About this hike (Purple route)
SELFGUIDED TOUR
DISTANCE: From Igaliku (return) about 30 km. 10–12 hours. Max elevation 1,752 m.
MAP: Arctic Sun. Narsarsuaq (Qassiarsuk – Igaliku) 1:50,000
ORIENTATION/DIFFICULTY: From the plateau there are no marks. Requires good orientation skills and good visibility. Moderate to difficult hiking. Rough to difficult terrain with talus deposits and snow.
ACCOMMODATION: Igaliku Country Hotel in Igaliku. Possibility of camping out in a tent on the plateau, which reduces the walk by about 16 km and 4–5 hours.
ROUTE DESCRIPTION
Illerfissalik (Burfjeld) Mountain is the landmark of the entire region. It is a summit you want to climb from the very first moment you see it, and your eyes are constantly drawn towards it when you sail by on the fjord below.
The Norsemen called it Burfjeld and legend has it that they maintained a look-out on the summit. When ships arrived from the south, they would light bonfires to signal to all residents of the area that now was the time to gather to trade goods and exchange news.
At 1,752 metres, the summit is the highest peak in the area. It does not require climbing skills or equipment to climb it, but it’s not a trip for beginners!
From Igaliku you follow the route to the plateau:
- From the vantage point (the signpost) on the plateau, you aim directly for the top. The first few kilometres are quite easy in slightly undulating terrain.
- Then you have to find the best spot to cross the stream that runs down the gorge at Blue Ice Camp. This can vary according to the season and the quantity of water flowing down from above. After crossing it, you continue towards the summit.
- The terrain now consists of talus and loose rocks, so keep your eyes open for solid rock to step on, otherwise it quickly becomes one step up and two steps down!
- We recommend that you aim for the lower part of the snowfield that remains between the mountain’s two peaks all summer, then zigzag on the snow to the top.
- The last stretch consists of large boulders and rocks. The view is of course absolutely jaw-dropping and on a clear day you can see most of South Greenland!