Catching a sunny day for a Qaqortoq Greenland walking tour was one of my best travel experiences ever. After cruising through Prince Christian Sound in the southern tip of Greenland, we spent the next day at this amazing seaport. Qaqortoqmeans “white” in Kalaallit (the Greenlandic language). However, southern Greenland is actually one of the greenest areas of this island. The city is located on the south coast of Greenland at a lower latitude than Iceland.
This colorful and quirky seaport has a population of about 3,200 people. And it’s a hub for many industries, such as, fishing, tanning, fur production, tourism and ship maintenance. Overall, this is an amazing seaport revealing what it’s like to live in Greenland and be a local. So, read on to discover what to see and do in this picturesque seaport.
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Qaqortoq Greenland Walking Tour
& Things to Do
We were fortunate to catch a sunny, bright day in September at record breaking temperatures, reaching almost 70 degrees (Average summer high is in 50’s). Immersed in a labyrinthine system of fjords, Qaqortoq, provides panoramic views from anywhere, especially on a clear day. I spent my day there just walking and exploring on my own for about 5 hours, with many opportunities to take beautiful photos. The setting and vibe of this town are refreshingly unique, like nowhere that I’ve been before.
This town is very picturesque with colorful houses painted along the cliffside, hugging the harbor. All around me, I could see water glittering, with cheerful hues of homes and buildings speckled throughout the granite walls amidst a cloudless, cobalt blue sky. The homes are built in tiers, with steep stairs to each level offering awesome views of the harbor and the town below. I walked to the top and just took in the fresh air and view, with gratitude for such a unique experience.
Related: Cruising Greenland’s Mysterious Prince Christian Sound
Qaqortoq’s Town Center
In the town center along the sea level are colonial buildings. Also, here is Greenland’s first fountain,Mindebrønden, with whales spouting water from their blowholes. The maritime influence is all around with ships throughout the harbor and parked on land. Built in yellow stone in 1804, theQaqortoq Museumwas originally the town’s blacksmith’s shop.
Uniquely, the town is clustered with an art project called Stone & Man. It’s presided by the local artist, Aka Hoegh along with 18 other artists. They transformed the town into an open art gallery, with 40 sculptures into the rock faces and boulders. I find many sculptures of whales and human faces.
There’s a pleasant creek that flows through the town, emptying into a lake on the edge of town. I walked along it to the sparkling lake, embedded in the granite cliff shoreline. A playful group of kids are swimming in the lake with no official beach. There are hot springs south of town, of which I do not visit.
I walked by a fire engine red, painted bar called Rockhouse that is central to everything, raucous with loud music and patrons, both inside and on the deck. I ponder, that if this was a cold, rainy day I could have a crazy good time in that bar. However, with perfect weather I just wanted to be outside and wander. I walk by a bright purple grocery store and questioned. How often do I see this? While at the same time, realizing this may be an attempt to brighten the cold, dreary days common to this island. Unfortunately, Greenland has one of the highest suicide rates worldwide.
My Interactions with the Locals
Most of the local people that I see while walking there looked to have the Inuit heritage. I talk with a few locals, while wandering the streets. However, most seem quite immersed in their community and almost look through us tourists, like we are transparent. It is a little eerie. But, not to blame them as maybe this is a result of their vacant experiences with tourists in their town.
The Fish Market next to the Town Center is a wonderful place to interact with the locals. However, keep in mind the raw fish and whale blubber is laid out on a table and it doesn’t look so appetizing. But, nonetheless, this is how they do it here. I watched an Inuit fisherman cutting whale blubber, of which he sampled raw in front of me. Then, he offered me some; however, I demurely declined.
I engaged in a lengthy conversation with a local woman, who mostly talked about the importance of education for her children. Qaqortoq is an educational hub for southern Greenland. Her travels beyond the island have been only to Denmark. She was gregarious and fun to chat with and a nice representation for the local people.
Day Trip Sign-ups at
Qaqortoq Welcome Center
Hvalsey Church Ruins – Boat Trip to Norse Ruins
Uunartoq Hot Springs
Iceberg Safari
Hiking, Kayaking or Fishing
Qaqortoq displays colorful wildflowers in July & August!
Overall, Qaqortoq Greenland Walking Tour
Qaqortoq is an authentic window into life on this remote island. The simple beauty of nature in the light is a reflection of the humble people. No neon lights, marketing, traffic lights or horns. Just the harmonious sounds of waves, wind and light interwoven into a natural habitat of peace and wholesome charm, with shadows of dark days ahead.
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