Point 660 Ice Cap - Image 1
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Point 660 Ice Cap

4.8
·39 reviews·, Greenland

Step onto the ancient Greenland Ice Sheet at Point 660 for an unforgettable Arctic adventure. Explore icy landscapes and learn from expert guides.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Summer mornings

Best light for photos

CrowdMedium
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Point 660 Ice Cap - Image 1

Point 660 Ice Cap

Best Time

Summer mornings

Best light for photos

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Step onto the ancient Greenland Ice Sheet at Point 660 for an unforgettable Arctic adventure. Explore icy landscapes and learn from expert guides.

4.8
(39 reviews)

"An amazing experience walking on the Greenlandic Ice Sheet. Point 660 is a must to visit!"

Vertical photo
TIP

Book Tours in Advance

Tours like the Ice Cap & Russels Glacier combo sell out. Book early to secure your spot! :ticket:

Layer Up!

Arctic weather is unpredictable. Waterproof and windproof layers are key for comfort on the ice. :cloud:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Walking on the Ice Sheet

Walking on the Ice Sheet

Point 660

Experience the surreal sensation of walking on ancient ice, a truly unforgettable Greenlandic adventure.

Moraine Exploration

Moraine Exploration

Access point to the Ice Sheet

Climb over moraines to reach the ice, offering unique geological formations and stunning icy vistas.

Glacial Lakes and Rivers

Glacial Lakes and Rivers

On the Ice Sheet

Witness the mesmerizing summer landscape of icy hills, meltwater lakes, and flowing rivers on the vast ice cap.

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Planning Your Visit

Timing Your Ice Cap Adventure

Book your Point 660 tour in advance, especially during peak season. Tours often fill up, and last-minute availability can be scarce. Consider the duration of your layover or visit to ensure you have ample time for the 5-hour excursion.

What to Wear for the Ice

Dress in layers for the unpredictable Arctic weather. Waterproof and windproof outer layers are essential. Sturdy, waterproof hiking boots are a must for navigating the uneven terrain and ice. Don't forget sunglasses and sunscreen, as the ice can be very reflective.

Best Times

When
Summer mornings
Why
Best light for photos
Crowd
Medium
When
Afternoon tours
Why
Less chance of fog
Crowd
High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

@inkatinkasac encuentras full cositas para este regreso a clases ☺️#centro #datazos #point #regresoaclases #recorrido #lonchera #betngo
@adelyychris
28.1K likes • 691K views

Book Tours in Advance

Tours like the Ice Cap & Russels Glacier combo sell out. Book early to secure your spot! :ticket:

Layer Up!

Arctic weather is unpredictable. Waterproof and windproof layers are key for comfort on the ice. :cloud:

reddit.com

Kangerlussuaq Albatross Arctic Circle Ice Cap Tour - March 2023

reddit.com

What to do on 8hr Kangerlussuaq layover

Sturdy Footwear is Crucial

Waterproof hiking boots are essential for navigating uneven terrain and slippery ice. :athletic_shoe:

Don't Forget Sun Protection

The sun's reflection off the ice is intense. Pack sunglasses and high-SPF sunscreen. :sunglasses:

Tips

from all over the internet

Book Tours in Advance

Tours like the Ice Cap & Russels Glacier combo sell out. Book early to secure your spot! :ticket:

Layer Up!

Arctic weather is unpredictable. Waterproof and windproof layers are key for comfort on the ice. :cloud:

Sturdy Footwear is Crucial

Waterproof hiking boots are essential for navigating uneven terrain and slippery ice. :athletic_shoe:

Don't Forget Sun Protection

The sun's reflection off the ice is intense. Pack sunglasses and high-SPF sunscreen. :sunglasses:

Listen to Your Guide

Guides share invaluable knowledge about the ice, local lore, and safety. :microphone:

What Travellers Say

4.8
(39 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise Point 660 as a must-visit destination for its unique experience of walking on the Greenland Ice Sheet. The knowledgeable guides and the stunning icy landscapes are frequently highlighted as major positives. Some note the initial hike can be uneven, and the ice edge can be dirty, but these are minor points against an otherwise incredible adventure.

"I took a 5 hours excursion with Albatros Adventures from Kangerlussuaq to Point 660: excellent value for money - very knowledgeable guide with us on the bus en route there and back, an amazing experience walking on the Greenlandic Ice Sheet. Point 660 is a must to visit!"

Leonie Stander

"For those who want to visit Greenland and actually walk on/touch the ice sheet, this is one of the easiest places. It's a bit of a drive from Kangerlussuaq, and the edge of the sheet is pretty dirty (literally dirt covering the ice), but if you've never walked on a glacier, it's an experience."

Brian Won

"We made a combo tour of the Ice Cap & Russels glacier with Arctic Ice tours. This is the only tour agency that offers a combined tour. We were a group of 8 friends so one of us drove the second car. It was a very nice tour. The Ice Cap is a short walk on the ice with steep sections. I totally recommend the combo!"

