Qaqortoq, Greenland
Description
If you're a seasoned traveler with a taste for destinations untrammeled by modern tourism, Qaqortoq is the ultimate port of call. Qaqortoq means "White Palace" in Greenlandic, and this small town of about 3,400 is the cultural and commercial center of Southern Greenland. Inuit and then Europeans were drawn to the site over 200 years ago, they were lured by the wealth of marine mammals that thrive in the offshore waters during summer.
The climate is, at best, highly unpredictable. Summer temperatures normally compare to summer temperatures in Northern Europe, but weather is variable even in summer. In winter, Qaqortoq is frequently isolated by winter sea ice and accessible only by airplane or helicopter. The harsh landscape and harsher climate have helped preserve traditional Greenlandic culture - the centuries-old Inuit skills of hunting, kayaking, and fishing are still revered in this unique place.
Organized shore excursions for Qaqortoq may not available on select voyages, but the town is easy to explore on your own. The ship's launches drop you off at the pier, providing you with the opportunity to stroll the streets, visit the small local museum, talk to the local residents, buy a souvenir stamp at the Post Office and perhaps purchase an Inuit handicraft as a remembrance of your visit to one of the unique communities on the planet.
Note: Your ship anchors at Qaqortoq and passengers are transferred to shore via ship's launches, weather conditions permitting.
Points of Interest
- Vor Frelser Kirke
- Stone & Man in Qaqortoq
- Hvalsey Church
- Great Greenland (factory)
- Qaqortoq
- Qalerallit Glacier
More about Qaqortoq, Greenland Points of Interest
-
Vor Frelser Kirke -
Visit the lovely Church of Our Savior, built in 1832. It is the official cathedral of Greenland. In 1995, Greenland native Sofie Petersen became bishop, the second female bishop in Denmark.
-
Stone & Man in Qaqortoq -
Discover 30 different motifs, chiseled into rocks and stones, created by local and Scandinavian artists.
-
Hvalsey Church -
Explore the ruins of the stone church dating back to the Viking period. Nearby lies a farm estate; a wedding celebrated here in 1408 is the last written record of the Viking settlers in Greenland.
-
Great Greenland (factory) -
Known for the production of fine quality animal skins and beautiful coats, tour the factory, learn the intricate assembly process and stroke the soft skins delivered by native Greenlandic hunters.
-
Qaqortoq -
One of the best ways to get to know Qaqortoq is through its culture and food.
-
Qalerallit Glacier -
Flying over and walking on the Qalerallit Glacier is a bucket list experience you will never forget.