Oqaatsut
Relax in the embrace of daily life with icebergs and whales as your neighbours in the small Greenlandic fishing settlement of Oqaatsut, just north of Ilulissat.
Quick facts
Facts about Oqaatsut
Name (Greenlandic):
Oqaatsut
Name (danish):
Rodebay
Region in Greenland:
North Greenland
Coordinates:
69°20′40″N 51°00′10″W
Postcode:
3952
Airport code:
-
Population:
48 (2023)
Municipality:
Avannaata Kommunia
View map- The church in Oqaatsut doubles as its schoolhouse and there are usually around 6-8 students.
- Oqaatsut means “cormorants” in the Greenlandic language. Its Danish name was “Rodebay”, which means “Red Bay” as its waters were stained red with blood during the whaling era, when it was a colony.
Useful information
OQAATSUT WEATHER
Tips
-
Oqaatsut has a small Pilersuisoq supermarket that stocks basics. It is best to bring everything you need with you.
-
Though you may find locals offering souvenirs, you will likely need to buy them in Ilulissat.
Closest ports of entry:
Tourist information:
Useful phone numbers:
Police
(+299) 70 14 48 (Ilulissat)
Hospital
(+299) 94 32 11 (Ilulissat)
Why Oqaatsut
Leave the schedule behind and follow your own internal clock to experience a small village feel and more traditional way of life in Oqaatsut. There are no roads in this small fishing settlement so cars are useless and fishing boats are the most prized possessions. Watch from shore or paddle a kayak around the enormous icebergs that originate in the Ilulissat Icefjord and float past the colourful houses, all accompanied by the sound of whale blows and howling sled dogs.
