NEW! Canada & Greenland Explorer

From $16,995
|
15 Days
|
11 Guided Tours
|
2 Countries

- Toronto, Ontario to Nuuk Nuuk to Toronto, Ontario

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Day 12

Day 12

Ivittuut, Greenland

Ivittuut was founded during the 10th century by medieval Norsemen. By the 19th century, the town was enjoying an economic boom due to its cryolite deposits. The mineral’s properties were used to refine aluminum and were integral in the manufacturing of fighter planes. At its peak during World War II, the mine was protected by the Allied forces, with more than 85,000 tons of cryolite being shipped to the US and Canada. It was mined here until 1987 and the community was abandoned soon after. Today, several preserved buildings remain, as well as relics from the town’s past.

Ivittuut was founded during the 10th century by medieval Norsemen. By the 19th century, the town was enjoying an economic boom due to its cryolite deposits. The mineral’s properties were used to refine aluminum and were integral in the manufacturing of fighter planes. At its peak during World War II, the mine was protected by the Allied forces, with more than 85,000 tons of cryolite being shipped to the US and Canada. It was mined here until 1987 and the community was abandoned soon after. Today, several preserved buildings remain, as well as relics from the town’s past.

Greenland’s Mining Heritage

Delve into the mining history of Ivittuut; the town once held the largest reserve of cryolite in the world.

Inuit Traditions

Learn more about the lifestyle of the Indigenous Peoples of the Arctic and how they thrived in this challenging climate for centuries.

Special Operations Boat

Traverse the Arctic waters off the coast of Ivittuut and keep watch for eagles and other marine birds during an invigorating cruise.