For a country with such low population density, Greenland is absolutely enormous. There are so many cities, towns and regions just waiting to be explored. So when planning a trip to Greenland, how do you choose where to go?
If you are looking for rugged coastlines, icebergs for days, whale watching, sled dogs, gorgeous landscapes and friendly locals – then look no further than Oqaatsut.
Oqaatsut is a tiny settlement on the west coast of Greenland in the Disko Bay region and is accessible from Ilulissat by boat or kayak in the summer. It is also possible to hike the 21km trail between towns.
The boat ride between towns is just one hour, and the time flies by. Sailing through the Disko Bay means sailing amongst thousands of icebergs. Some white, some blue, some huge and some small, but all are absolutely stunning.
Once docking at the settlement, the exploring can begin! The colourful houses are beautiful, the icebergs are abundant and the whole area is too captivating for words. It is nothing short of a paradise for photographic enthusiasts, landscape lovers and those wanting to get even further off the beaten track.
"Sail amongst thousands of icebergs. Some white, some blue, some huge and some small, but all are absolutely stunning.
Adding even further to the town’s appeal, there are also many sled dogs living in Oqaatsut, and whilst these huskies are still puppies, they are able to roam free around the settlement.
Touching the trained adults who pull sleds in the winter is often discouraged, but playing with the puppies is more than fine.
They are extremely enthusiastic and affectionate; but be warned, they will be all too eager to jump on you, lick your face, and if you give them the chance, they will definitely try to pull off your scarf, beanie and/or gloves – to them, it’s all just play!
Oqaatsut is often also referred to as Rodebay.
This area was first settled in the 1700’s by Dutch whalers who dubbed it Rodebay – which translates to Red Bay – due to the colour of the sea water running red with blood after drawing captured whales ashore here.
Oqaatsut is a place with a population of just 42 residents, which consists of mostly young children and old people. Our guide took us to explore the settlement, including the small school where we had the chance to interact with several local children.
After the guided tour, there is plenty of time to go exploring around the settlement on your own. During my trip in late September I found myself mildly infatuated with all the baby sled dogs, so after about thirty minutes of exploring, I ended up spending a lot of the afternoon cuddling one pup in particular. It was certainly a wonderful and relaxing way to spend an afternoon, and doing so while basking in the gorgeous Greenlandic scenery; well that’s just perfection.
If you are setting out on this trip, remember to keep your eyes peeled for wildlife. You may be lucky enough to see whales and seals as I found out first-hand.
These small boat trips to the settlement can be organised with the wonderful team at World of Greenland – a small tour company based out of Ilulissat – the cost of the tour is 800,00 DKK.
This includes a guided tour of the settlement and the opportunity to explore within the tiny community and meet some of the local Inuit inhabitants. You can fly with Air Greenland to Ilulissat from Copenhagen or Keflavik Airport.
Source: Ellen Burne | visitgreenland
