Seize the Magic of Greenland in Ilulissat
Ilulissat is someplace you should go to in your lifetime for those who’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 prospects.
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 onerous to grasp upon first glace. It’s sheer scale, shapes, patterns and the huge whiteness can take a couple of days to actually absorb so make sure you plan for no less than 5 days!
Basing your self in Ilulissat is a good way to make sure you can reap the benefits of 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 must you want somewhat inspiration to your personal journey.
Midnight Solar Icefjord Cruise
Put together your self for what might be top-of-the-line evenings of your life. No query.
Earlier than you’ve barely left the harbour at 10pm, the boat might be cruising previous floating icebergs, some the scale of a dinner plate, others the scale of a 5 story constructing. There’s actually no comparability for this expertise and for those who’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 huge frozen constructions. As they slowly soften and break up, the icebergs drift out to sea of Disko Bay earlier than the Atlantic Ocean. Dimension, distinction and true pure magnificence is clear in all instructions because the boat cruises alongside icebergs as much as 60m in peak.
In the course of the summer time 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’ll be able to rise up on deck and seize the surroundings with spectacular views all spherical. I extremely suggest trialling each the highest and again of the underside deck to make sure you get a mixture of panorama photographs from water degree and in any other case.
Photograph tip: Take quite a lot of lenses so you’ll be able to 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 deal with each particulars and panorama pictures as you move the icebergs. Some moments, resembling whales breaching or icebergs calving can occur rapidly so make sure you preserve your eyes peeled and set off prepared.
Kayak amongst Humpback Whales
A kayak tour in Ilulissat is tough to elucidate in phrases so it’s fortunate I’ve acquired some photographs 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 bunch of kayakers. Loopy, proper? Tucked inside a dry swimsuit, you’ll be toasty heat whereas paddling on the chilly arctic water but when this second occurs, you could must take somewhat breather to chill down.
Being on the water generally is a phenomenal 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 stress-free and adrenaline pumping.
The quiet you’ll expertise on the water is barely interrupted by spouting whales and tender strokes breaking the water floor or, for those who’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. When you’re visiting in July, the solar gained’t attain the horizon, as an alternative offering countless best images situations. Heat night daylight shimmers throughout the water floor…it’s actually spectacular.
Really useful tour – Kayaking Expertise with World of Greenland
Photograph tip: As a result of it’s essential to after all deal with paddling your kayak, somewhat waterproof/motion digital camera might be your best choice for this tour. The Olympus TG-6 allows you to seize RAW information, video and can deal with the freezing chilly situations like somewhat champ.
One factor to attempt whilst you’re capable of get that near the water is a split-level shot. You may learn my information to photographing split-level landscapes right here however basically simply dip your digital camera in so the water degree sits half means up the lens. There’s no a lot to see beneath the floor (except a whale passes shut by) however the motion of the water will present an amazing angle with distinctive composition.
Sermemiut Historic Hike
Categorised as a World Heritage web site in 2004, the Sermemiut Settlement is situated 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.
On account of its reputation and in addition that it types a part of the blue path climbing route, you’ll be able to 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 life and traditions provides to the expertise of imagining simply what life would’ve been like contained in the turf huts.
Icebergs type a powerful backdrop because the walkway leads in the direction of Nakkaavik, generally known as ‘the place to fall’. The point of view is a rocky cliff the place a stunning but selfless act happened centuries in the past. Ladies from the Inuit communities dwelling at Sermemiut would throw themselves off the cliff once they believed they had been a burden to society. One thing that till you’ve seen the cruel surroundings they lived in would sound completely loopy. The lads would as an alternative wander into the panorama, by no means to be seen once more.
Photograph tip: The hike isn’t too demanding so you’ll be able to take a digital camera bag together with your whole equipment 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 time.
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. Retaining in fixed contact with native fisherman, the probabilities of seeing whales are very excessive so seize a seat on the highest deck (put on a number of layers) and have your digital camera able to go!
The coastal waters of Greenland see about 15 species of whale all year long nonetheless the commonest sightings are of the Humpback whales and for those who’re fortunate, you may even see a minke or fin whale. With the humpback fairly energetic within the water, you’ll must have your digital camera able to go for any fin or tail slaps together with the at all times 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 improbable further topic inside photographs, additional enhancing the motion of a picture and dimension of the whale.
Photograph tip: As a result of unpredictability of the place and when the whales will seem, it’s essential to have a dependable zoom lens obtainable 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 lined 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 phenomenal 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 may have you composing pictures 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 characterize their perform. Purple was industrial, 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 industrial buildings in daring tones has continued though now the illustration isn’t as precise illustration of perform. As an alternative, they type 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 time months in Ilulissat to offer you an outline of each the historical past and important 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.
