Seize the Magic of Greenland in Ilulissat
Ilulissat is someplace you have to go to in your lifetime should you’re into icebergs and all issues arctic. Frozen pure wonders meet a tradition that’s as fascinating as it’s vibrant forming a photogenic dreamscape of potentialities.
As Greenland’s third largest metropolis, Ilulissat is house to the UNESCO World Heritage Website, the Ilulissat Icefjord the place the world’s quickest transferring glacier funnels icebergs in the direction of Disko Bay. It’s a sight that’s laborious to grasp upon first glace. It’s sheer scale, shapes, patterns and the huge whiteness can take a number of days to actually take in so be sure you plan for no less than 5 days!
Basing your self in Ilulissat is a good way to make sure you can benefit from the various excursions and climbing routes that start on the town. Having spent two weeks exploring the area in July, I’ve put collectively this information of photogenic experiences do you have to want just a little inspiration on your personal journey.
Midnight Solar Icefjord Cruise
Put together your self for what will likely be the most effective evenings of your life. No query.
Earlier than you’ve barely left the harbour at 10pm, the boat will likely be cruising previous floating icebergs, some the scale of a dinner plate, others the scale of a 5 story constructing. There’s really no comparability for this expertise and should you’re a photographer, be able to free your thoughts.
The Ilulissat Icefjord is the place large icebergs which have calved off the Kangia Glacier are caught, forming an ice financial institution of large frozen constructions. As they slowly soften and break up, the icebergs drift out to sea of Disko Bay earlier than the Atlantic Ocean. Measurement, distinction and true pure magnificence is clear in all instructions because the boat cruises alongside icebergs as much as 60m in peak.
Through the summer season months humpback whales are sometimes sighted amongst the fjord too, gracefully spouting and forming bubble nets a lot to the delight of hovering seagulls.
On board the World of Greenland’s boat you possibly can arise on deck and seize the surroundings with spectacular views all spherical. I extremely advocate trialling each the highest and again of the underside deck to make sure you get a mixture of panorama photos from water degree and in any other case.
Picture tip: Take a wide range of lenses so you possibly can alternate your composition all through the cruise. Having a flexible lens just like the M.Zuiko 40-150mm F2.8 PRO lens will allow you to give attention to each particulars and panorama photographs as you cross the icebergs. Some moments, akin to whales breaching or icebergs calving can occur shortly so be sure you maintain your eyes peeled and set off prepared.
Kayak amongst Humpback Whales
A kayak tour in Ilulissat is difficult to clarify in phrases so it’s fortunate I’ve bought some images of the expertise huh!? Let’s simply begin with the one which’ll promote you right away…
Above you’ll see humpback whales coming to the floor proper in entrance of a gaggle of kayakers. Loopy, proper? Tucked inside a dry go well with, you’ll be toasty heat whereas paddling on the chilly arctic water but when this second occurs, chances are you’ll must take just a little breather to chill down.
Being on the water typically is a gorgeous ambiance however to paddle beside icebergs because the kayak gently rocks over the small swell and anticipation builds with whales capable of seem at any second is one thing else. Each equally enjoyable and adrenaline pumping.
The quiet you’ll expertise on the water is barely interrupted by spouting whales and mushy strokes breaking the water floor or, should you’re actually fortunate, the awe inspiring sound of a calving iceberg.
Led by an skilled kayaking skilled, you’ll be guided alongside the coast from the harbour in the direction of the Ilulissat Icefjord beneath the rays of the midnight solar. If you happen to’re visiting in July, the solar received’t attain the horizon, as a substitute offering countless excellent images situations. Heat night daylight shimmers throughout the water floor…it’s really spectacular.
Really useful tour – Kayaking Expertise with World of Greenland
Picture tip: As a result of it’s vital to in fact give attention to paddling your kayak, just a little waterproof/motion digicam will likely be your only option for this tour. The Olympus TG-6 lets you seize RAW information, video and can deal with the freezing chilly situations like just a little champ.
One factor to attempt when you’re capable of get that near the water is a split-level shot. You’ll be able to learn my information to photographing split-level landscapes right here however basically simply dip your digicam in so the water degree sits half method up the lens. There’s no a lot to see beneath the floor (until a whale passes shut by) however the motion of the water will present an important angle with distinctive composition.
Sermemiut Historic Hike
Categorized as a World Heritage website in 2004, the Sermemiut Settlement is positioned beside the Icefjord, only a quick stroll from the township of Ilulissat. For 4000 years, varied Inuit cultures and communities dwelling on the settlement of which you’ll be able to nonetheless see stays throughout the panorama.
As a result of its recognition and in addition that it kinds a part of the blue path climbing route, you possibly can enterprise alongside the boardwalk your self at any time or choose to do a tour with a World of Greenland information. Having a information to share tales of the existence and traditions provides to the expertise of imagining simply what life would’ve been like contained in the turf huts.
