Bo, OZ1DJJ will be active as OX3LX from Greenland, IOTA NA - 018, 13 - 22 March 2024.
He will operate on HF Bands and QO - 100 Satellite.
QTH - Kangerlussuaq.
QSL via OZ0J.
Ads for direct QSL:
Joergen Roemming, Brandelev Stationsvej 9, DK-4700, Naestved, Denmark.
Greenland: a "green country" amidst snow and ice
There is probably no person who does not know that Greenland is an island covered with snow and ice. But many are sure to be surprised that in translation from the local language the name of this land is pronounced as "green country". And the island was christened in this way not as a joke at all.
The fact is that there was once grass here, and in abundance. However, in the fifteenth century there was a mass icing of the territory of the largest island on the planet. As a result, almost 80% of the island was covered in ice. Grass cover remained only in a small southern part.
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History of Greenland exploration
The island was discovered in the tenth century by Norwegian travelers. Before the arrival of Europeans, there were no people on the entire island. The first to settle here were the Inuit - Arctic people. But it happened only in the XIII century, when Denmark declared the island its territory. And only in 1979 Greenland was granted independence in the conduct of domestic policy.
Moreover, in 2008, a general vote took place on the island, after which the rights of the local administration were significantly expanded. Now the government of the island has received the ability to control and dispose of natural resources, independently solve legal problems and even partially conduct its own foreign policy. It is planned that the island will soon gain full economic and political independence.
Nature and climatic conditions
The local landscapes are truly unique. Nowhere else in the world can you meet Caribou deer or observe musk oxen in natural conditions.
However, traditional northern animals are also found here, and in large numbers. Greenland is home to polar wolves, polar bears, Arctic foxes. And birds are very original here: Ross's goose, white-winged goose and many other rare species fly here.
It is clear that with such an abundance of unique fauna the government was simply obliged to allocate a significant part of the territory for nature reserves and park natural zones.
Interestingly, the climatic conditions here are not homogeneous. The main part of the island is constantly in the anticyclone zone. In summer, the temperature rises (if you can say so) to -12 ℃, and in winter frosts can reach -60 ℃.
On the eastern coast of the winter conditions are milder - up to -30 ℃, and on the western shores of the island in the summer months sometimes there is even a plus temperature.
Greenland can not boast of rich vegetation for obvious reasons, mainly the fauna is found in the southern part. In summer time one can even find lush green meadows, original dwarf birches, willow and juniper. Quite large flocks of birds periodically appear near the vegetation. There are more than a hundred species of fish and about three dozen different mammals near the shores of the island.
Internet services and connectivity
Almost all hotels and internet cafes in Greenland have Wi-Fi. You can use the World Wide Web at post offices. All along the coast you can also buy a card that can be used to make calls from pay phones.
Crime and comfort level
Crime on the island is practically absent, so if desired, you can shop here at any time of the day. However, it is still recommended not to leave things unattended - tourists are not all absolutely sinless.
IMPORTANT: it is better not to drink tap water. You can buy purified water in any store.
Despite the almost arctic conditions, in summer the sun on the coast is very active, so you need to worry about sunglasses and creams to protect the skin. Warm clothes are also necessary to take with you.
Fans of photography need to be on the island wary. It is forbidden to take photos in churches. As for the portraits of local residents, they can be taken in the lens only after obtaining consent.
And also - you should forget the word "Eskimo" in these parts. The locals take it as a serious personal insult.
You can get a serious fine for leaving garbage. It is necessary to take it away with you.
If you want to fish or hunt, you will have to get a license, without it you will become an ordinary poacher, whose illegal actions are prosecuted by law.
Greenland Island Attractions
There is a lot to see here. There are green forests, majestic snowy peaks, cliffs above the sea of stunning beauty, and of course, you can't miss the icebergs.
Nuuk
This is the name of the local capital. There are a lot of sights in it, though it is hard to call the city big by European concepts. It is still the largest in Greenland.
It has its own majestic cathedral and even an Art Museum. Very peculiar architecture of local villas and buildings, which are compactly located right on the cliffs.
Tasiilaq
This is the center of the east coast. Local buildings look very spectacular on the cliffs, and the coast is literally painted with silhouettes of dazzling white icebergs, the shape of which is unique and bizarre.
In addition, it is possible to fish here quite successfully in harsh conditions - the impression is unique.
Narsak
This is a small cozy village in the coastal zone. The scenery here is amazingly bright and contrasting, and the water in the sea is characterized by crystal clarity and transparency. Icebergs of various shapes and sizes float slowly in the sea itself.
But it is not only the sea scenery that should be explored here. Behind the village tourists can see beautiful mountains covered with green meadows. In summer, it is especially attractive there, and the mountain air significantly raises your mood and improves your well-being.
Kakortok
The town is known for its very peculiar architecture of residential buildings. They are made in a bright color scheme of different shades. The cliffs surrounding the mountains add to the identity of the landscape. Green meadows in the mountains set the overall picture of the beautiful play of combining different colors.
Fjords
These are the rocky mountain massifs that adorn the coasts. You can enjoy them during a boat trip. The uniqueness of these creations of nature is that they have not been touched by the hand of man to adjust: all the bizarre curves are created during the melting of glaciers. They seem to be a drawing made by a huge unknown artist-giant. The sight is unforgettable.
Disco Bay
Here you can take a boat ride among icebergs. The bay goes far into the space of the island, the scenery on the local shores is enough for dozens of paintings and photos.