Greenland National Park

Greenland National Park is home to many caribou herds.

Dog-sledding is one of the best ways to get around the ice cap of Greenland National Park.

Arctic wolves are found in Greenland National Park.

The northeastern section of Greenland, approximately one-third of the island, is a protected national park. With an area larger than England and France combined (289,500 square miles), this is the largest national park in the world.

The park encompasses a land of extremes. The land rises from sea level to almost 9,843 feet in altitude. Temperatures range from a summer high of 34 to 43 degrees F to a winter low of minus 58 degrees.

The park's high mountains are divided by glaciers extending into deep fiords, arctic tundra, lakes and rivers, and Peary Land - the northernmost ice-free area in the world.

Polar bears, walruses, caribou, musk oxen and wolves inhabit the park, along with many smaller animals. Birds include the red-throated diver, barnacle goose, pink-footed goose, eider, king eider, sanderling, knot, ptarmigan, raven, gyrfalcon and snowy owl.

No people live within this park region, and the only people who have free access are the Ittoqqortoormiit hunters. However, many international scientific studies and expeditions take place here. Researchers are studying dwelling sites from earlier times along the coast and the park's plant and wildlife.

The town of Ittoqqortoormiit is the closest to the park. It is situated at the very northernmost point of the east coast. On one side, the town borders the world's largest fiord, and on the other, the national park.

Those wishing to visit Greenland National Park must apply for a permit from the Danish Polar Center well in advance of their departure. Contact them at Danish Polar Center, Strandgade 100 H, DK-1401 Copenhagen, Denmark.

There is no infrastructure or services available in the park, you must bring all necessary supplies. A trip to the park cannot be undertaken lightly, but the spectacular polar views are richly rewarding.