Definition
Qeqertarsuaq is a settlement (town) located on the southwestern coast of Disko Island in western Greenland. The name also refers to the island itself, which is commonly known in English as Disko Island.
Overview
Qeqert Sisimiut lies within the Qeqertalik municipality and serves as a regional centre for the surrounding area. The town is situated at the head of the Qeqertarsuaq Fjord, facing the Sullorsuaq Strait. As of the most recent census data (2020), the settlement had a population of approximately 839 residents. The local economy is based on fishing, tourism, and education, the latter supported by a campus of the University of Greenland that focuses on Arctic research and marine biology.
The town is accessible by air via Qeqertarsuaq Airport, which offers regular flights to Nuuk and other coastal settlements, and by sea through a harbour that accommodates both commercial vessels and passenger ferries during the ice‑free summer months.
Etymology / Origin
The name Qeqertarsuaq comes from the Greenlandic language, where qeqertaq means “island” and the suffix -suaq denotes “large” or “great.” Hence, Qeqertarsuaq translates literally as “the large island.” The term historically referred to the island itself; the settlement later adopted the same name. The town was formerly known by its Danish name Godhavn (“Good Harbour”).
Characteristics
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Geography: The settlement is positioned on the edge of a narrow fjord that cuts into the western side of Disko Island. The island measures about 8,500 km², making it one of Greenland’s largest islands. The surrounding landscape includes basalt cliffs, glacial valleys, and coastal tundra.
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Climate: Qeqertarsuaq experiences a polar maritime climate (Köppen ET). Winters are cold and dark, with average temperatures around –10 °C (14 °F), while summers are short and cool, with average highs near 7 °C (45 °F). Precipitation is modest, but the area receives frequent fog and occasional snow throughout the year.
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Economy: The fishing industry is the primary economic driver, focusing on species such as Greenland halibut and cod. The presence of the University of Greenland campus attracts researchers and students, contributing to a modest service sector that includes accommodations, restaurants, and shops catering to tourists and locals alike.
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Cultural and Educational Institutions: The town hosts a small museum that documents local Inuit heritage and the history of European exploration. The university campus offers programs in marine science, geology, and indigenous studies, often collaborating with international Arctic research initiatives.
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Transportation: Qeqertarsuaq Airport (IATA: JJU) features a paved runway suitable for turboprop aircraft. Seasonal ferry services connect the settlement to other coastal towns, while a network of unpaved roads links the town centre to nearby settlements and research stations.
Related Topics
- Disko Island (Qeqertarsuaq Island) – the island on which the town is situated.
- Qeqertalik Municipality – the administrative region encompassing Qeqertarsuaq.
- Greenlandic language – source of the settlement’s name.
- University of Greenland – higher‑education institution with a campus in Qeqertarsuaq.
- Arctic research – scientific studies frequently conducted in and around the settlement.
- Danish colonization of Greenland – historical context for the former name Godhavn.