Qeqertarsuaq – the only town on Disko Island – has been a place for whale hunters through hundreds of years. From here they have always sailed out to catch the big whales. Many hunts started when the whales were spotted from Qaqqaliaq – “the lookout”. 

Whale hunting now and then 

In the past locals used Qaqqaliaq to spot the whales from the shore. Qaqqaliaq is a short hike south of the town of Qeqertarsuaq. When someone spotted the whales from here, they quickly spread the word in town, and soon hunters would be sailing out to try and catch the whales. 

In the colonial times, especially the whale blubber was very valuable, because it was used as fuel in oil lamps in the growing European cities.  

The whales in Disko Bay are still hunted by locals for their meat and lard, even though hunting today is regulated due to sustainability and environmental issues. Also the skin of the whale, called mattak, is a local speciality, which Greenlandic people love to this day. 

Several kinds of whales to see 

The trek to Qaqqaliaq is not the easiest of hikes, since the mountain paths can be troublesome. But if you are up for it, the view from Qaqqaliaq is worth the trip. From here you get a spectacular view over Disko Bay. On clear days you can see icebergs and the mainland as well as the the other islands. And just as in the old days, Qaqqaliaq is a great whale spot.  

If you are lucky, you might spot minke whales, humpback whales or even the rare bowhead whale (locally known as the Greenlandic Whale). If you want to get closer you can go on a whale safari by boat from the town.