Icebergs kind a powerful backdrop because the walkway leads in the direction of Nakkaavik, often called ‘the place to fall’. The point of view is a rocky cliff the place a surprising but selfless act befell centuries in the past. Girls from the Inuit communities dwelling at Sermemiut would throw themselves off the cliff after they believed they had been a burden to society. One thing that till you’ve seen the cruel setting they lived in would sound completely loopy. The lads would as a substitute wander into the panorama, by no means to be seen once more.
Picture tip: The hike isn’t too demanding so you possibly can take a digicam bag along with your complete package inside. You’ll need each a large angle lens to {photograph} the settlement and horizon of icebergs, plus a zoom to seize the element of the Icefjord earlier than you.
{Photograph} Whales on Safari
Witness two pure wonders collectively, icebergs and whales on a sea safari. Cruise the Ilulissat Icefjord the place whales collect as krill are stirred up by the churning currents throughout summer season.
Your captain will slowly enterprise across the icebergs on the look out for distant spouts of water or flocks of seagulls indicating whales could also be shut by. Preserving in fixed contact with native fisherman, the possibilities of seeing whales are very excessive so seize a seat on the highest deck (put on a number of layers) and have your digicam able to go!
The coastal waters of Greenland see about 15 species of whale all year long nevertheless the commonest sightings are of the Humpback whales and should you’re fortunate, you may even see a minke or fin whale. With the humpback fairly energetic within the water, you’ll must have your digicam able to go for any fin or tail slaps together with the all the time spectacular breaching.
When photographing the whales on this area, I used to be fascinated by how the seagulls work with them to gather krill that get discarded into the air. Not solely are they onto an excellent technique, they make for a incredible extra topic inside photos, additional enhancing the motion of a picture and dimension of the whale.
Picture tip: Because of the unpredictability of the place and when the whales will seem, it’s vital to have a dependable zoom lens out there on this journey. I photographed with the 40-150mm f2.8 on the Olympus E-M1 MKII and in addition had the 300mm f4 professional lens on the E-M1X to verify I coated all bases.
Utilizing the icebergs inside your composition is a good way so as to add to the story of your picture. Their patterns and contrasting white color in opposition to the ocean and black whales creates a gorgeous panorama scene!
Learn extra – The Advantages of a Zoom Lens Whereas Travelling
Wander the Vibrant Streets of Ilulissat
You’ve heard of the yellow brick highway however in Ilulissat the rainbow-like skyline can have you composing photographs and skipping alongside the streets throughout city.
When timber kits had been initially despatched from Scandinavia to Greenland, the homes had been painted in daring colors to symbolize their perform. Purple was business, yellow signalled a hospital, blue was for fishing and black, the police station.
Now you’ll discover colors each shade of the rainbow (or Pantone palette) scattering the hillside overlooking the waters of Disko Bay. The custom of portray each homes and business buildings in daring tones has continued though now the illustration isn’t as actual illustration of perform. As a substitute, they kind a vibrant city that’s price exploring simply as a lot because the icefjord you’ve little question come to see.
World of Greenland operates strolling excursions all through the summer season months in Ilulissat to offer you an summary of each the historical past and vital buildings. Wandering with an skilled information is a superb introduction to visiting Greenland as you’ll not solely hear about what you’re seeing however some tales and traditions too.
If you happen to’re quick on time, I can extremely advocate wandering all the way down to Zion’s Church, one of many northernmost church buildings on the planet, which is positioned on the shore near the city centre and really photogenic!
Picture Tip: Get low to make use of the quite a few flowers in bloom so as to add much more color and a gorgeous body to the scene. Additionally venturing out round midnight throughout summer season will present a beautiful mild with nearly nobody within the streets!
Hike the Coastal Yellow Route
Kicking off from both the facility station or trailhead of the blue/yellow route you possibly can wander on this hike at your individual tempo to get pleasure from unimaginable views over the Icefjord.
This was my favorite path within the Ilulissat space as I used to be accompanied by whales all the route alongside the coast…no joke, for hours. They had been swimming up and down so slowly, fishing on krill and offering a soundtrack of spouts as I criss-crossed over the rocky hillside. Top-of-the-line days I’ve ever spent outdoor and I hope that anybody else who ventures alongside this path has the same expertise.
From downtown Ilulissat the hike all the best way to the icefjord takes roughly 2hours however give or a take just a little relying how briskly you stroll and naturally, what number of images you cease to seize. It’s not essentially strenuous nevertheless it’s price having respectable climbing boots, pack some snacks and make a half day of it to actually take in the sweetness.
The shoreline route not solely supplies a chance to {photograph} the surroundings, icebergs and whales however you’ll come throughout some vibrant flora and still have the possibility to identify the very illusive and cute Arctic Fox.
