Discover the Scoresby Sund Fjord System in East Greenland

Are you considering a trip to Greenland? One destination you absolutely must visit is the world's largest fjord with stunning landscapes: Scoresby Sund.

Scoresby Sund from high above

Last summer, I had the incredible opportunity to catch a glimpse of Scoresby Sund from high above, peering through the window of an airplane traveling from Copenhagen to San Francisco. The view from the small window revealed a magical world of water, enormous icebergs, and towering mountains. The fjord resembled a bare tree with numerous long branches, all surrounded by snow and ice. For about 15 minutes, I was mesmerized by this serene scene until the clouds obscured it from view.

Scoresby Sund & William Scoresby

Scoresby Sund's main structure stretches approximately 110 km (about 68 mi) in length, featuring numerous islands and side fjords, with the longest extending around 345 km inland from the coast. Some fjords further inland reach depths of up to 1,450 m (4,760 ft). The region was first mapped in 1822 by English explorer William Scoresby. The breathtaking beauty of the expansive fjord system, with its high basalt cliffs and diverse flora and fauna, captivated the explorer, just as it continues to enchant visitors today.

Ittoqqortoormiit

The town of Ittoqqortoormiit is the only permanent settlement in this remote area and is quite small. Home to about 490 native Greenland inhabitants, the Inuit, the town's name translates to something like “those who live in big houses.” Despite the sea ice blocking ship access for up to nine months of the year, the town's existence relies heavily on it. The residents are still hunters, which is understandable given the area's rich abundance of animals and fish.

Flora & Fauna around Scoresby Sund

Visitors to Greenland have numerous opportunities to encounter a variety of wildlife, including arctic birds, seals, Atlantic walruses, Greenland whales, and possibly even the elusive beluga whales. In spring, as the sea ice remains thick and the days grow longer, the region's fauna is exceptionally rich for Greenland. This richness is due to several factors: the availability of open water in the wide fjord mouth, areas of persistent open water that do not freeze in winter, fertile land, and protection from the winds by high basalt mountains reaching up to 2,000 m. The long summer days encourage travelers to leave their boats and observe polar bears, musk oxen, arctic foxes, lemmings, and many other native animals. For the most adventurous travelers, the world's largest National Park begins just north of Scoresby Sund, featuring Greenland's highest peak, the 3,694-meter-tall Gunnbjørn’s Mountain.

Add Scoresby Sund to your bucket list!

Scoresby Sund is a must-see for any traveler to Greenland, offering a unique experience unlike any other part of the country. If you plan to explore this remote yet breathtaking area in eastern Greenland, you can reach it by plane or by ship, which is the best way to immerse yourself in the nature, wildlife, and culture of Scoresby Sund. This extraordinary destination is on my bucket list, and I hope to one day witness the stunning Northern Lights, ideally from an expedition vessel or schooner.