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Greenland

Scenic view of an arctic river and a glacier in the background
Reindeer glacier and river
Scenic view of an arctic river and a glacier in the background
Upon disembarkation from our cruise ship, there was still a lot of time before our return flight from the airport of Kangerlussuaq. We therefore decided to join a half-day bus excursion to the Reindeer Glacier. The gravel road led through a nice and ever-changing arctic landscape. Upon arrival, we enjoyed the scenic view over the river and the glacier. The moraines clearly indicate how much ice has been lost already. (Reindeer Glacier, Greenland, August 2024 - Image ID: 202408-GL-136)
Early morning fjord landscape with pink clouds above the mountain range
Morning fjordscape in pink
Early morning fjord landscape with pink clouds above the mountain range
Before disembarking our cruise ship at the end of the Kangerlussuaq fjord, I got up early in the morning. As such, I could once again enjoy the beautiful light on the surrounding mountains. The pink clouds above the dark rocks and the blue water added a unique mood to the spectacular scenery (Kangerlussuaq Fjord, Greenland, August 2024 - Image ID: 202408-GL-134)
View of Greenland mountain landscape in summer with lots of lakes, taken from an Air Greenland plane.
Take-off from Kangerlussuaq airport
View of Greenland mountain landscape in summer with lots of lakes, taken from an Air Greenland plane.
The airport of Kangerlussuaq was originally established in 1941 by US military, Today it is one of just two airports in Greenland large enough to deal with large aircrafts. As the international hub of Air Greenland, we took our return flight from here. Shortly before reaching the cloud cover, I managed to take this shot with the beautiful arctic summer mountain landscape full of lakes. (Kangerlussuaq, Greenland, August 2024 - Image ID: 202408-GL-137)
Reflection of a red house with white windows in blue water with seaweed
Red house seaweed reflections
Reflection of a red house with white windows in blue water with seaweed
Most of the times when you capture reflections in the water, the image will include both the original object as well as the mirrored twin. During my walk along the beautiful beaches near Itilleq, I spotted the colorful piece of art. To further enhance the abstract character of the photo, I decided to limit the image to the reflection only, without showing the house itself. A colorful feast for the eyes... (Itilleq, Greenland, August 2024 - Image ID: 202408-GL-129)
Closeup on a mountain valley with snow-covered peaks at the end, nicely illuminated by the evening sun
Entering the Kangerlussuaq fjord
Closeup on a mountain valley with snow-covered peaks at the end, nicely illuminated by the evening sun
Towards the end of our journey, our ship made its way up the impressive Kangerlussuaq fjord. With a length of more than 160km, this somehow was a journey on its own. The scenery was absolutely spectacular, especially when we entered the fjord. High snow covered mountains on both sides accompanied until late in the evening. And with the sun still above the horizon, we enjoyed some beautifully illuminated peaks (Kangerlussuaq Fjord, Greenland, August 2024 - Image ID: 202408-GL-132)
Closeup on a colorful rock in the water, covered almost entirely by seaweed
Wonderful seaweed hairstyle
Closeup on a colorful rock in the water, covered almost entirely by seaweed
When I saw this rock covered almost entirely by yellowish seaweed, I couldn't avoid to think about an extraordinary hairstyle with a bold spot on top of the head. I found this interesting arrangement during a stroll on the beaches near Itilleq in West Greenland. The cold surrounding water was crystal clear, and provided a beautiful contrast to the warm colors of the aquatic algae (Itilleq, Greenland, August 2024 - Image ID: 202408-GL-128)
Closeup on red door handle that opens the white door of a wooden house painted in blue
The red door handle
Closeup on red door handle that opens the white door of a wooden house painted in blue
Given the harsh weather conditions, the typical houses in Greenland are constantly exposed. Therefore, regular paint refreshment is needed to protect the wood against moisture, and to maintain the beautiful idyllic look. When you take a closer look, you can find very interesting patterns of weathered paint. I took this photo in the small village of Itilleq. (Itilleq, Greenland, August 2024 - Image ID: 202408-GL-123)
Scenic view of a small remote settlement wit colorful wooden houses on the coast of west Greenland
Greenland village life
Scenic view of a small remote settlement wit colorful wooden houses on the coast of west Greenland
From the elevated position of a nearby hill, the village of Itilleq looks even more idyllic. Located on the Itinninnguaq island, the diverse colors of the wooden houses shine in the afternoon sun making its way through the cloud cover. When you take a closer look, you can spot the small soccer pitch in the center of the village, being one of the most popular leisure activities in summer (Itilleq, Greenland, August 2024 - Image ID: 202408-GL-126)
Macro shot of red lichen growing on a black and white colored rock
Colorful red lichen on a rock
Macro shot of red lichen growing on a black and white colored rock
Apart from moss, lichen is a common species in Greenland, Whilst they can grow on almost every surface, I found the most interesting colonies on top of stones. Zooming in with a macro shot reveals the fragile beauty of these interesting patterns. And whilst they look and grow in similar places like moss, they have no roots, and are not closely related with any plants. (Itilleq, Greenland, August 2024 - Image ID: 202408-GL-124)
