Lottie Davis
These are our favorite local haunts, touristy spots, and hidden gems throughout Disko Bay.
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The greatest tourist attraction in all of Greenland is the astonishing Ilulissat Kangerlua (Ilulissat Icefjord), a berg-packed bay fed by the 5km (3mi) wide and 1100m (3608ft) thick glacier Sermeq Kujalleq. The glacier flows an average of 25m (82ft) daily and is the world's most prolific outside Antarctica.
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Greenlandic landscapes are on view at the Emanuel A Petersen Art Museum, where most of the works are by the eponymous Danish artist. Petersen (1894-1948) was a prolific painter, and during his career he made several trips to Greenland to paint its extraordinary landscape and light. Through numerous exhibitions around Europe and his illustrations in Greenland in Pictures, published in 1928, he introduced the magic of the Arctic to the rest of Europe. When he died he left an extraordinary collection of paintings of early-20th-century Greenland, 66 of which are exhibited here.
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The newly renovated Hunting & Fishing Museum emphasises the hunting and fishing traditions of the polar Inuit, and contains both traditional and modern tools, implements and conveyances, as well as a wooden dory. There are no set opening hours, but during business hours there's usually someone at the door; if not, ask for the key at the Knud Rasmussen Museum.
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The Qeqertarsuaq Museum, in the beautiful former inspector's house at the harbour, has exhibitions on the town's history, including the colonial and whaling period; the Arctic Research Station; and Greenlandic Christmas customs. The museum also houses a collection of works by Jakob Danielsen, local artist and hunter.
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The collection at the small Aasiaat Museum includes an interesting array of carvings, archaeological finds, old photos, birds and a turf house outside.