How the Inuit Survive the Coldest Times of the Year and a Journey to the Edge of the World

Winter in Greenland

Greenland – the world’s largest island, with over 80% of its surface covered by eternal ice. However, on the edges of this ice desert, in small settlements, live people whose way of life has remained almost unchanged for centuries. In this article, we will share a unique experience of how local communities survive the winter when temperatures drop to -30°C and sea ice transforms their world.

Greenland’s Geography and Climate

Key Facts

Unique Climate

In Greenland, winter begins in October and lasts until May-June. In the northernmost settlements, there is a polar night – a period when the sun does not rise even during the day. This phenomenon can last from several weeks to several months, depending on geographical latitude.

Saattut Village: Life on an Ice Island

How to Reach a Remote Settlement

Saattut – a small settlement with only 200 residents, located in the Uummannaq fjord system. The journey to this village is a true adventure, requiring:

1. A small plane flight over Greenland’s mountains
2. Helicopter transport to the nearest island
3. Dog sled travel across sea ice

Living Conditions in Winter

During winter, Saattut becomes completely isolated from the outside world:

• Ships cannot reach the port due to ice
• Temperature ranges from -15°C to -30°C
• Limited daylight
• No regular goods deliveries

Inuit Culture: Traditional Hunting Method – Seal Hunting

Why Are Seals So Important?

Seals in Greenland’s Inuit culture are not only a food source but also the basis for many other things:

Hunting Techniques on Ice

Local hunters, such as Nikolajus, use centuries-old methods:

1. Setting net traps near huge icebergs
2. Checking ice thickness with a special chisel
3. Tracking seal movement under ice
4. Checking traps by dog sled

Interestingly, hunters can “read” the ice – they can determine what’s happening under the ice simply by listening to sounds and checking the surface.

Greenland Dog

Dog Sleds: A Vitally Important Means of Transport

Greenland Dogs

Greenlandic sled dogs are a unique breed that has lived here for thousands of years. These dogs are characterized by several unique features:

• They are the only dog breed allowed in northern Greenland
• Can pull heavy sleds for tens of kilometers
• Perfectly adapted to -30°C cold
• Work as a team, obeying the hunter’s commands

Why Are Sled Dogs Still Used?

Although modern snow vehicles exist, locals still choose dogs for several reasons:

• Reliability in extreme cold conditions
• Ability to move across uneven ice
• Low environmental impact
• Cultural significance and traditions

The Language of Ice: More Than 100 Words to Describe Ice

Why So Many Words?

Greenland’s Inuit have an incredibly developed ice vocabulary. Each type of ice has its own name:

The Importance of Ice Knowledge

The ability to “read” ice is a vitally important skill for several reasons:

• Helps find the best hunting spots
• Protects from danger due to thin ice
• Allows navigation without maps
• Helps predict weather conditions

Other Food Sources: Narwhals and Rock Ptarmigans

Narwhal Hunting

Narwhals – Arctic whales with a unique long tusk – are a highly valued food in Greenland:

• Meat is very nutritious and fatty
• Skin with fat is considered a delicacy
• Tusk used as a trophy
• Historically valued as an ivory substitute

How it’s eaten: Narwhal skin and fat are cut into cubes and eaten raw, sometimes with soy sauce. This is called “mattak” and is one of the traditional Inuit dishes.

Rock Ptarmigan Hunting

Rock ptarmigan (Lagopus muta) – an Arctic bird species characterized by unique features:

• Becomes completely white in winter for camouflage
• Lives in mountains and tundras
• Hunted with rifles
• Provides light, tasty meat

Modernization Challenges and Cultural Preservation

The Legacy of Danish Colonialism

Greenland was a Danish colony from 1721 to 1953. This period left a deep mark:

Cultural Revival

However, positive changes have been occurring in recent decades:

• Self-governance: Greenland now has significant autonomy
• Language revival: Greenlandic language taught in schools
• Preserving traditions: Younger generation learning to hunt
• Growing pride: People proud of Inuit identity

Nuuk

Nuuk: The Capital

Rapid Urbanization Pace

Nuuk – Greenland’s capital with 20,000 residents – is growing rapidly:

