Comer's Midden, Archaeological site in North Star Bay, Greenland
Comer's Midden is an archaeological site in North Star Bay in the Avannaata region of Greenland, made up of around 26 house ruins with rounded floor plans. The remains sit across a stretch of land that runs well inland, with multiple layers of artifacts from different periods stacked beneath the surface.
Captain George Comer came across the site in 1916 when his ship got stuck in ice near the Thule Arctic Station. Evidence from the layers below ground suggests the area was occupied from the 14th into the 20th century, with a gap during the 17th and 18th centuries.
Among the rounded ruins, one rectangular structure stands out as a likely qassi, a communal room where men made tools and gathered. This type of space played a central role in the social life of Arctic communities and looks noticeably different from the residential huts nearby.
The site sits in a remote part of the Arctic and reaching it calls for proper gear and readiness for harsh weather. Traveling with an experienced guide is strongly recommended, as access can change a great deal depending on the season.
Finds from the site come from three distinct cultural traditions: the Dorset culture, objects from the Viking era, and local craftsmanship. Having all three at a single location suggests that very different peoples crossed paths in this part of the Arctic.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
