Qaqortoq
Encyclopedia
Qaqortoq is a town in the Kujalleq
municipality in southern Greenland
. With a population of 3,230 as of 2011, it is the most populous town in southern Greenland, and the fourth-largest town in the country. The name is western Greenlandic
and means "[the] white [one]".
−the most prominent Norse
ruins
in Greenland−are located 19 km northeast of Qaqortoq. General or even limited trade between the Norse and the Thule people was scarce. Except a few novel and exotic items found at Thule sites in the area, evidence suggests cultural exchange was initially sporadic. Later the south Greenland Norse adopted trade with the southern Inuit, and were for a time the major supplier of ivory
to northern Europe
. The Norse era lasted for approximately half a thousand years, ending in the mid-15th century. The last written record of the Norse presence is of a wedding in the Hvalsey church in 1408.
Until December 31, 2008, the town was the administrative center of Qaqortoq municipality. On January 1, 2009, Qaqortoq became the biggest town and the administrative center of Kujalleq
municipality, when the municipalities of Qaqortoq, Narsaq
, and Nanortalik
ceased to exist as administrative entities.
was originally the town's blacksmith's shop. The house was built in yellow stone and dates back to 1804.
The oldest standing building at the historical colonial harbour--and thus of all of Qaqortoq--is a black-tarred log building from 1797. The building was designed by royal Danish architect Kirkerup, pre-built in Denmark, and then shipped log by log to Qaqortoq.
presided over the Stone & Man project, designed to transform the town into an open air art gallery. Eighteen artists from Finland
, Sweden
, Norway
, Iceland
, Greenland
and Aland carved 24 sculptures into the rock faces and boulders in the town. Today there are over 40 sculptures in the town, all part of the Stone & Man exhibit.
in Greenland, Mindebrønden, built in 1927. For a long time it was the only fountain in the country, until another was built in Sisimiut
. A tourist attraction, the fountain depicts whale
s spouting water out of their blowhole
s.
opposed a Siumut landing strip proposal, citing ecological and environmental concerns. In contrast to the previous debates, presently the Democrats are lobbying for a 1,799-meter runway, making passenger flights to continental Europe possible. A shorter, 1,199-meter runway, supported by Siumut and Air Greenland, would enable flights to Iceland
and eastern Canada
. The cost of moving the airport from Narsarsuaq is estimated at DKK900 mil (EUR120,7 mil, USD 177 million). Presently Narsarsuaq airport directly and indirectly employs 140 people, and thus the regional council opposes the plans, citing employment concerns if the airport is closed.
Presently five locations for a possible airport are being assessed. Four of these—at Prinsessen, Nunarsuatsiaap Kujalequtaa, Munkebugten, and halfway towards Narsaq
—are for a 1199-meter domestic runway. Only one location, northwest of the town between Nuupiluk and Matup Tunua, would be suitable for a runway up to 2100 meters, in order to accommodate intercontinental flights.
and Ivittuut
—Qaqortoq is not connected to any other populated place via roads. Fairly well trodden hiking
trails lead north and west from the town, but for any motorised transportation terrain vehicles are needed. During winter, dog sled
routes are important transport links to the surrounding area.
coastal ship. The port authority for Qaqortoq is Royal Arctic Line
, located in Nuuk. With a channel depth of 50 feet, the port can accommodate vessels up to 500 feet in length. The port offers pilotage upon request, but no tugging.
Though the present economy has emerged from a subsistence economy
, the local seal hide industry produces products for export, especially the Great Greenland Furhouse
, one of the major employers in the town. Like the rest of Greenland, Qaqortoq is critically dependent upon investment from Denmark and relies heavily on Danish block funding. Of all exports produced in Qaqortoq 70,1% are headed for the Danish market.
by way of a 70 kilometer long 70 kV powerline. Previously the town's electricity was supplied by means of so called "bunker fuel generators", three diesel ship engines converted to energy production.
, Saarloq
, and Qassimiut
--also belong to the healthcare district of Napparsimavik Hospital. The villages are visited via sea, and with a medical helicopter in case of emergencies.
