Knud Rasmussen's House

Facts

Greenland explorer's home office

By Frank Allan Rasmussen , Cand.phil. i historie fra København Universitet. (10 stories)

North-east of Hundested Harbour is Knud Rasmussen's House. The impressive thatched building was built in 1916-18 in the English cottage style. Knud Rasmussen commissioned the building, but architect Helge Boisen-Møller designed it. Knud Rasmussen was a prolific writer when he wasn't away on expeditions. He wrote scientific journals, accounts of his travels, and translations of Inuit legends, fairytales and songs. At home, he planned his expeditions, worked on his manuscripts and entertained friends and colleagues. In 1939 the house was opened as a museum in memory of Knud Rasmussen, and it features souvenirs of his life and work.

Public place

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From Greenland to The Hague

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Story written by Frank Allan Rasmussen

Time / Periode 1916 1939

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Knud Rasmussen had a huge impact on research on Greenland. His seven expeditions have been of great scientific benefit. His team of researchers from various specialist fields helped map Greenland. They were experts in botany, geology, meteorology, cartography, ethnography and archaeology. Knud Rasmussen himself was a consultant for the Danish government during the international trials in the Hague when Denmark and Norway each claimed the right to Greenland. Denmark won the case, not least thanks to the internationally respected efforts of Knud Rasmussen. His life's ambition was to help develop the Greenland community so that Greenlanders could rule their own affairs.