Tourism wears nature and historical sites Ilulissat Icefiord was inscribed on UNESCO’s World
Heritage List in 2004. Approximately 36.000 people visit the area every year. This wears the nature and historical
sites.
The most important rules
-
Sermermiut
It is not allowed to walk outside the path through the settlement area during the summer months. Thus, you can not cross the settlement between the yellow and blue hike.
-
Inuit graves and ruins
Both Inuit graves and ruins are preserved by the heritage legislation and you are not allowed to damage them. Every
year graves are opened which is disrespectful as well as it accelerates the decay of the remains inside. It is not allowed to step on, open or dig in any form of graves and/or ruins.
-
Camping
You may set up a tent and have an open fire but only for one day at the same site. Please use the official campground at the old heliport.
-
Bikes and snowmobiles
Neither of the two is allowed in the protected area
-
Hunting and fishing
Both are allowed as long as the present legislation is followed (fishing requires a fishing permit).
-
Plants
You are not allowed to pick flowers or in any other way destroy the vegetation.
-
Litter
Of course it is not allowed to leave any kind of litter behind in the area. Be a good example and pick up litter when you are hiking.
-
Sailing
Within the mouth of the Icefiord you are only allowed to go in smaller vessels and fishing boats. It is not allowed to go ashore. When sailing with tourists a guide with knowledge of the Greenlandic nature and legislation regarding protection of nature has to be present.
-
Marked hikes
We always recommend you to follow the marked hikes for the sake of your safety and to diminish the wear and tear of the nature.
-
Boundary of preserved area
The boundary of the preserved UNESCO area has been drawn on the map form Ilulissat Museum as well as on the hiking map of the Icefiord (1:100.000). Within close proximity of Ilulissat large cairns with a pole in the middle mark the boundary.
Read the present legislation in full length. (in Danish only).
Enjoy your hike!