Russell Glacier

The Russell Glacier is a magnificent glacier near Kangerlussuaq, Greenland. I'd booked an organized tour, which is the easiest way to visit the glacier. It's about an hour's drive from the airport and then another 45 minutes or so of hiking. The tour guide had brought refreshments, but I spent all my time taking photos. I wish I'd had more time to just sit down and enjoy the view and wait for some ice calvings, but I had such a great time taking photos that I completely lost track of time.

Incidentally, the area around Kangerlussuaq is what is called an arctic desert. Believe it or not, but it's actually dry and sunny for most of the year in this area of Greenland, which is why it was originally chosen as the location for the main international airport.

The Russell Glacier is huge reaching up to 60 meters (200 feet) at some points.

The Russell Glacier is HUGE and it's difficult to get a sense of scale. We were all advised to keep a safe distance lest any ice would break off. Standing near the edge of the river might seem safe, but you cannot outrun flying ice blocks or a tsunami.

As you turn a corner the Russell Glacier comes into view. To provide a sense of scale: From here it's still about 30 minutes to the wooden bench that serves as a viewing platform.

More glaciers! Gornergletscher in Switzerland, Aletschgletscher in Switzerland, Eqi Glacier in Greenland, Svellnosbreen in Norway, Nigardsbreen in Norway, Falljökull in Iceland, Glacier du Tour in France and the Vallée Blanche in France.