Seeing Shapes in Icebergs

Drifting through icy waters, surrounded by towering icebergs, your mind begins to play tricks—in the best way. A reclining lion, a cathedral spire, a ship’s prow, even a howling dog—icebergs seem to take on endless shapes, limited only by your imagination. It’s one of the quiet joys of polar travel: spotting familiar forms carved by wind, water, and time.

These frozen sculptures are more than just beautiful—they’re fascinating examples of nature’s constant shaping. As icebergs calve from glaciers and drift out to sea, waves and weather smooth, crack, and carve them into strange and fleeting forms. No two are alike, and some last only days before collapsing or melting away.

Their colors can be just as magical. Ice appears white when it contains lots of air bubbles, scattering light in all directions. But when the ice is dense and compacted—like glacial ice that’s been under pressure for centuries—it absorbs longer wavelengths of light and reflects shorter blue wavelengths, giving it that rich, almost glowing blue tone.

Whether you see animals, castles, or ghosts in the mist, icebergs invite you to slow down, look closer, and appreciate the ever-changing artistry of the polar world.