Exploring Greenland's majestic history as President-elect Trump shines spotlight on island nation

Greenland had already captured the attention of the cruise ship industry even before President-elect Trump expressed interest in it. Many cruise ships selected charming towns in Greenland as their ports of call, sailing from Iceland to explore this untouched destination.

cruise ship

Cruise ship passengers take photos of fjords in Greenland (Danuta Hamlin)

One of the ports is Qaqortoq, the largest town in southern Greenland.

Qaqortoq

Qaqortoq means “white” in the Greenlandic language. (Danuta Hamlin)

Following the path of Eric the Red, a Norse explorer who established settlements in Greenland in 982, these ships retraced history. Eric named the land “Greenland” to attract more settlers after being exiled from Iceland.

Some 80% of the island is covered by icecap and the remaining parts do not appear very green either. 

While Greenland may lack abundant trees, it boasts an abundance of rocks and boulders. Some of these natural elements have been transformed into sculptures depicting faces and whales in an art installation known as “Stone & Man.” This outdoor gallery is the creative work of local artist Aka Høegh from Qaqortoq.

fountain

Mindebrønden fountain is the older of the only two public fountains in Greenland.  (Danuta Hamlin)

Qaqortoq boasts the oldest fountain in the country – Mindebrønden – Memorial Fountain. The fountain was completed in 1932 and is turned off during the winter months.

fish market

A fish market in Qaqortoq. Seal meat is a key ingredient in Greenland’s national dish, Suaasat.  (Danuta Hamlin)

The town’s fish market sells whatever has been caught on a given day by local fishermen. It could be fish, or it could be whale meat, or perhaps a seal.

Qaqortoq is, after all, a fisherman’s town and seafood plays a vital part in Greenland’s diet.

Nanortalik

Nanortalik is a village on Nanortalik Island, with some 1,072 inhabitants.  (Danuta Hamlin)

The official religion of Greenland is Evangelical Lutheranism. In another port of call, a village called Nanortalik, members of the local congregation welcomed tourists with a musical performance.

people singing

Nanortalik choir singing outdoors in Greenland in 2018.  (Danuta Hamlin)

Nanortalik means the “Place of Polar Bears”. No bears, however, were spotted loitering around the village.

open-air museum

Nanortalik’s old colonial port area is an open-air museum. (Danuta Hamlin)

Greenland is the world’s largest island – a treat for any tourist adventuresome enough to venture there. 

Greenland’s fjords

Scenic cruising along Greenland’s fjords. Cruise ships anchor in Greenland during transatlantic voyages between North America and Europe.  (Danuta Hamlin)

You May Also Like
Texas rocked by earthquake swarm in less than five hours

Series of Earthquakes Hit Texas in Less Than Five Hours

Texas has experienced a surge in seismic activity over the past few…
Humiliating NFL Draft moment as Shedeur Sanders' dreams are crushed by brutal prank call

Shedeur Sanders faces an embarrassing prank call that crushes his NFL Draft dreams

Shedeur Sanders’ NFL Draft nightmare took a cruel twist Friday when his…
Democrat-run Los Angeles failing wildfire victims’ rebuilding plans months after Trump visit: GOP rep

GOP Representative says Los Angeles, managed by Democrats, is struggling to help victims rebuild after wildfires despite Trump’s visit earlier this year.

Months after the devastating wildfires caused widespread destruction in Southern California, thousands…
New FBI Chicago Field Office Special Agent in Charge Doug DePodesta says he returned home to help keep city safe | ABC7 EXCLUSIVE

Exclusive: New Head of FBI Chicago Office, Doug DePodesta, Returns Home to Ensure City’s Safety

CHICAGO (WLS) — There’s a new special agent in charge of the…
‘North Of North’s Dogsledding Fetish Sex Scene Is One Of A Kind — And Even Had Star Anna Lambe Feeling “Mortified”

“Unique Dogsledding Sex Scene in ‘North Of North’ Leaves Star Anna Lambe Feeling Embarrassed”

It might be cold in Ice Cove, Nunavut — but North of…
Trump’s goodwill tested as Putin ignores peace efforts during Witkoff's visit

Putin’s disregard for peace efforts poses a challenge to Trump during Witkoff’s visit

President Donald Trump’s patience is being tested by Russian President Vladimir Putin,…
Will There Be A ‘You’ Season 6 On Netflix? Everything We Know

What We Know About the Possibility of ‘You’ Season 6 on Netflix

After debuting on Lifetime six years ago, the hit show You has…
George Santos to be sentenced for fraud, identity theft; prosecutors seeking 7-year prison sentence

George Santos Faces Sentencing for Fraud and Identity Theft – Prosecutors Push for 7-Year Prison Term

NEW YORK — Disgraced former U.S. Rep. George Santos, who lied about…
Karen Read says she poured extra shots into her cocktails before John O'Keefe's death

Karen Read admits to adding extra shots to cocktails prior to John O’Keefe’s death

Sometimes, Karen Read might take things into her own hands, like when…
Virginia Giuffre, Jeffrey Epstein and Prince Andrew accuser, dead at 41 by suicide: report

Report: Woman who accused Prince Andrew, Jeffrey Epstein, of wrongdoing dies by suicide at age 41

According to a report, Virginia Giuffre has died by suicide. Giuffre made…
Trump tenderly applies mascara to 'eyeliner man' JD Vance as the pair snuggle in an all-pink bedroom in wild AI image as China unleashes meme warfare on US amid tariff stand-off

“Imagined Image Shows Trump and JD Vance Bonding in a Pink Bedroom as China Engages in Meme Warfare Amid Tariff Stand-Off”

Critics from China are poking fun at Donald Trump’s aggressive tariff strategy…
Highland Park parade shooting: Robert Crimo III transferred to Stateville prison to serve life sentence for killing 7, injuring 48

Robert Crimo III moved to Stateville prison for lifelong sentence after Highland Park parade shooting kills 7 and wounds 48

WAUKEGAN, Ill. (WLS) — The Highland Park parade shooter will now begin…