Helheim Glacier, Outlet glacier in Sermersooq, Greenland

Helheim Glacier is one of Greenland's largest outlet glaciers, draining the eastern side of the ice sheet into Helheim Fjord, a northern branch of the Sermilik system. It flows roughly east-southeast and is the fastest-flowing glacier on Greenland's east coast. Its front calves into the fjord alongside the Fenris and Midgard glaciers.

The glacier took its name from Norse tradition and came under scientific observation in the early 20th century. Since around the year 2000, the pace of change in the ice has drawn much closer attention from researchers around the world.

The fjord was named during the Seventh Thule Expedition led by Knud Rasmussen, after Helheim, the realm of the Norse goddess Hel. The name fits a set of geographical names from Norse mythology around Loki that the expedition assigned.

Reaching the glacier requires solid preparation and specialized gear, as the area is extremely remote and not set up for casual visitors. Conditions can shift rapidly, so going with experienced guides or joining a research group is the only realistic way to get close.

When large blocks of ice break away from the glacier's front, they produce seismic signals strong enough to be picked up by instruments around the world. These so-called glacial earthquakes give researchers a way to track changes in the ice from a distance.