Scenic view of a coastal mountain range with low hanging white clouds below a darker sky
Cloudy Greenland mountain range
Scenic view of a coastal mountain range with low hanging white clouds below a darker sky
On our approach towards Itilleq, we cruised along the mountainous coast of West Greenland. Contrary to the previous days, there was no clear blue sky anymore. I was quite happy about this, since the clouds ensured some softer light, and created a different atmosphere for the photos. I especially liked these low hanging white clouds below a darker sky with an interesting pattern in the sky (Itilleq, Greenland, August 2024 - Image ID: 202408-GL-120)
A large whale taking a breath in the cold water of the icefjord
Best things for last
A large whale taking a breath in the cold water of the icefjord
Even though it was already time for our boat to turn around and get back to Ilulissat, the captain continued to navigate even deeper into the icefjord. After we reached a larger water opening without ice, we understood why. The crew apparently knew that a whale enjoyed its afternoon in these calm but cold waters. Thankfully, it was time to breathe, so we got some good views from not so far away. (Ilulissat, Greenland, August 2024 - Image ID: 202408-GL-118)
Scenic view of a Greenland village cemetery surrounded by beautiful mountains, nature and water
A cemetery in nature
Scenic view of a Greenland village cemetery surrounded by beautiful mountains, nature and water
Upon arrival in Itilleq, I decided to take an extended walk around the village. This included to climb onto a small elevation overlooking the settlement and its surroundings. From there, I had a great view on the local cemetery with a white wooden fence around it which is typical for Greenland. The background with the cloud covered mountains and the fjord landscape provide an amazing natural background. (Itilleq, Greenland, August 2024 - Image ID: 202408-GL-125)
Partial view of an iceberg backlit by the sun, revealing all kinds of interesting patterns and textures on its surface
Surreal iceberg surface
Partial view of an iceberg backlit by the sun, revealing all kinds of interesting patterns and textures on its surface
I can not remember ever having seen something like this. Admittedly, I am not a polar expert, and the pattern is probably rather common. Obviously the sunlight played an important role in revealing all these fine details of the iceberg surface. During our boat trip into the Ilulissat icefjord, there were just too many impressions for two eyes and a camera. (Ilulissat, Greenland, August 2024 - Image ID: 202408-GL-117)
View from a boat onto the bow waves trailing the ship, with large icebergs in the background
Bow wave icebergs (II)
View from a boat onto the bow waves trailing the ship, with large icebergs in the background
The frozen sculptures floating in the blue waters of the icefjord near Ilulissat were already mind-blowing. To make things even better, the bow waves of our small boat sometimes added something special to the photos. Their soft moving and deep blue surface created a wonderful contrast to the solid icebergs in the background. (Ilulissat, Greenland, August 2024 - Image ID: 202408-GL-113)
Ocean water covered with crushed ice of different sizes, including a large floating iceberg
Crushed ice of all sizes
Ocean water covered with crushed ice of different sizes, including a large floating iceberg
Sometimes during our trip into the Ilulissat icefjord, we were literally surrounded by ice. In some areas, there were just very small pieces which the boat could easily navigate. In other areas, the size of the frozen water got too big to cross, so the captain had to either turn around or choose another route. Overall, it was an absolutely beautiful scenery which appeared almost unreal. (Ilulissat, Greenland, August 2024 - Image ID: 202408-GL-114)
A bunch of arctic daisy flowers growing next to a road
Roadside flower beauty
A bunch of arctic daisy flowers growing next to a road
Admittedly, this photo is not the most typical one from Greenland, and could be located in many other places of our planet. Yet I found it during our hike back into Ilulissat, just next to the road. And with flowers being something special in the arctic, I had to stop to take this picture of the arctic daisy. (Ilulissat, Greenland, August 2024 - Image ID: 202408-GL-108)
Wooden boardwalk across the tundra next to Ilulissat' s icefjord
On their way back from the icefjord
Wooden boardwalk across the tundra next to Ilulissat' s icefjord
Even the most stunning views come to an end sometime. After enjoying the spectacular scenery of the icefjord Kangia in Ilulissat, a few tourists make their way back to the town using the well maintained boardwalk. Built to prevent damage to the fragile tundra landscape within the UNESCO World Heritage Site, this construction is the easiest point of access to the fjord. (Ilulissat, Greenland, August 2024 - Image ID: 202408-GL-106)
Closeup on fresh arctic moss with striking green to yellow color scheme
Greenish shades of moss
Closeup on fresh arctic moss with striking green to yellow color scheme
No matter how impressive a landscape scenery might be, I always love to also capture the small details in the area. Unfortunately, this proved rather difficult within the World Heritage Site of the Ilulissat Icefjord, where visitors need to stay on the wooden boardwalk. Therefore, I took at least a closeup of the fresh moss growing below. (Ilulissat, Greenland, August 2024 - Image ID: 202408-GL-105)
Tundra landscape with an icefjord in the background
UNESCO World Heritage Icefjord
Tundra landscape with an icefjord in the background
