Qilakitsoq Archaeological Site

Qilakitsoq is an archaeological locality in northwestern Greenland notable for the discovery of well-preserved human remains and associated artefacts dating to the late prehistoric period. The site yielded exceptionally preserved clothing and human remains that have been important for understanding pre-contact Arctic life.

The most significant finds were uncovered in the early 1970s and consist of multiple mummified bodies preserved by cold and peat conditions; these discoveries provided rare direct evidence of clothing, diet and material culture in Greenland before sustained European contact.

Qilakitsoq lies in coastal northwestern Greenland within the Avannaata administrative area and is reached from settlements along the Uummannaq/Upernavik region; the site itself is remote and visits are usually undertaken as part of organised archaeological or tourist trips rather than independent travel.

• Artefacts removed: Human remains and artefacts recovered at the site were removed for scientific study and museum conservation rather than being left in situ.

Qilakitsoq is on the west coast of Greenland with no road access; the site is reached by boat from the nearest settlement of Uummannaq. Visitors normally travel to Uummannaq (by scheduled sea or air services that serve the Uummannaq area) and then take a local boat or charter across the fjord to the Qilakitsoq shore, where a short walk over rocky terrain leads to the archaeological site.