Photo: Aningaaq Rosing Carlsen – Visit Greenland

Qeqertarsuaq

EXPERIENCE NATURE ALL YEAR ROUND

Qeqertarsuaq is the name of Greenland’s largest island, also known as Disko Island. Qeqertarsuaq is also the name of the islands only town. The island is situated west of the central mainland Greenland, just around 65km from Aasiaat.

Qeqertarsuaqs landscape is completely different from the rest of Greenland, as it was formed from volcanic eruptions. The island is part of the Tertiary volcanic province of West Greenland and is mainly made up by lavas. Due to the volcanic past, the landscape is characterized by basaltic mountains, hot springs, and fertile vegetation. The heat from the hot springs around the island provides good conditions for vegetation and the area around town is very fertile with Kuannit (Angelica) and other plants. This is also the reason that this is where you find the scientific station Arctic Station.

The contrasts between the basaltic mountains, fertile vegetation and icebergs floating on the Disko Bay is something you must experience and see with your own eyes.

One of the most popular areas around Qeqertarsuaq is Kuannit.

Basaltic mountains of Kuannit

Kuannit is popular for its outstanding basaltic mountains and for its fertile vegetation. The area has a very varied flora and fauna – even elephants can be found around the area – well, a natural lava formation resembling an elephant. It is a popular place among the locals, but also by the visitors. During the summer months, Kuannit area is abundant with angelica plants. Among many people, the area is the place for gathering sufficient provisions of angelicas to last throughout the winter.

There is a hiking trail towards the area from the town and the hike takes around 1-2 hours, each way depending on your pace. The hike goes through a stunning landscape, where you have ample opportunity to spot whales, as the area is a meeting place for the great marine mammals.

Qeqertarsuaq

Hydrophone

The sea in Diskobay is never silent: waves crash, icebergs rupture and ships sail by while seals and whales express themselves.

A hydrophone is a specialized type of microphone, designed for underwater use. It works by converting underwater sound waves into electrical signals that can be processed and analyzed to provide insights into marine mammal behavior, ambient noise levels and the effects of climate change. The microphone is a passive recorder, it operates silently, ensuring it doesn’t disturb Diskobays wildlife.

The hydrophone is placed in Qaqqaliaq, one of the popular hiking spots in Qeqertarsuaq.

Hike to Qaqqaliaq and enjoy all the amazing things happening beneath the surface and a great panoramic view of the mountains, floating icebergs and birds. During the summer you might also have an opportunity to see the majestic whales.

You can tune in to the live stream at www.diskolive.com to experience the mesmerizing sounds of Diskobay’s underwater world in real time.

Facts about Qeqertarsuaq

Qeqertarsuaq was founded in 1773 as a whaling station. Today you can experience the whales from Qaqqaliaq.
Qeqertarsuaq has 838 inhabitants and the associated settlement Kangerluk has 11 inhabitants.
Qeqertarsuaq is the only place in Greenland, where you can go dog sledding during the summer.
Siorarsuit is the black basalt beach in Qeqertarsuaq – the only black beach in Greenland with volcanic origin.

Art, music and culture

Qeqertarsuaq Race

Qeqertarsuaq Race is a three day long trail race. The race has different distances for every day and varies every year. Some years the race is arranged, so that the participants sleep in the nature during the race, and is obligated to run with their equipment’s (tents, food etc.). The race is approximately 50 km in total for 3 days. Read more about the race: here.

Qeqertarsuaq Festival

Qeqertarsuaq Festival is an annual music festival, where popular bands and musicians are invited to play and perform usually over two days. The festival is an outdoor event, usually held near the black beach – Siorarsuit, and with a view over the artificial soccerfield and floating icebergs in the Disko Bay.

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