During the summer of 2010 the hospital used Greenland grown vegetables exclusively.
and Hotel Qaqortoq, and the Qaqortoq Museum
offers services in English and Danish, in addition to Greenlandic. The Great Greenland Furhouse
is a popular tourist attraction, as well.
In addition to these establishments, tourists are offered year-round activities such as kayaking
, dogsledding, guided hiking, whale-watching, cross-country skiing
, and boating. In recent years Qaqortoq has experienced a decline in tourist revenue, with an average of 1,700 tourists annually staying in the town overnight.
There exists no gender imbalance among native Greenlanders in Qaqortoq, the only gender inequity is amongst inhabitants born outside Greenland, with 3 out of 5 being male. As of 2011 10% of the town's inhabitants were born outside Greenland, a decline from 20% in 1991, but an increase from a 9% low in 2001.
.
.
Kujalleq
Kujalleq is a new municipality in the southern tip of Greenland, operational from 1 January 2009. With 7,589 inhabitants as of January 2010, it is the least-populated municipality in Greenland. The administrative center of the municipality is in Qaqortoq...
municipality in southern Greenland
Greenland
Greenland is an autonomous country within the Kingdom of Denmark, located between the Arctic and Atlantic Oceans, east of the Canadian Arctic Archipelago. Though physiographically a part of the continent of North America, Greenland has been politically and culturally associated with Europe for...
. With a population of 3,230 as of 2011, it is the most populous town in southern Greenland, and the fourth-largest town in the country. The name is western Greenlandic
Kalaallisut language
Greenlandic is an Eskimo–Aleut language spoken by about 57,000 people in Greenland. It is closely related to the Inuit languages in Canada, such as Inuktitut...
and means "[the] white [one]".
History
The area around Qaqortoq has been inhabited since prehistoric times. Beginning with the Saqqaq culture roughly 4,500 years ago, the area has had a continuous human presence.Saqqaq culture
The earliest signs of population presence are from roughly 2,300 BCE. While Saqqaq era sites are generally the most numerous of all the prehistoric sites in Greenland, around Qaqortoq the Saqqaq presence is less prominent, with only sporadic sites and items such as chipped stone drills and carving knives.Dorset culture
The Dorset people arrived in the Qaqortoq area around 800 BCE. Several rectangular peat dvelling structures, characteristic of the early Dorset culture, can be found around the wider Qaqortoq area.Norse culture
South Greenland history begins with the arrival of the Norse in the late 10th century. The Thule people arrived in the area a century later. The historical ruins of HvalseyHvalsey
Hvalsey is located near Qaqortoq, Greenland and is the site of Greenland's largest, best-preserved Norse ruins in the area known as the Eastern Settlement .-History:...
−the most prominent Norse
Norsemen
Norsemen is used to refer to the group of people as a whole who spoke what is now called the Old Norse language belonging to the North Germanic branch of Indo-European languages, especially Norwegian, Icelandic, Faroese, Swedish and Danish in their earlier forms.The meaning of Norseman was "people...
ruins
Ruins
Ruins are the remains of human-made architecture: structures that were once complete, as time went by, have fallen into a state of partial or complete disrepair, due to lack of maintenance or deliberate acts of destruction...
in Greenland−are located 19 km northeast of Qaqortoq. General or even limited trade between the Norse and the Thule people was scarce. Except a few novel and exotic items found at Thule sites in the area, evidence suggests cultural exchange was initially sporadic. Later the south Greenland Norse adopted trade with the southern Inuit, and were for a time the major supplier of ivory
Ivory
Ivory is a term for dentine, which constitutes the bulk of the teeth and tusks of animals, when used as a material for art or manufacturing. Ivory has been important since ancient times for making a range of items, from ivory carvings to false teeth, fans, dominoes, joint tubes, piano keys and...
to northern Europe
Europe
Europe is, by convention, one of the world's seven continents. Comprising the westernmost peninsula of Eurasia, Europe is generally 'divided' from Asia to its east by the watershed divides of the Ural and Caucasus Mountains, the Ural River, the Caspian and Black Seas, and the waterways connecting...
. The Norse era lasted for approximately half a thousand years, ending in the mid-15th century. The last written record of the Norse presence is of a wedding in the Hvalsey church in 1408.
