Part of the
Hurtigruten Group

Qaqortoq - Great Greenland Tannery

Excursion

Price from

$100

Duration
Approx. 1 hour
Season

Summer (Jun - Aug)

Min. number
0 traveller(s)
Booking code
G-QAQ2

Visit Great Greenland, the only tannery in Greenland, and see how hides and furs are processed. You will also learn about the old hunting traditions, which are an important part of Greenlandic culture.
  • Visit The Great Greenland Tannery.

  • See how the fur and hides are processed.

  • Visit the fashion design studio in the tannery.

  • Learn about old hunting traditions.


The ancient hunting culture of the Inuits is still an important livelihood in Greenland and is the backbone of Greenlandic culture. Tanning, the conservation of hides, is an old trade that has been practiced for thousands of years.

At Great Greenland, many of the steps in the tanning process are automated, but the process still requires manual work and handling. The purpose of the process is to conserve the hide while preserving its natural look and feel. 

Great Greenland is the only tannery in the country. Most of the furs are exported, but some are sewn into fashionable garments directly at the tannery. This tour includes a visit to the fashion design studios and the impressive fur storage rooms, with huge piles of sealskins and polar bear furs.

This tour is much more than just visiting the tannery. Your local guide will explain the ways and means of seal hunting and the working conditions of today's hunters. Great Greenland also allows private people to bring in their polar bear, muskox, and reindeer skins for professional tanning.

Practical information

  • Language: English

  • Wheelchair accessible: No.

  • Walking information: The walk to the tannery takes approximately 5 minutes along the harbor.

  • Remarks/requirements: The tannery visit might happen after working hours. We recommend wearing a windproof and rainproof jacket and flat shoes. Photos are not allowed.

Penguins perched on the ice of Cuverville Island, Antarctica. Credit: Espen Mills / HX Hurtigruten Expeditions

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