Home #reallyontheship Greenland: Prins Christian Sund and Qaqortoq

Greenland: Prins Christian Sund and Qaqortoq

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August 24-27, 2024

$1 US = 6.6 Danish Krone

I continue to find glaciers impressive (and I have seen a lot of them over the last few years). So I continue to take pictures – lots of pictures – when near them. Prins Christian Sund has deep enough waters to let a cruise ship get close (and I have a few hundred more pictures).

Iceberg and glacier
Anut (one of our wonderful staff) enjoying the view of the icebergs
Tidal glacier
When it got too chilly to stay outside – we benefitted from our front and center cabin (and yes – the ledge was used for storage)
Julieta posing in front of the amazing backdrop

Then we proceeded on to Qaqortoq. The lovely town in the southernmost part of Greenland is home to just over 3,000 people – which makes it the 5th most populated ‘city’ on the island. We took a short tender ride from the ship to town through light fog.

The Serenade in the mist
The colorful buildings of Qaqortoq

The area has been inhabited for over 6000 years, initially by the Saqqaq – a Paleo-Eskimo group most closely related to the Siberian Yupik and Aleut. The Saqqaq were followed by the Dorset and eventually the Thule. In the 10th century, the Norse culture established a colony in nearby Hvalsey, remaining until the 15th century. The Danes returned in the 18th century, establishing Qaqortoq as a trading post for seal fur in 1775. In modern day, the town is known as the home of many artists and craftsmen, and boasts over 40 sculptures carved into rock around the town.

One of the many Stone & Man sculptures
The picturesque Church of Our Savior (Lutheran)
The boot representing Inuit heritage sits outside the Qaqortoq Hotel

John went on a hike around the lake, so I visited the museums – there are two (combined ticket $10/€10/60DK), located within 2 blocks of each other, and very worthwhile visit while in town.

Panels explain the history of the area- this one on the interactions between shamans and Europeans
In preparation flights for the transatlantic crossing, Charles Lindberg spent the night in the attic room of what is now the museum (Arctic explorer Knud Rasmussen stayed in the blue room opposite at one point).
Inuit carved figurines
In the Norse Museum (second building of the local museum) – Ingibjorg’s grave – about 1200 AD
And to remind you how far north we are – there’s an icebergy/growler in the marina

With all of our traveling, we needed a little “adult play time”. Renee is an official Lego Adult Play Facilitator and brought several kits on board. Here’s my “Lego of me in the future”.

Me and my Legos (in the background you see Shannon on the left and Leah on the right)

Next up – O Canada!

One Comment:

  1. wjoellen3
    October 14, 2024 at 3:43 pm

    Thank you again,for your wonderful travel logs!
    I noted on your fb site,but if you get a chance,it’s a really good book.Gretel Ehrlich’s ‘This Cold Heaven:The Seven Seasons of Greenland’
    Her descriptions of nature,animals,and people are brilliant.
    Take care&Happy Trails💙❄️🛳❤️

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