Thule people
The Thule culture Inuit arrived in south Greenland and the Qaqortoq area at approximately the 12th century, and were concurrent with the Norse. However, there exists little evidence of early contacts with the Norse. The Thule culture was characterised by a subsistence existence, and there are few, if any, dwellings of considerable structure to be found from the era. Items, however, are relatively numerous.Colonial era until present
The present-day town was founded in 1775 by Norwegian trader Anders Olsen. The town was christened Julianehåb, after the Danish queen Juliane Marie.Until December 31, 2008, the town was the administrative center of Qaqortoq municipality. On January 1, 2009, Qaqortoq became the biggest town and the administrative center of Kujalleq
Kujalleq
Kujalleq is a new municipality in the southern tip of Greenland, operational from 1 January 2009. With 7,589 inhabitants as of January 2010, it is the least-populated municipality in Greenland. The administrative center of the municipality is in Qaqortoq...
municipality, when the municipalities of Qaqortoq, Narsaq
Narsaq
Narsaq is a town in the Kujalleq municipality in southern Greenland. The name Narsaq is Greenlandic for "plain", referring to the beautiful plain on the shore of Tunulliarfik Fjord where the town is located.- History :...
, and Nanortalik
Nanortalik
Nanortalik is a town in the Kujalleq municipality in southern Greenland. With 1,448 inhabitants in 2010, it is the tenth-largest town in the country. The name Nanortalik means "place of polar bears" or "place where the polar bears go" .- History :...
ceased to exist as administrative entities.
Historical buildings
The building that now houses the Qaqortoq museumQaqortoq Museum
Qaqortoq Museum is a museum located in one of the oldest buildings of the town of Qaqortoq, Greenland. It is located in the former blacksmith's shop dated to 1804, made from yellow stone--located right by the main fountain square, and exhibits old inuit boats, hunting equipment, national dresses...
was originally the town's blacksmith's shop. The house was built in yellow stone and dates back to 1804.
The oldest standing building at the historical colonial harbour--and thus of all of Qaqortoq--is a black-tarred log building from 1797. The building was designed by royal Danish architect Kirkerup, pre-built in Denmark, and then shipped log by log to Qaqortoq.
Stone & Man
From 1993 to 1994 Qaqortoq artist Aka HoeghAka Hoegh
Aka Høegh is a Greenlandic artist. Born in Qullissat on Disko Island, she moved to Qaqortoq in her childhood, and has lived in southern Greenland ever since. As a painter, graphic artist, and sculptor Høegh focuses on nationalistic expressionism, creating art which reflects local, traditional...
presided over the Stone & Man project, designed to transform the town into an open air art gallery. Eighteen artists from Finland
Finland
Finland , officially the Republic of Finland, is a Nordic country situated in the Fennoscandian region of Northern Europe. It is bordered by Sweden in the west, Norway in the north and Russia in the east, while Estonia lies to its south across the Gulf of Finland.Around 5.4 million people reside...
, Sweden
Sweden
Sweden , officially the Kingdom of Sweden , is a Nordic country on the Scandinavian Peninsula in Northern Europe. Sweden borders with Norway and Finland and is connected to Denmark by a bridge-tunnel across the Öresund....
, Norway
Norway
Norway , officially the Kingdom of Norway, is a Nordic unitary constitutional monarchy whose territory comprises the western portion of the Scandinavian Peninsula, Jan Mayen, and the Arctic archipelago of Svalbard and Bouvet Island. Norway has a total area of and a population of about 4.9 million...
, Iceland
Iceland
Iceland , described as the Republic of Iceland, is a Nordic and European island country in the North Atlantic Ocean, on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge. Iceland also refers to the main island of the country, which contains almost all the population and almost all the land area. The country has a population...
, Greenland
Greenland
Greenland is an autonomous country within the Kingdom of Denmark, located between the Arctic and Atlantic Oceans, east of the Canadian Arctic Archipelago. Though physiographically a part of the continent of North America, Greenland has been politically and culturally associated with Europe for...
and Aland carved 24 sculptures into the rock faces and boulders in the town. Today there are over 40 sculptures in the town, all part of the Stone & Man exhibit.
