Are you yearning for an Arctic retreat filled with snowy landscapes, fresh seafood, and colorful auroras?
You’re in luck! Greenland is the perfect choice to satisfy your wanderlust – but before you pull out your suitcase, curious globe-trotter, let us answer your burning question:
Are there any igloos in Greenland? The answer is… well, that depends on your definition of an igloo!
Join us as we uncover this icy enigma.
No, there are no igloos in Greenland
Well, at least no igloo that people live inside as a home!
But if you’re looking for an Arctic stay with a difference, Greenland offers plenty of options.
From cozy cabins to secluded mountain retreats, there are plenty of unique places to explore and relax in Greenland’s beautiful nature.
So why not give it a go? Who knows – maybe you will even come across your snow igloo!
It could make for the perfect holiday memory. 😉
What do igloos have to do with Greenland?
I offer you a test on your friends: Ask them what the first thing they think of when they hear “Greenland.” Most will answer with Igloos!
The story behind this fascination is that igloos and Greenland have been entwined for centuries since the Inuit people, the original inhabitants of Greenland, built these homes out of snow blocks to keep them warm during the freezing Arctic winters.
But it was a long time ago, and things have changed in the past few centuries.
Nowadays, the population in Greenland lives in houses and apartments, like in every modern country, instead of igloos.
The origin of the word “igloo”
The word “igloo” came from the Greenlandic word “illu,” which means “home”!
So while there may not be any igloos in Greenland today, the connection between the two is solid and inspiring.
A piece of Arctic history that will live on for generations to come.
Can I still find igloos around Greenland these days?
Yes and no!
You won’t find any igloos where people live inside, but you can still spot them around the edges of the country and in some museums.
One example is the Greenlandic National Museum which has a full-sized replica of an 18th-century Inuit house. This offers visitors a fascinating glimpse into the Arctic life of the past.
Sometimes the locals build igloos as a fun way to brave the cold winter temperatures, but again, it’s just for fun, and nobody lives inside.
In the capital city of Greenland, Nuuk, you can be lucky to visit while there is an igloo building event during some weeks.
So, although there are no longer any inhabited igloos in Greenland today, it is still possible to experience them in one way or another.
Can you sleep in an igloo in Greenland?
The only place in Greenland that offers visitors the chance to stay in a real igloo is the “Igloo Lodge,” not far from Ilulissat.
The owners provide cozy sleeping bags inside the igloos so visitors can stay warm in all that icy air!
So if you dream of a winter wonderland retreat, Greenland is the perfect place for your adventure. And while you won’t find any igloos to live in, there are still plenty of ways to experience them – and even sleep in one!
Can I build an igloo in Greenland?
Yes, you can! Building an igloo is a great way to spend time outdoors in the snow and ice – and it’s a fantastic way to experience Greenlandic culture.
Plenty of resources online or in the local community can teach you how to build an igloo, and some people even offer guided tours that include building an igloo.
Do any Eskimos still live in igloos?
Igloos may have gone out of fashion compared to what modern Inuit housing looks like, but they still hold a lot of cultural significance in the Arctic.
These iconic dome-shaped dwellings are pretty practical too:
Hunters and adventurers needing an emergency shelter can count on the tried-and-true igloo to get them through.
No wonder the Inuits have kept them around for centuries!
However, it’s important to note that Eskimos no longer live in igloos.
These days, most of the Inuit population in Greenland lives in modern houses, apartments, and other housing types.
But even with their new homes, they never forget the traditional methods, and they like to build an igloo and enjoy its beauty from time to time.
So, while igloos are no longer used as primary dwellings in Greenland, they will always be part of the country’s culture and history.
In conclusion
Greenland has a fascinating and unique history – one that includes igloos!
Although you won’t find any residential igloos in the country today, there are still plenty of opportunities to experience them around Greenland, from museums to fun igloo-building events.
And if you are looking for an unforgettable winter getaway, the Igloo Lodge is your best bet.
So pack your bags, bundle up tight, and get ready to explore the magical world of Greenland’s igloo heritage!
