Qaqortoq when translated means “The White Place” and although there are only just over 3,000 inhabitants it is still regarded as “The Big City”. It is also the hub of life in South Greenland.
It is naturally centred around the harbour where you can find trawlers, cargo ships and some yachts belonging to the more adventurous traveller. The fact that icebergs are often found in the harbour is just a reminder of how far North we are and of the hazards of these Arctic waters.
The black-tarred log building on the waterfront was shipped to Greenland log by log in 1797. It was designed by the Danish royal architect, Kirkerup and prefabricated in Denmark
The blacksmith’s shop, which was built in yellow stone in 1871, now houses the Qaqortoq museum. This is one of the best museums I have seen. It shows Greenland culture right through the Ages. Displaying drawings and photographs, of later times. There is a large collection of tools and artefacts from the Dorset, Thule, Norse and Greenlandic cultures.
Behind the harbour is the Kalaallit Nunaata Ammerivia tannery, which makes sealskins into fur coats. Even if you do not agree with this activity it is one of the mainstays of their economy, (after Danish subsidies!!).
Overlooking the harbour is Vatican Hill. The red house at the top was once the home of the KGH manager who was said to be something of “a playboy”-no small achievement in Qaqortoq!! The local expression he was always “as drunk as a pope” is supposed to have given this hill its rather strange name.
The houses are, of course, painted really bright colours, (perhaps it’s the lack of pollution which keeps them so bright and fresh?) and made of the normal wood and then corrugated tin which helps prevent the wood rotting in these inclement conditions. All the houses in these Northern climbs seem to be constructed in much the same way and all very brightly coloured.
One sight not to be missed is the ONLY fountain in Greenland, which dates from 1928 and the locals are VERY proud of it
It does not take long to explore the whole “city” and then you can have a quiet beer in the only pub. It is slightly cheaper than Iceland, you get a whole half pint for your £4 and not just a stubby!!
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Advantages: Not as expensive as expected, friendly people, easy to get around, great beer! Disadvantages: More expensive than the UK, gets ignored when thinking about a short break
moose 18.05.2001 (31.07.2002)
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful
Review of General: Denmark
Advantages: Not as expensive as expected, friendly people, easy to get around, great beer! Disadvantages: More expensive than the UK, gets ignored when thinking about a short break
moose 18.05.2001 (31.07.2002)
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful
Review of General: Denmark
Advantages: Location - easily reached by car and public transport Disadvantages: Cleanliness leaves a lot to be desired, expensive rooms and substandard service
Oct 9th, 2000
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