Norse Culture

The Norsemen inhabited Greenland for more than 400 hundred years and created a tradition of farming, which today has become a cornerstone of everyday life in Southern Greenland.

History

The culture of the Norsemen was at its highest point around 1200 A.D. Estimated 2,500 people lived in Greenland at this time and they arrived in Greenland around 982 A.D. and left the country again during the 14th century.

Trading with Europe was prolific, and the Norsemen received requests for luxury items like walrus teeth, which they would travel far, along with the shores of Greenland, to obtain.

Climate changes and the beginning of the Little Ice Age forced the Norsemen at the start of 13th century A.D., to consolidate and move everyone to the South of Greenland, where farming was still possible in spite of cold summers and longer winters.

Some of the best-kept ruins of farm buildings are actually found in the fiord by the capital city of Nuuk, on the west coast, and testifies to the fact, that they moved away due to climate change and hardship, and during a time when the farms in Southern Greenland were significantly larger but fewer in number.

Landmark of Sermitsiay

By hiking just a few hours from Nuuk, you can explore the capital's landmark of Sermitsiaq and explore Lille Malene, and here you can walk in the footsteps of the Norsemen as you pass Norse ruins in Sandnaes.

Nuuk Fjord

Many tour operators set sail off the coast each day and boat trips, canoeing and kayaking are one of the best ways to discover the dramatic encounter between the countryside and the coast. Behold the amazing sight of the fjords, mountains, town and sea, and be on the lookout for seals!