History of Narsarsuaq

The history of the settlement of Narsarsuaq is unique and differs from most populated places on the island. Unlike traditional Inuit villages that emerged centuries ago based on hunting, this location owes its existence to the development of aviation in the 20th century.

Foundation and First Mentions

The official date of foundation is considered to be 1941. It was then that the construction of a large airbase, codenamed "Bluie West One," began on a vast plain deep within the Tunulliarfik Fjord. The name "Narsarsuaq" translates from the local language as "Great Plain," which accurately describes the landscape feature that made it possible to create a runway here.

Key Factors of Establishment

The development of the settlement was predetermined by its exceptional geographical position in the southern part of Greenland:

• Geography and Climate: Its location away from the open sea protects the valley from strong storms and fog, making it one of the safest places for navigation on the island.
• Logistics: Narsarsuaq was originally designed as a transport hub. The presence of a deep-water port near the airfield allowed for effective supply of the region.

Early Development Features

In the first decades of its existence, the economy and culture of Narsarsuaq were entirely focused around servicing the airport infrastructure. A hospital, power station, and residential buildings were constructed here. Gradually, the facility transformed from a closed base into a civil international airport, becoming the main air gateway to South Greenland and opening this region to travelers.

Major Historical Milestones

• 982 — Erik the Red establishes the settlement of Brattahlid on the opposite shore of the fjord, and the fertile plain begins to be used by Vikings for agriculture.
• 1941 — The US Army selects this area for the construction of a strategic airbase codenamed Bluie West One.
• 1942 — Construction of the first runway is completed, and the airfield receives its first military aircraft for refueling.
• 1943 — A large military hospital opens on the base territory to treat soldiers wounded in the European theater of operations.
• 1945 — The base reaches its peak activity, servicing thousands of aircraft returning to North America after the war.
• 1951 — A defense agreement regarding Greenland is signed between Denmark and the USA, solidifying the status of the military facility.
• 1958 — The United States Air Force officially leaves the base, transferring the infrastructure to the Danish government.
• 1959 — Narsarsuaq opens for civil aviation following the tragedy of the ship "Hans Hedtoft," which necessitated improved air connections.
• 1976 — The Greenlandic Arboretum is founded, becoming a unique site for experiments in growing forests in the Arctic.
• 1987 — Management of the airport and settlement passes to the Greenlandic state company Mittarfeqarfiit.
• 1991 — A museum dedicated to the period of American presence and Viking history opens in one of the historic buildings.
• 2000s — The settlement is definitively formed as a tourism center and the main starting point for travels across South Greenland.

Stages of Transformation and Their Significance

The development of the settlement of Narsarsuaq is an example of the successful adaptation of military infrastructure for peaceful purposes. Each of the events listed below played a decisive role in shaping the modern economic and cultural appearance of the town.

• Transfer of Infrastructure to Civil Authorities (1958)
  The departure of the American military and the transfer of the base to the government of Denmark became a turning point. The ready-made capital structures, hospital, and utilities were not abandoned but formed the basis of the future civilian settlement, defining its layout for decades to come.
• Launch of Civil Aviation (1959)
  Opening the airport for regular flights turned the isolated valley into the main transport hub of South Greenland. This event gave a powerful impulse to the region's economy, ensuring rapid cargo delivery and passenger flow.
• Foundation of the Greenlandic Arboretum (1976)
  The creation of a botanical garden became a unique urban planning experiment. The appearance of a forest zone in Arctic conditions not only improved the microclimate and aesthetics of the settlement but also attracted the attention of scientists and eco-tourists from around the world.
• Transition to Mittarfeqarfiit Management (1987)
  The inclusion of the airport and settlement into the structure of the state company completed the process of integration into the national economy. This ensured stable jobs and standardization of service at a national level.
• Opening of the Historical Museum (1991)
  Creating a museum in one of the World War II era barracks was an important cultural step. This allowed for the preservation of the unique history of the place and diversified leisure activities for guests awaiting their flights.
• Formation of a Tourism Cluster (2000s)
  The development of services, the opening of hotels, and excursion bureaus transformed the town from a transit point into an independent destination. It is now a base for tours to glaciers and farms, bringing significant revenue to the local budget.

Architectural Appearance and Layout

Unlike traditional colorful villages with chaotic construction on the rocks, Narsarsuaq has a strict structure devoid of excesses. The urban plan of the settlement is entirely subordinate to the logic of the airport: streets are located parallel or perpendicular to the runway, and residential and administrative zones are clearly separated from technical ones. This is a typical example of a "monotown" that emerged around a single large infrastructure facility.

Architectural Eras and Styles

The appearance of the settlement can be divided into two main periods that formed its current look:

• Era of Military Functionalism (1941–1958): The dominant style of development. Buildings were erected by American engineers with an emphasis on construction speed and practicality. Characteristic features include simple rectangular forms, wooden frame structures on piles, and the use of corrugated metal. Aesthetics here gave way to reliability and protection from the harsh climate.
• Period of Civilian Adaptation (from the 1960s): Instead of large-scale demolition of old military facilities, Greenland chose the path of renovation. Former barracks, warehouses, and officers' recreational facilities were converted for modern needs (housing, hostels, shops), while preserving the historic external contour.

Landmark Buildings

Although there are no palaces or cathedrals here, some structures serve as unique monuments to the industrial history of the Arctic:

• Narsarsuaq Museum Building: A classic example of an American army barrack from World War II (model J-1). The wooden structure with a gable roof has been preserved almost in its original form and allows visitors to appreciate the austerity of military life.
• Hotel Narsarsuaq: A complex of buildings that previously served as a base for the hospital and officer staff. Despite internal modernization and comfort, externally it retains the strict utilitarian style of the mid-20th century.
• Concrete Runway: The most massive "monument" in the town, serving as the axis of the entire settlement and an engineering achievement of its time, which allowed for receiving heavy aviation in complex terrain conditions.

Historical Figures and Famous Names

The history of the area where Narsarsuaq is located unites two great eras: the times of the Scandinavian Vikings and the period of the rise of transatlantic aviation. The fate of this region of Greenland is inextricably linked with the names of explorers, diplomats, and aviators.

• Erik the Red (Erik Thorvaldsson) — First settler and founder of the colony.
  Although his estate Brattahlid was located on the opposite shore of the fjord, it was Erik who chose this region for life in the 10th century. The fertile "Great Plain" (Narsarsuaq) was within the sphere of influence of his settlement and was used for grazing livestock.
• Tjodhilde — Historical figure, propagator of Christianity.
  The wife of Erik the Red, thanks to whom the first Christian church in North America was built in these parts. Her legacy attracts many historians and tourists to the region.
• Leif Erikson — Navigator and explorer.
  The son of Erik the Red, who, according to sagas, sailed from the waters of the local Tunulliarfik Fjord on his famous expedition, which ended with the discovery of Vinland (Newfoundland).
• Henrik Kauffmann — Danish diplomat.
  The Ambassador of Denmark to the USA, who in 1941, acting independently of occupied Copenhagen, signed an agreement with Washington. This document sanctioned the construction of American bases, which led to the birth of Narsarsuaq as an aviation hub.
• Elliott Roosevelt — Aviation officer, scout.
  The son of President Franklin Roosevelt and a captain in the Air Force. He personally conducted aerial reconnaissance of the island's southern coast and identified the Narsarsuaq plateau as the ideal site for creating the Bluie West One airfield.
• Bernt Balchen — Polar pilot and USAF Colonel.
  A legend of Arctic aviation, Norwegian by origin. He played a key role in organizing the construction and navigational support of Greenlandic airbases, ensuring the safety of flights in harsh conditions.