Øfjord in Greenland

'The name and history behind the fjord

Discovery and naming

Danish name: Øfjord ('Island Fjord')
Named by: Carl Ryder, Danish naval officer
When: East Greenland Expedition, 1891-1892
Why: Group of islands near fjord mouth

This government-sponsored Danish expedition entered the Scoresbysund fjord system, mapping the area and making significant botanical and geological observations. Exact discovery date unknown due to decades-long exploration.

Greenlandic name: Ikaasakajik ('the bad sound')
Given by: Geodætisk Institut (Geodetical Institute of Denmark), 1955
Meaning: Refers to fierce catabolic winds flowing through the fjord

Beyond its naming history, Øfjord is also shaped by the forces of nature that sweep through the region. Among the most defining — and feared — of these is the Piteraq, a wind phenomenon deeply embedded in East Greenland’s identity.

The Piteraq: Greenland's violent winds

Local name: Piteraq ('that which attacks you')
Season: Primarily winter
Frequency: ~15 events/year in Tasiilaq (remote east coast town)

Wind characteristics:

• Speed: Up to 300 km/h when funneled by mountains

• Temperature drop: Below -20°C

• Pattern: Eerie dead calm before sudden violent onset

• Impact: Boats and heavy containers fly off if not secured

• Danger level: Venturing outside can be fatal

How piteraqs form

Recently understood through computer simulations and weather data analysis. Massive low-pressure systems over the ocean cause icy winds from high inland ice sheets to flow coastward. Gravity accelerates the flow, generating complex mountain waves that roll down and collapse on the coastal belt.

Distinctive geology of Øfjord

While the atmosphere shapes Øfjord from above, the fjord’s story is equally dramatic beneath your feet. Øfjord is a geological showcase — a cathedral of ancient stone shaped by continental collisions, mountain-building, and relentless glacial carving. Understanding its geology reveals why this fjord feels so otherworldly as you sail through it.

Øfjord has some of the most unique geological features in the entire Scorsebysund system, and the rock structures in the area are incredibly complex. This makes the fjord a fascinating destination for geotourists. The geological intricacy is primarily related to the steep granite walls bordering the fjord. Studies have revealed that some of the exposed rocks in Scorsbysund are close to 3 billion years old. Even the younger layers of rock overlaying the older ones can be as old as 50 million years. 

In some areas of Øfjord, the rocks date back to continental collisions that occurred between 1.1 to 750 million years ago. Researchers relate this to the formation of the supercontinent of Rodinia. In other places, the younger rocks have intruded into the older layers due to the geological action during the Caledonian mountain-building phase. This was around 425 to 395 million years ago.

During the Caledonian Orogeny, a long and high mountain range was thrust up in the region due to the closing of the Iapetus Ocean. These Caledonian mountains eroded over millions of years, depositing sediments around East Greenland. The steep cliffs around Øfjord are remnants of those high mountains.

The cliffs that border the fjord, including the prominent peak of Grundtvigskirche, are made from extremely hard rock that resisted the glacial erosion that carved the fjord. The internal structure of these rocks is quite intricate. One major component is a red material called garnet, which is a complex silicate mineral. They also contain a special type of granite called Augen granite that forms white coloured bands.

The rock structure around Grundtvigskirche is made from heavily metamorphosed rocks or gneiss that are around 1 billion years old. The peak itself is formed by pink granite, which is Caledonian rock from a relatively younger period. Additionally, there are dark stripes on the rock face formed by hypersthene monzonite. 

How to get to Øfjord

With its extreme weather, deep history, and extraordinary geology, Øfjord is remote by nature — and reaching it requires venturing far into East Greenland’s wilderness. Travellers typically access the fjord through one of two expedition routes.

The fjord has no settlements or roads, so the only practical way to access it is aboard an expedition cruise ship exploring Scoresbysund and the surrounding areas of Northeast Greenland National Park.

Route options:

• Sail from Svalbard or Iceland (~2 days to reach Scoresbysund) - Secret Atlas's Svalbard and Greenland Summer Micro Expedition follows this route

• Fly to Constable Point airport (CNP)) from Iceland on Greenland's east coast, then board an expedition ship - Secret Atlas's Northeast Greenland National Park Micro Cruise, Scoresbysund Autumn Micro Cruise and Scoresbysund Northern Lights Photo Tours follow this route.

Once inside Scoresbysund, the scale of Øfjord becomes immediately apparent. Its geography — steep-walled, narrow, and framed by Milne Land — sets the stage for everything you’ll experience within the fjord.

Dramatic mountain scenery

Eastern border: Steep cliffs rising ~2,000 meters
Comparison: Views rival Patagonia's Cerro Torre and Fitzroy mountains

Grundtvigskirken: The iconic granite pillar

Height: 1,977 meters
Base feature: Iceberg
Colour: Reddish-pink granite, spectacular during golden hours
First summit: Belgian expedition team, 1985

Wildlife along the Øfjord

Despite its harsh environment, Øfjord supports a surprising diversity of wildlife. While sightings can never be guaranteed, the surrounding fjord system offers opportunities to encounter some of East Greenland’s most iconic species.

In the water, you may observe polar bear families, walrus, and seals from close range. Hiking through the nearby islands is a good way to observe mammals like musk oxen, Arctic hare, and Arctic foxes. The period between July and September is the best time for spotting narwhals in the water. 

The seabird population is high around Scoresbysund, especially in spring and summer. Species like the glaucous gull, black-legged kittiwake, gyrfalcon, knots, dunlins, barnacle and pink-footed geese, and Arctic skuas are seen in the fjord.

Note that wildlife in the fjord is largely dispersed across the entire Scorebysund system. So sightings require a lot of patience and are never guaranteed during a cruise.

Best season to visit

Because conditions in Øfjord vary dramatically with the seasons, choosing the right time to travel makes a significant difference to what you’ll see and experience.

The best time to visit Scoresbysund is during the summer and autumn months. Weather conditions are most stable between late June and early September. The period of midnight sun provides excellent opportunities for photography, and the wildlife remains most active. By the middle of October, the pack ice starts to set in, and the fjord remains inaccessible during the winter.

Capturing the fjord on camera

For photographers, Øfjord is a dream — but also a challenge. Its huge landforms, shifting light, and unpredictable weather create constantly changing scenes that reward patience and preparation.

The dramatic mountain views of Øfjord are some of the best images that photographers can capture in Greenland. Constantly observing the environment for the perfect shot is the key to getting the best shots in the fjord. Besides, this will help you to experience the stunning setting without being focused entirely on photography.

An (ultra) wide-angle lens is a great choice to capture the vastness of the setting. Using a lens hood will be a good idea as it helps to prevent lens flare when the sun is at an odd angle. Note that this is an off-grid location, and be prepared for potential issues related to weather variables. Think of weather protection to prevent any damage to your gear. 

Since Arctic light conditions are unpredictable, you need to make the best use of the available light. Remember that clouds and fog can transform the way that iceberg arches and granite cliffs look. During the period of midnight sun, the ideal light conditions will extend till the late hours of the evening. If you miss out on the early morning hours, spending time on the deck during the evening hours is a must.