Hvalsey Church Ruin

Hvalsey Church was built in about 1300, and its ruins can be found in the lush surroundings of southern Greenland.

The fertile region of South Greenland is home to the well-preserved ruins of one of the first Christian churches on the North American continent – Hvalsey Church.

Long before Columbus ever had the idea of sailing west to try to find a shorter route to India, the Norse settlers from Scandinavia had established themselves in Greenland.

The fertile South Greenlandic fjords had attracted Norse settlers from Iceland and many estates and farms had been established in the new country.

HVALSEY CHURCH – MORE THAN A THOUSAND YEARS OLD

Christianity was spreading its influence throughout Europe and was established in the outer frontier in Greenland in 1000 AD. The first churches were erected soon after this.

Hvalsey Church was probably built in the 14th century but is the best preserved of the churches in Greenland from that period.

"Long before Columbus ever had the idea of sailing west to try to find a shorter route to India, the Norse settlers from Scandinavia had established themselves in Greenland."

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LAST DEPOSITION FROM 1408

The last recorded ecclesiastical event at Hvalsey Church was a wedding which took place on 16 September, 1408. An account of this event was recorded a couple of years later on Iceland.

This record reveals that there were many people in the church that day, which is an indication that there were still many Norse settlers at that time. On the fjord the Old Norse ships have been replaced by the modern motorboat, which sails present-day visitors to the church.

SCATTERED RUINS

In South Greenland there are many ruins from this period and if you would like to visit this fascinating location in Greenland, the tourist office in Qaqortoq – Greenland Sagalands – will help you with more information.

In Narsarsuaq the local tourist office and tour operator is Blue Ice Explorer. In Narsaq the local tourist office will be glad to help with information, tours etc.

By Visit Greenland

Behind Greenland's largest travel site is the Visit Greenland that is 100% owned by the Government of Greenland, who is responsible for marketing the country's adventures and opportunities for guests wishing to visit the world's largest island

http://visitgreenland.com