In the helicopter to Uummannaq
North of Disko Bay is where you really break free of the travelers––not to mention amenities like restaurants and places to sleep (to be fair, there is one of each in Uummannaq, though I’d soon be doing without either). The town is still a ferry terminal, however, so for the few hours that the boat is in harbor, people mill about taking pictures. No sooner does it pull out than the locals stare at you like maybe you missed it. The only other way to get there is by helicopter, which is how I made the trip. Too small for a runway, the island survives on these 10-minute helio-hops from nearby Qaarsuut. It’s a gorgeous ride if you don’t mind tucking your legs behind the bags of mail and other cargo.
Uummannaq's historical center
I had two days in the town and I spent the first exploring the sweetly picturesque old center. The most appealing historical district I encountered all trip, the various buildings––a beautiful granite church, a squat yellow-washed blubber house, a well-preserved vicarage, and three traditional turf houses––are artfully arranged around the harbor, and because the only market and restaurant are nearby, it remains the focal point of foot traffic. The museum is one of Greenland’s finest and the turf huts are manned by an octogenarian volunteer who wouldn’t let me leave until he’d dutifully pantomimed the complicated creation of a pair of traditional kamiks (sealskin boots). He clapped me on the back many times, laughing at how tall I was and how low the turf hut ceilings are.
Inside a traditional turf house
A quick note about the turf houses: nearly everyone in Greenland lived in them until the forced consolidation/public housing boom of the 1950s. They look pretty rough from the outside, but every one I’ve been in––almost a dozen––has been unfailingly clean, bright, and sweet-smelling, like the citrusy moss that grows everywhere here. Every time I go inside one I expect it to be dank and dark, and every time I’m pleasantly surprised. They’re really quite cozy.
I probably shouldn’t have gotten this far without mentioning Uummannaq’s most distinctive feature. The sheer 1200m. mountain at the island’s far end ends up being the backdrop for every view of (and from) town. Made of colorfully banded gneiss, the peak is pretty unusual compared to others I saw in Greenland––it looks better suited to the Andes. Nevertheless it’s really beautiful, and the light constantly toys with its colors. I met a climber from Zurich intent on summiting it––he’d already been partway up to test the rock and drop off some gear. Personally, I was more than happy to circle the base and gaze up at the thing, which I did on my second day. The sun was impossibly bright, and my shadow eerily stark against the rocks while I walked. I kept feeling like there was someone next to me.
Uummannaq's distinctive peak
I left town on a Saturday, and whether it was because of some unknown holiday or simply post-payday festivities, everyone in town seemed to be out drinking. Bottles were clinking in Pilersuisuoq bags, and the same people who greeted me a day before with blank stares were now waving me over to chat. To a person, everyone seemed smitten with their town, promising me that it never rained and that they would never consider moving anywhere else. By the time it was necessary to head to the helioport, I had a pretty warm feeling about Uummannaq––I was headed much farther north, where it was rumored to be much colder, and I had some regrets about abandoning that glorious sun.
39 Comments
vozol posted on March 31, 2024 at 11:04 am
thankss
time posted on March 31, 2024 at 11:05 am
thankss
spotify premium mod apk posted on March 31, 2024 at 1:10 pm
Spotify MOD APK is a tweaked version of Spotify granting free access to premium features like unlimited skips ad-free listening, and offline mode.Enjoy seamless music without a subscription fee.
PERCETAKAN MURAH JAKARTA posted on April 1, 2024 at 4:02 am
I like this article, it really helps me in my daily life
PERCETAKAN MURAH JAKARTA posted on April 1, 2024 at 4:06 am
I like this article
MAZTERIZE posted on April 1, 2024 at 1:10 pm
At Mazterizes.com, we’re your trusted source for secure and convenient software downloads.
MAZTERIZE posted on April 1, 2024 at 1:13 pm
At Mazterizes.com, we’re your trusted source for secure and convenient software downloads.
GoMovies posted on April 1, 2024 at 6:21 pm
GoMovies is a user-friendly online platform for streaming movies and TV shows.With a vast collection of titles it offers easy navigation and search functions.Users can enjoy high-quality content without ads making it a popular choice for entertainment enthusiasts.
Road To Gaming posted on April 1, 2024 at 6:52 pm
RoadToGaming.net is a best hub to download working PC games for free, all stuff uploaded on this website is full version, best and awesome.
SteamUnlocked posted on April 1, 2024 at 6:58 pm
STEAMUNLOCKED allows you to download your favorite games pre-installed on steam without the cost.
Youtube Premium Apk posted on April 1, 2024 at 7:01 pm
Android Cihaz ve PC için Youtube Premium Apk‘nin En Son Sürümünü İndirmek için 1 Numaralı Web Sitesi Youtube Premium APK’ya hoş geldiniz.
GoMovies posted on April 2, 2024 at 7:41 am
GoMovies is a user-friendly online platform for streaming movies.It offers a vast library of films across various genres. With a simple interface users can easily search for and watch their favorite movies for free.It’s a convenient way to enjoy entertainment from the comfort of your own home.
سایت شرط بندی معتبر posted on April 3, 2024 at 10:35 am
Thanks, this is rather great news!
Igtools posted on April 5, 2024 at 8:58 am
Igtools is an online helper making Instagram growth simple. Get more followers, likes, and views on your posts for free, making your Instagram journey easier and fun.
Igtools posted on April 5, 2024 at 10:57 am
Igtools is your Instagram buddy, offering easy-to-use tools for boosting followers, likes, and views. It’s your secret weapon for social media success.
