Ilulissat, Greenland Overview
Ilulissat Greenland
Ilulissat is located on the Western side of Greenland. It’s the third largest settlement in the country with a population of 4,500.
Interestingly, there are just as many sled dogs living in Ilulissat. We walked through the morning mist in silence, creating an atmosphere of tranquility.
At 5:00 am, the town was still asleep, but once we reached the edge of the village and entered sled dog city, it transformed.
Thousands of Greenland Huskies barked as we passed their locations, adding a sense of energy to the early morning stillness.
Sled Dog City
It was heartbreaking to see them tethered to their spots, circling endlessly while their puppies frolicked freely.
Sled dogs serve crucial roles during winter for hunting and transportation; however, in summer months, they are relegated to the outskirts with little to do other than watch tourists visit the town’s main attractions.
Nevertheless, today is all about the ice, which is a captivating subject on its own.
Exploring the Arctic Tundra
Once we ventured onto the tundra and crossed into the boundaries of the UNESCO World Heritage Site, the barks faded, and serenity enveloped us.
Ilulissat has constructed boardwalks throughout the area to protect delicate vegetation that thrives in the tundra.
- The flora in this region is fragile and highly susceptible to disturbances.
- Given the harsh conditions, it is crucial to stick to the trails to minimize human impact.
We were pleasantly surprised by the vivid hues present across the ground; Greenland was more colorful than we anticipated.
Rather than the expected dark rocks covered in black moss, we found fields adorned with vibrant tones of orange, yellow, red, and brown.
During our autumn visit, the moss and shrubs showcased their stunning fall displays.
We learned that in spring, these same plants bloom, contributing to an entirely different yet spectacular landscape, prompting us to plan a return trip in that season.
Above the tree line in Ilulissat, no flora topped a height of one foot. The topsoil appeared almost spongy, albeit it thinned out quickly, revealing layers of rocks beneath.
Surrounded by hills, we trekked through a long valley reminiscent of the Tongariro crossing in New Zealand, yet felt we were perched at the pinnacle of the world.
Icebergs and Glaciers
After a brisk 15-minute walk, we witnessed one of the most breathtaking views on earth: an immense iceberg rising from the sea, far larger than a ten-story apartment building.
The stunning blue-white, jagged edges towered significantly over the colorful moss fields.
The contrast was remarkable, and it was a sight we could have admired for hours—genuinely unlike anything we had encountered before.
Jakobshavn Isbræ Glacier
Ilulissat is home to the Jakobshavn Isbræ glacier, which moves at a remarkable rate of 20–35 m (66–115 ft) per day, generating approximately 35 billion tonnes of icebergs annually.
This glacier flows from Greenland’s polar icecap, terminating at the Ilulissat Icefjord, where gigantic chunks of ice calve off and fall into the ocean.
The bay becomes cluttered with icebergs, some so massive that they become lodged at the bay’s bottom, only able to drift north when gradually melted.
It can take years before a substantial iceberg breaks free, creating a short melting window before winter freezes them in place, where they may eventually roll a few times before navigating their way to the ocean.
This rolling action is perilous; hence, approaching the coast is prohibited due to the risks involved.
Icebergs reveal only 10% of their total structure above water.
With 90% submerged, the potential for a tsunami caused by an iceberg rolling is significant, making it imperative to observe from a safe vantage point.
When these icebergs do release, they drift northward with the current toward the Arctic Ocean, eventually joining the Atlantic and moving south.
Notably, some icebergs may not fully melt until reaching latitudes further south than New York City, implying a journey of considerable distance.
Interestingly, it is believed that the iceberg that sank the Titanic originated in this region.
Visiting the Ilulissat Icefjord
After walking roughly 1.5 km along the boardwalk, we climbed a small hill that offered a panoramic view over the fjord.
Equipped with a picnic table and park benches for comfort, we found ourselves enthralled by the scene for over an hour.
We could hear the glacier calving in the distance, and the dynamic changes in the ice were captivating to witness. The prominent iceberg towered gracefully above the rest, firmly established in its position.
However, being in the Arctic, prolonged sitting brought a chill to our bones.
As the wind picked up and the sun briefly hid behind clouds, it was time to conclude our visit.
The previous evening, we had debated whether we made a mistake deciding against kayaking, yet witnessing this breathtaking scene reassured us that we had made the right decision.
Why Visit Ilulissat
New UNESCO World Heritage Sites are frequently becoming recognized.
While we have visited various sites and sometimes questioned their designation, Ilulissat Icefjord truly merits the recognition; it is shaping the world as we know it.
Researchers have studied it for over two centuries, making it crucial for understanding the impacts of Global Warming.
For those seeking an exceptional World Heritage Site to add to their itinerary, Ilulissat Icefjord offers a unique experience like no other. The town itself provides insight into life in the Arctic.
Travel across Greenland via land is unfeasible; rather, you must embark on a ship, ferry, or dogsled adventure. The town’s harbor resembles a bustling parking lot filled with boats.
Visiting the local museum, exploring the old church, and wandering the streets offers profound perspectives on the differences and surprising similarities of life above the Arctic Circle.
Quark Expeditions facilitated our experience through their Greenland Explorer Tour. The insights provided are entirely our own, and we strive to offer candid perspectives on the experience.
