80% of Greenland’s land area (more than 1.7 million km2) is covered by glacier, called the Greenland Ice Cap or more accurately, the Greenland Ice Sheet. It is one of only two ice sheets in the world, and it has been present for 18 million years.
Some destinations in the world are home to the most active volcano or the largest coral reef, but Greenland has something of a totally different nature as its claim to fame – the Greenland Ice Sheet. This coast-to-coast ice cap has almost single-handedly formed the world’s perceptions of our large northern country, and for the many populations who have lived in Greenland throughout the millennia, it has all but defined the entire way of life.
Historically, the ice cap was rather deserted as Greenlanders opted instead to stay on sea ice with access to fertile waters below. Now, thanks to aircraft, boats, and most importantly, wanderlust, the Greenland Ice Sheet has since become a sought-after spot for travelers in search of unmistakable Arctic adventure.
“I have been on many glaciers, like in the Himalayas. But Greenland is another world! Vast and a totally different view!”
Package Tours
Ice Cap Explorer 8-15 days
From Sun Gate to Icefjord
Camp Ice Cap
UNEXPECTED TERRAIN
Take a look at any map and one might imagine that the white island at the top of the world is nothing but uncharted territory. Even flying high in the Greenland airspace, the ice cap still appears to be just one blinding expanse. But in fact, the Greenland Ice Sheet is full of surprises.
At close range, the Greenland Ice Sheet reveals its true palette of blues and greens and comes to life as a jagged accumulation of centuries-old ice fragments. It has deep cracks whose walls look like ocean waves frozen in space, and during summer, those same dormant tunnels can fill with fast-moving glacial rivers. No two edges are alike on the Greenland Ice Sheet so let your curiosity run wild as you explore this icy wilderness.
THE ROAD TO THE ICE CAP
The Greenland Ice sheet is visible from most towns in Greenland, but merely looking at the ice cap is like running a marathon and not crossing the finish line. Kangerlussuaq is the proud home of the only road to the Greenland Ice Sheet, and though it is a bit bumpy around the edges, it delivers you literally to the ice edge. Stepping off of solid ground and onto ice that moves undetected beneath your feet will give you new appreciation for the natural environment.
