The Viking Period in Greenland: A Journey Through History
Over a thousand years ago, Vikings, also known as Norse settlers, ventured into the rugged and uncharted territories of southern and western Greenland. Their legacy is etched into the landscapes, where ancient ruins and reconstructed historical sites invite visitors to step back in time and explore the rich history of Viking settlement in this remote part of the world.
Tracing the Footsteps of Viking Settlers
The best-preserved traces of Viking settlers can be found in the innermost and warmest fjord systems of South and West Greenland. These landscapes are dotted with the ruins of farms, stables, and storerooms, constructed from sandstone and granite blocks, some of which have stood the test of time for nearly a millennium. Today, many of these ancient lands are occupied by sheep farmers who offer visitors the unique experience of staying in traditional Greenlandic settings while exploring the historic sites.
The Best Preserved Viking Ruins
Southern Greenland is home to around 500 groups of Viking ruins, with the most remarkable and well-preserved being located near the town of Qassiarsuk. A short boat ride from Narsarsuaq international airport brings you to Brattahlid, a site steeped in Viking history. Here, visitors can explore the ruins of Viking longhouses and Tjodhilde’s Church—the first Christian church built on the North American continent. It was from Brattahlid that the legendary Leif Eriksson set sail, eventually discovering Vinland, now known as Newfoundland and Labrador in North America.
Hvalsey Church – A Testament to Viking Legacy
Among the most iconic Viking sites in Greenland is Hvalsey Church, located near Qaqortoq. Christianity began to spread throughout Europe and reached Greenland by around 1000 AD, leading to the construction of several churches in the region. Hvalsey Church, built in the 14th century, stands as the best-preserved of these early Christian structures in Greenland.
When you step into the ruins of Hvalsey Church, with its stone walls soaring 5-6 meters high, you can almost feel the presence of the Norse settlers who once worshipped there. Although the wooden roof and interior have long since vanished, the structure remains remarkably intact, offering a direct link to the past. The churchyard that once surrounded the building has mostly disappeared, but the remnants of the enclosing stone wall can still be traced in the landscape.
Hvalsey Church was more than just a place of worship; it was a central gathering point for the Norse community. People would travel from far and wide to celebrate Christian festivals, anchoring their ships in the nearby fjord or arriving overland on horseback or foot. Just west of the church are the ruins of a large residential complex, complete with stables and a banquet hall, where visitors would have stayed and socialized during these gatherings.
The church also holds historical significance as the site of the last recorded event involving the Norse in Greenland—a wedding that took place on September 16, 1408. This event, documented in Icelandic records, indicates that the Norse population was still thriving at that time. Today, the fjord where Viking ships once moored is traversed by modern motorboats, carrying visitors to this hauntingly beautiful site where history seems to stand still.
Gardar Cathedral: Greenland’s First Episcopal Residence
In 1124, Greenland received its first bishop, marking the spread of Christianity across the island. The impressive ruins of the Gardar bishopric and cathedral, located in what is now Igaliku near Narsarsuaq, remain a testament to this period. The cathedral, the largest in Greenland during the Middle Ages, measured 27 by 16 meters (88.5 by 52.5 feet). Though only the foundations are visible today, the site offers a fascinating look at the architectural and religious ambitions of the Viking settlers.
Tjodhilde’s Church: A Landmark of Early Christianity
Tjodhilde, the wife of Erik the Red, is credited with bringing Christianity to Greenland and convincing her husband to convert. She is also behind the construction of the first Christian church on the North American continent at Brattahlid. Although the original church no longer stands, modern reconstructions in Qassiarsuk give visitors a chance to step inside a turf-and-timber version of Tjodhilde’s Church and Erik the Red’s longhouse, providing a tangible connection to this pivotal moment in Greenlandic history.
Viking Settlements Near Nuuk
The Vikings didn’t confine themselves to southern Greenland. In the fjords near Nuuk, Greenland’s capital, up to 100 groups of ruins have been discovered. These sites can be explored through day trips by boat or helicopter, offering a glimpse into the northern reaches of the Viking settlements.
The Mystery of the Vikings’ Disappearance
The Viking presence in Greenland vanished mysteriously around the 15th century, leaving behind a historical enigma that continues to intrigue scholars. Various theories attempt to explain their disappearance, ranging from pirate attacks to the Black Plague. However, the most widely accepted theory is that the Vikings were unable to adapt to the harsh climatic changes brought on by the Little Ice Age. The last written record of the Vikings comes from Hvalsey Church, where the towering 5-6 meter high stone walls still stand amidst a remote landscape, silently guarding the secrets of Greenland’s Viking past.
Exploring Viking Heritage in Greenland
Greenland offers a unique opportunity to explore Viking history in a landscape that has remained largely unchanged since the Norse settlers first arrived. From the well-preserved ruins at Brattahlid and Hvalsey to the lesser-known sites near Nuuk, the traces of Viking life are scattered across the island, waiting to be discovered by modern-day explorers. As you travel through these ancient sites, you not only walk in the footsteps of the Vikings but also unravel the rich tapestry of history that has shaped Greenland into the land it is today.
