A week of exploration and adventure in South Greenland. Enjoy the sight of huge glacier fronts, sail among icebergs, hike on a glacier tongue millions of years old, visit the small towns and villages of Qaqortoq, Narsaq, Igaliko and Qassiarsuk, and explore Viking ruins. Learn about the history of Greenland's first settlers and see beautiful valleys, impressive glaciers and waters dotted with blue tinged ice. Find yourself in a new world, just waiting to be discovered, where roads are the exception and where nature is almost untouched. Each day offers walks and hikes in majestic landscapes, while each night is spent in comfortable hotels.
Itinerary
Day 1 Copenhagen or Reykjavik to Narsarsuaq: Glacier View Point Walk
Make your own way to the airport for your flight from Reykjavik (Keflavik Airport) or Copenhagen to Narsarsuaq. Meet your guide at the airport and transfer to the hotel for check-in and an information meeting about the coming days. In the afternoon, enjoy a short hike to the Glacier View Point, around one hour from the hotel, for magnificent views of the Fjord and the plain of Narsarsuaq and the Glacier. Two nights at Hotel Narsarsuaq.
Day 2 Hike to Flower Valley
Morning hike to the Flower Valley - here we can soak up the spectacular views over the Kiattut river and glacier; the valley was formed by the glacier's retreat and consequent glacial sedimentation, and is now home to an abundance of flowers. 2nd overnight at Hotel Narsarsuaq.
Day 3 Narsarsuaq - Narsaq
An incredible zodiac boat transfer will take us from Narsarsuaq to Narsaq. Enjoying the wonderful landscape with views of the farms and cascades. With about 1500 inhabitants, Narsaq is the third most populated town in South Greenland. Town tour to discover the beauty of its colourful buildings, visit the local market, fur shops and hunters harbour. Leisurely hike in the surroundings with a wonderful view of the valley, fjords and mountains. Afternoon at leisure to explore Narsaq on your own. Perhaps visit the Greenlandic museum or meet the local people and discover the modern Inuit’s way of life. Three nights accommodation at Hotel Narsaq.
Day 4 Narsaq: Qaleraliq Camp and Excursion on Ice
Today we set off by zodiac to the basecamp at Qaleraliq, set right next to the polar ice, on a sandy beach. Enjoy the contrasts and spectacular views from the camp of the three glacier tongues visible here. After a brief stop at the camp we continue by boat, navigating along the glacier fronts, and admiring the beauty of their vertical ice walls and the numerous icebergs. We then start our fantastic ice excursion, an impressive trek on one of the oldest masses of ice on the planet. We will explore its crevasses, drains, caves, and other ice formations, whilst an expert mountain guide will look after us, making sure everyone is safe and sound and enjoying themselves. This is a truly unique experience and one of the best excursions in all Greenland. After a picnic lunch, we return by zodiac to Narsaq, along the way passing through the Sermilik Fjord, where we can witness giant icebergs calving off the Eqaloruutsit Glacier and beginning their journey out to sea. 2nd overnight at Hotel Narsaq.
Day 5 Qaqortoq: Hvalsoy Church
An exciting excursion in a high-powered zodiac from Narsaq to Hvalsoy. The journey is approximately 1.5hrs traveling between icebergs and gorges, with views of small islands that adorn a magical landscape. Hvalsoy Church was built in the 14th century and is considered the best preserved church from that period. This area has recently been declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Disembark in the beautiful city of Qaqortoq for a guided tour of the town. Qaqortoq, the capital of southern Greenland, was founded in 1775 and is considered the most charming and attractive city in all of Greenland. With more than 3000 inhabitants and colourful houses built on a mountain at the foot of the sea, Qaqortoq is truly striking. See a collection of thirty large stones carved by local artisans with motifs from the Inuit culture. Equally interesting is the wooden church next to the river, craft shops, fish market and the traditional kayak club. Afternoon transfer by zodiac to Narsaq. 3rd overnight at Hotel Narsaq.
Day 6 Igaliku and Qooroq Ice Fjord
This morning enjoy the spectacular surrounding views of Einarsfjord, with green hills and small lakes. Hike to Itilleq and then travel by zodiac to the Qooroq Ice Fjord, to see one of the most impressive glaciers in the south. Then we continue by boat back to Narsarsuaq. Two nights at Hotel Narsarsuaq.
Day 7 Tasiusaq, Viking Ruins of Qassiarsuk and Optional Sea Kayaking
Morning 4x4 jeep trip to the beautiful Tasiusaq farm, where seven people live in notable isolation next to Sermilik fjord, which is almost always blocked by the ice from icebergs coming from Eqaloruutsit glacier. Picnic at Tasiusaq farm. Transfer by boat through Tunulliarfik Fjord to Qassiarsuk (the former Brattahlid, capital of Viking Greenland). Here we walk through the village of about 50 inhabitants and see the Viking ruins, learning the history of the arrival of Eric the Red from Iceland, to establish this small settlement in 985. Of particular interest are the reconstructions of a spacious Viking house and an Inuit dwelling, which transport us back in time to the harsh conditions in which these pioneers lived. Optional kayak excursion in the Iceberg Bay. This is a two hour sea kayaking trip, paddling amongst the icebergs, in one of the safest and most inspiring places in Greenland, and is suitable for everyone including beginners. This optional excursion will be offered subject to meeting minimum numbers required to operate and weather conditions. Return by 4WD to Qassiarsuk, and then by boat to Narsarsuaq. 2nd overnight at Hotel Narsarsuaq.
Day 8 Flight Narsarsuaq to Reykjavik or Copenhagen
Time at leisure or perhaps visit the Narsarsuaq Museum Blue West One, which reflects the town's history from past times, particularly during World War II, before your transfer to the airport. Then take the return flight to either Reykjavik (Keflavik Airport) or Copenhagen. On arrival at the airport there, your tour arrangements end.
2024 departures from Reykjavik and Copenhagen:
25 June
02, 09, 16, 23, 30 July
06, 13, 20, 27 August
03 September
Notes:
Maximum Group Size: 12 persons
The itinerary may be reversed or may change slightly due to weather conditions
A reasonable level of fitness is required
