Experiencing the Calving Glacier Eqi

Nestled along the western coast of Greenland you’ll find the fast calving glacier, Eqi.

If you heard about Ilulissat, you must definitely also heard of the famous Ilulissat icefjord. The charming coastal town is renowned for its proximity to the UNESCO world heritage-listed icefjord.

If you are looking to do something that has a more unique and remote feel, I would recommend you to book a tour and travel to the fast calving glacier, Eqi.

Eqi glacier offers visitors a front-row seat to the raw power of nature, where ancient ice sheets crack and crumble into the arctic waters below. The experience of the calving glacier is both humbling and exhilarating.

Book your tour here.

The Journey to Eqi

The adventure to Eqi begins in Ilulissat. From here, the journey to Eqi involves a boat ride, an experience that in itself is nothing short of magical.

As you leave the colorful houses of Ilulissat behind, the scenery quickly transforms into an otherworldly realm of icebergs, floating serenely in the deep blue waters. These icebergs, some the size of small buildings, have calved from the nearby Sermeq Kujalleq glacier, one of the most active in the world. The boat ride, often lasting several hours, is an opportunity to witness the sheer scale and beauty of these frozen giants.

On this boat ride there are the change of spotting whales which is not a rare sight in the waters around Ilulissat. You could also consider doing a tour that only has a focus on spotting the whales.

Approaching the glacier

As the boat draws closer to Eqi, the glacier gradually comes into view, a towering wall of ice stretching across the horizon. The sight of Eqi is breathtaking—a massive ice sheet that rises over 200 meters above sea level and stretches nearly 5 kilometers wide. The glacier’s surface is a mesmerizing mosaic of jagged peaks, deep crevasses, and sparkling ice, illuminated by the arctic sun.

The Calving

Then, it happens. Without warning, a deep rumble echoes across the fjord—a sound like thunder, or the cracking of a massive tree. You watch, transfixed, as a chunk of ice the size of a building breaks away from the glacier’s face. The ice tumbles down in slow motion, crashing into the water below with a resounding splash. Waves ripple out from the impact, rocking the boat and sending a surge of adrenaline through everyone on board.

This process, known as calving, is a powerful reminder of the glacier’s constant movement and transformation. Each calving event is unique, unpredictable, and profoundly moving. It’s a vivid display of nature’s relentless force, a spectacle that leaves you in awe of the immense energy contained within the ice.

Camping at Eqi

For those seeking a more immersive experience, there is the option to stay overnight at the Eqi Glacier Lodge, located just a short hike from the glacier’s edge. The lodge offers rustic cabins with panoramic views of the glacier, allowing you to witness the calving events day and night. Falling asleep to the sounds of the glacier’s distant rumbles is a surreal experience, connecting you even more deeply with the natural environment.

The area around Eqi is also a hiker’s paradise, with trails leading to stunning viewpoints and serene Arctic landscapes. A popular route is the hike to the top of the nearby mountain, which offers a bird’s-eye view of the glacier and the surrounding fjords—a perspective that truly captures the scale of this icy giant.

You need to book this in advantage as there are a limited amount of cabins.

Reflections

Experiencing the calving glacier Eqi is more than just a visual spectacle; it’s an encounter with the forces that shape our planet. The journey leaves you with a profound respect for the natural world and a deeper understanding of the fragile beauty of the arctic. It’s a reminder of the incredible power of ice and the role it plays in our global ecosystem.

In the face of climate change, witnessing the calving of Eqi also carries a sobering message. The rapid retreat of glaciers worldwide is a stark indicator of our planet’s warming climate, and Eqi is no exception. As you watch the ice fall into the fjord, it’s impossible not to reflect on the broader implications of these changes and the urgent need to protect our planet’s delicate balance.

Visiting Eqi is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, a journey that will forever change the way you see the world. It’s a reminder that in the farthest reaches of our planet, nature still reigns supreme, and there are places where the forces of the Earth are on full display, in all their raw and breathtaking beauty.

If you are looking for more inspiration on your next travel to Greenland – take a look here.

Read more travel blogs from Line Hedegaard