When you’re quick on time, I can extremely suggest wandering all the way down to Zion’s Church, one of many northernmost church buildings on this planet, which is situated on the shore near the city centre and really photogenic!
Photograph Tip: Get low to make use of the quite a few flowers in bloom so as to add much more color and a phenomenal body to the scene. Additionally venturing out round midnight throughout summer time will present a beautiful gentle with virtually nobody within the streets!
Hike the Coastal Yellow Route
Kicking off from both the facility station or trailhead of the blue/yellow route you’ll be able to wander on this hike at your individual tempo to get pleasure from unbelievable views over the Icefjord.
This was my favorite path within the Ilulissat space as I used to be accompanied by whales your complete 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. The most effective days I’ve ever spent outside and I hope that anybody else who ventures alongside this path has the same expertise.
From downtown Ilulissat the hike all the way in which to the icefjord takes roughly 2hours however give or a take somewhat relying how briskly you stroll and naturally, what number of photographs you cease to seize. It’s not essentially strenuous nonetheless it’s price having first rate climbing boots, pack some snacks and make a half day of it to actually absorb the sweetness.
The shoreline route not solely offers a chance to {photograph} the surroundings, icebergs and whales however you’ll come throughout some vibrant flora and still have the prospect to identify the very illusive and cute Arctic Fox.
Photograph tip: Whereas I usually suggest packing as little as potential on a climbing journey, I really feel like is one route the place you could need to use your entire obtainable lenses. Since you’re taking pictures from strong floor relatively than a ship (like most of the different excursions), you’ve acquired an opportunity to actually take your time and observe the icefjord. That stated, I captured photographs on a 12-40mm f2.8, 40-150mm f2.8 and 300mm f4 lens.
You may seize a map from the World of Greenland workplace or tough it somewhat and observe the markings.
*In the summertime months you’ll need to have a fly web hat obtainable as a result of the humid situations create a swarm of buzzing bugs that may rapidly flip your expertise right into a unfavorable one. Nevertheless, with a really modern 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 at all times price choosing for those who’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 might be in awe of the surroundings under.
In a small airplane you’ll fly as much as 65km down the icefjord with huge frozen constructions beneath forming a canvas you’ll little question need to {photograph} repeatedly. 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 obtainable 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 via the icefjord.
Examine my expertise flying over Sermeq Kujalleq right here.
This glacier produces extra icebergs than every other within the northern hemisphere so for those who’re attempting to rely what number of icebergs you see…you could 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 actually how expansive this pure surprise is.
When you get somewhat nearer to the mouth of the icefjord, preserve your eyes peeled for whales as they cruise via the water beside the icebergs. Moments earlier than touchdown we noticed what was initiatlly considered two whales…upon additional inspection of my photographs on the pc that night time, I’d truly photographed six whales in a single picture!
Photograph tip: Attempt to get your digital camera as shut as potential to the home windows, utilizing your finger to make sure it doesn’t scratch the floor and wreck the expertise for different friends. There’s the chance you’ll get critically snap glad (cue me quickly photographing something white at first…which was after all, the whole lot in sight), however take a second to stare out the window and determine the way you need to compose your photographs. Regardless of which flight route you go for there’s a minimal of 25minutes within the air so get snug, go searching after which seize among the greatest photographs you’ll ever take!
Additionally don’t fear an excessive amount of a few extensive angle lens…you’ll extra seemingly be targeted 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 placement of your lodge, condo or lodge issues when visiting Ilulissat. It’s the distinction between a whole lot of strolling, and maximising your time!
I primarily based myself at Nuka Hostel, a brand new apartment-style advanced proper on the principle road 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 on the lookout for 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 beautiful employees! Plus there’s cooking amenities in your room making these midnight snacks very potential about your adventures within the midnight solar. There’s restricted lodging obtainable in Ilulissat so make sure you e-book effectively forward of your go to particularly throughout summer time! Examine the greatest charges right here for Nuka Hostel.
When you’re after someplace by the water there are two lodge choices that present lovely rooms with ocean views so you’ll be able to watch the icebergs and whales cruise by your window. Take a peek at each Lodge Arctic and Lodge Icefiord.
Ilulissat Map: Key locations of curiosity talked about inside this information –
Learn extra about easy methods to {photograph} in these situations –
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Howdy! I’m the founder and photographer behind The Wandering Lens.
With 17+yrs expertise as an expert journey and panorama photographer, all recommendation discovered on this web site is from my private expertise on the highway. I hope it’s helpful to your personal travels and would love to listen to within the feedback about your journeys and experiences all over the world.