Insta pro posted on April 7, 2024 at 8:01 am
Thank you do much
Insta pro posted on April 8, 2024 at 7:02 am
Nice post
alight motion posted on April 9, 2024 at 2:51 am
Alight Motion is an app for making animations and videos with effects, editing tools, and motion graphics.
OneBloodRewards posted on April 10, 2024 at 4:47 am
Nice post , keep it up, keep share such post.
RickeyHawk posted on April 10, 2024 at 6:19 pm
Uummannaq, a picturesque town in Greenland, is renowned for its heart-shaped mountain backdrop and crystal-clear ice fjords. This remote paradise offers a unique glimpse into Arctic life, mesmerizing visitors with its blend of natural beauty and cultural richness.
Mcdonald Menu Price Uk posted on April 12, 2024 at 6:50 am
Thanks for the valuable content.
Tina posted on April 12, 2024 at 1:26 pm
Your detailed exploration of Uummannaq beautifully captures the essence of this remote town. From its historic center to the towering mountain backdrop, every aspect is brought to life through your engaging narrative. The warmth of the locals and the unique charm of the turf houses add depth to the experience. Thank you for sharing this captivating journey!
Land Crusier price in uae posted on April 12, 2024 at 2:44 pm
Who is Zaman Safi
Zaman Safi FZE is widely regarded as one of the premier destinations in the UAE for purchasing certified pre-owned cars, serving customers not only in Dubai but also across Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Zambia, and Malawi.We are no 1 Dubai Car Dealer.
ModCapCut posted on April 16, 2024 at 12:40 am
I just wish to provide a enormous thumbs up for any excellent information you have here about this post. I will be coming back to your work
shahidnasar posted on April 17, 2024 at 8:05 am
Hey! I Am Shahidnasar, a young dedicated freelance digital marketing Consultant in Calicut.
My academic background in digital marketing is a diploma in digital marketing course from Aviv Digital in Calicut. In this rapidly changing digital world, My goals and missions is to help companies and entrepreneurs to grow their businesses and bring them to the top through digital medias.
As a freelance digital marketing consultant I can assure you that I will provide the best digital marketing services and will work completely based on your needs, and requirements and give the best result
ผลบอลสด posted on April 17, 2024 at 10:45 am
Bigwals: Attract attention and captivate users with Bigwals top-rated 3D animation services. From realistic 3D character design and body proportions to facial expressions – create lifelike animations and experiences tailored to your vision.
ผลบอลสด posted on April 17, 2024 at 10:46 am
From realistic 3D character design and body proportions to facial expressions – create lifelike animations and experiences tailored to your vision.
Best path Inc posted on April 17, 2024 at 4:07 pm
I came across your blog website online and read some of your initial posts. Keep up the excellent work. I’ve also added your RSS feed to my MSN News Reader. Looking forward to reading more from you in the future!
SkyView Paintings posted on April 17, 2024 at 4:09 pm
Alight Motion is an application designed for creating animations and videos, offering a wide range of effects, editing tools, and motion graphics
vidyavinod posted on April 18, 2024 at 5:11 am
niceee
Reminii posted on April 21, 2024 at 12:30 am
Transform your Facebook Ads and Stories with the revolutionary Remini MOD APK. This cutting-edge tool bridges the gap between past and present, elevating visual narratives to unprecedented heights. Experience a journey through time as you reminisce on cherished moments or breathe new life into old photographs. Unleash the power of Remini and watch as your stories captivate audiences like never before, transcending the boundaries of imagination.
Ciote posted on April 21, 2024 at 5:44 am
Fa Plus is a great app for streaming lovers, offering a wide variety of movies and shows in multiple languages on various devices including Android and PC.
Kami posted on April 21, 2024 at 6:38 am
With Fa Plus APK, users can access an extensive library of streaming content in several languages, available on Android, PC, and other devices. Watch your favorite movies and shows anywhere, anytime.
Novo Place EC posted on April 23, 2024 at 12:39 pm
very informative post. thanks for sharing.
vidya vinod posted on April 24, 2024 at 1:18 am
I am a passionate and results-driven Digital Marketing Specialist based in Calicut, India, with expertise in SEO (Search Engine Optimization), SEM (Search Engine Marketing), and SMM (Social Media Marketing)
naudebourn posted on April 24, 2024 at 7:12 am
Thanks for posting this information. I just want to let you know that I checked out your site and found it very interesting and informative.
inat box apk posted on April 25, 2024 at 11:24 am
Inat Tv eğlenceyi kolaylaştırır. Filmleri ve TV şovlarını istediğiniz zaman, istediğiniz yerde, TV sınırlamaları olmadan izleyin. Inat Box ile en sevdiğiniz içeriğin keyfini sorunsuzca çıkarın.
Bagnall Haus posted on April 25, 2024 at 12:21 pm
This article offers valuable guidance for navigating the ever-changing landscape of social media marketing. Thanks for the informative read!
Nisha D posted on April 26, 2024 at 12:35 am
Exploring Uummannaq sounds like a true adventure! Your description of the town’s remote location and limited amenities paints a vivid picture of a place where travelers can truly disconnect and immerse themselves in the beauty of the surroundings. The helicopter ride must offer stunning views, despite the unconventional seating arrangements. It’s destinations like these that remind us of the vast and varied experiences the world has to offer. Thank you for sharing this glimpse into a lesser-known gem!