UKKUSISSAT
A settlement with a population ranging from 90 to 150 residents dependent on the time of the year, this community north-east of Uummannaq is situated 500 kilometres above the Arctic Circle.
You’ll probably hear something about the friendliness of the locals of Ukkusissat long before you ever reach there. A settlement with a population ranging from 90 to 150 residents dependent on the time of the year, this community north-east of Uummannaq is situated 500 kilometres above the Arctic Circle. Ukkusissat is isolated by impressive mountains on one side and the imposing icy waters of Greenland on the other.
The Legend of Ukkusissat
Legend has it that in the late 1990s, a ship was sailing by among the icebergs near Uummannaq during summertime, when the captain received a radio call.
“Why don’t you stop by and say hello since you are so close?” asked a voice on the other side. It didn’t take long after the invite was sent for the ship to dock close by, and for Ukkusissat’s first cruise guests to come on shore. It took just one happy meeting to prompt the beginning of a flourishing relationship between cruise ships and Ukkusissat.
An Open Community
This northerly settlement of Greenland is one of the most open communities in the country, and one where its people are just as interested in you, the tourist, as you are in them. You’re special as a visitor because you’re one of only few connections with the greater world, and a chance for residents to practise speaking in another language.
Though a little shy, the Greenlanders are happy to welcome you with song and dance, and chat with you about life in general. During cruise ship visits, the locals have upon agreement opened up their community house and invited guests to tea and coffee.
Reaching The Settlement
Getting to Ukkusissat is just as much of an experience as being there, and besides the option of the helicopter throughout the year, there are varied modes of transportation.
During summer tourists have sailed close by with Hurtigruten’s expedition cruise ship Fram; and in the winter when the sea if frozen, you can take a snowmobile or a regular taxi 49 kilometres directly over the sea ice from Uummannaq to reach the settlement!
Regular Life In Ukkusissat
Although the pace of Ukkusissat might be slower than in a big city, one can feel life throbbing through its veins – even in the wintertime! Darkness is a well-known concept in this village at the end of the world, as the sun does not shine between October and February.
Life is carried on as normal, though, and efforts are made by the community to keep spirits high through the arrangement of kaffemiks and dances. Life is very closely connected to the other residents and surrounding nature, and perhaps it is due to this tightly bonded community and willingness to welcome tourists that guests feel so special when coming here.
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