South Greenland Explorer

Day 1: Arrival and Qaleraliq Glacier Camp

Fly to Narsarsuaq airport from either Reykjavík or Copenhagen, where you will be greeted and hear an introduction to the trip before setting off for Qaleraliq Camp. The drive to the camp will navigate through Tunulliarfik fjord, among numerous icebergs.

Arrive at the camp and witness the stunning contrast of the sandy beach and the backdrop view of the three glacier tongues. Accommodation is basic but comfortable, with four beds per room.

Meals: Dinner

Accommodation: Domo Loft

Day 2: South Greenland Ice Cap

In the morning you will have many opportunities to catch a glimpse of caribou, which are plentiful in the area. Following breakfast, hike to the Tasersuatsiaq Lake and climb 400 metres to the top of the mountain, from where you will soak up a panoramic view of the immense Polar Ice Cap and the glacial islands (known locally as Nunataks).

Get acquainted with the region during a free afternoon of exploring; take the chance to fish for beautiful Arctic Char, or delve into the wild and forage for berries, herbs and mushrooms.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Accommodation: Domo Loft

Day 3: Glacier Fronts and Ice Hiking

Today is all about exploring the Inlandis tongue. Travel by boat to the start of the hike, passing by the dramatic vertical glacier fronts as you glide through the water. Then, explore to your heart's content; roaming the crevasses, drains, caves and seracs of this labyrinthine glacier, whilst the local guide shares expert knowledge.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Accommodation: Domo Loft

Day 4: Narsaq Town

Setting out by boat again, you will pass by the huge icebergs that mark the route from the Eqaloruutsit glacier to Narsaq, where you will spend the day. Narsaq is situated at the shores of the Tunulliarfik Fjord and is the third most populated town in South Greenland.

Once you've arrived and settled into your accommodation, explore the varied treasures of the town; from the museum, to the inuit market and local leather shop. Decide which restaurant takes your fancy for dinner, then spend the night at the Kayak Hostel.

Meals: Breakfast and lunch

Accommodation: Kayak Hostel

Day 5: Saarloq Hot Springs

Sail through the outer skerries with a stop at the picturesque, remote village of Saarloq, before travelling onwards through more fjords to Uunartoq. You will also pass Alluitsup Paa, a traditional settlement and the capital for whales in South Greenland.

Once on the island of Uunartoq, you’ll spend the afternoon swimming and relaxing in the thermal springs. Produced by volcanic activity, you’ll witness icebergs drift by as you bathe in the 38-degree waters. Camping in tents overnight at Uunartoq Island.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Accommodation: Uunartoq Island Camp

Day 6: Hunters Settlement and Kuusaq River Camp

Transfer to Tasiusaq, a historical village that is home to 80 residents and surrounded by spectacular mountains. Trek to the mouth of Kuusuaq River, the most popular Salmon River in South Greenland, and then through the alpine scenery to Tasersuaq Lake. You will walk through the Saputit path, created by Tasiusaq’s locals to access Lake Tasersuaq for fishing.

Have dinner and overnight at Kuusuak River Camp.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Accommodation: Kuusuak River Camp

Day 7: Tasermiut

Camp in the "Greenlandic Patagonia". See the “Big Walls” of South Greenland: the Ulamertorsuaq (1,830 meters, the Arctic version of El Capitan in Yosemite), the Nalumasortoq (2,054 meters, named “the open book” due to its distinct shape), finally, the huge granite pyramid of the Ketil (2,010 meters). At the bottom of the fjord another amazing sight awaits us: the Tasermiut glacier, descending 1,400 meters high whilst just 3km long… it’s a hanging glacier!

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Accommodation: Tasermuit Camp

Day 8: Nalumasortoq

Today you’ll trek up to base of the granite mass of Nalumasortoq, whose extremely smooth twin walls are highly cherished by climbers from all around the world. The walk is moderate in difficulty. From the viewing point you’ll see the south face of the Ketil and the north face of the Ulamertorssuaq.

