Ilulissat Icefjord
The Ilulissat Icefjord has been inscribed because of its unique glaciological characteristics and its scenic beauty. It is situated in western Greenland, north of the Arctic Circle.
The site consists of Sermeq Kujalleq, the most productive glacier draining the inland icecap op Greenland, and the iceberg-filled fjord named Kangia. It also takes in part of the inland ice itself and some of the surrounding land.
Ilulissat Icefjord is the pre-eminent glacier in the northern hemisphere. Although there are many more glacier-related sites on the World Heritage List, this site is only surpassed by Antarctica in terms of size and calving.
Visit July 2006
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Some WHS take about an hour to explore, others days or even weeks. To really enjoy the enormous Kangia Icefjord near Ilulissat in Greenland one has to spend there about 3 or 4 days. The area that has been designated includes both the floating icebergs, the massive ice pack still in the fjord and some of the surrounding lands. From Ilulissat town there are many ways of transportation to get a good look at the Icefjord. It was even possible to see the floating icebergs from the window of my hotel room, a good sight to start every day.
My first real good look at the Icefjord was during a walking tour through the Sermermiut Valley. The day had started out sunny, but the closer we got to the ice the more foggy and cloudy it became. Finally, at the edge of the glacier, I could only see the smaller pieces of ice floating near the coast. Also quite interesting to see because of their different sizes, colours and shapes. We were leaving (with the idea to come here again on a brighter day), when one of our group looked over her shoulder and called out that the fog started to dissipate. A memorable spectacle unfolded before our eyes: one by one the large icebergs protruded from the fog and showed themselves (see the large photo above). The biggest ones are the size of mountains, with sharp peaks.
On another day, I went on a boat tour to Ilimanaq, on the other side from the icefjord from Ilulissat. This route takes in all the icebergs that have broken away from the icepack and float around in the sea, desintegrating more and more. One or two icebergs attract all the seagulls. Others are true ice sculptures, sometimes with blue 'veins' (made by water).
All in all Ilulissat Icefjord a fascinating site to visit, a wonder of nature.
More photos can be found in the Picture Gallery
Reviews
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I arrived in Ilulissat in July 2006 after a week-long kayak tour near Aasiaat. My first - and lasting - impression of Ilulissat is that it is the most touristy place that I've seen on 4 trips to Greenland. We hiked out of town to see the Icefjord on our first evening there, but rain and fog made it an disappointing sight. The morning of our 3rd day, however, was sunny and clear and we returned to see the Icefjord. This turned out to be one of the most awe inspiring sights that I've seen anywhere. The panorama picture, which I took then, is over my desk and still takes my breath away when I look up at it. The town of Ilulissat might be interesting if you've not experienced other towns in Greenland, but a walk out of town to the Icefjord provides a sight that can't be duplicated no matter where else you've traveled. |
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