Niaqornaarsuk

Photo: Freddy Christensen

nestled amidst the stunning landscapes of DiskoBay

Niaqornaarsuk is located 40 km west of Kangaatsiaq. The settlement is located on the northern side of the mouth of Arfersiorfik Fiord, which is 152 km long and up to 24 km wide.

The village has been inhabited since the 1830s and was formally established as a settlement in 1939.

The population stands at 233. (2023) There are 90 households in Niaqornaarsuk, which gives an average household size of 3 persons. The settlement in Niaqornaarsuk consists primarily of detached single-family houses.

The oldest, central part of the settlement is located on a promontory. A fish factory, a shop and a warehouse are located at the port. The school has a central location, at the border between promontory and hinterland, which also holds a newer residential area and the church. One of Niaqornaarsuk’s characteristics is the scattered buildings.

The Niaqornaarsuk population mainly works in fishing all year round and in sealing during the winter. Royal Greenland operates a small fish factory without freezing facilities in the settlement (B-777), which primarily receives cod and roe and produces salted fish. During the peak seasons, the fish factory employs up to ten people.

In addition to fishing and sealing, job prospects encompass municipal services, education, and a variety of service trades.

The settlement features a helistop, which is operated by Air Greenland during the winter, connecting the settlement to Aasiaat and Kangaatsiaq. From May to October, Diskoline sails passengers and goods to and from Aasiaat and Kangaatsiaq. The port is navigable from May to December. From January to April, the port is navigable, depending on ice conditions.

Facts about niaqornaarsuk

The settlement’s name means “the odd, head-like”.
The settlement Iginniarfik was planned to move to Niaqornaarsuk in early 1990’s.

marvelous buildings

The turf house and the church in Niaqornaarsuk are most of the main characteristics of village.

The turf house is indeed a remarkable representation of the village’s deep connection to its ancestors and traditions. The turf house was constructed in the 1990s, this traditional style of building, known locally as “illu qarmagaq,” to show people how Inuit have been living in late 1900’s.

The turf house was made from local materials such as turf and stone. These structures offer exceptional insulation, essential for withstanding the harsh Arctic climate. This traditional building method has been relied upon by the Inuit for generations, during the winter months, as a key strategy for survival.

To enhance your visit turf house, we recommend coordinating with the local elementary school.

The tourf house

Beautiful church in Niaqornaarsuk

Map of niaqornaarsuk

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 Niaqornaarsuk we do not have a standard tourist shop, so make the hunt for local unique craftsman into an adventure.