The Greenland Ice Sheet is the second largest body of ice in the world, covering roughly 80% of Greenland's land area. Its vast expanses of ice and snow create a stunning and pristine environment, ideal for showcasing the majesty of nature. This location offers dramatic landscapes with deep crevasses, icebergs, and the chance to capture the stunning blues of glacial ice under varying light conditions. The icy terrain is also a dynamic scene, reflecting the effects of climate change as the ice melts at an accelerated rate, providing a poignant visual narrative for media productions.
Greenland Ice Sheet
Sermilik, Greenland
©
Photos
Climate
The climate around the Greenland Ice Sheet is classified as arctic, characterized by long, harsh winters and short cool summers. Temperatures can plunge well below freezing, especially in winter months, often reaching -30°C, while summers may see temperatures hover around 0°C. Weather conditions can change rapidly, with strong winds and snowstorms posing potential challenges for filming.
Data source Temperature averages
Lighting
The longest day in Iceland is multiple days from May through July when the sun doesn't set. The daylight hours in Iceland on the shortest days of the year are 4-5 hours per day (December to January).
Data source Accessibility
Access to the Greenland Ice Sheet typically requires specialized vehicles, such as snowmobiles or helicopters. Public transportation is limited, and it is advisable to use local guides who understand the terrain. Phone coverage is sparse across the ice sheet, and safety protocols should be strictly followed due to the remote and harsh environment.
Basecamp and facilities
There are no facilities in the immediate vicinity of the Greenland Ice Sheet. Media crews must plan to bring all necessary supplies as well as portable toilet solutions. The nearest base camps are several kilometers away, so thorough preparation is essential.
Risk factors
Working in the vicinity of the Greenland Ice Sheet presents several risk factors, including potential hypothermia from extreme cold, falling into crevasses, and unstable ice conditions that may lead to sudden breaks. It is crucial to hire experienced guides for any travel on the ice, and safety gear is mandatory.
Visitors
Visitor traffic to the ice sheet is low due to its remote location, which can provide an element of exclusivity for media productions. However, some adventurers and documentary filmmakers venture to this area, making it essential to plan for secured access and permits where needed. The stunning landscapes offer endless opportunities for capturing breathtaking footage.
Where does our information come from?
In collaboration with a team of experienced producers, we scoured through every location on
massif.network to bring you the most relevant and up-to-date information.
We do our best to assess the accuracy of all our content at Massif. Users are encouraged to verify the information provided before making any decisions. Also if you have any questions or concerns, please contact us.
Know something we don’t?
Noticed wrong information about permits? Is there a restaurant closer nearby? Tell us anything that may be wrong or missing.
