Qeqertarsuaq lies on the southern island of the same name, which means "the big island". The island is also known as Disko and it has some characteristic, snow-covered basalt cliffs, which are markedly different to the mountains on the mainland. Glaciers dominate Qeqertarsuaq, but there are also hot springs, as well as lush hillsides and valleys. Many of Greenland's plants are found here and every summer in the sea off the town, numerous playful humpback whales can be seen, while the bowhead whale is seen in early spring.
Qeqertarsuaq's history
The town was founded by whaler Svend Sandgreen in 1773. Whaling has been very important ever since for Qeqertarsuaq, also known as Godhavn in Danish. Hunting and fishing are still the main occupations of the island's inhabitants, of whom nearly 900 live in Qeqertarsuaq and about 40 in the settlement of Kangerluk, a few hours sailing north-west. It's around here in 1999 that researchers discovered a "galloping" glacier that moves up to 100 metres a day.
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Qeqertarsuaq
Population: 873 in the town and 35 inhabitants spread out in the area's only settlement.
The dog's rhythmic breathing glides over the surface of the snow. Take off on a dogsled into the midnight sun's play of colours - in mid July.