Having always been fascinated from ice eventually I took the chance to visit Greenland. The easiest approach in summer is by plane from Iceland. Greenland’s most easterly airport is located in Kulusuk.
Whilst there always are helicopter links (weather permitting) the best means of transportation is by boat if one wants to get in close contact with the ice.
Tasiilaq represents a typical Greenland settlement. It features a harbour with tanks to store oil as energy source for the ling winters. Fish is caught and manufactured locally for export as well as dried and self consumed. A lot is done to attract people to live here including an artificially turfed football ground.
Icebergs always are near. Nevertheless sledges need snow; during summer sledge dogs are having a break.
Whilst there is scarce vegetation in Greenland artificial flowers are used to decorate the graves at the central cemetery.
Solar winds illuminate Tasiilaq at night.
Mighty icebergs attract full attention when cruising Nattivit Kangertivat Fjord west of Tasiilaq.
As most of the Greenland ice Apuseerseerpia glacier at the western end of Nattivit Kangertivat Fjord is in retreat.
“Sermilik” literally translates to “The one with the glaciers”. Camp Qaattu at Sermilik Fjord provides the base for excursions into the ice.
Dusk changes into nightly illumination.
Opposite Camp Qaattu across Sermilik Johan Petersen Fjord leads to Bruckner glacier.
Misty mornings change into clear days during transformation surprising with rare phenomenons like white rainbows.
Some icebergs strand on their way to the open Atlantic.
North of Camp Qaattu Tiniteqilaaq is the next settlement providing supply infrastructure including a heliport.
Kuumit at Ammassalik Fjord provides income for fishermen and people working at the local fish factory.
Ikkateq or Bluie East Two is the location of a former American air base. Meanwhile nothing more is left than rusty remains of a crane at the berth below the former air strip.
Ikkatteq Sound leads to Sermiligaaq Fjord fed by Kaarale glacier from the west and Knud Rasmussen glacier from the north.
During the day Knud Rasmussen glacier covers with clouds.
Autumn is coming – time to retreat not to get stuck in ice.