From the architecturally spectacular Icefjord Center in Ilulissat, there is a well maintained boardwalk going down in curves to the water. As such, visitors do not damage the fragile tundra landscape, and can still enjoy the spectacular natural beauty of the icefjord Kangia. The contrast between the warm colors of the fresh summer vegetation and the cold ice is just out of this world (Ilulissat, Greenland, August 2024 - Image ID: 202408-GL-103)
A whole collection of icebergs floating on blue water on a sunny arctic day
Into the ice…
A whole collection of icebergs floating on blue water on a sunny arctic day
Ilulissat is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Greenland, and therefore amongst the most developed ones. An almost "MUST" activity is taking a tour in a small boat into the icefjord, especially during good weather. These 2-3 hour trips in groups of just 10-15 people with great local guides provide close encounters with the breathtaking scenery of freshly calved ice floating in the fjord. Absolutely worth doing it! (Ilulissat, Greenland, August 2024 - Image ID: 202408-GL-109)
A lot of purple flowers growing on top of a hill with a rocky surface, overlooking an icefjord
Purple Greenland summer flowers
A lot of purple flowers growing on top of a hill with a rocky surface, overlooking an icefjord
In the short Greenland summer, there are quite a lot of beautiful flowers growing in the coastal regions. One of them is this colorful purple common harebell growing on top of a hill with lots of rocks. From there, it enjoys spectacular views over the Ilulissat icefjord. The fresh green grass adds even more contrast to an already breathtaking panorama. (Ilulissat, Greenland, August 2024 - Image ID: 202408-GL-101)
Five seagulls lined up on top of an iceberg in the morning sun
Early morning seagull parade
Five seagulls lined up on top of an iceberg in the morning sun
Whilst we didn't see a lot of mammals during our Greenland cruise, there were quite a lot of birds to watch. And whilst I am not too fanatic about capturing them, there were a few exceptions. During our approach towards Ilulissat, we passed a large iceberg in the distance with a nice lineup of seagulls warming up in the morning sun. (Disco Bay, Greenland, August 2024 - Image ID: 202408-GL-095)
A purple bellflower growing on a rocky surface overlooking an icefjord
Purple bellflower on the rocks
A purple bellflower growing on a rocky surface overlooking an icefjord
During our hike on the "yellow" trail in Ilulissat, we came across some beautiful flowers. One of them was this colorful purple common harebell growing on top of a hill with lots of rocks. From there, it enjoyed a spectacular view over the icefjord. Some puddles and the fresh vegetation added more contrast to an already breathtaking panorama. (Ilulissat, Greenland, August 2024 - Image ID: 202408-GL-097)
A piece of ice and its reflection in the blue arctic water
Polar ice reflection
A piece of ice and its reflection in the blue arctic water
Theoretically, I could have taken hundreds of pictures like this. With so many icebergs and smaller pieces of ice floating in the blue water of Greenland's Disco Bay, there was an abundance of motifs to choose from. After all, I kept only a few closeups, showing both the ice and its reflection. (Disco Bay, Greenland, August 2024 - Image ID: 202408-GL-094)
Pyramid shaped iceberg floating in arctic water, illuminated by the warm light of the early morning sun
Early morning iceberg magic (I)
Pyramid shaped iceberg floating in arctic water, illuminated by the warm light of the early morning sun
To make best use of our limited time in the famous and spectacular Disco Bay, I got up very early in the morning after just 5 hours of sleep. The reward for this effort was just mind-blowing. With the sun already above the horizon, the warm light revealed the exceptional beauty of the icebergs floating in the arctic waters. To me, they looked just like sculpture masterpieces, created by nature. (Disco Bay, Greenland, August 2024 - Image ID: 202408-GL-089)
Three small pieces of ice on a beach with black pebbles, with several icebergs floating in the background
Ice on arctic beach
Three small pieces of ice on a beach with black pebbles, with several icebergs floating in the background
No, this is not the world-famous Diamond Beach in Iceland. You might find more impressive ice sculptures there, but the chance of having a whole lineup of icebergs offshore is rather small. This picture is from the beach in the Greenland village of Qeqertarsuaq. We were very lucky with sunny weather and clear skies, so the contrast between the white ice and the blue sky and water was even more striking. (Qeqertarsuaq, Greenland, August 2024 - Image ID: 202408-GL-071)
Fragile piece of ice shining like gold in the blue water of the arctic ocean
Fragile beauty in gold
Fragile piece of ice shining like gold in the blue water of the arctic ocean
This is another closeup of just a few parts of a piece of ice above the surface. Isn't is fascinating how a simple motif such as floating ice can be so beautiful. Cruising through Disco Bay with hundreds of floating icebergs was one of the absolute highlights of our Greenland holidays. The best place to indulge and to pay respect to these transient natural sculptures is to be outside on one of the observation desks, especially in the mornings and evenings.. (Eqip Sermia, Greenland, August 2024 - Image ID: 202408-GL-087)
The fluke of a humpback whale disappearing in front of a number of icebergs illuminated by the morning sun
Humpback whale saying goodbye
The fluke of a humpback whale disappearing in front of a number of icebergs illuminated by the morning sun
Apart from the beautifully illuminated icebergs, there was another highlight during an early morning photo session in Greenland's Disco Bay. A few humpback whales appeared in front of the ice, and then quickly said good-bye with a short wave of their flukes. Unfortunately, they were very far away, so even with a large telephoto lens it was impossible to get a closeup. But I still like the overall scenery of arctic nature and wildlife. (Disco Bay, Greenland, August 2024 - Image ID: 202408-GL-093)