The Fountain
The town is home to the oldest fountainFountain
A fountain is a piece of architecture which pours water into a basin or jets it into the air either to supply drinking water or for decorative or dramatic effect....
in Greenland, Mindebrønden, built in 1927. For a long time it was the only fountain in the country, until another was built in Sisimiut
Sisimiut
Sisimiut is a town in central-western Greenland, located on the coast of Davis Strait, approximately north of Nuuk. It is the administrative center of the Qeqqata Municipality and the second-largest town in Greenland, with a population of 5,460 people as of 2010. The site of the present-day town...
. A tourist attraction, the fountain depicts whale
Whale
Whale is the common name for various marine mammals of the order Cetacea. The term whale sometimes refers to all cetaceans, but more often it excludes dolphins and porpoises, which belong to suborder Odontoceti . This suborder also includes the sperm whale, killer whale, pilot whale, and beluga...
s spouting water out of their blowhole
Blowhole
Blowhole may refer to:*Blowhole , the hole at the top of a whale's or other cetacean's head*Blowhole , a hole at the inland end of a sea cave*Blowhole Diversion Tunnel in Victoria, Australia...
s.
Transport
Air
Qaqortoq Heliport operates year-round, linking Qaqortoq with Narsarsuaq Airport, and indirectly with the rest of Greenland and Europe. Feasibility assessments are underway regarding building a landing strip for fixed-wing aircraft. If built, Qaqortoq might become the transit port of choice for air transportation between the North American continent and Europe. The issue was previously debated in 2007, when the DemocratsDemocrats (Greenland)
The Democrats are a liberal and social-liberal, political party in Greenland. At the legislative elections on the fifteenth of November 2005, the party won 22.8% of the popular vote, and seven out of 31 seats, rising from 2002 totals of 15.6% of the popular vote and five out of 31 seats...
opposed a Siumut landing strip proposal, citing ecological and environmental concerns. In contrast to the previous debates, presently the Democrats are lobbying for a 1,799-meter runway, making passenger flights to continental Europe possible. A shorter, 1,199-meter runway, supported by Siumut and Air Greenland, would enable flights to Iceland
Iceland
Iceland , described as the Republic of Iceland, is a Nordic and European island country in the North Atlantic Ocean, on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge. Iceland also refers to the main island of the country, which contains almost all the population and almost all the land area. The country has a population...
and eastern Canada
Canada
Canada is a North American country consisting of ten provinces and three territories. Located in the northern part of the continent, it extends from the Atlantic Ocean in the east to the Pacific Ocean in the west, and northward into the Arctic Ocean...
. The cost of moving the airport from Narsarsuaq is estimated at DKK900 mil (EUR120,7 mil, USD 177 million). Presently Narsarsuaq airport directly and indirectly employs 140 people, and thus the regional council opposes the plans, citing employment concerns if the airport is closed.
Presently five locations for a possible airport are being assessed. Four of these—at Prinsessen, Nunarsuatsiaap Kujalequtaa, Munkebugten, and halfway towards Narsaq
Narsaq
Narsaq is a town in the Kujalleq municipality in southern Greenland. The name Narsaq is Greenlandic for "plain", referring to the beautiful plain on the shore of Tunulliarfik Fjord where the town is located.- History :...
—are for a 1199-meter domestic runway. Only one location, northwest of the town between Nuupiluk and Matup Tunua, would be suitable for a runway up to 2100 meters, in order to accommodate intercontinental flights.
Land
Along with most other major populated places in Greenland—bar the anomalous 5-kilometer connecting road between KangilinnguitKangilinnguit
Kangilinnguit is a settlement and a naval base in the Sermersooq municipality, located at the mouth of Arsuk Fjord in southwestern Greenland. The settlement had 160 inhabitants in 2010, most of whom are Danish Navy personnel, attached to Island Command Greenland headquarters...
and Ivittuut
Ivittuut
Ivittuut, was a municipality , located on the coast of Arsuk fjord in southern Greenland. With an area of just 100 km² , it was the smallest municipality of Greenland, bordering on the former Narsaq municipality in the north, east, and south, and on the west by the Labrador Sea...
