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.
WHALES AND MOUNTAIN ADVENTURES IN QASIGIANNGUIT
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.