Bjørne Islands | Greenland's Bear Islands

History of Bjørne Islands

British whaler William Scoresby Jr. first charted the outer reaches of this fjord system in 1822, though the inner islands remained unnamed until Ryder's 1891-92 expedition systematically explored Scoresbysund's interior. Ryder's team numbered the islands I through XI and contributed dozens of new place names based on natural features and wildlife observations.

The Treårsekspeditionen of 1931-34, led by Lauge Koch, brought scientific rigour to mapping the archipelago. Expedition members climbed prominent pinnacles like Sista Nålbrevet, conducting triangulation surveys that produced precise charts. British Army mountaineers returned in 1978 and achieved first ascents of several peaks.

Long before European explorers arrived, the inhabitants of the Thule culture settled here for the hunting opportunities. Archaeological remains of dwelling sites reveal communities that understood what modern surveys confirm: strong currents maintain a polynya keeping waters open even in winter, attracting seals, narwhals, and other marine mammals year-round.

What can you see here?

Ice age glaciers carved these islands into knife-edge arêtes that rise sharply from calm fjord waters, creating reflections so perfect they double the visual drama. The largest island forms an impressively narrow ridge, steep enough to challenge experienced climbers yet offering accessible viewpoints at lower elevations.

The geology showcases Precambrian bedrock dating back over 2.5 billion years:

• Migmatites and granites – exposed Greenland Shield foundation

• Metasedimentary rocks – paragneisses, quartzites, marbles, and mica schists

• Glacial features – steep cliffs, natural harbours, and occasional pebble beaches

Wildlife congregates here thanks to that productive flora:

• Polar bears – occasional visitors hunting marine mammals across sea ice

• Seals – ringed and harp seals are resident year-round

• Narwhals – feeding in nutrient-rich currents

• Arctic foxes – scavenging seabird colonies

• Seabirds – massive colonies of little auks, northern fulmars, black guillemots, and glaucous gulls

Vegetation clings to life through mosses and lichens, forming resilient carpets, with sparse purple saxifrage and Arctic poppy adding seasonal colour. The position itself creates drama, with Hall Bredning's open waters spreading south and east, Øfjord stretching west, and Nordvestfjord extending north. You're standing at a crossroads of Greenland's most spectacular fjord systems.

Experience it with Secret Atlas

The Bjørne Islands reward those willing to venture beyond standard cruise routes. With a maximum of 12 guests aboard our Greenland expedition micro cruise, we navigate waters that larger vessels can't safely explore, anchoring in natural harbours where seasoned polar expeditioners have brought their vessels for decades.

Your expert guides know the islands' geology, can identify archaeological sites from Thule habitation, and understand the wildlife patterns that make this polynya so productive. They'll position you for photography when Arctic foxes appear, explain the Precambrian bedrock formations, and share stories from the 1891 expedition that gave these islands their name.

This is expedition travel that respects both the environment and your time, offering access to one of Greenland's most dramatic archipelagos with guides who know these waters intimately.