Ilulissat Icefjord

Visiting the Ilulissat Icefjord was one of the most breathtaking experiences of my life. It had held a top spot on my bucket list for years, and I’m deeply grateful I finally made it there, though it almost didn’t happen.

Originally, I’d planned to spend three full days in Ilulissat. But the weather had other ideas. Two consecutive flight cancellations meant my trip was cut short, leaving me with just two evenings to witness the magic of the icefjord.

What’s more, as we approached Ilulissat, the pilot had to abort the first two landing attempts due to poor visibility. He informed us that we had enough fuel to circle the airport for about 30 more minutes, after which we’d have to divert to Kangerlussuaq.

A tense silence gripped the cabin. Then, on the third try, the wheels touched down. A collective sigh of relief swept through the plane. We had made it. And what awaited beyond that runway—towering icebergs and an otherworldly scenery—made every moment of uncertainty worth it.

The photos in this gallery were all taken from the shore. The photos in the other gallery were taken during a midnight cruise.

I so wish I'd had the time to rent a canoe to slowly paddle around the icebergs.

The photo above and the photos below were taken along the yellow trail.

I so wish I'd had the three days I'd originally scheduled but I used the little time I had well. I hope to one day be able to return.

More Greenland! The mighty Eqi Glacier, the equally mighty Russell Glacier, the Disko Bay, the Greenland Ice Sheet and some colorful photos of fishing equipment lying around at a warehouse in Nuuk harbour.