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.
Kuannit Art
Kuannit Art
Email inquiry: kuannitartworks@gmail.com
Let’s talk: +299 259664
Katersugaasivik
Museum
3953 Qeqertarsuaq
Email inquiry: qeq_katersugaasivik@qeqertalik.gl
Let’s talk: +299 911924
Hotel Søma
Skansen Home Shopping
3953 Qeqertarsuaq
Email inquiry: Kontakt@skansen.gl
Let’s talk: +299 583645
Café & Restaurant
Café & Bar Bella
Café & Bar Bella
3953 Qeqertarsuaq
Email inquiry: bbroberg88@gmail.com
Let’s talk: +299 245808
Hotel Søma
Hotel Disko Island Summer Restaurant
3953 Qeqertarsuaq
Email inquiry: info@hoteldiskoisland.gl
Let’s talk: +299 921628
Maps of Qeqertarsuaq
go on Hiking
Innap Qaqqaa
Kuannit
other destinations
Aasiaat
Aasiaat is located on a small island and is part of a larger archipelago that runs along the southern part of Disko Bay.
Kangaatsiaq
Kangaatsiaq is located on southern end of the Disko Bay. It means “rather small promontory” and is an untarnished small town with only 565 inhabitants.
Qasigiannguit
Qasigiannguit is beautifully located on the southeastern part of the Disko Bay and is surrounded by the 450m high mountains behind the town.
Akunnaaq
Akunnaaq is located on an island in its priceless location. It’s a place where the rhythms of nature are an integral part of daily life.
Attu
Attu means “the one that was touched” and the the southernmost village in Qeqertalik municipality.
Iginniarfik
Iginniarfik is located on a mainland, offers excellent hunting opportunities and is renowned for its rich intangible cultural heritage.
Ikamiut
Ikamiut is a charming settlement that offers a unique blend of natural beauty and historical significance.
Ikerasaarsuk
Ikerasaarsuk stands as a pearl on the archipelago coast, surrounded by numerous small and large islands that add to its unique charm.
Kangerluk
Situated approximately 35 km northwest of Qeqertarsuaq,
amidst the rugged beauty of Disko Island.
Kitsissuarsuit
Kitsissuarsuit, a place renowned for its rich historical tapestry and breathtaking natural landscapes, lies hidden, waiting to be explored.
Niaqornaarsuk
Niaqornaarsuk is located 40 km west of Kangaatsiaq. Nestled amidst the stunning landscapes of Diskobay.