Alluitsoq: History and a hike to Alluitsup Paa

Alluitsoq, also known as Lichtenau, is an abandoned settlement in South Greenland, located in the municipality of Kujalleq. Today, only a few houses are in use there. At the same time, the history of the place dates back to the 18th century: Lichtenau was founded then and, at one time, was Greenland’s largest settlement, with 300 inhabitants. For travel planning, Alluitsoq offers two perspectives: its present-day character as an abandoned settlement and its former significance.

Alluitsoq and Lichtenau: History and present day

The figure of 300 inhabitants should be understood as a temporary population; it describes a period, not a permanent population. Its former status as Greenland’s largest settlement should also be seen in its historical context. Its founding in the 18th century, its temporary position as the largest settlement, and the present-day use of a few houses belong to different phases in the history of the place. If you also consider a destination’s development when choosing where to travel, these details help put Lichtenau’s history in context without equating it with the settlement’s current level of use.

Hike to Alluitsup Paa

A seven-kilometre hike runs from Alluitsoq (Lichtenau) to Alluitsup Paa and is part of a travel route. This specifies the starting point, destination, and distance. If you would like to include the hike in your own plans, check current access and trail conditions first. The distance gives a concrete indication to help you choose a route, but by itself says nothing about walking time or difficulty.

More to explore in the municipality of Kujalleq

Elsewhere in the wider destination of Kujalleq, other places offer additional points of interest for those interested in culture and nature. In Nanortalik, ten buildings serve as exhibition spaces for the Nanortalik Museum. Topics range from traditional seal-oil production, healthcare, and medicinal plants to Viking clothing, radio communications, and traditional boats such as kayaks and umiaks. The shipwreck Hans Hedtoft is also part of the exhibitions. Here, visitors encounter everyday life and the history of knowledge, as well as topics related to boats and shipping.

In Narsaq, an archaeological site is complemented by museum exhibits: the Landnám farmstead is among the oldest Norse ruins in the area, and its layout is still clearly visible near the town centre. The Narsaq Museum has a permanent exhibition about the Viking settlement of South Greenland and holds travelling exhibitions annually. Named hiking destinations from Narsaq include the mountains Tasiigaaq and Qaqqarsuaq, as well as Narsaq Point (Nuugaarsuk).

Igaliku also offers its own historical and scenic highlights in the municipality of Kujalleq. The Norse site includes the remains of Saint Nicholas Cathedral, a church, a bishop’s residence, a farm with barns for up to 100 cows, and a bishop’s gravestone. Marked day-hiking trails lead to waterfalls cascading down to the fjord and to the summit of Nuuluk, which rises above the settlement. Check current trail conditions before setting out on a specific hike.

In Qaqortoq, different offerings provide further points of interest: a guided town walk passes Mindebrønde, Greenland’s oldest fountain, and several works from the open-air exhibition “Stone and Man.” Great Greenland offers a guided tour of its seal-skin production process; check current arrangements before travelling. Greenland Sagalands is Qaqortoq’s tourist information centre and can help organise tours and transport, as well as lend equipment for outdoor activities. Find out about current offerings in advance.

Discover more destinations: Narsarsuaq, Qaqortoq, Qassimiut, Narsaq

Return to the wider travel overview: Kujalleq Municipality.