Icebergs are hulking natural structures that inspire awe in visitors. There are destinations with icebergs around the globe that you can get to by plane and boat. These visitable icebergs will leave you with unforgettable travel memories and a slew of unbeatable photos. Better still, a trip to these iceberg-laden destinations will give you the opportunity to explore the vibrant local cultures in surrounding cities.
Late spring and early summer are the best times to visit icebergs in Newfoundland and Labrador, which are on the northeastern tip of Canada. Icebergs are plentiful in the blue waters that glimmer in the bright, northern sunshine. Head to Cartwright, La Scie, or Twillingate and arrange a boat tour. If the weather is warm enough and boats can move freely through the water, the tours will bring you around the hulking ice sculptures in the middle of the sea, so you can see them up-close. If you want to stay onshore, one of the best places to do that is the charming Twillingate lighthouse.
Glacier Bay is aptly named because large icy glaciers flank this park on the Southeastern Coast of Alaska. You can go out on a day cruise or boat tour or arrange to travel on a luxury cruise liner, which slowly makes its way through the intricate waterways that flow between the icebergs. Juneau is the closest city to the park. When you're not out taking in the majesty of the icebergs, you can explore Alaska's restaurants and museums to gain an understanding of the location's cultural and geographic history.
Most people think of hot weather when they imagine Chile. But this stunning South American country has plenty of icebergs to visit—especially in Torres del Paine National Park, which is close to Chilean Antarctica. The water here is turquoise blue, and the icebergs are surrounded by hulking, ice-capped mountains. To explore the park, fly into Punta Arenas, then arrange a bus or tour to Puerto Natales. From there, you can enter the National Park and hike with a tour guide. There are hotels inside the park, so you can maximize your time in this one-of-a-kind outdoor destination.
Once known as Jacobshaven, Ilulissat is a popular place in Greenland to travel to see frozen fjords and icebergs. There are direct flights to Ilulissat from Iceland or Denmark. Once you arrive, book a boat tour to float through the stark white icy mountains. During your visit, be sure to watch the sled dogs work. When you're not looking at icebergs from the town's coast or taking a boat through them, you can explore the city, which is the third-largest in Greenland.
One of the most exciting options is a cruise through the Southern Sea around Antarctica if you feel like an adventure. As you cruise, you can take in a huge variety of icebergs. Some are as tall as mountains, while others look like small snowdrifts atop the water. Antarctica is considered one of the world's hardest-to-reach destinations. If you cruise around Antarctica, you'll cross the Drake Passage, the South Shetland Islands, and Deception Island. Keep an eye out for penguins along the way.
Jokulsarlon, Iceland, is home to the country's largest glacial lake. It's too cold to visit in the winter. However, in the summer, visitors can take a boat out through the lake and get up close and personal with the icebergs. Jokulsarlon is also referred to as Diamond Beach because the icebergs jutting out of the placid water look like precious gems. The water in Jokulsarlon is freshwater from melted glaciers and seawater from the nearby ocean, giving it a unique dark color. Jokulsarlon is close to the picturesque town of Hofn. During your visit, stop in to taste genuine local cuisine focused on fresh seafood.
One of the most remote corners of the world is Fox Glacier, New Zealand. To see the icebergs, you must travel by boat, helicopter, or seaplane. You can also walk the glacier with a guide if you are an experienced hiker. If you prefer to stay onshore, visit Lake Matheson. While you are there, don't miss the glow worm caves.
Argentina is home to the second tallest icebergs in the world. Travelers who want to take in icebergs in Argentina should go to the Perito Moreno Glacier—a large glacier in Los Glaciares Park. At certain times of the year, experienced hikers can ice-trek on the glacier. Less daring visitors can do a mini trek on one small, safer portion of the natural structure. Guides will also take you on horseback around the park, so you can see the icebergs from afar. Campers often choose to sleep in the splendor of the National Park before taking part in a range of outdoor activities.
Another excellent spot for viewing icebergs is Tasman Lake, New Zealand. This glacial lake is home to the Tasman Glacier, and the frigid water around the glacier has many icebergs. Visitors can park their cars in official parking lots for glacier viewing, then follow a path that winds through the lakes around the glacier and up to a valley. The best time to see icebergs is in the summer since the lake freezes over in the winter. The closest town to Tasman Lake is Mount Cook Village. The city has hotels, restaurants, and plenty to do when you're not out reveling in nature.
In Uummannaq, Greenland, visitors can see a huge field of small icebergs surrounding the larger, taller glacier Sermeq Kujalleq. Summer is the time to visit since the warmest months create a harbor packed with hulking icebergs. Uuummannaq is one of the northernmost places in the country where people go to see icebergs. The town is warm and friendly, with a fishing culture and lots of local pride.