Many of the picturesque icebergs along Greenland’s west coast calve from two North Greenland glaciers, and as luck would have it, they share the same name!
The largest collection of icebergs in Greenland exists at the Ilulissat Icefjord, thanks to one of the fastest glaciers in the world called Sermeq Kujalleq. True to its “iceberg capital of the world” nickname, Ilulissat is home to thousands of icebergs that can be seen year round by hiking, sailing, or flightseeing.
A bit further north, another Sermeq Kujalleq glacier gives travelers in Uummannaq quite an impressive iceberg display. Here, one really can tell the seasons based on the changing icebergs. An eastern horizon with a thin white glow is the spring view while summer sees a harbor packed with towering icebergs finding their way to sea. And as the winter sea ice forms, any straggling iceberg gets frozen in place until next year, creating a great icy maze perfect for dog sledding and ice fishing.
ICEBERG HUBS IN GREENLAND
In East Greenland, the Sermilik Fjord stands just around the mountain from Tasiilaq, and it is particularly loaded with icebergs during the spring thaw. With so much ice to navigate, getting to the nearby village of Tiniteqilaaq by boat can be more of a thrilling icebreakers trip than smooth sailing! But not to worry – the alternative is a breathtaking helicopter charter that puts the entire fjord full of icebergs into view.
Nuuk and Paamiut, too have their own fjords with iceberg filled waters. In short, keep one golden rule in mind – wherever a glacier meets water, one will find icebergs!
South Greenland is a special place for iceberg watching for not one, but two, phenomena! Blue ice is rampant in South Greenland, and it appears so vibrant against a backdrop of lush green hills. Also, large sheets of pack ice are truly unique to South Greenland towns like Nanortalik and Qaqortoq. Unlike a freshwater iceberg that calves from a glacier, this is frozen ocean water that has traveled all the way from the east coast.
