Uummannaq

Uummannaq / Kitaa

Uummannaq (in German about: the seals Heart-Shaped ', name from the appearance of the 1,175 meter-high mountain, dominates the island ) is a 1,280 inhabitants (conditions 2012) scoring settlement in northwestern Greenland on a 12 -acre island in the same fjord, 590 kilometers north of the Arctic Circle.

The surrounding area is rich in fish (especially halibut ), seals and whales that are hunted by the native population. The fjord landscape with the many icebergs annually attracts tourists kayaking. Because of the small size of the island which is so important for Greenland locations airport is on the mainland in the near Qaarsut, Uummannaq itself can be reached from the air by helicopter.

The settlement was founded in 1763 at its present location by the Danish colony directors, J. H. Bruun. From 1778 coal was mined in the region ( Qaarsut ), 1933-1971 also marble, further to 1990 lead and zinc ( mine Maarmorilik ). The reopening of the controversial zinc mine Maarmorilik is currently being prepared, the region but dreams " the big jackpot under the ice ."

In the city, the buildings have received from the colonial era, next to a Torfsteinhaus that gives insight into the traditional lifestyle of the Inuit. Landmark is the 1935 built by Danish architect Helge Bojsen -Møller stone church made ​​of granite.

Next to Uummannaq lies on the northern shore of the peninsula Nuussuaq the abandoned settlement Qilakitsoq, an important archaeological site, which was known by the discovery of eight mummified people from the 15th century.

Since 1999 will take place on frozen Uummannaq Fjord annually hosts the World Ice Golf Championship. Only in 2007 it had to be canceled due to thin ice.

Until the formation of the Commune Qaasuitsup Press Office 2009 Uummannaq had belonged to the status of an independent parish, which in addition to the city nor the settlements Ikerasak, Illorsuit, Maamorilik, Niaqornat, Nuugaatsiaq, Qaarsut, Saattut and Ukkusissat.

Trivia

The surroundings of Uummannaq was the filming location for the film SOS Eisberg film pioneer Arnold Fanck from 1932/ 1933. The main roles Leni Riefenstahl, Sepp Rist, Ernst Udet, Gibson Gowland and Walter Riml played. In parallel with this film was the North Pole - Ahoy! shot by director Andrew Marton. Participants were Guzzi Lantschner and Walter Riml, the female lead was occupied with Jarmila Marton. The film is a parody of SOS Eisberg and found rave reviews at its premiere. The film has been lost despite intensive worldwide search in various archives to this day.