Late evening sunlight reflecting on the water of a fjord, illuminating the floating icebergs
Midnight sunset over iceberg fjord
Late evening sunlight reflecting on the water of a fjord, illuminating the floating icebergs
Even towards beginning of August, the sun is still above the horizon if you travel far enough to the north. Our excursion to the Eqip Sermia glacier brought us to approx. 70 degrees north. Therefore, on our way back out of the fjord, we could witness this spectacular sunset at 11:3opm local time. The reflection of the sunlight in the water passed right through the arch of an iceberg floating in the cold water. (Eqip Sermia, Greenland, August 2024 - Image ID: 202408-GL-088)
Closeup on an iceberg with the shape of a pyramid floating in arctic waters in the morning sunlight
Pyramid shaped iceberg
Closeup on an iceberg with the shape of a pyramid floating in arctic waters in the morning sunlight
A closeup reveals the diverse patterns on the sunlit surface of this pyramid-shaped iceberg. To make best use of our limited time in the famous and spectacular Disco Bay, I got up very early in the morning after just 5 hours of sleep. The reward for this effort was just mind-blowing. With the sun already above the horizon, the warm light revealed the exceptional beauty of the icebergs floating in the arctic waters. (Disco Bay, Greenland, August 2024 - Image ID: 202408-GL-091)
A wooden ladder hanging on a wall with planks painted green
Wooden ladder on green wall
A wooden ladder hanging on a wall with planks painted green
Just before embarking the zodiac to return to our cruise ship, I still found an interesting photo motif in the small village of Qeqertarsuaq. As everywhere in Greenland, the house are painted in diverse and bright colors. One of them had a wooden ladder attached to the green planks covering the facade. The combination of vertical and horizontal lines was just to tempting... (Qeqertarsuaq, Greenland, August 2024 - Image ID: 202408-GL-074)
Large iceberg floating in the ocean, with a shape similar to a palace
Palace made of ice
Large iceberg floating in the ocean, with a shape similar to a palace
As expected, cruising through Disco Bay with hundreds of floating icebergs was one of the absolute highlights of our Greenland holidays. The best place to indulge and to pay respect to these transient natural sculptures is to be outside on one of the observation desks. The fresh air will help your mind to come up with all kinds of associations about the icebergs. To me, this one somehow looks like a palace (Disco Bay, Greenland, August 2024 - Image ID: 202408-GL-076)
Fragile piece of ice in the blue water of the arctic ocean
Fragile beauty in blue
Fragile piece of ice in the blue water of the arctic ocean
This closeup of just a few parts of a piece of ice above the surface illustrates again how a simple motif such as floating ice can be extremely beautiful. As expected, cruising through Disco Bay with hundreds of floating icebergs was one of the absolute highlights of our Greenland holidays. The best place to indulge and to pay respect to these transient natural sculptures is to be outside on one of the observation desks. (Disco Bay, Greenland, August 2024 - Image ID: 202408-GL-080)
Side view of an iceberg floating in the ocean with one large peak and a small island on the other end
Peak in arctic water
Side view of an iceberg floating in the ocean with one large peak and a small island on the other end
How do you like this temporary piece of art, created by nature just using water and cold temperatures? Greenland's Disco Bay is one of the most popular places to see icebergs where they are "born". With the constant calving of the mountain glaciers into the sea, there is a regular flow of new icebergs of all shapes and sizes. Combined with changing backgrounds and light, each of them is unique and a true reflection of beauty in nature. (Qeqertarsuaq, Greenland, August 2024 - Image ID: 202408-GL-066)
Closeup on the flowerheads of arctic cotton grass shining in bright sunlight
Arctic cotton closeup
Closeup on the flowerheads of arctic cotton grass shining in bright sunlight
One of the typical plants that visitors to Greenland will come across is the beautiful arctic cotton. Just looking at it, the association with normal cotton plants is quite obvious. It is a very pretty sight, especially if the flowerheads are illuminated by the sun. Snow geese and caribou do feed on this plant that grows in the tundra. (Qeqertarsuaq, Greenland, August 2024 - Image ID: 202408-GL-072)
View into a large cave at the bottom of a light turquoise colored iceberg
Large iceberg cave
View into a large cave at the bottom of a light turquoise colored iceberg
Apart from arches, caves are another rare and visually impressive iceberg feature. I found this one cruising through Disco Bay with hundreds of floating icebergs, making this one of the highlights of our Greenland holidays. The best place to indulge and to pay respect to these transient natural sculptures is to be outside on one of the observation desks. The fresh air will help your mind to come up with all kinds of associations about the icebergs. (Disco Bay, Greenland, August 2024 - Image ID: 202408-GL-081)
Sunrise above coastal mountains, with the sunlight reflecting in the water
Romantic fjord sunrise
Sunrise above coastal mountains, with the sunlight reflecting in the water
