Aasivissuit Nipisat Inuit Hunting Ground Between Ice and Sea

Aasivissuit – Nipisat: The Inuit Hunting Ground Between Ice and Sea

Table of Contents

  1. Introduction
  2. Geography
  3. Inuit Culture and History
  4. The Area Today
  5. Getting There
  6. Things to Do
  7. Accommodation
  8. Food and Drink
  9. Safety and Precautions
  10. Conclusion

Introduction

Aasivissuit – Nipisat, a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in Greenland, is an untouched piece of history that tells the story of the Inuit people’s struggle to survive in one of the harshest environments on Earth. Situated between the ice and sea, this unique cultural landscape offers insights into the lives of the indigenous Inuit inhabitants who have lived there for centuries.

Geography

Aasivissuit – Nipisat is situated on the Greenlandic coast, roughly 100 km northwest of Ilulissat. The area encompasses a vast expanse of tundra, where the Arctic landscape stretches towards the horizon with an endless sea of ice and snow. It’s an unforgiving yet breathtakingly beautiful environment that demands respect from visitors.

Inuit Culture and History

Aasivissuit – Nipisat has been home to the Inuit people for centuries. The area’s unique geography, where the land meets the sea, provided an abundance of resources that allowed the Inuit to thrive. They developed a sophisticated culture based on hunting, fishing, and whaling, with their traditional way of life deeply rooted in the landscape.

The area is home to numerous ancient ruins, including remains from old hunting camps and settlements. These archaeological sites offer a glimpse into the lives of the Inuit people who once called this place home. The most famous of these sites is the Qalup Ilua (The Old Woman) settlement, which dates back over 4,500 years.

The Area Today

Today, Aasivissuit – Nipisat remains a UNESCO World Heritage Site and an important cultural site for the Inuit people. It’s a place where visitors can experience the harsh yet beautiful Arctic environment and learn about the lives of the indigenous inhabitants who have called this area home for centuries.

The area is also home to numerous hiking trails, including the famous Icefjord Hike that takes visitors through the stunning Ilulissat Icefjord. The hike offers breathtaking views of the icefjord and the surrounding landscape.

Getting There

Aasivissuit – Nipisat is located in western Greenland, roughly 100 km northwest of Ilulissat. The easiest way to get there is by taking a flight from Kangerlussuaq (Søndre Strømfjord) or Ilulissat to the nearby town of Qasiguitsooq, which takes around 1-2 hours.

From Qasiguitsooq, visitors can take a taxi or hike to Aasivissuit – Nipisat. The hike takes around 3-4 hours and offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape.

Things to Do

Aasivissuit – Nipisat offers numerous activities for visitors, including:

  • Hiking: Visitors can explore the area’s many hiking trails, including the famous Icefjord Hike that takes visitors through the stunning Ilulissat Icefjord.
  • Cultural experiences: Visitors can learn about the lives of the indigenous Inuit inhabitants who have called this area home for centuries.
  • Wildlife spotting: Visitors can spot numerous Arctic animals, including muskoxen, arctic foxes, and reindeer.

Accommodation

Aasivissuit – Nipisat offers a range of accommodation options, including:

  • Guesthouses: Visitors can stay in one of the area’s many guesthouses, which offer comfortable and cozy rooms.
  • Camping: Visitors who prefer to camp can do so in one of the area’s many campsites.

Food and Drink

Aasivissuit – Nipisat offers a range of dining options, including:

  • Traditional Greenlandic cuisine: Visitors can try traditional Greenlandic dishes such as Kaffimik (a type of coffee cake) and Suaasat (a type of meat stew).
  • Fresh seafood: Visitors can enjoy fresh seafood, including fish and shellfish.

Safety and Precautions

Aasivissuit – Nipisat is a remote area with limited access to medical facilities. Visitors should take necessary precautions, including:

  • Dress warmly: Visitors should dress warmly in layers, as the Arctic climate can be unpredictable.
  • Bring sufficient food and water: Visitors should bring sufficient food and water, as services may be limited.

Conclusion

Aasivissuit – Nipisat is a unique cultural landscape that offers insights into the lives of the indigenous Inuit inhabitants who have called this area home for centuries. Visitors can experience the harsh yet beautiful Arctic environment and learn about the traditional way of life of the Inuit people. With necessary precautions, visitors can enjoy a safe and memorable trip to Aasivissuit – Nipisat.