What is Greenland doing in Europe? Well, it's just the next stop past Iceland. And while the vast frozen island may be geographically part of North America, it does have deep European connections, right down to its present-day status as an autonomous region of Denmark. Of course such geopolitical musings vanish the moment you set foot in Kalaallit Nunaat, "The Land of People," as it's known to descendants of the Inuit who settled here some 4,500 years ago. These are the Greenlanders we introduce you to – resident experts and weathered raconteurs who love sharing their unique culture and colourful history. They are ideal companions for discovering the magnificent mountains, pristine fjords and surreal blue glaciers that make this one of the planet's most breathtakingly beautiful places.

Timing is an issue. Blink, and you can miss the entire Arctic summer. But in those two fleeting months, nature offers unforgettable wildlife encounters. By sea, search for humpback, killer and blue whales, along with the unicorn-like narwhal. And on land (or ice), spot walrus, seals, reindeer, arctic foxes, lemmings and, if conditions permit, polar bears. What's more, the Midnight Sun helps extend wildlife sightings virtually round the clock.

At other times of the year, you can take in the Aurora Borealis, an indescribable spectacle worth experiencing at least once in a lifetime. Even better, see it in the company of our friend Pomiuk, who links each flare of coloured light back to his people's ancient legends. Greenlanders believe their children carry the wisdom, survival instincts and magical intelligence of their ancestors. We think they may be on to something.

To ensure your comfort in the wilds, we choose the best hotels and, for the adventurous, luxuriously outfitted trappers' huts and ice camps. And in the absence of roads, we get you from one village to the next by ship, helicopter, dogsled and snowmobile, and in the summer via 4x4 and on foot.

Indeed, there's incredible hiking and walking everywhere. One of our favourite routes is from Narsasuaq to Kiattuut and by the shores of the stunning lake at Sermiat. Or hike around picturesque Nanortalik, maybe stopping for a white-linen picnic in the Norse fort at Hvalsey. Unwind with a soak in the hot springs of Uunartoq, looking out across a bay filled with massive icebergs. And as you stroll back refreshed for dinner, do bear in mind that in Greenland dogsleds have the right of way.