As most people, I have a lot more photos of sunsets than sunrises, which require to get up early. During our cruise along the west coast of Greenland, I did so on purpose to enjoy the soft and warm morning light. This was rewarded with a stunning moment before arriving at our next destination in the Disco Bay area. The sun slowly appeared above the coastal mountains, and reflected in the calm water. (West Coast, Greenland, August 2024 - Image ID: 202408-GL-057)
Nordic beach with dark sand and grass with an iceberg mountain range in the background
A different kind of beach view
Nordic beach with dark sand and grass with an iceberg mountain range in the background
Walking along the dark beach of Qeqertarsuaq located outside Greenland's Disco Bay was quite a visual experience and full of surprises. Depending on the exact spot and your position, one sometimes had the impression to have an icy mountain range just behind the green summer grass. (Qeqertarsuaq, Greenland, August 2024 - Image ID: 202408-GL-061)
Scenic view of a number of icebergs of different sizes floating in the ocean at sunrise
Early morning iceberg lineup
Scenic view of a number of icebergs of different sizes floating in the ocean at sunrise
The most beautiful iceberg sightings happened either early in the morning, or in the afternoon/evening. Compared to the harsh contrasts during the day, the much softer and warmer sunlight at these times perfectly enhances the fragile beauty of the natural artworks. One of the key challenges was to choose which icebergs to capture, and when to just observe. Obviously, I took far too many pictures, so cleaning out was a challenge, but this one definitely had to stay. (West Coast, Greenland, August 2024 - Image ID: 202408-GL-056)
Wooden bench standing on grass with flowers in front of a red building
Arctic summer flowers with red bench
Wooden bench standing on grass with flowers in front of a red building
During my urban exploration walk in Greenland's capital Nuuk I found this cozy wooden bench. Located in front of a residential building, it is nicely framed by a some of the most common arctic flowers, which look rather familiar. Obviously, the wooden planks with their bright red color contribute a lot to the overall visual effect of the image. Not sure when this place has last been used by the owners? (Nuuk, Greenland, August 2024 - Image ID: 202408-GL-046)
Partial view of turquoise Greenland house reflecting in a pond
Arctic building reflection
Partial view of turquoise Greenland house reflecting in a pond
During our walk in Qeqertarsuaq, I indulged in my usual "urban exploration photography". And whilst this small remote village was far from "urban", I found a lot of interesting details to capture. One of these was a typical Greenland house painted in turquoise color, reflecting beautifully in a pond. (Qeqertarsuaq, Greenland, August 2024 - Image ID: 202408-GL-059)
Closeup on a couple of buttercup flowerhead illuminated by the sun, against the backdrop of dark rocks
Buttercup flowers shining bright
Closeup on a couple of buttercup flowerhead illuminated by the sun, against the backdrop of dark rocks
Another unexpected find during my urban exploration walk in Nuuk were this beautiful buttercup flowers. Normally, I would not have paid too much attention to them, since this species is so common, and not really unique for arctic regions. However, since they were growing between large rock boulders, and nicely illuminated by the sun, they transformed into something special. (Nuuk, Greenland, August 2024 - Image ID: 202408-GL-050)
Wide angle scenic view of colorful Greenlandic houses in Nuuk with mountain peaks in the background
Scenic Nuuk panorama
Wide angle scenic view of colorful Greenlandic houses in Nuuk with mountain peaks in the background
In order to enjoy this breathtaking wide-angle panorama, one needs to walk a little bit further than most tourists do in Greenland's capital Nuuk. But the effort pays off greatly with a spectacular view over the northern suburbs of the city. The Sermitsiaq mountain range on the neighboring island provides an equally impressive backdrop. (Nuuk, Greenland, August 2024 - Image ID: 202408-GL-049)
Two red and white fishing boats in a harbor
Red and white fishing boats
Two red and white fishing boats in a harbor
Harbors are always a great location for photographers. In Nuuk, the capital of Greenland, the port is located next to a step cliff. Its rock surface with green grass provides a different kind of background for the two red and white fishing boats. (Nuuk, Greenland, August 2024 - Image ID: 202408-GL-038)
Panoramic view of the coast of west Greenland with mountains and the ocean
Cruising along Greenland's west coast
Panoramic view of the coast of west Greenland with mountains and the ocean
Whilst the cruise covered most of the long transfers during the night, distances in Greenland are just to long to reach every destination within 12 hours. Therefore, on our way from Nuuk towards the famous Disco Bay, we got the opportunity to cruise along the rugged landscape during full daylight. And whilst we were usually 20+ km off the coast, it was still a beautiful panorama. (West Coast, Greenland, August 2024 - Image ID: 202408-GL-054)
Red building facade, with six windows covered with plywood painted in different colors
All windows closed
Red building facade, with six windows covered with plywood painted in different colors
Walking from the harbor into the city center of Greenland's capital Nuuk, I found this large residential building. Apparently, it is undergoing (or waiting for) renovation. Therefore, all windows have been sealed with plywood. However, instead of making this boring, the owner has chosen to used different colors for each window. In doing so, this blends in nicely with all the other colorful houses. (Nuuk, Greenland, August 2024 - Image ID: 202408-GL-039)
Black and white capture of the hilly coast of Greenland on a foggy and cloudy morning.