—Qaqortoq is not connected to any other populated place via roads. Fairly well trodden hiking
Hiking
Hiking is an outdoor activity which consists of walking in natural environments, often in mountainous or other scenic terrain. People often hike on hiking trails. It is such a popular activity that there are numerous hiking organizations worldwide. The health benefits of different types of hiking...
trails lead north and west from the town, but for any motorised transportation terrain vehicles are needed. During winter, dog sled
Dog sled
A dog sled is a sled pulled by one or more sled dogs used to travel over ice and through snow. Numerous types of sleds are used, depending on their function. They can be used for dog sled racing.-History:...
routes are important transport links to the surrounding area.
Sea
Qaqortoq is a port of call for the Arctic Umiaq LineArctic Umiaq Line
Arctic Umiaq Line A/S or Arctic Umiaq is a passenger and freight line in Greenland. Its name derives from the Greenlandic word for a traditional Inuit boat, the umiaq. The sea connection provided by Arctic Umiaq is a lifeline for the entire western and southwestern Greenland...
coastal ship. The port authority for Qaqortoq is Royal Arctic Line
Royal Arctic Line
Royal Arctic Line A/S or Royal Arctic is a freight company in Greenland, formed in 1992 and headquartered in Nuuk. It has 650 employees and is owned by the Government of Greenland...
, located in Nuuk. With a channel depth of 50 feet, the port can accommodate vessels up to 500 feet in length. The port offers pilotage upon request, but no tugging.
Economy and infrastructure
Qaqortoq is a seaport and trading station. Fish and shrimp processing, tanning, fur production, and ship maintenance and repair are important activities, but the economy is based primarily on educational and administrative services. The primary industries in the town are fishing, service and administration.Though the present economy has emerged from a subsistence economy
Subsistence economy
A subsistence economy is an economy which refers simply to the gathering or amassment of objects of value; the increase in wealth; or the creation of wealth. Capital can be generally defined as assets invested with the expectation that their value will increase, usually because there is the...
, the local seal hide industry produces products for export, especially the Great Greenland Furhouse
Great Greenland Furhouse
Great Greenland Furhouse is a modern tanning and production company that processes furs and sells clothing, fashion wear and other products made of Greenland fur and seal skin, located in Qaqortoq, south Greenland...
, one of the major employers in the town. Like the rest of Greenland, Qaqortoq is critically dependent upon investment from Denmark and relies heavily on Danish block funding. Of all exports produced in Qaqortoq 70,1% are headed for the Danish market.
Employment
As with the rest of Greenland, unemployment in south Greenland--and thereby Qaqortoq--remains high. In 2010, the unemployment was at 10,4%, an increase of over 1.2% since 2009. For workers born outside Greenland unemployment was at 0,1% of the total eligible workforce during the same period.Energy
All of Qaqortoq's electricity is supplied by the government owned company Nukissiorfiit. Since 2007 Qaqortoq gets its electric power mainly from Qorlortorsuaq DamQorlortorsuaq Dam
Qorlortorsuaq Dam is a hydroelectric dam near Qorlortorsuaq in the Nanortalik district of the Kujalleq municipality in southern Greenland. It has a capacity of 7.2 MW and it generates power for the neighbouring towns of Qaqortoq and Narsaq.-History:...
by way of a 70 kilometer long 70 kV powerline. Previously the town's electricity was supplied by means of so called "bunker fuel generators", three diesel ship engines converted to energy production.
Education
Qaqortoq is the main centre for education in South Greenland, and has a primary and lower secondary school, an upper secondary school, a school of commerce, a folk high school which started as a workers college (Sulisartut Højskoliat) in 1977, and a basic vocational school. The town has no educational facilities for higher academic learning.Healthcare
Qaqortoq is served by Napparsimavik Hospital, officially Napparsimavik Qaqortoq Sygehus. The hospital is also the main hospital in southern Greenland. With a staff of 59 people, presently the hospital has 18 beds. The three villages in Qaqortoq municipality--EqalugaarsuitEqalugaarsuit
Eqalugaarsuit is a settlement in the Kujalleq municipality in southern Greenland, located southeast of Qaqortoq and northwest of Alluitsup Paa. Its population was 144 as of 2010....
