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

I) 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.

2) 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.

3) 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.

4) Bikes and snowmobiles

Neither of the two is allowed in the protected area

5) Hunting and fishing

Both are allowed as long as the present legislation is
followed (fishing requires a fishing permit).

6) Plants

You are not allowed to pick flowers or in any other way
destroy the vegetation.

7) 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.

8) 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.

9) 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.

10) Boundary of preserved area

The boundary of the preserved UNESCO area has been
drawn on the map form lIulissat Museum as well as on the
hiking map of the Icefiord (I: I 00.000). Within close
proximity of lIulissat large cairns with a pole in the middle
mark the boundary.

Read the present legislation in full length at
http://www.nanoq.gl (in Danish only).

Enjoy your hike!