Coastal Greenland mystery (I)
Black and white capture of the hilly coast of Greenland on a foggy and cloudy morning.
On our approach towards Nuuk, the capital of Greenland, we had another rather cloudy and foggy morning. I was quite happy about this different mood, compared the sunny days before, Cruising along the coast, there were lost of hills and small fjords with low hanging clouds and fog creating a mystic atmosphere. To enhance the effect, I removed the little color so that the image is now almost black & white. (West Coast, Greenland, August 2024 - Image ID: 202408-GL-036)
Closeup on building facade with vertical wooden planks painted in pink, partially covered by shade
Shade on pink wooden planks
Closeup on building facade with vertical wooden planks painted in pink, partially covered by shade
A triangular shade covers part of this pink wooden facade of a house in Nuuk, Greenland's capital. No matter where you go on the worlds largest island, all town, villages and even small settlements come with colorful houses. This tradition dates back to the 18th century, with specific colors indicating the type of building, e.g. school, doctor etc. As a photographer, I had to capture the large variety of colors. (Nuuk, Greenland, August 2024 - Image ID: 202408-GL-041)
Large iceberg floating in the ocean, illuminated by the afternoon sun
Huge iceberg ahead
Large iceberg floating in the ocean, illuminated by the afternoon sun
On our way heading north along the west coast of Greenland, we spotted icebergs on a very regular basis. This one was exceptionally huge, and nicely illuminated by the afternoon sun. When you look at their sheer size, one feels happy to know that cruise ships today have lots of technology on board to make sure that they don't hit any of these giants, even in bad weather conditions. (West Coast, Greenland, August 2024 - Image ID: 202408-GL-033)
Red wooden house with white windows and two plastic chairs against green hill backdrop
Greenland village summer idyll
Red wooden house with white windows and two plastic chairs against green hill backdrop
No matter where you go in Greenland, all town, villages and even small settlements come with colorful houses. This tradition dates back to the 18th century, with specific colors indicating the type of building, e.g. school, doctor etc. As a photographer these days, we can enjoy an even larger variety of different colors, that nicely contrast with the green in summer, or the white snow in winter. I found this house with the two plastic chairs in Qassiarsuk. (Qassiarsuk, Greenland, August 2024 - Image ID: 202408-GL-029)
Side view of an iceberg with lots of vertical lines running down into the turquoise water below
Vertical iceberg melting
Side view of an iceberg with lots of vertical lines running down into the turquoise water below
This is another good example to illustrate why even after two weeks, it doesn't get boring to observe icebergs floating by. This one is characterized by lots of vertical lines, most likely from the meltwater running down on its sides. The many different shapes and sizes, combined with the changing backgrounds and light make each of them unique. And with them melting constantly in summer, you will never be able to get the same photo again the next day. (Akulleq, Greenland, August 2024 - Image ID: 202408-GL-024)
Closeup on the textured surface of an iceberg floating in front of a mountain
Iceberg fingerprint pattern
Closeup on the textured surface of an iceberg floating in front of a mountain
One of the main reasons to take a cruise to the Arctic obviously is to see icebergs. And no matter how many are floating by, it somehow never gets boring. The many different shapes and sizes, combined with the changing backgrounds and light make each of them unique. And when you take an even closer look, you can find amazing patterns that will inspire your mind. (Akulleq, Greenland, August 2024 - Image ID: 202408-GL-022)
Blue cruise ship anchored in front of a mountain range, with icebergs to both its left and right side
Cruise ship framed by icebergs
Blue cruise ship anchored in front of a mountain range, with icebergs to both its left and right side
On one of the tours with the zodiacs, I took this photo of our temporary home, anchored in the Akulleq fjord. Being relatively small (~200 people incl. crew), the "Ocean Albatros" could access even smaller fjords where large cruise ships can't go. Despite the fast moving boat, I managed to capture it nicely framed by two icebergs against the backdrop of a mountain. (Akulleq, Greenland, August 2024 - Image ID: 202408-GL-025)
Blow of a whale in the ocean, illuminated by the low standing evening sun
Sunset blow of a whale
Blow of a whale in the ocean, illuminated by the low standing evening sun
Spotting whales in the vast ocean tends to be a challenge everywhere. Despite of their size, they remain so small compared to the endless water. In Greenland, this exercise proved even more difficult, and the few times someone discovered a blow, these were far away. However, using my telephoto lens and cropping the image, I got a good view of this giant sunset traveler. (West Coast, Greenland, August 2024 - Image ID: 202408-GL-035)
Partial view of yellow wooden house reflecting in a puddle
Wooden house reflections
Partial view of yellow wooden house reflecting in a puddle
During our walk in Qassiersuk, I indulged in my usual "urban exploration photography". And whilst this small remote village was far from "urban", I found a lot of interesting details to capture. One of these was a typical wooden house painted in yellow, reflecting beautifully in a large puddle. (Qassiarsuk, Greenland, August 2024 - Image ID: 202408-GL-030)
An iceberg with the shape of an iceberg floating offshore, with some cloud covered hills in the background
Whale shaped iceberg
An iceberg with the shape of an iceberg floating offshore, with some cloud covered hills in the background
Getting up early in the morning on an arctic cruise has the advantage of seeing this unique place in a different light. Most of the days, we had clear skies and warm light from the low standing sun. On route to Qassiarsuk, it was rather foggy, and some low hanging clouds were lingering on top of the hills surrounding the fjord. With a bit of imagination, the iceberg looks like a huge frozen whale. (Qassiarsuk, Greenland, August 2024 - Image ID: 202408-GL-027)
Side view of an iceberg with a polished surface, floating in beautiful turquoise water.
