Highlights of Southern Greenland

Day 1: Arrival in Greenland: Qassiarsuk viking ruins

Fly to Narsarsuaq airport from either Reykjavík or Copenhagen, where you will be welcomed before taking a boat transfer to Qassiarsuk (former Brattahlid, capital of Viking Greenland). In 2017, this Norse and Greenlandic core farming area was included on UNESCO’s World Heritage List (known as Kujataa Greenland). 

Explore the village of about 50 residents and dive into 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 your first night at the Leif Eriksson Hostel.

Meals: Dinner

Accommodation: Leif Eriksson Hostel

Day 2: Narsaq Town and Qaleraliq Glacier Camp

In the morning you will set off for Qaleraliq Camp, navigating through Tunulliarfik fjord, among numerous icebergs, as you drive.

A halfway stop in Narsaq will give you time to enjoy some of the varied treasures of the third most populated town in South Greenland (about 1,500 residents). Visit the museum, inuit and fish markets, and local leather and fur shops before boarding the boat again to navigate towards the Inlandis. 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: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Accommodation: Domo Loft

Day 3: Greenland Ice Cap View

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 4: 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. An expert mountain guide will lead the excursion, ensuring the safety of the group and sharing his knowledge about the characteristics of southern Greenland’s glaciers.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Accommodation: Domo Loft

Day 5: The Igaliku settlement and Qooroq Fjord

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 6: Tasiusaq, Nunataaq, and Optional Kayaking

You’ll hike to Tasiusaq farms, next to Sermilik fjord which is almost always blocked by the icebergs coming from Eqaloruutsit glacier. Carry on to Nunataaq, embracing the stunning scenery of icy blue waters and sheep grazing the lush green farmlands, as you share a picnic lunch together. 

After lunch, either continue the adventure by foot, walking back to Qassiarsuk (accommodation at the Leif Eriksson Hostel), or take part in an optional kayak in the “Iceberg Bay”. This is an action-packed two hour trip surrounded by mountains and icebergs as far as you can see. It is suitable for beginners due to the calm waters and costs 85€ (minimum two participants). If you choose to kayak, accommodation is at the Tasiusaq hostel.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Accommodation: Leif Eriksson Hostel

Day 7: 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.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Accommodation: Leif Eriksson Hostel

Day 8: Return to Reykjavik or Copenhagen

Travel back to Narsarsuaq, where you will have time to visit The Bluie West One Museum before your flight. This former US military base has been frozen in time since the Second World War and now offers a great history on the creation of the village of Narsarsuaq.

Or if you feel like one last hike in the region, you can ascend to the “View Point”, a relaxed one-hour hike which presents you with breathtaking views of the fjord, the Narsarsuaq plain and the Kiattut glacier. Either way, an end to the trip to savour. 

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

Meals: Breakfast