Eqi Glacier
Witness the awe-inspiring power of Eqi Glacier, Greenland's 'Calving Glacier,' where massive ice chunks dramatically break off into the fjord.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Calving is active, fewer crowds
Eqi Glacier
Best Time
Calving is active, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Witness the awe-inspiring power of Eqi Glacier, Greenland's 'Calving Glacier,' where massive ice chunks dramatically break off into the fjord.
"A front-row seat to nature's raw power, Eqi Glacier offers an unforgettable Arctic spectacle."
Layer Up for All Weather
Waterproof and windproof gear is a must. Bring sturdy hiking boots for uneven terrain. :cloud: :boot:
Drone Caution
Be aware of strong, sudden winds; one traveler lost a drone. :warning: :camerawithflash:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Witness Glacier Calving
Eqi Glacier face
Experience the raw power of nature as massive ice chunks crash into the fjord with a thunderous roar.
Glacier Lodge Eqi Experience
Glacier Lodge Eqi
Enjoy spectacular views and comfort in remote cabins, offering a unique Arctic adventure.
Delta Hike
Near Eqi Glacier
Trek steep trails for incredible panoramic views of the glacier and surrounding Arctic landscape.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Arctic Elements
Book in Advance, But Stay Flexible
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Layer Up for All Weather
Waterproof and windproof gear is a must. Bring sturdy hiking boots for uneven terrain. :cloud: :boot:
Drone Caution
Be aware of strong, sudden winds; one traveler lost a drone. :warning: :camerawithflash:
Bug Repellent is Key
Essential for warmer days, especially with DEET. :bug: :facewiththermometer:
Pack Light
The climb from the boat landing can be steep; a light backpack is recommended. :backpack:
Tips
from all over the internet
Layer Up for All Weather
Waterproof and windproof gear is a must. Bring sturdy hiking boots for uneven terrain. :cloud: :boot:
Drone Caution
Be aware of strong, sudden winds; one traveler lost a drone. :warning: :camerawithflash:
Bug Repellent is Key
Essential for warmer days, especially with DEET. :bug: :facewiththermometer:
Pack Light
The climb from the boat landing can be steep; a light backpack is recommended. :backpack:
Bring Decaf Coffee
If you need decaffeinated drinks, bring your own. :coffee:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Eqi Glacier for its magnificent and raw natural beauty, with the calving events being a highlight. The remote location offers a unique and awe-inspiring experience, complemented by excellent food and comfortable lodging at Glacier Lodge Eqi. Some find the journey long, and the cost significant, but most agree it's a worthwhile, unforgettable adventure.
"I spent one night here. For such a remote location, closer to the North Pole than any major city, the conditions were excellent. The landscape is magnificent, with sunsets painting the sky in stunning colors.
The cabins are warm at night, though the air conditioning makes the air quite dry. There’s even a sauna, so bring a swimsuit if you’re interested.
Be prepared for strong winds—I lost my drone due to the sudden powerful gusts.
There are also several hiking trails offering incredible views.
For me, one night was enough to experience it."
Octav Popescu
"Soooo cool!
Location is out of this world!
Food is fantastic! It really is awesome what these guys offer in the absolut middle of nowhere!
Thank you 😃"
Doris Ames
"Wow what an incredible place.
The staff were wonderful and had a very good sense of humour.
The food was excellent with an amazing 3 course evening meal
Such a nice relaxing atmosphere.
The views , well what can you say about something so magnificent.
The noise from the glacier calving was like thunder and some calvings so large they actually shook our cabin.
We were transferred by helicopter as the sea ice was too thick, but amazingly after one hot day and a good wind the bay cleared of ice.
We did the Delta Hike at a nice steady pace , but it was very steep in places and near to the Clift edge. Gabriel was a fantastic local guide & talked about the local botany
We saw snow buntings, Lapland longspurs, Ptarmigan , northern Wheatear ,common redpoll ,Icelandic gulls fulmars kittiwakes Glaucous gulls. Long Tailed ducks,
Arctic fox seemed to be a regular visitor in the evenings.
Take insect repellent with DEET. It was level low but seemed to be increasing with the warmer days.
If you need decaffeinated drinks take them with you.
The site and area is steep so you definitely need a good level of fitness and good walking boots.
We have travelled extensively but this place is one our best.
Highly recommend & stay for 2 nights if you can."
Julie Smith
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Access to Eqi Glacier is typically via boat tours departing from Ilulissat. The journey itself takes about 2-4 hours each way, offering stunning views of Disko Bay and smaller icebergs along the way. Some tours offer overnight stays at Glacier Lodge Eqi. Helicopter transfers are also an option if sea ice conditions are prohibitive. 
The boat trip to Eqi Glacier from Ilulissat is approximately 2-4 hours one way, making it a significant day trip or an overnight experience.
Yes, day trips to Eqi Glacier are popular and usually involve a boat journey to witness the calving events and enjoy the scenery. However, many recommend an overnight stay to fully appreciate the location.
Eqi Glacier is located about 80 kilometers north of Ilulissat. The boat journey covers this distance, offering ample time to observe the Arctic landscape.
While boat tours are the most common method, helicopter transfers are sometimes used, especially if sea ice makes boat access difficult.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The cost varies depending on the tour operator and whether you opt for a day trip or an overnight stay. Expect prices to be on the higher side due to the remote location and specialized logistics. Booking in advance is recommended.
