If you are a hiking enthusiast and a kayaking novice, this tour offers real contact with the unspoilt landscape of South Greenland: climb to catch the stunning views of the infinite Ice Cap at the outset of the trip and, later on, paddle through the icebergs. Meanwhile, we will have visited the ruins of the Viking era and discovered by boat one of the most active glacier fronts in southern Greenland.
This is a fairly active trip for which some level of physical fitness is necessary, or have the habit of hiking in the countryside. As for the kayak, as we will be sailing in an area of calm water and due to the stability of our double kayaks, previous experience in kayaking is not required (although is recommended).
Flight from Reykjavík (Iceland) or Copenhagen to Narsarsuaq (south Greenland airport). Met by our English speaking guide at the airport, we cross the Eriksfjord by zodiac to Qassiarsuk, our base in Southern Greenland. After staying at the Leif Eriksson Hostel we have the opportunity to take a guided tour of the viking ruins of Brattahlid, learning the history of the arrival of Eric the Red from Iceland at this small settlement in 985. Of particular interest are the reconstructions of a viking house (spacious but cold) and an nuit dwelling (small but warmer), transporting us back in time to the harsh conditions in which these people lived and it definitely shows us how the Inuit knew how to adapt better to the progressive cooling of the climate. Dinner and overnight stay at the Leif Eriksson Hostel.
After leaving non-essential luggage at the hostel, we cross the Eriksfjord again and start ascending the Mellem Mountains through the Flower Valley. After two hours, almost by surprise, the Kiattut glacier appears at our feet, lost in the immensity of the inland ice-sheet of Greenland. Depending on the pace of the group, we go down to the glacier itself and walk on the million-year-old ice. The climb to the Mellem Cabin, among small lakes and tundra, takes another hour. Overnight in tents next to the Mellem hut.
At this stage the trek is comfortable and quite spectacular, we head east through a lake region to arrive at a privileged viewpoint: the huge Qooroq glacier, one of the busiest in all of Greenland with over 200,000 tons of ice a day flowing in to the sea. So huge is the glacier under our feet that it looks like a road winding between nunataaqs (mountains jutting up from the ice) if we look to the North. Overnight in tents next to the Mellem hut.
On the way back to Narsarsuaq we ascend to the highest peak in Mellem Land to enjoy one of the most exclusive views of southern Greenland: the infinite Inlandis in the distance, two glaciers falling into the sea beneath us and behind us the labyrinth of fjords where we will be kayaking in the coming days. In the afternoon we cross the Eriksfjord by zodiac and, after staying at the Leif Eriksson Hostel, we visit the Qooroq ice Fjord, navigating as far as the chaos of icebergs and ice sheets allow us… The Endurance! Dinner at the hostel is “traditional Inuit”, with a sampling of some of the tastiest Greenlandic dishes. Overnight stay at the Leif Eriksson Hostel.
We start trekking towards the farms of Tasiusaq, an idyllic spot located at the foot of the Sermilik Fjord, always full of icebergs, as the backpacks are transported by jeep. Ten minutes from our hostel in Tasiusaq is the yurt (Mongolian tent) with the kayak equipment. After selecting waterproof clothing and navigation accessories we make first contact with the water in the small bay of Tasiusaq and get to know the basics of security. Overnight stay at the Tasiusaq Hostel.
Always following the guide, the experiences are unforgettable: navigating through the ice and on many occasions among gigantic icebergs, the noise made by moving icebergs, seals heads suddenly appearing or kayaks slicing silently through the water… We weave from shore to open water to avoid icy barriers, we stop for lunch at small islands or on the coast if the group wants to… there’s no rush, our goal is about ten km west along the Sermilik Fjord to reach an isthmus where we set up camp. From there, we will take a short walk to the other side of the isthmus to admire the stunning view of the Eqalorutsit glacier: Now I understand why there were so many icebergs! Overnight in tents.
Breakfast and, depending on how we see the passage through the ice, we can try to get close to the area of Kangerlua, all year round blocked by ice. It is also possible, depending on if our muscles are feeling up to it, to paddle around the western cape of the fjord to see the Eqalorutsit glacier before starting back in the direction of Tasiusaq. Overnight stay at the Tasiusaq Hostel.
In the morning, after the hike back to Qassiarsuk and get a shower, we cross the Eriksfjord to Narsarsuaq airport. We recommend you visit the Museum of the Bluie West One American Base, untouched since the Second World War. Flight Narsarsuaq to Iceland (Reykjavík airport) or Copenhagen.
2,395 € from Reykjavík and Copenhagen (round-trip ticket included)
Departures from Copenhagen and Keflavík
June
June 25th – 02nd July
July
July 02nd – 09th
July 09th – 16th
July 16th – 23rd
July 23rd – 30th
July 30th – August 06th
August
August 06th – 13th
August 13th – 20th
August 20th – 27th
August 27th – September 03rd
September
Special Northern Lights
September 3rd-10th
September 10th – 17th
Registration date: Up to 45 days before the journey’s departure date.
Registration after that date: Depending on flight availability.
Reservation: 40% deposit of the total price, excluding airport taxes.
What it’s included:
What it’s not included:
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