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Monument · Qaqortoq, Kujalleq
Qaqortoq Fountain
The oldest fountain in Greenland, from 1932, in Qaqortoq’s central square, with bronze whales spouting water. Colonial houses and the red church surround it.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Qaqortoq Fountain
Mindebrønden, “the memorial fountain” in Danish, stands in Qaqortoq’s central square, one of the few true squares in a Greenland town. Completed in 1932 and built from local stone, it is the country’s oldest fountain.
The striking feature is the bronze whales that spout water through their blowholes, recalling the importance of whaling in the coastal history. Around the square are painted colonial houses, shops, a bakery and benches where residents sit on sunny days.
A few steps away is the red wooden Church of the Savior, consecrated in 1832. Inside is a life buoy from the ship Hans Hedtoft, which sank south of Cape Farewell in 1959, a reminder of the deadliest shipwreck in the country’s history.
The square is the natural starting point to explore the old center and the Sten og Menneske sculptures.
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
About half an hour, with the red church beside it.
Best time
In summer, when the fountain is running and the square is lively. In winter, the water may be turned off.
How to get there
It’s on Qaqortoq’s main square, a few minutes’ walk from the harbor.
Tip
Go into the Church of the Savior next door to see the Hans Hedtoft lifebuoy and the wooden interior.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Qaqortoq Fountain
What is Greenland’s oldest fountain?
The Mindebrønden, in Qaqortoq’s main square, completed in 1932, with bronze whales spouting water.
What is the Hans Hedtoft lifebuoy?
A lifebuoy from the ship that sank south of Cape Farewell in 1959, kept in the Church of the Savior next to the square.
Does the Qaqortoq fountain run in winter?
Generally no: the water is usually turned off during the cold months.