It is highly recommended to book your Eqi Glacier tours in advance, especially during the peak summer season, to secure your spot.
Tours to Eqi Glacier typically operate during the Arctic summer months, generally from May or June through September, when the ice conditions are most favorable for boat travel.
There are no specific entrance fees for the glacier itself, but the cost is incorporated into the tour packages that provide access and transportation.
Most tours include boat transportation to and from the glacier, opportunities to witness calving, and sometimes guided hikes or access to viewing platforms. Overnight stays at Glacier Lodge Eqi include accommodation and meals.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The best experience involves witnessing the glacier's calving events, which can be both awe-inspiring and loud. Taking a boat tour close to the glacier face is essential. An overnight stay at Glacier Lodge Eqi offers a more immersive experience.
Visitors have reported seeing various bird species like snow buntings, Lapland longspurs, and gulls, as well as Arctic foxes. Long-tailed ducks and Icelandic gulls are also common.
Yes, there are hiking trails, including the Delta Hike, which offers incredible views but can be steep and requires good fitness and sturdy footwear.
Glacier Lodge Eqi offers comfortable cabins with spectacular views of the glacier, providing a unique remote lodging experience.
Absolutely! The dramatic landscapes, calving events, and unique light conditions make Eqi Glacier a photographer's dream. Drones can offer incredible aerial perspectives, but be mindful of wind conditions.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The food at Glacier Lodge Eqi is consistently praised as fantastic, with many guests highlighting the excellent three-course evening meals offered in this remote location.
While not explicitly stated, the lodge's commitment to excellent dining suggests they may be able to accommodate dietary requests with advance notice. It's best to inquire directly when booking.
For day-trippers, dining options are limited to what is provided on the tour boat or what you bring yourself. The lodge is the primary dining hub for overnight guests.
The lodge offers a range of drinks. However, if you require specific decaffeinated options, it's advisable to bring your own.
While not a common practice due to the remote and rugged terrain, some boat tours might offer onboard dining. For day visitors, packing snacks is a good idea.
📸 📸 Photography
The 'golden hours' around sunrise and sunset offer dramatic lighting for capturing the glacier and surrounding landscapes. Midday can be harsh, but the calving events themselves are photogenic at any time.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the vastness of the glacier and fjord. A telephoto lens can be useful for wildlife. A sturdy tripod is helpful for low-light conditions. Don't forget extra batteries, as cold can drain them faster.
Drones can provide incredible aerial shots, but be extremely cautious of the strong and unpredictable winds, which can pose a risk to your equipment. Always check local regulations before flying.
The face of the glacier itself, the calving events, the views from the Delta Hike, and the sunsets over the fjord are all highly photogenic. The cabins at Glacier Lodge Eqi also offer stunning backdrops.
Including a human element (like a person on a boat or hiking) or a boat in your frame can help convey the immense scale of the glacier, which can be over 200 meters high and several kilometers wide.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
When planning for children, ensure they have appropriate clothing for cold and wet weather, including waterproofs and warm layers. Sturdy footwear is also important if any short, accessible walks are part of the itinerary. Consider bringing entertainment for the boat journey, and be mindful of the remote nature of the location – pack any specific snacks or comfort items your children might need. The sheer power of nature on display can be an unforgettable lesson for young minds.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Bring a versatile camera setup, including wide-angle lenses for the grand scale of the glacier and fjord, and a telephoto lens for potential wildlife sightings. Extra batteries are a must, as cold temperatures drain them quickly. Be cautious with drones due to unpredictable winds, but if used safely, they can yield breathtaking aerial shots.
⛰️ Adventure Seekers
Consider an overnight stay at Glacier Lodge Eqi for a more immersive adventure, allowing you to experience the glacier's presence day and night. Be prepared for the elements with appropriate gear, and embrace the remoteness as part of the adventure. The possibility of a polar plunge adds another layer of daring to the experience!
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Spectacle of Calving
+3These calving events are a direct visual representation of the glacier's constant movement and the ongoing processes of glacial melt. While awe-inspiring, it's also a stark reminder of the impact of climate change on these magnificent ice formations. The sheer scale of the ice breaking off can be intimidating, with some calvings so large they can shake nearby cabins.
+1To best experience calving, visitors typically take boat tours that get them relatively close to the glacier's front. The distance from the boat to the glacier face can be around 900 meters, giving a sense of the immense scale. While unpredictable, the activity of the glacier means there's a good chance of witnessing this phenomenon during a visit.
+1Glacier Lodge Eqi: Remote Luxury
The lodge is celebrated for its excellent food, a remarkable feat given its remote Arctic location. Guests frequently rave about the delicious three-course evening meals, which contribute significantly to the overall positive experience. The staff are also noted for their warmth and sense of humor, adding to the welcoming ambiance.
Staying at Glacier Lodge Eqi is an investment, but many visitors find it to be exceptionally worthwhile for the unparalleled access to nature and the unique Arctic experience. It's an ideal base for exploring the area, including hiking trails and observing wildlife.
Navigating the Arctic Terrain
Beyond footwear, dressing in layers is crucial due to the unpredictable Arctic weather. Waterproof and windproof outer layers are highly recommended to protect against the elements. Travelers should also be prepared for strong winds, which can be sudden and powerful, as evidenced by one visitor losing a drone.
Finally, insect repellent, particularly with DEET, is a must-have, especially during warmer days when mosquitoes can become more active. Bringing your own supply is advisable, as is a head net for added protection.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit