Assaqutaq Trail Transfer
Boat transfer and self-guided hike
Tour type: Boating and self guided hike
Program:Approx. 6-7 hours
Experience: Level 3-4
Season: June to October
Price: 650 dkk./adu, 350 kr./chd
Note:You can drink water that runs in the rivers and streams. Never drink stagnant water, or water that is not clear.
Meals:We recommend that you bring packed lunches, drinking basin and snack
Departure from Sisimiut harbour bound for the abandoned settlement of Assaqutaq.
In the 1960s and 1970s, several small settlements in Greenland were abandoned as people chose to move in to the larger towns to find work. Assaqutaq, which lays at the foot on the southside of the beautiful Nasaasaaq, is one of these abandoned settlements. Today it is used as a summer camp for the local primary schools and, particularly in June, the place comes alive again as people from Sisimiut go there to fish ammassat (capelin), which is also important as dog food and it is also used as a snack.
As we sail out of the harbor, here we get close to one of the dog’s islands in the narrow passage bySallinnguit (Teløen). We pass the entrance to the Old Port of Paararsuk Bay and the Qeeqi district, a modern residential area with colorful flats placed on the steep cliffs by the sea. Theboattour continues into the Amerloqfiord. About half an hour after we leave Sisimiut harbor we arrive at the little beautiful inner harbor where we from the pontoon bridge go ashore. Immediately after landing, the boat returns to Sisimiut.
Assaqutaq is a typical settlement of the mid-20th century, with roots dating back to the whaling industry and for this area characteristic of the 19th century. The mix of renovated houses and romanticallydecayed buildings the imagination is easily led to imagine a ghost town full of mystery and history. We recommend going for a walk in the abandoned settlement before the hike begins.
Assaqutaq is located on a small island, connected to the mainland with a suspension bridge. You’ll find the small suspension bridge on the eastern part of the island immediately behind the little church. After the bridge you will have to cross a shallow area of approx. 10 meters covered by water at high tide. Therefore, be aware of the tide table. If you hit high tide, it's only a matter of an hour if you want to cross without getting your shoes wet.
From the sea level, you climb through a 10-12meter gap to the flatland area, from which the route continues westward. The route is marked with red and blue cairns.
After a kilometer, you will reach the old whale station Qerrortusoq. A burial site is the firstthing you’ll see and if you are up for a small detour, you can walk down to the coast and see the ruins of the first private school in Greenland, which was financed by the citizens of Qerrortusoq.
The hiking trail towards Sisimiut is in a beautiful and very lush landscape. It is relatively easy to find the trail, as the path is easy to spot,the direction is kind of obvious and the cairns are visible.
After about 2/3 of the hike, you get to the viewpoint "Whale Bay View Point". It is a good opportunity to spot whales and watch the passing boats and small boats that put fishing nets off the coast. In fact, there are good chances to spot whales along the trail. Just keep your eyes open and listen carefully to whales' blows. At the view point, there is usually a little wind that keeps the mosquitoes away.
Besides the scenic area in a great hilly terrain without significant elevations, you can enjoy the view all the way down past the Arctic Circle to the blue mountains with eternal snow. A very popular heliskiing area during the spring.
At the west end of Mount Nasaasaaq, Sisimiut appears and here you can choose the blue route to the south or red to the north / west. Both routes end by the lake in the town center.
Always remember to pay attention to the weather conditions, do not take any chances, help each other and take your waste home.