Polished floating iceberg
Side view of an iceberg with a polished surface, floating in beautiful turquoise water.
This is a good example to illustrate why even after two weeks, it doesn't get boring to observe icebergs floating by. This one seems to be carefully polished, and is nicely backlit by the sun. The many different shapes and sizes, combined with the changing backgrounds and light make each of them unique. And with them melting constantly in summer, you will never be able to get the same photo again the next day. (Akulleq, Greenland, August 2024 - Image ID: 202408-GL-023)
View through the arch formed by an iceberg, with more ice visible through this natural window
View through an iceberg arch
View through the arch formed by an iceberg, with more ice visible through this natural window
Amongst the most spectacular icebergs are those that form an arch. Every time we spotted one, there was huge excitement amongst the passengers, not only because they are rare, but also given that these are just temporary before they inevitably collapse. (Eriksfjord, Greenland, August 2024 - Image ID: 202408-GL-031)
Two icebergs floating in a Greenland fjord, with mountains in the background
Iceberg duo with mountain range
Two icebergs floating in a Greenland fjord, with mountains in the background
One of the main reasons to take a cruise to the Arctic obviously is to see icebergs. And no matter how many are floating by, it somehow never gets boring. The many different shapes and sizes, combined with the changing backgrounds and light make each of them unique. And with them melting constantly in summer, you will never be able to get the same photo again the next day. (Akulleq, Greenland, August 2024 - Image ID: 202408-GL-020)
Portrait of a local Greenland male tourist guide smiling against a yellow facade
Friendly local tourist guide
Portrait of a local Greenland male tourist guide smiling against a yellow facade
For our half-day visit to Qassiarsuk, we had the pleasure of being welcomed by a very friendly and professional local tourist guide. Visiting this small and remote settlement without him would not have been to exciting. But his insights into the traditions and the daily life of the inhabitants were very interesting. And as nice as this place was now in mid summer, it must be a tough place to stay during dark winter months. (Qassiarsuk, Greenland, August 2024 - Image ID: 202408-GL-028)
Close-up on a large turquoise wave with water spraying from its top against a dark ocean and sky
Turquoise large wave splash
Close-up on a large turquoise wave with water spraying from its top against a dark ocean and sky
The splash clearly indicates the strength of the wind. Bad weather comes with special treats. During the crossing from Denmark to Greenland, a powerful storm created impressive waves that grew larger and larger over time. The beautiful turquoise color and the white splash of the clean water against the dark sky looked breathtaking. I still took a number of photos from the balcony of our cabin, until this became to dangerous. (Denmark Strait, Greenland, July 2024 - Image ID: 202407-GL-002)
A zodiac with tourists having a closer look at a large iceberg
Zodiac tour along a beautiful iceberg
A zodiac with tourists having a closer look at a large iceberg
As nice as it may be to observe icebergs from a cruise ship, the perspective changes a lot to the better once you get into a zodiac or kayak to have a closer look at these transient beauties. With their many different shapes and sizes, combined with the changing backgrounds and light, each of them is unique. And with them melting constantly in summer, you will never be able to get the same photo again the next day. (Akulleq, Greenland, August 2024 - Image ID: 202408-GL-021)
360 degree halo around the sun, shining onto a fjord landscape with a floating iceberg
360 degree arctic halo
360 degree halo around the sun, shining onto a fjord landscape with a floating iceberg
On the first morning in southern Greenland, we were lucky to see a rather unusual phenomenon. A 360 degree halo effect surrounded the low standing sun rising above the fjord landscape. Apart from the mountain silhouette, the nicely illuminated iceberg made the scenery even more spectacular. (Uunartoq, Greenland, August 2024 - Image ID: 202408-GL-017)
Small waterfall dropping over sun illuminated rocks
Waterfalls everywhere…
Small waterfall dropping over sun illuminated rocks
In summer, the fjords in Southern Greenland all seem to be waterfall country. With temperatures clearly above zero, the ice on top of the mountains melts almost around the clock, resulting in countless waterfalls of all sizes making their way into the valleys. The often colorful rocks make them look very pretty. And if you are lucky, you might get some early morning or evening sunlight, creating an even nicer view. (Prince Christian Sound, Greenland, July 2024 - Image ID: 202407-GL-014)
An empty whirlpool and shower on top of a cruise ship, closed due to bad weather
Whirlpool closed and empty
An empty whirlpool and shower on top of a cruise ship, closed due to bad weather
Due to the heavy storm, the whirlpools on the upper deck of the cruise ship had to be emptied and closed for operation. In any case, I assume few people would have used this facility with the strong motion caused by the large waves. (Denmark Strait, Greenland, July 2024 - Image ID: 202407-GL-005)
Moss- and water landscape in the arctic tundra (closeup)
Tundra natural beauty
Moss- and water landscape in the arctic tundra (closeup)
