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Fiord · Ilulissat, Avannaata
Ilulissat Icefjord
A UNESCO World Heritage site since 2004, the fjord connects the ice sheet to Disko Bay and receives the ice from the Sermeq Kujalleq glacier. It fills with icebergs in all seasons and can be seen from viewpoints, by boat or from the air.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Ilulissat Icefjord
The Ilulissat Icefjord (Ilulissat Kangerlua) is a sea arm that links Greenland’s ice sheet to Disko Bay, just south of the town. At its head lies Sermeq Kujalleq, a glacier that advances several meters a day and releases ice blocks of all sizes into the fjord. Many become grounded at the entrance, on a submerged shoal, and remain there for weeks before drifting out to sea.
UNESCO inscribed the fjord on the World Heritage List in 2004 as a natural site. The protected area includes the glacier, the fjord and the surrounding shores, and it has been studied for more than two centuries by researchers of ice and climate.
There are three ways to see the fjord. On foot, via marked trails that start at the Icefjord Centre and reach viewpoints above the ice. By boat, on tours that cruise among the icebergs at the fjord entrance and in the bay. And by airplane or helicopter, on scenic flights that rise up to the glacier front.
In summer, the midnight sun lights the ice for hours on end; in winter, low light renders the fjord in shades of blue and pink. At any time of year, the ice changes shape and position from one day to the next.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
Half a day for the trails and a viewpoint; a boat trip takes two to three hours.
Best time
From June to August, with long days, frequent boat departures and trails free of snow. In late afternoon and evening during summer, the low light brings out the relief of the ice. In February and March the fjord is often frozen near the town and can also be seen on sled trips.
How to get there
The trails start at the visitor center at the southern edge of town, about a 30-minute walk from the harbor. Boat trips depart from the town harbor, and scenic flights operate from the airport.
Tip
Do not go close to the water’s edge or walk on the ice: when an iceberg breaks apart or rolls over it can generate waves. For frontal photos of the fjord entrance, late-afternoon boats often have softer light.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Ilulissat Icefjord
What is the Ilulissat Icefjord?
A fjord on Greenland’s west coast that receives ice from the Sermeq Kujalleq glacier, which flows from the ice sheet. It is filled with icebergs and has been a UNESCO natural heritage site since 2004.
Is there a fee to see the Icefjord?
There is no charge for the marked trails to the viewpoints. Boat tours, scenic flights and the Icefjord Centre exhibition are paid separately: check the current rates.
Can you see the fjord in winter?
Yes. The viewpoints remain accessible with snow if you have appropriate footwear, and there are sled and snowmobile tours. Boats run less often in winter because sea ice can block the passage.