King Oscar Fjord

King Oscar Fjord is a glacial fjord in Northeast Greenland that stretches roughly 110 kilometers inland, reaching about 25 kilometers across at its widest point between Traill Island and Geographical Society Island. The waterway is bordered by steep cliffs and tidewater glaciers that descend directly to the sea.

Swedish explorer A.G. Nathorst named this fjord in 1899 in honor of King Oscar II of Sweden, who reigned from 1872 to 1907. The naming came during a scientific expedition that mapped the northeastern coast of Greenland.

Antarctic Havn, on the fjord's south shore, contains remnants of traditional trapper cabins that reflect early Greenlandic maritime activities.

Summer months offer the best conditions for visiting, when sea ice recedes enough for expedition vessels to navigate the fjord. Expect strong winds and rapidly changing weather, so heavy insulated and waterproof clothing is necessary for any visit.

The south shore holds remains of old trapper cabins at Antarctic Havn, showing how early hunters and explorers lived in this remote region. These abandoned structures tell stories of people who ventured into these harsh waters long ago.

Location: Northeast Greenland National Park

Part of: Greenland Sea

GPS coordinates: 72.36670,-24.00000

Latest update: December 13, 2025 12:41