• Many construction cranes visible throughout the city
• New apartment blocks every few years
• Modern shopping centers and supermarkets
• Growing number of cars

Tradition in a Modern City

Surprisingly, even in Nuuk, traditional culture thrives:

1. Markets with seal meat: Locals still buy fresh seal meat
2. Hunting from the city: People go hunting on weekends
3. Greenlandic language: Many families speak only Greenlandic at home
4. Traditional dishes: Families prepare traditional foods

Both Sides at Once: An Example of a Modern Greenlander

Many modern Greenlanders perfectly illustrate the balance between modernity and tradition:

• Work modern jobs with technology
• Hunt with family on weekends
• Teach their children Greenlandic language
• Share culture through social media
• Nurture traditions alongside modernity

Climate Change: A Growing Challenge

How the Ice is Changing

Local hunters notice obvious changes over recent decades:
15-20 years ago:

• Ice formed in October
• Remained until the end of June
• Was much thicker

Now:

• Ice forms only in February
• Melts earlier
• Much thinner and more fragile

Impact on Communities

What Lies Ahead?

The Younger Generation Chooses

Many Greenlandic families’ children face a difficult choice between traditional life in small settlements and modern life in cities. One family’s example perfectly illustrates these trends:
19-year-old daughter:

• Wants to stay in her native settlement
• Plans to become a fisher like her father
• Loves traditional activities

Younger sister:

• Wants to leave for Nuuk
• Plans to study nursing
• Seeks a more modern life

Future Perspectives

Greenland’s future depends on the balance between several important aspects:

1. Economic development and environmental protection
2. Modernization and preservation of traditions
3. Urbanization and support of small communities
4. Global trends and local identity

Conclusions: Lessons from Greenland

What Can Be Learned?

A journey through Greenland in winter reveals several important lessons:
Traditions can exist alongside modernity – you don’t have to choose one or the other. Many Greenlanders perfectly demonstrate that you can work modern jobs, use technology, and at the same time maintain connection with traditional practices.
Cultural identity is irreplaceable – money and conveniences don’t replace it. Even with access to modern shopping centers, Greenlanders still choose to hunt and prepare traditional dishes because it gives them meaning and connection to their culture.
Community connection to the land is vitally important – it gives meaning to life. Hunting and other traditional activities are not just a way to obtain food, but also what defines people, their identity.
Forced assimilation is harmful – cultural erasure leaves long-term trauma. The legacy of Danish colonialism is still felt today, with high rates of alcoholism and suicide.
Climate change really affects people – it’s not an abstract problem. Local hunters face thinning ice and shorter seasons every day.

Why Is This Important to Us All?

The experience of Greenland’s Inuit is important to the entire world in several areas:

• It shows how to preserve culture in a modernizing world
• It demonstrates the real impact of climate change
• It teaches about human connection with nature
• It proves community resilience in difficult conditions

Practical Information for Tourists

How to Visit Greenland

What You Need to Know

Important tips for travelers to Greenland:

• Temperatures can be extreme, especially during winter
• Bring appropriate warm clothing
• Respect local traditions and customs
• Ask permission before photographing people
• Be prepared for high costs for accommodation and food
• Plan your trip in advance, as transport is limited

Summary

Greenland’s winter life is a unique phenomenon that demonstrates human ability to adapt to extreme conditions while maintaining cultural identity. Local communities survive -30°C cold using traditional hunting techniques, dog sleds, and centuries-old knowledge about ice.
Seal hunting on sea ice remains an important tradition and food source, even though modern alternatives exist. Greenlandic sled dogs are still used as primary transport during winter months due to their reliability and cultural significance.
The Inuit language has more than 100 words to describe ice, which shows how important ice is to these communities. The ability to “read” ice is a vitally important skill that is passed down from generation to generation.
Although the capital Nuuk shows that it’s possible to have both worlds – modernity and tradition together, climate change poses a serious threat to the traditional way of life. Ice is thinning, seasons are shortening, and communities have to adapt.
After the colonial period, when attempts were made to eradicate Inuit culture, a cultural revival is taking place today. Greenlanders are reclaiming their identity, speaking Greenlandic, and passing traditions to the younger generation, proving community resilience and cultural value in the modern world.