Qeqertarsuaq

Qeqertarsuaq

The town on the large island
The town of Qeqertarsuaq lies at the southern end of the island of the same name, which means “the large island”. The island is also called Disko, and it has characteristic, snow-covered basalt mountains that are markedly different to the mountains on the mainland. Glaciers may dominate Qeqertarsuaq, but there are also hot springs, as well as fertile mountainsides and valleys. A large percentage of Greenland’s plants are represented here, and in the sea outside the town numerous playful humpback whales can be seen every summer, whilst the bowhead whale is seen during early spring.

Dogsled during the summer
Qeqertarsuaq is the only town in Greenland in which you can drive on a dogsled during the summer months bathed in the glow of the midnight sun. This takes place on the ice sheet at a height of some 800 metres (2,600 feet) on the Lyngmark Glacier just behind the town. A hike to the top of the mountain will be rewarded with a fantastic view of Disko Bay and the gigantic icebergs at Ilulissat 100 km (60 miles) away. All in all, Qeqertarsuaq is a popular destination for hikers.

Dogsledding on the glacier

Qeqertarsuaq’s history
The town was founded in 1773 by the whaler Svend Sandgreen. Since that time whaling has had great importance for Qeqertarsuaq, which is also known as Godhavn in Danish. Hunting and fishing are still the primary occupations for the island’s inhabitants, approximately 1,000 of whom live in Qeqertarsuaq and 50 in the Kangerluk settlement a few hours away by boat to the northwest. It is in this area that in 1999 researchers discovered a so-called “surging” glacier, which was moving at a rate of up to 100 metres (330 feet) per day.

How do I get to Qeqertarsuaq?
Depending on the season, there are weekly connections from Ilulissat by Air Greenland's helicopter and ships from Disko Line, but there are also flights and sailing routes to and from Aasiaat. Moreover, a number of cruise ships call at Qeqertarsuaq during the summer months. Contact your local travel agency in plenty of time before departure for more information.

See a map of Qeqertarsuaq

Qeqertarsuaq weather:

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