In the evening there is some time for fishing and foraging for mussels. The camp also offers a fantastic view to the west face of the Ulamertorssuaq as the sun set strokes the rock with the last rays of sun. Spend another night at Tasermuit camp.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Accommodation: Tasermuit Camp

Day 9: Ulamertosuaq

An unforgettable hike to the base of the Ulamertorssuaq wall, which is rated the best Arctic “Bigwall” and one of the best ten climbing walls in the whole world. You’ll spend the night at Tasermuit camp.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Accommodation: Tasermuit Camp

Day 10: Nanortalik

Travel back to the quaint Nanortalik, the southernmost town of the country, which has some 2,300 inhabitants. Appreciate the natural beauty of the town whose name translates to “where there are polar bears”; visit the traditional shops, the hunters market, and the fascinating Museum of Inuit Culture and Traditions. Accommodation is in a hostel in the town.

Meals: Breakfast and lunch

Accommodation: Hostel in town

Day 11: Alluitsup Paa and Qaqortoq

Transfer by boat to Alluitsup Paa, a small hunting and fishing village located in front to the open sea.

Continue to the capital of South Greenland, Qaqortoq. It is described as the most delightful town in all of Greenland, discover its charm with a stroll around the city, while you enjoy the vibrancy of its colourful buildings and the awe-inspiring landscapes all around. Explore the museum, fur shops, traditional kayak club, church or the only fountain in the whole country. Accommodation is in a hostel in the town.

Meals: Breakfast and lunch

Accommodation: Hostel in town

Day 12: Igaliku and Qassiarsuk Unesco World Heritage

The first stop of the day is the pontoon of Itilleq, where a relaxed trek to cross the Path of the Kings begins. Reach the idyllic Igaliku, a small Inuit settlement inhabited by no more than 40 people. Igaliku, home of the ruins of Gardar (religious capital of Viking Greenland), is famous for being the most beautiful settlement in Greenland, and was recently declared part of the Unesco World Heritage List.

In the afternoon, on your way to Qassiarsuk, you’ll be able to witness one of the most active glaciers in southern Greenland, the Qooroq Fjord, walking until the iceberg density will make it impossible to carry on. Night at the Leif Eriksson Hostel in Qassiarsuk.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Accommodation: Leif Eriksson Hostel

Day 13: Tasiusaq, Optional Kayaking

You’ll hike to Tasiusaq farms, next to Sermilik fjord which is almost always blocked by the icebergs coming from Eqaloruutsit glacier. After a nourishing lunch, you can choose to fish (in the land of arctic salmon) or go for a local walk. There is an option to book a kayaking excursion in the “Iceberg Bay”, a two hour trip surrounded by mountains and icebergs which is suitable for beginners due to the calm waters (85€, minimum two participants).

Upon arriving back to Qassiarsuk, dive into some of the history of old Brattahlid with a guided tour of the Viking ruins of the area. Of particular interest are the reconstructions of a Viking house (spacious but cold) and an inuit dwelling (small but warmer), transporting you back in time to the harsh conditions in which these people lived and learnt to adapt so well.

Spend another night at the Leif Eriksson Hostel.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Accommodation: Leif Eriksson Hostel

Day 14: Flower Valley and Kiattut Glacier

In the morning, cross the fjord towards Narsarsuaq area. Then, after a short transfer by car, a walk through Flower Valley will take you to the Kiattut glacier and surrounding landscape, with superb panoramic views of the Polar Ice Cap and its Nunataks.

A farewell dinner will be organised; celebrate all that you have experienced on the trip with a lavish meal of traditional Inuit products including fish, whale, seal, and caribou. Spend your final night at the Leif Eriksson Hostel.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Accommodation: Leif Eriksson Hostel

Day 15: Return to Reykjavik or Copenhagen

Transfer by boat to Narsarsuaq, where you will have time to visit The Bluie West One Museum, the former US military base which has been frozen in time since the Second World War, before your flight.

Fly from Narsarsuaq to either Reykjavík (domestic airport) or Copenhagen.

Meals: Breakfast