Qassimiut’s building history stretches from the 19th-century stone warehouse to newer buildings considered worthy of preservation. The varied uses and states of preservation of individual houses are also part of the local character. Other useful points of reference include fishing and hunting opportunities in the surrounding area, a helicopter landing site on the outskirts of the settlement, and accommodation in the village.
Buildings and Local History
The stone warehouse B81 dates from the 19th century, is protected, and has been renovated on the outside. The school B-480 and the church B-112 are newer buildings that are also considered worthy of preservation. The old school B-111 is likewise considered worthy of preservation, but is no longer in use and is in poor condition. Use and condition may change.
The Pilersuisoq store B-76 and the residential building B-86 show a different combination of preservation and use. Both are colonial buildings, are considered worthy of preservation, and continue to be used and maintained. Their use and state of maintenance may change. The term “worthy of preservation” therefore does not mean that all buildings are used or maintained to the same extent.
Jonathan Motzfeldt is also part of the settlement’s history: the former Landsstyreformand grew up in Qassimiut. Together with the buildings’ different periods of construction, this biographical connection offers another point of reference for understanding the place.
Surroundings and Travel Planning
There are good opportunities for hunting and fishing in the area around Qassimiut. Tourism development presents taking part in fishing and hunting trips as an option. Before making specific plans, check whether such an offering is currently available.
A helicopter landing site is located on the outskirts of Qassimiut. If you are considering travelling by helicopter, check in advance whether connections are available for your travel dates. This keeps your plans aligned with the connections that are actually available.
Qassimiut Hunter's House is accommodation in the remote settlement. Before travelling, check availability for your dates before making firm plans for your stay.
Beyond Qassimiut: Kommune Kujalleq
Other places in the wider destination of Kommune Kujalleq offer their own attractions. In Igaliku, marked day-hiking trails lead to waterfalls cascading down to the fjord and to Nuuluk, which rises above the settlement. Trail conditions may change; check them before setting out on a specific hike. The Norse site of Igaliku includes the remains of Saint Nicholas Cathedral, a church, a bishop’s residence, a farm with stables for up to 100 cows, and a bishop’s gravestone.
At the Nanortalik Museum, ten buildings serve as exhibition spaces. The exhibitions cover traditional production of seal oil, healthcare and medicinal plants, Viking clothing, radio communications, traditional boats such as the kayak and umiaq, and the shipwreck Hans Hedtoft. In Qaqortoq, Greenland Sagalands is the tourist information centre. It can help with arranging tours and transport, as well as lending outdoor equipment; check current offerings before your trip.
Discover more destinations: Narsaq, Alluitsoq, Qaqortoq, Narsarsuaq.
For the wider travel overview: Kommune Kujalleq.
