The real meaning behind Greenland’s colour-coded buildings (2025)

The colourful houses of Greenland have been part of the island's history since the 18th century. (Image: Getty)

Originally famous for its breathtaking arctic scenery, the world’s largest island is now under the spotlight for a different reason - US Vice President JD Vance’s recent visit, where his reception wasn’t exactly pleasant. However, people also noticed the strikingly colourful buildings that make up the towns and villages.

Despite their seemingly aesthetic purpose, the buildings actually serve to distinguish between the different functions of each structure.

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The buildings stand striking against the snowy landscape. (Image: Getty)

This is a system dating back to the 18th century, where street names and house numbers were non-existent.

To navigate this problem, the townsfolk painted their properties to match their professions or the purpose of the building.

Historian at the Greenland National Museum, Ujammiugaq Engell spoke to MailOnline Travel about their functions.

He said: "Red was by far the most predominantly used colour as it represented not only the church but also a trade.This meant that all buildings that were related to either of those things, whether it was the actual church or shop or the house in which the priest, shop owner or clerk lived, would be painted red. Later on the trade shifted over to its own colour and started favouring black."

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Despite being the world's largest island, 80% of Greenland is uninhabitable. (Image: Getty)

She went on to say that the rest of the colours had functions as well. ‘Yellow originally represented anything health-related. All hospitals were painted yellow as were the house where doctors and nurses lived.’

Green was used for communication/telecommunication, whilst blue was used for factories, and for buildings associated with the Greenlandic Technical Organisation (GTO).

Today, owners are allowed to paint their buildings the way they please, yet some still remain the same as a reminder of their past.

The cathedral is still red, whilst the hospitals are still yellow.