Upernaviarsuk Agricultural Station Station

Visit Greenland’s only agricultural research farm and discover how crops and other plants manage to thrive in South Greenland’s sub-Arctic climate. Walk from the tender pier to a tour boat nearby and step aboard for the sail through Qaqortoq’s local waters to Upernaviarsuk. This unique government-run experimental farm conducts research to identify livestock, crops, plants and trees that are suitable for cultivation in the region’s unique climate and short growing season. Despite the apparent challenges, farming has flourished here since the Middle Ages – there are even remnants of a Viking farm on this very site, and the ruins of a farm dating to the 1780s. The Upernaviarsuk agricultural school conducts ongoing research into which perennial grass varieties are best for production of hay and fodder here in the sub-Arctic, as well as which grains, barley and oats to grow. Experiments are conducted on ornamental bushes and trees to determine which species are best suited for private and public gardens. Many varieties of vegetable are test-grown, both inside and outside of greenhouses, and even animal husbandry is researched here – sheep are essential to the South Greenland economy. All told, the prolific nature found thriving so far north will surprise you.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Cruise Qaqortoq’s coastal waters by local boat, bound for Greenland’s only agricultural research farm.
• Tour Upernaviarsuk, a full-fledged experimental and educational facility devoted to studying plant growth in this unique sub-Arctic South Greenland environment.
• See and learn about the unexpected range of crops and ornamental flora that can be cultivated here.
• Encounter remnants of historic farms that existed here all the way back to Viking times.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Wear weather-appropriate clothing; include a light jacket or windbreaker.
• Flat, comfortable walking shoes are recommended.
• Bring a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen and insect repellant as needed.