Picture tip: Whereas I usually advocate packing as little as attainable on a climbing journey, I really feel like is one route the place chances are you’ll need to use all your out there lenses. Since you’re capturing from stable floor moderately than a ship (like lots of the different excursions), you’ve bought an opportunity to actually take your time and observe the icefjord. That stated, I captured photos on a 12-40mm f2.8, 40-150mm f2.8 and 300mm f4 lens.
You’ll be able to seize a map from the World of Greenland workplace or tough it just a little and observe the markings.
*In the summertime months you’ll need to have a fly internet hat out there as a result of the humid situations create a swarm of buzzing bugs that may shortly flip your expertise right into a damaging one. Nonetheless, with a really trendy hat at your disposal, you’ll be completely protected and might proceed you on having fun with the views!
Fly above the Kangia Glacier with Air Zafari
An aerial vantage level is all the time price choosing should you’re a photographer, particularly when the panorama is as huge and epic as that of the Ilulissat area. From take off to touchdown your eyes will likely be in awe of the surroundings under.
In a small aircraft you’ll fly as much as 65km down the icefjord with large frozen constructions beneath forming a canvas you’ll little question need to {photograph} time and again. From above you’re capable of see the meltwater streams as their vibrant blue color contrasts strikingly in opposition to the white ice. There’s additionally a helicopter tour that may take you proper to the glacier’s edge! Take a peek on the out there excursions right here.
Choosing ‘The Kangia’ route will take you over the northern glacier ‘Sermeq Avangnardleq’ after which onto the mighty Isua Glacier which is the place the UNESCO World Heritage Website begins in your journey again by way of the icefjord.
Examine my expertise flying over Sermeq Kujalleq right here.
This glacier produces extra icebergs than some other within the northern hemisphere so should you’re making an attempt to depend what number of icebergs you see…chances are you’ll need to begin at 10,000 and work from there. Banked up for miles down the icefjord, a flightseeing expertise offers you a perspective like no different to see really how expansive this pure surprise is.
When you get just a little nearer to the mouth of the icefjord, maintain your eyes peeled for whales as they cruise by way of the water beside the icebergs. Moments earlier than touchdown we noticed what was initiatlly regarded as two whales…upon additional inspection of my images on the pc that evening, I’d really photographed six whales in a single picture!
Picture tip: Attempt to get your digicam as shut as attainable to the home windows, utilizing your finger to make sure it doesn’t scratch the floor and smash the expertise for different friends. There’s the chance you’ll get severely snap glad (cue me quickly photographing something white firstly…which was in fact, every part in sight), however take a second to stare out the window and determine the way you need to compose your photos. Irrespective of which flight route you go for there’s a minimal of 25minutes within the air so get comfy, go searching after which seize a few of the greatest images you’ll ever take!
Additionally don’t fear an excessive amount of a few vast angle lens…you’ll extra possible be centered on a 40-150mm vary as a result of form of the home windows and naturally panorama under.
The place to remain in Ilulissat –
The situation of your lodge, condo or lodge issues when visiting Ilulissat. It’s the distinction between numerous strolling, and maximising your time!
I primarily based myself at Nuka Hostel, a brand new apartment-style advanced proper on the primary avenue near the World of Greenland workplace (your assembly level for many excursions), supermarkets, cafes and the harbour.
Having spent a complete of 10 nights there, can safely say it’s the place I like to recommend anybody in search of someplace central stays. Regardless of being referred to as a ‘hostel’, it’s removed from it with well-appointed and glowing clear rooms, free WIFI (not discovered many locations) and wonderful employees! Plus there’s cooking amenities in your room making these midnight snacks very attainable about your adventures within the midnight solar. There’s restricted lodging out there in Ilulissat so be sure you e book nicely forward of your go to particularly throughout summer season! Examine the greatest charges right here for Nuka Hostel.
If you happen to’re after someplace by the water there are two lodge choices that present lovely rooms with ocean views so you possibly can watch the icebergs and whales cruise by your window. Take a peek at each Resort Arctic and Resort Icefiord.
Ilulissat Map: Key locations of curiosity talked about inside this information –
Learn extra about the right way to {photograph} in these situations –
Keep at Glacier Lodge Eqi – Sleep by a rumbling glacier!
3 Scenic Areas to Go to in Greenland
How you can Use your Digicam in Excessive Situations + Climates
Climate Forecasting for Panorama Photographers
Hi there! I’m the founder and photographer behind The Wandering Lens.
With 17+yrs expertise as knowledgeable journey and panorama photographer, all recommendation discovered on this website is from my private expertise on the highway. I hope it’s helpful on your personal travels and would love to listen to within the feedback about your journeys and experiences all over the world.
