Icebergs in the Icefjord, Ilulissat, Greenland. Author and Copyright Marco Ramerini

The Icefjord and Disko Bay, Ilulissat, Greenland

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Greenland, the largest island in the world currently has three sites that UNESCO has declared part of the World Heritage. Of these two sites are cultural heritage: the Aasivissuit – Nipisat: site linked to the Inuit hunting ground between ice and sea, and the Kujataa: a Norwegian and Inuit agricultural site on the edge of the ice cap. The third is instead the only UNESCO natural heritage of Greenland: the Icefjord. This spectacular arctic fjord is located along the west coast of Greenland, the one that looks towards Canada and the great Baffin Island. The Icefjord is located at a latitude of 69 ° 08′North and a longitude of 49 ° 30 ′ West about 250 km north of the Arctic Circle.

The fjord stretches for about 40 km between the Greenland ice sheet and Disko Bay. The closest human settlement is the town of Ilulissat which is located a few kilometers north of the fjord. The fjord is characterized by the presence of huge icebergs produced by the Jakobshavn glacier (Sermeq Kujalleq) which is one of the most active glaciers on the planet. Here the Greenland ice sheet reaches the sea. 10% of all Greenland icebergs are formed in the fjord.

HOW TO VISIT THE ICEFJORD AND THE ICEBERGS

Among the most interesting and beautiful activities to do along the Icefjord are some easy treks where you will immerse yourself in the arctic atmosphere. You will hear the sound of the glacier and observe the huge icebergs floating in the fjord. If you are lucky along the paths of the Icefjord you will also be able to watch whales. The landing at Ilulissat airport is also spectacular, because just before landing the plane passes right over the glacier. If you are on the side of the window on the right side of the plane you will have the opportunity to admire the fjord and the glacier in its immense beauty. On the left side you will see Disko Bay and some icebergs.

Another splendid way to admire the fjord are the boat tours organized by the Ilulissat agencies and which allow the view, usually in the best light conditions (between 9 pm and 1 am), of the icebergs that dot the fjord. During these tours it is not uncommon to observe whales that usually swim close to the icebergs where they find food for their livelihood. The fauna and flora of Greenland.