Access to the Icefjord
The World Heritage Area Ilulissat Icefjord is a large and relatively inaccessible natural district without roads or buildings. It is, however, easy to visit the part of the Icefjord, which is closest to Ilulissat.
No Roads
The World Heritage Area mainly consists of barren mountainous regions. In the part of the World Heritage Area that is close to the city, there is a track bridge. All traffic takes place on foot, by boat or by helicopter, and during winter by dog sledge or skis.
Sailing
Sailing is allowed and usually possible in the mouth of the Icefjord all year round. The exception occurs during particularly cold winters, when the sea ice covers the Disko Bay. Only commercial fishermen and sealers are allowed to sail deeper into the Icefjord. It is dangerous to sail close to the icebergs and we recommend that you keep a safety distance of a minimum of ten times the iceberg’s height above the water.
By Helicopter to the Glacier
If you want to experience the enormous glacier Sermeq Kujalleq at the bottom of the Ilulissat Icefjord, the only option is to go by helicopter. Trips are arranged to a landing field close to the front of the glacier and the ice cap. Please note that all other types of helicopter transit in the World Heritage Area require special permission.
The Ice Cap and the Glaciers
Occasionally various expeditions traverse the ice cap from Ilulissat Icefjord across the breadth of Greenland. This requires special permission, insurance as well as in-depth local knowledge and experience of travelling across ice. Due to intense glacier activity, it is not possible to travel on the ice cap near the glacier Sermeq Kujalleq. It may prove fatal to climb onto icebergs or drift ice.
