Risk Online: Unexplored ranges of Greenland

In July of 2000, an international team (Great Britain, Austria, U.S.) of climbers visited the unexplored central ranges of the Lindbergh Fjeld mountains of east Greenland. The Lindbergh Fjeld is named after Charles Lindbergh who made a flight over the region with his wife in the 1930s. The Lindberghs are located approximately 50 km southwest of the Watkins range which is home to the islands highest peak Gunnbjorns Fjeld. Despite challenging weather and snow conditions the team was successful in completing a number of first ascents including the first climb of Jaetteborg (3100m, meaning "jagged castle" in Danish) one of the highest unclimbed peaks in the arctic.

The island of Greenland holds tremendous climbing potential for the future. Although several of the southern big wall arenas and alpine ranges have become increasingly popular there are still many unexplored regions. There are numerous unclimbed peaks in the highest ranges along the east coast including the Lemons, the Lindberghs, and even the Watkins. As well, there are many other ranges that have seen only a handful of climbers and or scientists. One final mention should be made of the rugged fjords along the northeast which are virtually untouched and reputedly hold boundless big wall potential.

David Keaton