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NAQ destination photo
JUV destination photo

NAQJUV

Which side of the plane to sit from Qaanaaq Airport (Qaanaaq) to Upernavik Airport (Upernavik)?

Our Recommendation
9.4

Left Side of the Plane

The left side offers an unparalleled view of the Greenland Ice Sheet and the massive calving glaciers that define the northwestern coastline.

Left Side Highlights
9.4
🧊

Inglefield Fjord

As you depart Qaanaaq, look down for massive icebergs trapped in the deep turquoise waters of the fjord.

🏔️

Greenland Ice Sheet

A continuous, breathtaking view of the world's second-largest ice mass stretching to the eastern horizon.

❄️

Melville Bay Glaciers

A highlight of the route, featuring spectacular views of the Steenstrup and Dietrichson glaciers meeting the sea.

⛰️

Coastal Nunataks

Dark, jagged mountain peaks emerging from the white ice flow like islands in a frozen sea.

🌊

Iceberg Alleys

Visible chains of grounded icebergs forming complex white patterns against the dark Arctic water.

This side is essential for ice lovers. For the best photography, choose a seat ahead of the wing to capture the unobstructed scale of the glaciers. If flying between June and August, the 24-hour midnight sun provides constant, high-contrast lighting of the ice crevasses. During winter, look out the window for the aurora borealis dancing over the dark, snowy mountains.

Right Side Highlights
6.5
🌊

Baffin Bay

Expansive views of the Arctic Ocean, often filled with drifting pack ice and massive tabular bergs.

🧊

Sea Ice Leads

Intricate geometric cracks and lanes in the sea ice where the dark ocean water peeks through.

🌅

Arctic Horizon

During shoulder seasons, the horizon provides hours of deep purples and oranges due to the low sun angle.

🐳

Marine Sightings

In summer, look for pods of narwhals or whales in the open water leads between the ice floes.

Choose the right side if you prefer the minimalist beauty of the open sea and sky. Polarized sunglasses are highly recommended to reduce the intense glare from the sun reflecting off the water and floating ice. Keep an eye on the water for large, lone icebergs that have drifted far from the coast.

Top Activities in Upernavik
Route Information

Distance: 642 km (399 miles)

Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 4 min

Departure: NAQ (77.4886016846, -69.3887023926)

Arrival: JUV (72.79019927979999, -56.130599975600006)

Route Type: Domestic

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