Tuesday 8 December 2015

The Top 6 Historical Sites in Greenland

Mysterious, remote, untouched. But, unexplored?? While you may think of Greenland  as a fascinating wonderland awaiting to be discovered, you may be surprised to know just how many historical sites it boasts. Here’s a list of what to look forward to, from a historical perspective, on your Greenland expedition, and areas to explore.

1) The Tomb at Qilakitsoq
In 1972, two brothers made a ghoulish discovery beneath a rock outcrop while grouse hunting – the bodies of eight mummies, approx. 500 years old. The mummies, which have since taught us much about Inuit customs, are now on display at the NuukNational Museum.
2) Ittoqqortoormiit
At the entrance of Greenland National Park lies the fascinating Deltaterrasserne, a pre-Inuit archaeological site located near the head of Jørgen Brønlund Fjord, Peary Land peninsula. Constructed of large, terraced stones, it is one of the largest archaeological sites of the area.  
3) Qoornoq
Previously inhabited by the pre-Inuit, Paleo-Eskimo people of the Saqqaq culture, this well-known archaeological site contains ruins of ancient Inuit and Norse buildings.
4) Brattahlio
Viking enthusiasts will appreciate Brattahlio, where Erik the Red and his descendants lived until late in the 15th century. There is also a replica of a Norse longhouse and a reconstruction of what many consider to be the first church of the New World.    
5) Skoldungen
You’ll travel back in time when you visit Skoldungen, a small settlement that became a ghost town around 1961 as its population eventually moved to larger cities. A visit here holds its own charms and reminds us of a simpler past.  
6) Nuuk
Nuuk was founded in 1728 as the very first town in Greenland, and is its charming capital. Along with enjoying spectacular natural beauty, history-lovers can explore the historic “Old Nuuk”, the National Museum, and the Greenland Cultural Centre. 

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