A new trail system at Qaqortukulooq church ruins is under construction. The trail system is built exclusively from local materials such as stone, gravel, soil, and sheep’s wool. This protects the vulnerable Arctic environment and fits naturally into the landscape. The trail system is not yet complete, and work will continue next year.
The method has been developed in collaboration with Icelandic experts from the company Stokkar og Steinar, who have more than 20 years of experience in establishing trails in sensitive natural areas. Co-owner Gudjón Krístinsson visited Qaqortukulooq for the first time in 2020, where he helped plan the project. The project has been in the works for several years and was delayed by both Covid-19 and the work of securing funding.
The purpose of the trials is to:
• Provide better access for older people and those with walking difficulties who would otherwise find it difficult to navigate the terrain.
• Protect the ruins and vegetation from wear and tear by directing visitors along fixed trails.
• Provide local people with new skills through collaboration with experts.
Local involvement
Young people from Siu-Tsiu have been actively involved in the work on the trail and have learned how to build using nature’s own materials.
“The Icelandic experts have taught us how to build trails in nature so that we can use the method ourselves in other places in the future. It has been a special experience for the young people to be involved – and for us it has been an important step in securing local knowledge and experience,” says Park Ranger at UNESCO Kujataa, Arnaq Bjerge, who has been in charge of the project.
Part of a larger effort
The trail system makes visiting the Qaqortukulooq Church Ruins more accessible while protecting our world heritage. It is the first part of a larger, multi-year initiative to create similar solutions in several places in Kujataa and other UNESCO areas in Greenland.
“The trail system is an important step in the work to preserve world heritage and make it accessible to both locals and visitors,” says Arnaq Bjerge.
The trail system was made possible with funding from the Augustinus Foundation and the Microinfrastructure Fund.