Eqi glacier moraine hike
The hike to the moraine at Eqi follows an out-and-back route along the head of the fjord, where small rivers carve their way through the valley after cascading down the surrounding cliffs. Cairns stand proudly, marking the ancient paths through the landscape and guiding your way.
Wildflowers, lichens, and moss blanket the ground in vibrant colours and the valley is alive with birds. Ptarmigan are often seen near the boardwalk as you return and Arctic foxes and mountain hares can be seen in the distance. As you approach the moraine, the trail becomes steeper, leading uphill to the ridge. The effort is rewarded with a stunning view of the glacier, stretching out across the landscape in all its frozen majesty.
- Start/End: Glacier Lodge Eqi
- Walk Distance: 10.4km
- Duration: 4 hours
- Difficulty: This guided walk follows a track towards the moraine. There are three streams to cross with boulders and then a final steep section up onto the moraine itself
- Total Ascent: 244m
- Highlights: Calving glacier, waterfalls, ponds, wildlife
Directions Overview
This hike is best completed with guides, at least out to the moraine as the trail is not clear in some areas. After leaving the boardwalk through the lodge the trail heads downhill towards the southern shores of the glacial lake.
From here it heads inland around the lake with three shallow river crossings before reaching the inland slope of the moraine. The path gently undulates but is not difficult. The moraine is the steepest part of the hike but the path is clear. It is not slippery like some steep paths even in the rain although it can be muddy.
After enjoying your time at the top of the moraine, retrace your steps back to Glacier Lodge Eqi. On the return journey, the paths across the rivers may be less obvious, so look for footprints on the far bank to guide your way.
Despite appearances, the ridge below the moraine does not connect with the far side of the fjord and is at danger of being covered in water within a few minutes of a large calving.
Photography Along the way
It is easy to get distracted along the way on this hike. My suggestion is to go with the guide to the moraine and then take your time heading back to Glacier Lodge Eqi.
Cairns and trails
As you leave Glacier Lodge Eqi and the security of the boardwalks, the trail winds along a rugged path with cliffs before opening up to an area above a beach dotted with small icebergs. Avoid venturing onto the beach, as it lies below the safe zone in the event of a large calving.
Along the route, cairns stand as markers. Historically, these stone piles served a crucial role in herding reindeer. The reindeer, mistaking the cairns for human figures, would follow the path, moving through the valley from one cairn to the next.
Tasinnngortaaq, lakes and waterfalls
Tasinnngortaaq is a glacial lake formed by meltwater from the retreating ice and is one of the key highlights along the hike to the moraine. It’s part of a network of smaller lakes and waterfalls scattered across the landscape, with crystal-clear waters reflecting the rugged cliffs. These lakes offer a glimpse into the glacial processes that have shaped the region over time.
The still waters provide excellent photo opportunities, especially on clear days when the reflections are sharp and vivid. In early summer, Arctic birds can be seen feeding and nesting, while wildflowers add vibrant colour to the lakes’ edges.
The Moraine
After nearly two hours of hiking along undulating paths, the final slope to the moraine comes into view. Though it looks steep, it’s easier than it seems, and with a few pauses to take in the scenery, you’ll soon find yourself at the top. Be prepared for a few false summits along the way.
The moraine is rough and rocky, with steep drops down to the fjord, but the view of Eqi Glacier draws your attention. Take time to sit and listen to the glacier’s creaks and groans, a constant reminder of its slow, powerful movement. It becomes clear that the glacier is shifting as a whole, not just at its front edge, in a continuous, dynamic cycle.
Given the glacier’s constant movement, it’s almost certain you’ll witness a calving while you pause here. The sound of ice breaking free reaches you moments after it starts, so you might only catch the final descent as the ice crashes into the fjord, sending ripples across the water.
Stretching from the end of the moraine is a ridge of rocks left behind by the retreating glacier, forming the head of the fjord. Looking back across the bay, you can spot Glacier Lodge Eqi in the distance, nestled beneath the towering cliffs.
Remember there is no safe route back across this ridge. It does not connect with the far side of the fjord and is not above the safe zone if a large calving happens.
Food and drink
Included in your stay at Glacier Lodge Eqi is a packed lunch which you collect before setting off on the moraine hike. Your guide will take tea, coffee and hot water but make sure you have plenty of water for the hike.
Getting to Glacier Lodge Eqi
The start of the hike is from Glacier Lodge Eqi a small ‘hotel’ overlooking the glacier. It is a 3 hour boat trip from Ilulissat in the north of Greenland. To complete the hike you need to stay at least one night at the lodge, but to really enjoy the return hike with time for photos then two nights at the lodge is ideal. If you stay one night you will need to be back for the early afternoon departure of the boat back to Ilulissat.
