East Greenland

Up until 120 years ago, East Greenlanders lived isolated from the rest of the World and it has clearly left its mark. The language is different and the culture is deeply rooted in myths and legends, which, among other things, is expressed in East Greenland's much-coveted handicrafts.

The people continue to largely live on, in and with nature - the sea, ice, mountains and game animals are the most crucial. The icebergs and deep fjords are the setting for spectacular natural wonders that appeal to all - even to those who want to experience the extraordinary. Furthest north is the National Park - the world's largest. Approx. 3500 people live in East Greenland in an area that is larger than Britain, Germany, France and Italy put together.

Climate:

The climate is controlled by the interaction between the ocean currents and the ice sheet. Violent winds from the ice sheet, called piteraq, can hit coastal towns with hurricane strength. A cold ocean current runs from the north along the eastern coast, which leads to large quantities of drift ice. Both summer and winter temperatures in East Greenland are lower than similar latitudes in West Greenland.

Natural phenomena:

Northern Lights, midnight sun/polar night, icebergs, ice sheet, glacier ice, piteraq.

Wildlife:

All over Greenland there are baleen and toothed whales, seals, arctic foxes, hares and birds - eiders, loons, peregrine falcons and auks. King eiders live mainly in the north, as do cormorants and thick-billed murres. Reindeer, arctic wolves and polar bears also live in the north and musk oxen in Northeast Greenland and on rare occasions, walruses can be spotted on drift ice in shallow waters.