A hike through the tundra in Greenland in summer is a unique experience. The entire ground is filled with water, and in the short summer, plants are growing everywhere. Having a knowledgeable guide is quite helpful, also to ensure tourists don't damage the fragile ecosystem. Instead of just quickly rushing through, I took my time to take some photos of the unique flora of the arctic. (Uunartoq, Greenland, August 2024 - Image ID: 202408-GL-019)
Sunlit bow wave of a cruise ship against the backdrop of snow covered mountains
Waves meet mountains
Sunlit bow wave of a cruise ship against the backdrop of snow covered mountains
After the rough passage through the Denmark Strait, everyone on board was happy that the storm calmed down. It made way for a beautiful sunny evening cruise through Prince Christian Sound in the South of Greenland. The previously rather scary ocean water reduced to a bow wave which added a special extra to the spectacular fjord and mountain scenery. The warm sunlight illuminated this natural beauty until late in the evening (Prince Christian Sound, Greenland, July 2024 - Image ID: 202407-GL-012)
Evening panorama of the mountains surrounding a fjord in south Greenland at sunset
Sunset over Prince Christian Sound
Evening panorama of the mountains surrounding a fjord in south Greenland at sunset
An evening cruise through Prince Christian Sound late on a sunny arctic summer evening is pretty romantic, except for the temperature of just 5 degrees Celsius. The dramatic landscape with the mountains on both sides of the fjord constantly changed between narrow passages and vast open space. Most of the passengers stayed outside to celebrate the sunset. (Prince Christian Sound, Greenland, July 2024 - Image ID: 202407-GL-016)
Long exposure blue hour shot of ocean waves during a strong storm
Blue hour storm waves
Long exposure blue hour shot of ocean waves during a strong storm
In summer, it doesn't get fully dark in the Arctic, so the blue hours extends much longer. Whilst most passengers were sleeping, I decided to take some more pictures of the ever-growing waves during a mighty storm. Unfortunately, it was to dangerous to go outside, but I still managed to capture the magic of the waves through the windows via long exposure. (Denmark Strait, Greenland, July 2024 - Image ID: 202407-GL-008)
Close-up on a single wave during a storm, with water spraying from its top
Gone with the wind
Close-up on a single wave during a storm, with water spraying from its top
Zooming in on individual waves, one can appreciate the fine water spray caused by the strong wind blowing off the top layer of water. Just watching this natural phenomenon is rather interesting, provided you are not suffering from sea sickness. (Denmark Strait, Greenland, July 2024 - Image ID: 202407-GL-007)
Macro-shot of yellowish arctic moss
Arctic moss details
Macro-shot of yellowish arctic moss
Hiking through the tundra in Greenland in summer is a unique experience. The entire ground is filled with water, and in the short summer, plants are growing everywhere. Instead of just quickly rushing through, I took my time to have a closer look at some of the unique species such as arctic moss. A macro shot reveals the hidden beauty of this resilient plant. (Uunartoq, Greenland, August 2024 - Image ID: 202408-GL-018)
Three mountain peaks lined up behind each other, illuminated by warm evening sunlight
Three fjord mountain peaks
Three mountain peaks lined up behind each other, illuminated by warm evening sunlight
The cruise through Prince Christian Sound late on a sunny arctic summer evening never got boring. The landscape constantly changes, and the fjord provides new stunning views after every turn. The dramatic steep mountains on both sides were nicely illuminated by the warm sunlight. I particularly liked this ensemble of three mountain peaks nicely lined up one behind each other. (Prince Christian Sound, Greenland, July 2024 - Image ID: 202407-GL-015)

About this archive

The Greenland archives contain the highlights of my only trip to this remote place in the Arctic in summer 2024.

Getting there comes with a certain challenge for someone like me who has never been on a cruise. However, since there is no road network in Greenland, it is not an option to fly there and just rent the car.

The only meaningful way to visit the largest island in the world is to explore it by ship. Cruising along the endless coastline itself is magic. However, a trip to Greenland would not be complete without frequent landings. These may be ports, e.g. in the capital Nuuk. Even more exciting are the "wild landings" with zodiacs to access smaller villages or the wilderness. You will learn a lot about the culture of the people living in Greenland. It is sparsely populated with just 55.000 inhabitants on more than 2.1 mio. square kilometers. Most of them belong to the ethnic group of the Inuit. Whilst it geographically belongs to North America, Greenland politically is an autonomous territory of the Kingdom of Denmark.

To get there, we took an expedition cruise ship with a maximum capacity of just 170 passengers plus approx. 80 crew. They did an excellent job to make our trip a memorable and fantastic experience. Due to a heavy storm, we had to skip the originally planned visit to the east coast. Instead, we went straight to the most southern tip of the island. From there we made our way up the spectacular west coast.

Please enjoy scrolling through my Greenland archives.

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Three mountain peaks lined up behind each other, illuminated by warm evening sunlight
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