Sisimiut, Greenland
Our voyage begins today sailing along Greenland’s rugged coast to Sisimiut. Located just north of the Arctic Circle, Sisimiut is the northernmost town in Greenland that remains ice-free during winter. By lunchtime the National Geographic Explorer was secure alongside the picturesque inner harbor.
We spent the afternoon exploring town with a variety of activities. Walking tours led us to the museum where we find historic buildings dating back more than 100 years. Above lies Greenland’s second oldest church, built in 1775. Others hiked the rocky coast where we discovered archeological sites dating back to the Thule period when Inuit peoples first settled here. There were also the ruins of whale-meat storage buildings from the Dutch whaling period. Meanwhile a group of adventurous hikers hiked the steep slopes above town where there were spectacular panoramic views of the port and out to sea.
On our way back to the ship it was interesting to stroll along the waterfront observing and photographing the great variety of boats in the harbor. Sisimiut lies near once-rich whaling grounds and also at the southern extent of walrus habitat. Today, many boats in the harbor are still outfitted with harpoon guns, although the economy has shifted from traditional hunting to shrimping, with a reported 10,000 tons of shrimp processed each year.
Back on board, we enjoyed cocktails and our Welcome Dinner as the National Geographic Explorer headed out into Davis Strait in search of tomorrow’s adventures.
Our voyage begins today sailing along Greenland’s rugged coast to Sisimiut. Located just north of the Arctic Circle, Sisimiut is the northernmost town in Greenland that remains ice-free during winter. By lunchtime the National Geographic Explorer was secure alongside the picturesque inner harbor.
We spent the afternoon exploring town with a variety of activities. Walking tours led us to the museum where we find historic buildings dating back more than 100 years. Above lies Greenland’s second oldest church, built in 1775. Others hiked the rocky coast where we discovered archeological sites dating back to the Thule period when Inuit peoples first settled here. There were also the ruins of whale-meat storage buildings from the Dutch whaling period. Meanwhile a group of adventurous hikers hiked the steep slopes above town where there were spectacular panoramic views of the port and out to sea.
On our way back to the ship it was interesting to stroll along the waterfront observing and photographing the great variety of boats in the harbor. Sisimiut lies near once-rich whaling grounds and also at the southern extent of walrus habitat. Today, many boats in the harbor are still outfitted with harpoon guns, although the economy has shifted from traditional hunting to shrimping, with a reported 10,000 tons of shrimp processed each year.
Back on board, we enjoyed cocktails and our Welcome Dinner as the National Geographic Explorer headed out into Davis Strait in search of tomorrow’s adventures.