Яна Торбова

What People Like

Walking on the ice sheet
Knowledgeable guides
Unique icy landscapes

What People Dislike

Uneven terrain on approach
Dirty ice edge

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Point 660 is accessed via a road from Kangerlussuaq, originally built as a test track by Volkswagen. Most visitors take guided tours which include transportation. The drive itself is part of the experience, offering views of the Arctic landscape. Reddit

While the road is now used by tourists and scientists, it's highly recommended to go with a guided tour. Experts know the safest routes and conditions on the ice. Reddit

The excursion to Point 660 typically lasts around 5 hours, including travel time from Kangerlussuaq and time spent on the ice. Reddit

Public transport is not available. Access to Point 660 is primarily through organized tours from Kangerlussuaq. Reddit

Tours usually utilize buses or specialized vehicles capable of handling the terrain leading to the ice cap. Some tours may offer combo options with second cars. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Tour prices vary depending on the operator and duration. A full-day adventure can range from $150-$250 USD. It's considered excellent value for the experience. Reddit

Yes, booking in advance is highly recommended, especially during peak tourist season, as tours can fill up quickly. Reddit

Most tours include transportation, a knowledgeable guide, and the opportunity to walk on the ice sheet. Some may include lunch or snacks. Reddit

While not explicitly stated, the physical demands of the tour might make it challenging for very young children or individuals with mobility issues. Check with tour operators. Reddit

It's risky to rely on same-day bookings. It's best to secure your tickets well in advance to avoid disappointment. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

The approach involves hiking over uneven terrain, moraines, and small hills. Once on the ice, it's a relatively short walk with some steep sections. Reddit

It is safe when accompanied by an experienced guide who knows the area and its dangers. Never venture onto the ice alone. Reddit

While wildlife sightings are not guaranteed, you might encounter Arctic foxes or various bird species in the surrounding tundra. Reddit

Absolutely! Touching the ancient ice is a core part of the experience. You'll be walking on ice that is meters thick. Reddit

The vast ice sheet, glacial lakes, ice formations, and the unique landscape offer incredible photo opportunities. The summer meltwater features are particularly striking. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Summer mornings often provide the best light for photography, with softer shadows and clearer skies. However, the unique icy landscapes can be dramatic at any time. Reddit

A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the vastness of the ice cap. A sturdy tripod can be useful for low-light conditions or capturing ice formations. Protect your gear from the cold. Reddit

Include a person or a recognizable object in your shots to give a sense of scale. Shooting from a lower angle can emphasize the height of ice formations. Reddit

The edge of the ice sheet, areas with meltwater lakes and rivers, and the moraine formations offer distinct photographic subjects. Reddit

Extreme cold can affect battery life and camera performance. Glare from the ice requires careful use of polarizing filters. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Point 660 offers a unique educational opportunity for families. While the hike over moraines can be challenging for very young children, older kids will likely be fascinated by walking on a real glacier. Ensure your children have appropriate footwear and warm, waterproof clothing. The experience of seeing and touching ancient ice is unforgettable. Reddit

Consider tours that offer a slightly shorter duration or more frequent breaks if you have younger children. The guides often share engaging stories and facts that can capture a child's imagination, making the trip both fun and informative. It's a chance to connect with nature on a grand scale. Reddit

📸 Photography Enthusiasts

Point 660 is a photographer's dream, offering dramatic landscapes and unique textures. The vastness of the ice sheet, the intricate patterns of meltwater, and the stark contrast with the moraines provide endless shooting opportunities. Bring a wide-angle lens to capture the immense scale and consider a polarizing filter to manage glare from the ice. Reddit

Be prepared for challenging conditions: extreme cold can drain batteries quickly, so keep spares warm. The light can be harsh, but the summer meltwater features create stunning visual elements. Don't forget to capture the journey to the ice cap itself, as the Arctic scenery is equally breathtaking. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Adventure Seekers

For those seeking a true Arctic adventure, Point 660 delivers. The journey involves navigating rugged terrain and stepping onto a massive ice sheet, a truly exhilarating experience. Opt for tours that emphasize exploration and learning about the glacial environment. Reddit

Consider combo tours that might include other nearby glacial features for an even more comprehensive adventure. The physical aspect of walking on the ice, even for a short distance, combined with the remote and wild setting, makes this a memorable expedition. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Geology of the Ice Cap

Point 660 is a gateway to the Greenland Ice Sheet, one of the largest ice masses on Earth. The ice here is ancient, formed over millennia from compacted snow. As you walk on the ice, you are literally stepping on layers of history. The surface is not always pristine white; in summer, meltwater creates fascinating rivers, lakes, and even waterfalls on the ice. These meltwater features are a testament to the dynamic nature of glaciers and the impact of warmer temperatures. Reddit

The surrounding moraines are piles of rock and sediment that have been transported and deposited by the glacier. These offer a stark contrast to the ice and provide insights into the glacier's past movements and erosive power. The Volkswagen test track history adds a unique human element to this natural wonder, highlighting how this remote location has been utilized for different purposes over time. Reddit

Choosing the Right Tour Operator

Several tour operators offer excursions to Point 660 from Kangerlussuaq. Albatros Arctic Circle and Arctic Ice tours are frequently mentioned by visitors. Albatros offers a 'Full Day Ice Cap Adventure' which is highly praised for its knowledgeable guides and comprehensive experience, including lunch at the glacier. Reddit

Arctic Ice tours is noted for offering a combo tour of the Ice Cap and Russell's Glacier, which might appeal to those wanting to see more in a single trip. When choosing, consider the tour duration, what's included (like meals or specific activities), and the group size. Reading recent reviews can help you gauge the quality of the guides and the overall experience. Reddit

What to Expect on the Ice

Walking on the Greenland Ice Sheet at Point 660 is an otherworldly experience. While the initial approach might involve some hiking over rocky moraines, the transition to the ice is gradual. You'll find yourself on a vast expanse of ice, with depths of over 50 meters beneath your feet in places. Reddit

Guides will lead you on a short walk, pointing out interesting ice formations, crevasses (though usually not deep or dangerous on the accessible parts), and the effects of meltwater. The landscape can appear alien, with icy hills and valleys sculpted by nature. It's crucial to stay with your guide for safety and to fully appreciate the geological and historical context they provide. Reddit

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