Ivittuut, Greenland

A ghost town with a rich mining history.

A stunning view of colorful houses perched on a cliffside overlooking a calm, reflective lake, with majestic mountains in the background.

Overview

Ivittuut, Greenland Cruise Port

Ivittuut (formerly Ivigtût) is an abandoned mining town located on the coast of Arsuk Fjord in southwestern Greenland. While now deserted, Ivittuut holds a unique and significant place in global industrial history as the world's only naturally occurring commercial source of cryolite (sodium aluminum fluoride), a rare mineral crucial for the electrolytic production of aluminum. The cryolite mine operated from 1864 until its closure in 1987, after which the community was gradually abandoned.

Beyond its geological rarity and industrial importance, Ivittuut also played a strategic role during World War II, when the Allies protected the mine to secure the supply of cryolite for aluminum production, vital for aircraft manufacturing. Today, Ivittuut is a fascinating ghost town, a testament to its industrious past, set against a backdrop of rugged Greenlandic landscapes and the ruins of a former Norse Middle Settlement. It serves as a stark reminder of human ingenuity, resource extraction, and the transient nature of communities built around them.

Top Things to Do in Ivittuut, Greenland

Explore the Abandoned Mining Town

Wander through the remnants of the abandoned town of Ivittuut. You'll see disused houses, sheds, and scattered pieces of old machinery, providing a poignant glimpse into the lives of the miners and their families who once lived here.

Tip: Respect the historical site; do not disturb or remove any artifacts. Wear sturdy footwear as the ground can be uneven.

Visit the Cryolite Mine Pit

See the impressive, now often flooded, open-pit cryolite mine. This massive excavation is the site of the world's only commercial cryolite deposit, a geological wonder that shaped the town's existence.

Tip: Observe from a safe distance; the mine pit is a deep and potentially unstable area. Your guide will indicate safe viewing spots.

Reflect on its WWII Significance

Learn about Ivittuut's crucial role during World War II when the Allies took steps to protect the cryolite mine from falling into enemy hands. Remnants of military presence from that era might still be observable in the area.

Tip: Consider reading up on this fascinating chapter of history before your visit to fully appreciate its strategic importance.

Explore the Surrounding Nature

Despite the industrial past, Ivittuut is set amidst beautiful Greenlandic nature. Take walks along the coast of the Arsuk Fjord, observing the unique Arctic flora and the rugged landscapes. Keep an eye out for local wildlife.

Tip: The area around Ivittuut, meaning "Grassy Place," can be surprisingly green in summer. Be prepared for Greenlandic weather conditions.

Look for Norse Middle Settlement Remains

Ivittuut is built on the ruins of a former Norse Middle Settlement, one of three main Norse settlements in medieval Greenland. While often subtle, archaeologists have found evidence of Norse farms in the area.

Tip: While not always clearly visible to the untrained eye, guides might be able to point out areas of archaeological interest.

Photography of the Ghost Town and Landscape

Ivittuut offers incredibly atmospheric opportunities for photography, capturing the juxtaposition of an abandoned industrial site against the raw beauty of the Greenlandic wilderness. The muted colors of the buildings and the dramatic fjord scenery make for unique shots.

Tip: Try to capture the sense of history and abandonment within the natural setting.

Overview