Iceland or Greenland-which would u go 2 on vacation? How much time should I spend in each? Whens best time?

Answer 1

as a travel agency owner for 25 years, i strongly urge you to do your research on both before you go. there is a funny joke in both names because of the vikings who discovered them. they landed in Iceland (around 850 AD) during the winter and for that reason called it ice land, which has more green land actually than does Greenland, which was settled in the spring.around 1000 AD Leif Ericsson. in the best sense of a realtor, to encourage settlers to this new territory called it Green land. this all occurred during a climatological thaw when for almost 300 years there was above normal (for sub & arctic lands) which allowed more green land to appear. in the late 1300's the climate changed and the Inuits (we call them eskimos/ skrealings to the vikings) began attacking the settlers. the colder temperatures drove out all but the hardiest.
Most of Greenland is now covered by ice/snow/glaciers with a clmate similar to northern alaska without the awful mosquitos and has small settlements along the coast. it is considered a province of Denmark., however it is easier to reach from the canadian provinces of labrador and newfoundland the vikings had a settlement/ recnetly restored by Nat. Geog. and canadian help/well worth the visit) . unless you like the cold and wish to meet the inuit go to greenland only in the summer. there is not much to see in Greenland and it is harder to fly to if it is not combined with a tour of the canadian maritimes mentioned above.

Iceland, by contrasat, declared its independence from denmark over a 1000 years ago and has the oldest parliament in the western world called the Athling. it is a major stopping point for airlines between NA and Europe being approximately half way across. it has wonderful thermal springs, glaciers and believe it or not Volcanoes. it has a very friendly and fun capital with all the amenities.
iceland by contrast. due to its location has great rates out of NYC and Boston as tour packages. sorry, i think it's called icelandic airways (check with ask.com). visit the volcanos and hot spring spas plus the northern lights/ midnight sun in early summer to early fall. if you like the cold and snow then you can visit there ice hotel in the winter time. hope this helps.

Answer 2

I went to both places, and liked them both. Both are very expensivie to visit but youth hostels in Iceland are quite nice, clean, modern and comfortable, nicer than most hotels in other countries. However, I found it very difficult to get to meet people in Iceland. On the other hand, Greenland is a lot more than ice. People are very friendly, which is a trait common to all Inuit-Inuvialuit-Inupiat cultures. Southern Greenland has rolling hills, pastures and sheeps, in addition to beautiful fjords and icebergs, Northern Greenland is cold but hauntingly beautiful, Nuuk in Central Greenland is the capital and has an interesting mix of Greenlandic and Danish culture. But anywhere you will go from the eastern coast to central and the north (if you can afford the high cost of flying), you will not be disappointed. I guess if I had to chose one over the other, I would lean towards Greenland. Check the link for more info.

Answer 3

Iceland is beautiful - very green and has friendly people. Greenland is not much more than ice - I'm not sure about the people, so sorry if I've just offended anyone from Greenland. I recommend Iceland.