While researching my stay in Iceland, I stumbled upon a day trip to Greenland offered by Air Iceland Connect. This was a great way to get a glimpse of Greenland and I highly recommend it if you’re in Iceland.
It was a quick 2 hour flight from Reykjavik to Kusuluk. Note that it leaves from the munipial airport in Reykajvik and not Keflavik which is about 45 minutes outside of Rejkavik. I made the mistake of going out to Keflavik first and had to quickly get a taxi back to the municipal airport.
Kulusuk
Kulusuk is an isolated village located in East Greenland and 110 km south of the Arctic Circle. It is located on Kulusuk Island and was previously named Kap Dan. There are less than 300 people living there, a combination of Inuit and Danish.
Upon arrival, it was lightly raining and I met my guide in the airport and we walked from the airport into the village on a muddy road with the most specutacular views! I always say the best places are those surrounded by ocean and mountains and Kulusuk definitely has both!!
The walk into the village was scenic with views of the water, the mountains, the cemetery and the colourful houses in red, blue and yellow. It reminds me so much of Newfoundland and a fish staple is caplan. One of my favourites!
Dog Sledding
The Village
Kulusuk Museum is a private collection by a local family. The driftwood below was crafted as a map to the local islands.
Kulusuk Church was built in 1908 by a Danish crew that was stranded. The boat that hangs in the church is a replica of their boat. The altar is decorated with seal and polar bear skins.
We were treated to a Greenlandic Drum Dance by a local woman.
Hunters are men who hunt polar bears, seals and whales as well as being fishermen. Locals indicated that the polar bear population has increased over the last 50 years. Full time hunters are the only people who can hunt polar bears and there are a lot of rules governing the hunt.
A fabulous day spent in Kulusuk Village! Highly recommended.
Happy Travels!
Jackie is “Mom” to one amazing son, an IT professional and an obsessed traveller. She spends her time reading, golfing at Ladies League and implementing software projects. Jackie has travelled to 7 continents, 5 oceans and 102 countries and she is always planning the next destination and adventure!
This looks fantastic. You are doing a great job with your Facebook and blog entries.
Thank you! I’m falling behind with the blogs. I need more of a routine to get the stories written! Harder to do while travelling than I thought, but I’ll figure it out.
You’re adding too many places to my list of where next to go on holiday Jackie 🙂 – glad you’re enjoying it all and getting a bit off the beaten track.