Saturday, September 11, 2010

Qaqortoq, Greenland

Qaqortoq is the most populous town in southern Greenland, with a population of 3,306. For comparrison, our ship held 3,100 passengers and 1,600 staff.

With an eye toward future development, the town created a sculpture park enlisting the help of 18 Nordic artists. Tourism is helping fund new development including a new harbor, a hydro-electric plant and airport facilities (currently they only have a heli-port, located adjacent to the hospital.) I'm sure the flavor of Qaqortoq will become more tourist-oriented as this happens, but today it still retains its original atmosphere with only one small gift shop set up for the tourists. A short walk away you are in the center of town mingling with locals.

These are just a few examples of the rock sculpture which can be found throughout the community.

This is one of only two fountains in the entire country of Greenland. Since much of the year is below freezing, it is probably somewhat of an rarity to see it operating. The weather was clear and beautiful the day we were there (somewhere in the mid to high 60's) and many locals were out walking around, pushing baby strollers or sitting in the town square.
I'm not sure if this guy is a fisherman or a butcher, but regardless he was butchering what appeared to be seals. Outside were maybe 6 tables set up for locals to sell their wares - kind of like a small local farmer's market selling everything from fresh fish to dead seagulls to dried fish to fresh produce, etc.

Ocean fishing is a dangerous profession in these icy-cold waters and this monument in the Frelserns Church remembers sailors lost in a 1959 shipwreck.
Qaqortoq houses a small museum featuring the work of local artists, items of historical significance and a brief history of the community.

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