Natural hazards
Potential natural hazards to be aware of when travelling in Greenland
Travelling in Greenland can be a fantastic and unforgettable experience. The Greenlandic nature can be harsh at times, therefore, you should be prepared for your travels before you start your trip.
Learn more from now on!
Glacier calving and tsunamis
What is glacier calving?
Glacier calving happens when large chunks of ice break off the front of a glacier into the sea or a lake. These icebergs can be tens or even hundreds of metres high. Fractures in the ice determine where and how often calving happens. Sometimes, hidden breaks under the water cause massive icebergs to rise suddenly, which can be dangerous for nearby boats or people.
Danger signs
Calving usually starts with loud cracking or booming sounds as ice begins to break. When the ice crashes into the water, it can create powerful tsunami waves that travel quickly and reach several metres high. Even after calving, floating icebergs can suddenly collapse or roll, creating similar waves with little warning.
How to stay safe
- Leave immediately if you hear cracking or booming noises, don’t stop to film
- Keep your distance, never get too close to a glacier front
- Move to higher ground if you see waves forming or approaching shore
Case studies
- 2016: A 200 m ice cliff at Eqip Sermia Glacier collapsed, creating a tsunami wave about 50 m high, seen from a tour boat 800 m away.
- 2018: A 100 m iceberg drifted near Innaarsuit, threatening a tsunami if it broke apart. Residents were warned to evacuate to higher ground.
Rockfalls
What are rockfalls?
Rockfalls (or rockslides) occur when pieces of rock break away from steep cliffs, usually over 45°, and tumble downhill by sliding, bouncing, or rolling. When rocks fall into water, they can generate powerful tsunami waves. In Greenland, spring melt, thawing permafrost, heavy rain, or weak rock layers can all trigger rockfalls.
Danger signs
Watch for rocks or dust clouds moving rapidly downslope and listen for crashing or rumbling sounds. Fresh rockfall tracks often look lighter than surrounding rock and may leave piles of debris (talus) at the cliff base.
How to stay safe
- Stick to marked, stable trails and avoid walking directly below steep cliffs
- Stay alert if you notice signs of recent rockfall or hear falling debris
- Check the weather: rain and rapid temperature changes can loosen rock walls
Case studies
- 2017 – Karrat Fjord: A massive landslide triggered a tsunami over 1 m high, flooding Nuugaatsiaq 30 km away, killing four and destroying 11 houses
- 2000 – Saqqaq: A rock avalanche caused tsunami waves that hit Saqqaq and damaged boats and buildings in Qullissat
Avalanche
What is an avalanche?
An avalanche is a fast-moving flow of snow and ice down a mountainside. They can cause serious damage to people, property, and roads. Avalanches happen when three factors combine:
- Steep slopes (over 30°)
- Unstable snowpack
- A trigger — often human activity like skiing or snowmobiling
Danger signs
Watch for signs of recent avalanches, heavy snow, rain, or strong winds within the last two days. Other warning signs include cracks forming in the snow, hollow “whoumpf” sounds underfoot, and wind-blown snow on ridges or in gullies.
How to stay safe
- Avoid steep slopes, especially after storms or rapid temperature changes
- Travel with a guide if entering avalanche terrain
- Stay on windward slopes where snow is more stable
- Move one at a time when crossing risky areas
- Always check avalanche forecasts before heading out
Case studies
- 2022 – Sisimiut: A snowmobiler was buried for 20 minutes before being rescued by colleagues
- 2021 – Nuuk: A woman caught in an avalanche dug herself out after 40 minutes
- 2017 – Kobbefjord: A man was killed in an avalanche near Nuuk
Wildfire
What are wildfires?
Wildfires are uncontrolled fires that burn through natural vegetation.
Hot, dry, and windy conditions, especially during summer, can make them spread quickly and become hard to control.
Danger signs
Be alert during dry weather and high temperatures. Watch for smoke or a strong burning smell, which can irritate eyes and throat. If you see a wildfire, do not approach, call the police or 112 immediately.
How to prevent wildfires
- Never light open fires or barbecues in the backcountry
- Dispose of cigarettes and matches properly, never on the ground
- Take all rubbish home instead of burning it outdoors
- Keep fire extinguishers or other fire protection in huts and cabins
- Be cautious with tools or heaters that could spark on dry ground
Case studies
- 2017 – Sisimiut: A wildfire burned for two weeks near the Arctic Circle Trail, likely started accidentally by a hiker during unusually warm, dry weather
- 2019 – Arctic region: Record-breaking heat led to over 100 wildfires across Greenland, Alaska, Siberia, and Canada
Weather
What is weather?
Weather refers to the daily conditions we experience in the atmosphere, such as temperature, wind, and precipitation, which can change from minute to minute or week to week.
Greenland’s vast ice sheet, fjords, and mountains create highly variable and unpredictable weather that can differ greatly over short distances. Forecasts are often most accurate near populated coastal areas, but even then, conditions can shift suddenly. Always treat forecasts with caution and be prepared for rapid changes.
Local people are skilled at reading weather signs, but even they can be caught off guard, so always plan ahead and be ready for anything.
Danger signs
Dark, looming clouds, sudden fog, or changes in wind direction can signal worsening conditions. Be alert for katabatic winds, strong, cold gusts flowing from the ice sheet toward the coast, especially in the afternoon. These winds can create rough seas and dangerous hiking conditions.
In winter, wind chill can make temperatures feel much colder than they are, so dress in layers and bring proper gear to stay warm and dry.
How to stay safe
- Plan ahead and stay flexible, adjust your trip based on current forecasts
- Pack extra warm and waterproof clothing, even on “good weather” days
- Have a backup plan (Plan B) in case conditions change quickly
- Avoid long trips if strong winds, fog, or storms are expected
Case studies
- Greenland’s coldest temperature: −69.9 °C; warmest: 25.9 °C
- 1970 – Tasiilaq: A severe Piteraq windstorm reached 324 km/h with −20 °C temperatures, causing heavy damage in the town
Communication
Staying connected in Greenland
Communication is essential when travelling in Greenland, but mobile coverage is limited to areas around settlements. Even short trips into the fjords or backcountry often have no signal. Many foreign SIM cards don’t work in Greenland, or they may be very expensive to use. For visitors, it’s recommended to buy a local prepaid SIM card from TUSASS, Greenland’s telecom provider. This won’t extend coverage into remote areas, but it allows you to make calls near towns and villages in case of emergency.
Communication in remote areas
If you plan to travel in remote regions, bring a satellite communication device such as a Garmin InReach. Make sure it works at the latitudes you’ll visit, and test and activate it before your trip, subscriptions are required. Note that unlike Iceland, satellite device rental is not available in Greenland, so you must bring your own.
Share your travel plans
Always tell someone you trust about your route, destination, and expected return time, even for short day trips. Include details of your alternative plans in case weather or conditions change. Agree to check in once you’ve arrived safely or if you’re delayed, so that no unnecessary search effort is triggered.
Useful emergency numbers:
Police: +299 70 14 48
Local hospitals/health centres: Click here
Fire Brigade: 113
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