Kangaatsiaq

Photo: Linda Kleist

Untarnished town of culture and art

Kangaatsiaq is located on southern end of the Disko Bay. It means “rather small promontory” and is an untarnished small town with only 509 inhabitants.

Kangaatsiaq is Greenland’s youngest town, it first achieved it’s status as a town in 1986.

Greenland is home to a lot of different animal species, and east of Kangaatsiaq a 150km large fjord system opens with countless islands and bays, where there are good opportunities for hunting. One of the popular hunting areas is Nassuttooq (Nordre Strømsfjord) where you among other things can go seal and caribou hunting.

The great importance of fishing and hunting still characterizes the townscape.

Since the first immigrants to Thule between 4-5000 years ago, the Inuit in Greenland have been dependent on nature’s resources in the form of fish, birds, land- and marine mammals. Fishing and hunting have therefore always been a matter of survival in a country where summer is short and the climate unsuitable for efficient agriculture.

From an early age, the youngest generations are taught by fathers and mothers in e.g., methods of capture, and thereby the traditions are inherited.

Facts about Kangaatsiaq

In the sea around Kangaatsiaq, many species of marine mammals live, such as harp seals, humpback whales and minke whales.
The importance of fishing and hunting still characterizes the townscape. Also the four settlements around Kangaatsiaq is worth a visit – Attu, Iginniarfik, Ikerasaarsuk and Niaqornaarsuk.
Every year around easter, the local associations arrange football matches, and invites football interested persons from associated settlements to join the matches.
There are no large hotels in town, but there are accommodation options.
During the winter and spring, the dogsled is the most suitable means of transport.

Art, music and culture

Lisa Kreutzmann

One of Greenland’s greatest artists comes from Kangaatsiaq, Disko bay. Her name is Lisa Kreutzmann.

Her paintings are mainly inspired by the Greenlandic myths and legends, and she has exhibited her artworks in Alaska, Sweden and in several museums in Greenland.

She is one of the artists, who has created the gable and murals in the tenement blocks in Aasiaat.

Souvenir shopping

Traveling is about experiences, memories and sharing them when we return home. For many of us, souvenirs that remind us of a special place on our travels also make their way into our backpacks.

Support local economy

Always try and support local producers, makers and artisans. This way, you are giving back to the community that is supporting you on your travels, you will meet fascinating people and have more interesting stories to tell.

In Kangaatsiaq we do not have a standard tourist shop, so make the hunt for local unique craftsman into an adventure and visit the following shops.