures in soapstone, ivory and wood.
4. Disko Island
Located in Baffin Bay on the west coast, this is the largest island off the main island. It’s a great place for whale watching with black sand beaches and gorgeous waterfalls.
3. Hot Springs
This natural phenomenon abounds on the island, but the geothermal springs of Uunartoq are the most impressive of the bunch.
2. Greenland National Museum & Archives
Immerse yourself in the history and culture of the island. This includes Viking finds and 500-year old mummies with well preserved facial tattoos and clothing.
1. Illulisat
Greenland’s third-largest city, with a nearby icefjord of the same name (that’s also a UNESCO World Heritage Site) is home to almost as many sled dogs as citizens (4670 as of 2020).
Electricity: Type C, F, E and K sockets
Time Zone: West Greenland Standard Time ( UTC-3) for most of the country
Covid-19 Vaccination Requirements: We’re dedicated to ensuring our tours are safe for everyone, but it is our belief that each traveler has a responsibility to protect themselves and their fellow travellers from COVID-19. As of May 1, 2023, Out Adventures no longer requires guests to provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination on most of our tours. If vaccination is a requirement for entry, or on select cruises, this will be communicated at the time a trip is confirmed to depart. Before booking, we recommend that you read our COVID-19 Information Page and our COVID-19 Frequently Asked Questions to understand what we’re doing to minimize risk, and what will happen if you contract COVID-19 before or during an Out Adventures tour.
Other Vaccinations: We recommend routine and measles vaccines, but to determine if you should take further measures, talk to your doctor or a travel medical clinic.
Visas: Most citizens of Canada, the USA, and Europe do not need a visa for short-term visits. Click here for more info.
As part of the Kingdom of Denmark, Greenland offers some of the most liberal attitudes and extensive rights for its LGBT community. There’s an equal age of consent, while same sex marriage and adoption were both fully legalized (with unanimous approval) in 2016. You can even apply to change your legal gender without hormone therapy, reassignment surgery, or even a medical diagnosis. While no anti-discrimination laws regarding sexual orientation exist, incidents are rare and hate speech and other crimes are prohibited by the Criminal Code. That said, given the country’s incredibly sparse population, gay people seeking community will often move to Copenhagen.
Gay Activity: Legal
Lesbian Activity: Legal
Same-Sex Marriage: Legal
Right to Change Gender: Legal
Same-Sex Adoption: Legal
LGBT Discrimination: Some Protections
It may be the world’s largest island, but Greenland also has the world’s lowest population density. This is not a gaycation hotspot, but rest assured you’ll be warmly welcomed.
5. Nuuk Art Museum
This national museum began as the private collection of Svend and Helene Junge. Look out for paintings by residents and visitors of the island nation, along with figures in soapstone, ivory and wood.
4. Disko Island
Located in Baffin Bay on the west coast, this is the largest island off the main island. It’s a great place for whale watching with black sand beaches and gorgeous waterfalls.
3. Hot Springs
This natural phenomenon abounds on the island, but the geothermal springs of Uunartoq are the most impressive of the bunch.
2. Greenland National Museum & Archives
Immerse yourself in the history and culture of the island. This includes Viking finds and 500-year old mummies with well preserved facial tattoos and clothing.
1. Illulisat
Greenland’s third-largest city, with a nearby icefjord of the same name (that’s also a UNESCO World Heritage Site) is home to almost as many sled dogs as citizens (4670 as of 2020).
Electricity: Type C, F, E and K sockets
Time Zone: West Greenland Standard Time ( UTC-3) for most of the country
Covid-19 Vaccination Requirements: We’re dedicated to ensuring our tours are safe for everyone, but it is our belief that each traveler has a responsibility to protect themselves and their fellow travellers from COVID-19. As of May 1, 2023, Out Adventures no longer requires guests to provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination on most of our tours. If vaccination is a requirement for entry, or on select cruises, this will be communicated at the time a trip is confirmed to depart. Before booking, we recommend that you read our COVID-19 Information Page and our COVID-19 Frequently Asked Questions to understand what we’re doing to minimize risk, and what will happen if you contract COVID-19 before or during an Out Adventures tour.
Other Vaccinations: We recommend routine and measles vaccines, but to determine if you should take further measures, talk to your doctor or a travel medical clinic.
Visas: Most citizens of Canada, the USA, and Europe do not need a visa for short-term visits. Click here for more info.