Grytviken

It was so named by a 1902 Swedish surveyor who found old English try pots used to render seal oil at the site. It is the best harbour on the island, consisting of a bay (King Edward Cove) within a bay (Cumberland East Bay). The site is very sheltered, provides a substantial area of flat land suitable for building on, and has a good supply of fresh water.

Grytviken, (Cauldron Bay) the oldest of the whaling stations, was founded by Captain Carl Anton Larsen in 1904. On arrival in the bay or viken, the whalers found some old tri-pots (gryte) that had been left by earlier sealers. This was later to be commonly known as Pot Harbour, but is technically incorrect as the Norwegian for harbour is havn. The Louise was purchased to transport the factory buildings and accommodation down to South Georgia from Sandefjord. After the first cargo arrived, the station was up and running within five weeks!

Grytviken has some of the most photographed landmarks on South Georgia. The Whaler's Church must be at the top of the list. A lovely old building dedicated in 1913 and still in use today. A short walk from the church and you are at the Cemetery and can view the grave of the explorer Sir Ernest Henry Shackleton. The ex whale catcher Petrel is another favourite, as are the hulks of the Dias and the Albatros.

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Humidity	75 %

Last update: 25 Apr 2024 @ 23:52

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