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Archaeological site · Igaliku, Kujalleq
Garðar Ruins
The remains of the settlers’ old bishopric, with the cathedral of St. Nicholas, the bishop’s residence and large barns, in the middle of the settlement of Igaliku.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Discover
About Garðar Ruins
Garðar was the religious seat of the Norse in Greenland. The farm was founded around 985 by Einar, a companion of Erik the Red, and in the 12th century became the seat of the bishopric, with a cathedral dedicated to St. Nicholas.
The ruins are scattered through the settlement of Igaliku, among stone houses and pastures. You can see the foundations of the cathedral, the bishop’s residence, storage buildings and large barns big enough for dozens of cows, a sign of the farm’s wealth at the time. a bishop’s grave was found in the cathedral area.
The foundations are marked on the ground and accompanied by panels, and the ensemble is part of the Kujataa site, a UNESCO inscription.
Igaliku is one of the country’s oldest farming villages, and the mix of medieval ruins and sheep farmers’ houses is the place’s defining characteristic.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
One to two hours.
Best time
From June to September, when the pastures are green and boats reach Itilleq.
How to get there
The ruins are inside Igaliku, a few minutes’ walk from the settlement center; to reach Igaliku you arrive by boat at Itilleq and then walk.
Tip
Walk along the edges of the pastures and respect the fences: the fields around the ruins are used by livestock farmers.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Garðar Ruins
What was Garðar?
The seat of the Norse bishopric in Greenland, at Igaliku, with a cathedral dedicated to Saint Nicholas and a large farm.
Can the ruins of Garðar be visited freely?
Yes, they are inside the settlement and can be visited on foot. Respect the pasture fences.
Is Garðar part of UNESCO?
Yes, the Garðar bishopric is among the protected areas of Kujataa.