Photos of Greenland: Icebergs, Glaciers and Mountains
When the pilot stops the in-flight entertainment system to inform passengers that “something very unusual is happening”, you pause and listen to what he has to say.
Our first instinct is to assume that something is going wrong.
Fortunately, the opposite was happening that afternoon on our flight over the North Atlantic. This was one of those rare ‘you gotta see this’ moments.
“I have flown this route hundreds of times before and only experienced visibility like this a handful of times”, the pilot continued. “Take a moment to look out your window to witness something truly amazing”.
The pilot was not lying. What we witnessed that afternoon is forever etched in our memories.
In this post, we share some incredible aerial photos of Greenland.
Photos of Greenland from our window seat
We couldn’t have asked for better visibility that afternoon. The pilot appeared to slow down the plane and tilt it, so passengers could get a clear view of the remarkable scenery. It felt as if we could reach out and touch the rocky, snow-capped mountains.
What a stroke of good luck!
This was the biggest glacier on the flight path. I wish I could provide more information about location, but I have no idea where we are at this point in the flight.
However, I do know that we were flying near the bottom tip of Greenland.
Yes – your eyes are correct. That’s hundreds thousands of icebergs breaking free from the massive glacier. This was the first time we had ever seen floating icebergs, so it was kind of a big deal.
This glacier is enormous! Miles and miles of ancient snow and ice.
The funny thing about these photos is that we were actually sitting in the middle row of the aircraft. Most of these photos were taken by me standing in the aisle, zooming in on the window and hoping that they didn’t turn out blurry.
I’m still in awe of just how big the mountains are in Greenland. Amazing.
Do you follow us on Instagram? If not, come say hello!
Icebergs off the shore of Greenland
Fortunately, a friendly passenger sitting in the nearby emergency exit row got out of his chair and allowed me to take a few photos from his window seat. I think he heard my camera snapping non-stop and realized I was pretty keen to capture this incredible moment.
I was extremely grateful for his offer. He joked about charging me $1 per photo, but I’m glad he didn’t because I probably would have owed him about $20!
This above is my favourite photo!
Quick facts about Greenland
Although it’s physio-graphically a part of North America, Greenland has been politically and culturally associated with Europe, specifically Norway and Denmark. It is currently an autonomous country within the Kingdom of Denmark.
Greenland is the world’s largest island.
Now, I know what you’re probably thinking – surely Australia is larger than Greenland. You would be correct. However, Australia is not considered to be an island because it’s actually a continent. There’s some trivia knowledge for you!
What do you think of these photos of Greenland?
Have you flown over incredible landscapes before? Where? Leave us a comment below!
oooh awesome shots! I always get super excited when flying over Greenland, but have probably never seen it that clear either. So pretty–I hope to go there one day. And that was really nice of the other passenger :]
It was certainly a lucky day for us!
That’s so cool (pun intended). You’re photos turned out really good for being taken from a plane.
Thanks Alouise, glad you like the photos. We couldn’t believe how clear the visibility was that afternoon.
That is really amazing. Not that many people get to lay eyes on Greenland, let alone get such a detailed view as this. What a beautiful place!
Indeed! It’s so rugged and beautiful. I can’t imagine being stuck on the ground though!
What a great view- lucky! Great photos from a plane!
Thanks Debbie! Yes, we were very lucky to have captured that moment!
I love in-flight views out the window… one of my favourite parts of actually traveling somewhere… the window is my TV for much of the time.
I’m the same way. Nothing beats catching some clear skies while sitting in the window seat!
Great photos and really good of the captain and other passenger as well.
Yes – it was very nice of them!
What stunning picturers. Greenland is sure an amazing place.What a perfect day to view the mountains. Great Site
Thanks Laurie! It was such a cool experience, almost like a tour on its own!
Wow, incredible photos! I’d love to go to Greenland someday…
Thanks Lauren! We’d like to visit someday too… 🙂
We would consider that a tour. 🙂 BONUS!!!
Me too! It was a huge bonus!
Wow. What breath taking shots of mountain ranges! Greenland has that best mountain that best shot from above.
Thanks Mike!
Wow! I’m always so nervous while flying I rarely look out the window… but for that kind of view even I would have been glued to the view.
No kidding! We couldn’t believe our eyes – incredible!