, Saarloq
Saarloq
Saarloq is a settlement in the Kujalleq municipality in southern Greenland. Its population is 44 as of 2010. It is located on a small island with the same name off the Labrador Sea coast at approximately , at the mouth of the Qaqortoq Fjord, west of Alluitsup Paa and 20 km south of Qaqortoq.The...
, and Qassimiut
Qassimiut
Qassimiut is a settlement in the Kujalleq municipality in southern Greenland. The settlement was founded in 1835 as a trading station...
--also belong to the healthcare district of Napparsimavik Hospital. The villages are visited via sea, and with a medical helicopter in case of emergencies.
During the summer of 2010 the hospital used Greenland grown vegetables exclusively.
Tourism
Tourism is a significant contributor to the economy of the town. The Qaqortoq Tourist Service--Greenland Sagalands--is the tourist office of Qaqortoq. Roughly two thirds of all tourists (65.5%) are from Denmark. There are several facilities offering accommodations, such as Qaqortoq HostelQaqortoq Hostel
Qaqortoq Hostel is a privately run hostel in the town of Qaqortoq in south Greenland. The hostel was expanded in 2007 and now hosts a total of 38 beds, rivalling the major establishments in the area...
and Hotel Qaqortoq, and the Qaqortoq Museum
Qaqortoq Museum
Qaqortoq Museum is a museum located in one of the oldest buildings of the town of Qaqortoq, Greenland. It is located in the former blacksmith's shop dated to 1804, made from yellow stone--located right by the main fountain square, and exhibits old inuit boats, hunting equipment, national dresses...
offers services in English and Danish, in addition to Greenlandic. The Great Greenland Furhouse
Great Greenland Furhouse
Great Greenland Furhouse is a modern tanning and production company that processes furs and sells clothing, fashion wear and other products made of Greenland fur and seal skin, located in Qaqortoq, south Greenland...
is a popular tourist attraction, as well.
In addition to these establishments, tourists are offered year-round activities such as kayaking
Kayaking
Kayaking is the use of a kayak for moving across water. Kayaking and canoeing are also known as paddling. Kayaking is distinguished from canoeing by the sitting position of the paddler and the number of blades on the paddle...
, dogsledding, guided hiking, whale-watching, cross-country skiing
Cross-country skiing
Cross-country skiing is a winter sport in which participants propel themselves across snow-covered terrain using skis and poles...
, and boating. In recent years Qaqortoq has experienced a decline in tourist revenue, with an average of 1,700 tourists annually staying in the town overnight.
Demographics
With 3,230 inhabitants as of 2011, Qaqortoq is the largest town in the Kujalleq municipality. The population increased over 5 percent relative to 1990 and 2000 levels. The town is the only settlement in southern Greenland exhibiting growth patterns over the last two decades, with migrants from the smaller settlements reinforcing the trend.There exists no gender imbalance among native Greenlanders in Qaqortoq, the only gender inequity is amongst inhabitants born outside Greenland, with 3 out of 5 being male. As of 2011 10% of the town's inhabitants were born outside Greenland, a decline from 20% in 1991, but an increase from a 9% low in 2001.
Geography
Qaqortoq is located at approximately 60°43′20"N 46°02′25"W, at the Qaqortoq Fjord, off the Labrador SeaLabrador Sea
The Labrador Sea is an arm of the North Atlantic Ocean between the Labrador Peninsula and Greenland. The sea is flanked by continental shelves to the southwest, northwest, and northeast. It connects to the north with Baffin Bay through the Davis Strait...
.
Climate
Qaqortoq has a maritime-influenced polar climate with cold, snowy winters and cool summers. The southern tip of Greenland does not experience permafrostPermafrost
In geology, permafrost, cryotic soil or permafrost soil is soil at or below the freezing point of water for two or more years. Ice is not always present, as may be in the case of nonporous bedrock, but it frequently occurs and it may be in amounts exceeding the potential hydraulic saturation of...
.