History and UNESCO

There are fascinating stories of how people through history has adapted to nature and survived even the thoughest conditions. That was especially acknowledged when the area was appointed UNESCO world heritage site in 2018. This is a treasure chest of stories and history. Follow in the footsteps of an archaeologist.

Nipisat is a unique cultural landscape from the ice cap through the vast reindeer hunting areas in the inland to the fjords and even the islands known for the many prehistoric settlements. The area is rich on cultural heritage from Inuit’s history in West Greenland through 4,500 years, including memories of special events between the Dutch and Danish/ Norwegian whalers that make the area significant in a North Atlantic history.

Start and finish: Sisimiut harbor
Length: 6 km
Start time: 08.00
Duration: 6 hours
Degree of difficulty: moderate in slow pace
Terrain: hiking with little elevation
Tour category: Blue

Assaqutaq is from a period typical of the mid 20th century, with roots dating back to the whaling industry, characteristic of the 19th century. The mix of refurbished houses and fallow buildings will easily make you think of a ghost town full of mystery and history.
After the first kilometer we arrive at the old whalers station Qerrortusoq. The great cemetery is the first thing you’ll notice. If you dare to leave the trail, you can go down to the coast to visit, for example, the ruins of the first private school in Greenland. The building was funded by the citizens of Qerrortusoq.
The hiking trail towards Sisimiut is through a beautiful and very lush area. After about 2/3 of the trip, we get to the viewpoint “Whale Bay View Point”. Here are great opportunities to see whales and watch the passing boats and dinghies who put yarn out from the coast. In fact, there are good opportunities on the whole route to spot whales, so keep your eyes open and listen carefully to the whales’ blows. At the viewpoint there is usually also a little wind that keeps the mosquitoes away.

Start and finish: Sisimiut harbor
Length: 6 km
Start time: 08.00
Duration: 6 hours
Degree of difficulty: moderate in slow pace
Terrain: hiking with little elevation
Tour category: Blue

This tour takes you to the little island Sallinnguit, which in English is called “The Tele Island”, because it is where the modern telecommunications installations are located. This little island has been an attractive place through thousands of years: First for the settlement for different Inuit cultures as the Saqqaq culture, Dorset culture and the Thule people. Today you’ll find the shrimp-peeling factory of Royal Greenland and also historical residential houses from the early industrialized period in Greenland. Sallinnguit is no longer a separate island, it is now connected to the city with a little bridge, as it has been a central part of the development.

Start and finish: Sisimiut harbor
Length: 6 km
Start time: 08.00
Duration: 6 hours
Degree of difficulty: moderate in slow pace
Terrain: hiking with little elevation
Tour category: Blue

Further information coming soon…

Start and finish: Sisimiut harbor
Length: 6 km
Start time: 08.00
Duration: 6 hours
Degree of difficulty: moderate in slow pace
Terrain: hiking with little elevation
Tour category: Blue