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Heritage destination · GL

Plan a roots trip to Greenland

Arctic heritage, Danish records, tight-knit Kalaallit communities.

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Greenland is an autonomous territory within the Kingdom of Denmark, with a population predominantly of Kalaallit (Greenlandic Inuit) descent. Family history here is deeply shaped by Danish colonial administration, Kalaallit naming traditions, and isolation that created close-knit settlements. Most genealogical records are held in Denmark, though local archives in Nuuk and Sisimiut preserve parish and community registers. Visitors tracing Greenlandic roots will find records largely in Danish or Kalaallisut, reflecting centuries of Danish rule. The landscape—fjords, ice, and small towns—offers powerful context for understanding how your ancestors lived and adapted in one of the world's harshest environments.

Genealogy highlights

  • Civil registration records (1800s onward) primarily held in Danish National Archives (Rigsarkivet)
  • Parish registers and Lutheran church records, foundational for genealogy before 1900
  • Greenland National Archives (in Nuuk) holds local documents, settlement records, and administrative registers
  • Danish census records (1840s–1930s) often include Greenlandic residents and can reveal family relationships
  • Emigration records: many Greenlanders migrated to Denmark or North America; check Danish emigration lists
  • Trading post records and colonial administration documents valuable for 17th–19th century ancestry

Record types to know

  • Civil registration
  • Parish registers
  • Census records
  • Church records
  • Trading post and colonial administration documents
  • Emigration and passenger lists

Emigration patterns

From the 18th century onward, Greenlanders emigrated mainly to Denmark (especially Copenhagen) for work and education. In the 19th and early 20th centuries, some Greenlanders settled in the Faroe Islands or Denmark. Emigration to North America (Canada and the United States) was less common than from other Nordic countries, but did occur. Most Greenlandic emigration records are found in Danish archives.

Heritage trip tips

  • Learn a few words of Kalaallisut (Greenlandic) and Danish; English is spoken in tourist areas and by younger generations, but respectful effort helps
  • Plan for June–August (summer): brief daylight hours in winter make heritage sites harder to visit; note that some remote sites require local guides or boat access
  • Towns are small and spread across the coast; Nuuk is the capital, but Sisimiut and Qaqortoq hold important regional archives
  • Transport between settlements is by boat, helicopter, or small plane; there are no roads between towns—factor this into your itinerary
  • Respect local customs: settlements are tight-knit; introduce yourself to local historians or museum staff who can point you to relevant records and family connections

Practical notes

  • Verify entry requirements (Schengen/visa) before travel; Greenland is part of the Kingdom of Denmark but not the EU or Schengen area
  • Accommodation and food are expensive; book lodging in advance, especially in small towns
  • No ATMs in very small settlements; bring sufficient cash and credit cards accepted by major businesses
  • Research ahead: contact Greenland National Archives (Nunatta Katersugaasivia) or Rigsarkivet before travel to reserve access to records
  • Many records are in Danish; consider hiring a local genealogist or translator if you cannot read Danish

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