Nasaasaaq facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Nasaasaaq |
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The western (right) and main (left) summits of Nasaasaaq seen from the northwest, from Sisimiut
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| Highest point | |
| Elevation | 784 m (2,572 ft) |
| Prominence | 784 m (2,572 ft) |
| Listing | List of mountains in Greenland |
| Geography | |
 Nasaasaaq
Location in Greenland
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Nasaasaaq is a famous mountain in western Greenland. It stands tall at 784 meters (about 2,572 feet) and is a well-known landmark. You can find it on the mainland of Greenland, just southeast of the town of Sisimiut. It's also located on the northern coast of Amerloq Fjord, which flows into the Davis Strait.
This mountain is part of a long mountain range that stretches for about 6 kilometers (nearly 4 miles) from west to east. This range comes from the Pingu mountain group, which is halfway between the Davis Strait and the huge Greenland ice sheet (called Sermersuaq in Greenlandic). Over time, the pressure from the ice sheet has made the eastern part of the range much flatter.
Mountain Shape and Features
The Nasaasaaq mountain has several peaks. The main summit is the highest and most noticeable. It rises like a tall cone, about 150 meters (492 feet) higher than the rest of the ridge, reaching 784 meters (2,572 feet) in total. There's also a smaller peak, about 611 meters (2,005 feet) high, that looks over Sisimiut.
To the east, the mountain ridge slowly gets lower, reaching about 300 meters (984 feet). After that, it turns towards the Aappilattorsuaq mountain area. The southern side of Nasaasaaq drops steeply down to the Amerloq Fjord.
The northern side of the mountain isn't smooth. It has many ledges, cracks, and ramps. The easiest way to reach the main summit is by following one of these ramps. This path leads to a saddle, which is a low point between the main summit and its western peak. For visitors who aren't experienced climbers, ropes are in place to help them safely reach the very top.
Fun Things to Do
Many people visit the main summit of Nasaasaaq to enjoy the amazing views of the coast. While the view to the north might be a bit blocked compared to Palasip Qaqqaa (another mountain near the town's airport), it's still a fantastic sight. For more adventurous climbers, there's another route to the top. This path goes through a hidden low pass to the east of the main summit, and from there, you can climb directly up the summit cone.
The Polar Route
Every winter, a very challenging 160-kilometer (100-mile) long race called the Arctic Circle Race takes place here. Part of this race follows a path known as the Polar Route, which goes from Sisimiut to Kangerlussuaq. This race started in 1998 and has become a big international event.
The Polar Route goes through a saddle, which is a low point between Nasaasaaq and a much smaller mountain called Alanngorsuaq to the north. Sometimes, people taking the Polar Route will also visit the top of Alanngorsuaq. There's even a small lift for downhill skiing located on this saddle, making it a fun spot for winter sports.
See also
In Spanish: Nasaasaaq para niños
