Hiking trails along the Icefjord, Ilulissat, Greenland. Author and Copyright Almo

Trekking trails along the Icefjord, Ilulissat, Greenland

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One of the most beautiful experiences to do in Ilulissat is certainly the trekking along one of the paths that run along the Icefjord. There are two main marked trails: the yellow and the blue hike. Both paths can be covered in a few hours. Some hotels in Ilulissat, such as the Hotel Arctic, have free shuttle services that take you to the starting point of the trails.

THE YELLOW HIKE

The shortest path, marked in yellow, runs along the peninsula south of the town of Ilulissat. The yellow hike begins at the Power Plant and with a beautiful path high up on the rocks allows for splendid views of the icebergs that line this part of Disko Bay. The actual itinerary is 2.7 km long and takes less than 2 hours (to the trekking route you must then add the kilometers necessary to reach your hotel).

During the itinerary, make numerous stops to admire the magnificent landscape before your eyes. Observe the typical arctic vegetation made of moss and lichen. Disko Bay stretches out below you and is dotted with huge icebergs. Listen to the sounds of ice collapsing into the sea. Look closely at the sea, because along the Icefjord you will also be able to spot whales in the distance. If you have small binoculars with you, you will greatly increase your chance of spotting them.

Yellow trail along the Icefjord, Ilulissat, Greenland

Along the yellow trail, Icefjord, Ilulissat, Greenland. Author and Copyright Marco Ramerini

THE BLUE HIKE

The longest path is the blue path. This trail starts from the art museum dedicated to Inuit culture and the Icefjord: the Ililussat Icefjord Center. The first part of the path is on a comfortable wooden walkway. Here, high on the ground above the beach, are the remains of an ancient Inuit settlement. But little or nothing of this first village is visible. Just beyond the end of the wooden walkway, in a panoramic position, there are wooden benches and tables where you can relax and admire the Icefjord and Disko bay.

The path continues, always in a panoramic position, along the Icefjord for a few kilometers. You then reach a small inlet which is the closest point to the glacier. From here, on the other side of the fjord, we observed two whales. After this stretch, the path heads decidedly inland going up to a lake then climbs up to reach the pass from where you return to Ilulissat. The path of the trail is about 7 kilometers and takes 4 or 5 hours (you must then add the kilometers needed to reach your hotel to the trekking route).

Blue hike along the Icefjord, Ilulissat, Greenland

The trails are both quite easy. Only the blue trail has, in the last part, an uphill stretch. But remember that you are in the Arctic, the weather can change suddenly. It is also forbidden to approach the coast due to the waves (mini tsunami) caused by the fall of the ice into the sea. Bring plenty of water and a hat with a net to protect yourself from annoying mosquitoes and other arctic insects.