Your photos are amazing. We didn’t have nearly that visibility when we went to Greenland from Iceland two years ago. It was a mixed experience, but I wouldn’t trade it for anything. The landscape is brutally harsh, and the desperation of the local population was gutting.
Thanks for sharing!
I can imagine that Greenland is a harsh environment to live. I don’t know that I would be able live in such a climate.
These are such amazing photographs! Always wanted to go to Greenland, as well as Iceland. On the never-ending list. Thanks for sharing!
Thanks Emma! Glad you like the photos 🙂
What can I say about these stunning imagery that you have produced. Greenland in name only, its all snowed over. Thanks for these brilliant photos, its almost flying there myself.
Thanks Shalu! We’re happy you enjoyed the photos.
Yes, it certainly is NOT very Green – is it?!
Greenland is not very green is it. So very rocky and icy. Very neat pictures though.
Thanks Andrew!
It’s kinda funny how Greenland got its name… I’ve got to assume vodka was involved. 😉
LOVE these photos!!!! Something about dramatic scenery like this from above is so dramatic and special!
Thanks Lille! I’m happy you like the photos! 🙂
I used to fly over Greenland lots when I was at uni in the USA. Stunning scenery, and sometimes we could actually see the earth’s curvature right about there. Fascinating place.
It really is a fascinating place, isn’t it?! We’d love to visit one day.
Thanks for stopping by Sophie 🙂
This is so awesome! Absolutely gorgeous even through the thick airplane windows. I’d love to go to Greenland someday as an add-on to a trip to Iceland. Thanks for sharing these pictures!
Thanks for stopping by Ali! I’m glad you like the photos. We couldn’t believe our good fortune!
Not only the mountains of Greenland is awesome, but also your angles and shot of yours. You could have shot greater picture if the glass had not been there! Marvelous shots!
Thanks! Glad you like the photos.
BEAUTIFUL is the only word to describe this images above.
Thanks Neil!
I hope one of this days I will visit this place…Beautiful image you share to us..
Thanks Sandra!
Fantastic shots! Great that the pilot made the announcement and seems to have flown in a way that allowed the other passengers and you could enjoy the spectacular scenery to the fullest–not every pilot would have done that.
It was pretty cool that the pilot acknowledged how fortunate we were with the weather!
I am so happy that Greenland is my next in the bucket list. While aboard in the plan, I’ll try to snap birds-eye-view shots like the ones you did. I hope to get nice captures.
Have fun in Greenland! It’s a destination that has always peaked our curiousity. Let us know how it goes!
Incredible photos.. can’t believe you took that from the plane. I’d love to visit one day.
Thanks Kieu!
Greenland is not really green but white. HAHA.. I do like your photos! Stunning and brilliant!
Hah! Yea, I’m often confused by its name… there’s very little green anywhere! 🙂
Awesome photos, I had no idea Greenland wasn’t recognized as a country by everyone although I heard it is technically part of North America???
You would think, given its geographical location, that it would be considered a part of North America… but apparently it’s considered European? Who knew! 🙂
Icy awesomeness! I hate when people tempt me with photos of tantalizingly difficult places to visit, haha. Seriously though….it looks like a cool place from the air, I would love to hike and around (or kayak around) and explore Greenland.
Wohooo man…. seriously inspired by these photos..
SO COOL! Also cool of your pilot to alert you to the great conditions outside the window!
That’s awesome! I’m becoming a fanatic about taking aerial shots from planes. 🙂
Very nice birds eye view of Greenland, I really not pond of so much cold so there’s no way for me to plan to visit the place. By the way, thanks for the trivia.
I really enjoyed the photos. Such a beautiful place.
I wanted to see that in my own eyes as well. But that place seems really cool and I don’t think I could live in that place.
WOW…………what a views! I feel so could to see this photos. It’s really beautiful island.And i can thought how much enjoyable place it is!
Wow! So Jealous! I’ve had great views of the Andes, Rockies, Alps, the canyons in the American southwest and the volcanoes of Indonesia, but never Greenland. Stunning shots. Lucky you.
Wow! These are some truly amazing shots! I grew up in the mountains, but I have never seen something So impressive! Keep up the good work!
Awesome snaps you take. there are many catchy places that attract people to fly over Greenland.
Great photos. Really clear. I was in Greenland and it is just as spectacular on the ground but I never got to see it like that from above. One of the glaciers near Ilullisat calves icebergs 1 mile x 1 mile and 300ft above sea level. Imagine the size beneath the water!