Hvalsey

We had covered the 240km from the Ikka Fjord during the night; we were now in a side arm of Einars Fjord – just in front of the Hvalsey ruin site.

Hvalsey is a former Norse settlement. It is believed, that Hvalsey had been founded in the late 10th century by a cousin of Erik the Red; it was inhabited until the early 15th century, when the Norse colony essentially disappeared. Last recorded event here is awedding from 1418.

What remains today is a ruin site featuring a (fairly well preserved) church, the ruins of the great hall and community building. In the area directly around further ruins can be found, though their previous function remains a bit of mystery.

We made it ashore as usual and then had some time to explore the ruin site, but also the surrounding area … below some photographic evidence.