Qaqortoq Greenland Walking Adventure

Exploring Qaqortoq Greenland on Foot: A Walking Adventure

Qaqortoq, a charming coastal town in southern Greenland, offers a delightful experience for those who enjoy exploring on foot. Qaqortoq is surrounded by majestic mountains, fjords, and glaciers, offering breathtaking views and opportunities for outdoor activities like hiking, kayaking, and fishing.

Above Picture: Tender Boat bringing visitors ashore in Qaqortoq. Tender ports are those where cruise ships cannot dock directly at the pier due to water depth, infrastructure limitations, or other factors. In such cases, smaller boats called tenders are used to transport passengers from the ship to the shore and back. This town was my second stop in my Cruise to Greenland, the First being Nanortalik.

Got off the Tender boat and right across from the port is a big sign 'Welcome To Qaqortoq' with a gift shop were one can buy Greenland souvenir's and T-shirts. 

Right behind the gift shop on a small hill are these stone carvings. The rock face is predominantly dark, likely a natural stone like granite or basalt. Carved into the rock are numerous fish-like shapes, arranged in a swirling pattern. The fish are detailed with fins, scales, and tails, and they appear to be swimming upwards. Fish are a significant part of Greenland's marine culture and economy. The carvings are weathered and slightly faded, suggesting a long history. Lush green grass grows at the base of the rock, adding a natural touch to the scene 

Snapped a few photos of the rock carvings, there are several other carvings of animals and human faces, kind of open air gallery.

There is a push to attract more tourist to Greenland. Made my way back down the hill and was off to explore the town.

Walked past and admired the vibrant and colorful houses that line the streets, adding to the town's charm. I was headed towards the church when I came across circular fountain surrounded by a stone wall. The fountain is a popular tourist attraction and a gathering place for locals. The dolphins are a symbol of the town's connection to the sea and its marine life.

 Memorial Fountain

A short walk from the Fountain is the Qaqortoq Church. Its a beautiful red church, a prominent landmark in the town. The Church was closed. 

Continued on my walk, there are cafe's and a Grocery store. Grocery store was well stocked with food and bakery items, I also passed a fish market on my walk. The town has a long history of Inuit settlement, and there are several cultural sites and museums that showcase the region's indigenous heritage.

Street Names are not easy to pronounce, The words tassuunnaqquunnerit Tamaasa mean “I think of you every time I pass by" The roads are paved and there are Taxis available. 

It was an overcast day, dress warm and have comfortable walking shoes, after a few hours I took the Tender back to the ship.

Comments, questions?