Greenland’s forgotten paradise – Qasigiannguit is the place where the original way of life is still very much alive and nature is really close.
Qasigiannguit’s long history bears witness to the changing times and cultural heritage. Fishing for Greenland halibut and arctic crab is still the city’s prime business and pride. The old fishermen pass the family tradition on to younger generations, and new ones must step up to the plate. The harbor is the city’s focal point and this is where there is life and room for large smiles.
The sea is filled with seals, and the many whales seem more active when the midnight sun dominates throughout the summer, and if you happen to experience being in a boat that is side by side with a humpback whale, it is an experience like this that will have a deep impact on your travel memories.
The city’s small, and light blue colored hotel is situated by the sea, and from the terrace, it is often possible to spot the seals and whales. Not the worst kind of ending to a good day in the mountains, or out among icebergs and whales.
The open hinterland and the available mountains around Qasigiannguit offer excellent hiking, and although the challenge for some may be huge, the view is worth the trip, especially the view from the city’s most prominent peak, the 450-meter tall Mount Qaqqarsuaq.
A little calmer, but a no less exciting experience, is to visit the old Gunpowder House which still remains in the hills above the old boat harbor. In the past, the house was used to store gunpowder for blasting the sea ice on very harsh winters, so the supply ships could get in to the harbor safely.
Today, the paint is chipped off the old Gunpowder House and the red color is almost gone. Standing out, and clearly visible to the naked eye on the old wooden planks, are the names of young girls and boys carved into the wood as a silent testimony to love, won or lost, through many generations.
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In the spring, and when the sun has regained its power over the darkness of winter, it’s time to go out on a dog sled. The creaking sled, the feel of the runners on the hard snow, and the dogs’ labored breathing breaking the frosty air, provides a wonderful feeling of freedom and a close connection with nature for animals, driver and passengers.
Skiing is one of the relatively new activities in Greenland and Qasigiannguit is no exception. The mountains behind the town opens up opportunities for both cross-country and tour skiing. If you like tour skiing, you will run into local skiers in the town’s backcountry, who are training for the national cross-country championships. For the more experienced skiiers following in the footsteps of polar adventurers, heading out to the edge of the Ice Cap some 20 km away seems the obvious choice to make.
The activities are many and the city museum stores some of Greenland’s most well-preserved ancient discoveries and exciting collections. The town offers culinary flavors, from the traditional to the modern kitchen – whether it’s with a fisherman on the docks or on the terrace at the city hotel.
In cooperation with the city museum in Qasigiannguit, it is possible to gain a unique insight into a part of the history of Greenland. On the project “Live Settlement” volunteers and professionals work together to bring to life, and to convey knowledge, of the Thule culture as it was around 1700 A.D.
Throughout the winter, project volunteers meet and manufacture tools and skin clothing using the scientific knowledge available on the Thule culture, and during the summer months the project moves outdoors, the women’s boat and kayaks are put in the water, participants dress in the skin clothing and get ready to welcome guests coming to town – exactly how a family of the Thule culture would have looked a summers day in 1700 A.D
... If you happen to experience being in a boat that is side by side with a humpback whale, it is an experience like this that will have a deep impact on your travel memories.
