Enjoy navigation by speed boat in a sea filled with iceberg approaching glacier fronts, experience one of the largest glaciers in Greenland in a unique and easy glacier hike using crampons and visit the most picturesque towns and villages of South Greenland: Igaliku, Narsaq and Qassiarsuk. This unique heritage has been recently recognised and inscribed in the UNESCO World Heritage List.
You’ll explore this remote and unspoilt landscape not only by zodiac but also on foot… One week you will never forget!
The hikes are not difficult, approximately 3 or 4 hours walking, and some are suitable for most abilities. The excursion on ice with crampons will be guided by a mountain guide, and is also suitable for anyone physically active and with an adventurous attitude. For the kayak optional excursion, previous experience in kayaking is not required.
Flight from Keflavík (Iceland) to Qaqortoq(South Greenland). Reception at the airport and zodiac boat transfer to Qassiarsuk (former Brattahlid, capital of Viking Greenland).
Qaqortoq is the largest town in South Greenland, with around 3,000 inhabitants. Nestled between hills and fjords, it’s a colourful town
where traditional Greenlandic culture meets Danish colonial history.
We’ll do a short trek if we have timet and transfer in RIB boat to Qassiarsuk ( abaout 1 hour 30 minutes).
Briefing and dinner. Overnight at the Leif Erikson Hostel Greenland. Night at the Leif Eriksson Hostel.
Qassiarsuk, a settlement of about 50 peoples, represent the most comprehensive and rich example of both Norse and Greenlandic farming histories. This is the place chosen by Erik the Red to build Brattahlid, home for centuries of the Greenlandic “ting”, the form of Viking parliament. It was also here that Greenland earned his name. Cultural visit- Brattahlid reconstructions: From the same place where Erik the Red started the Viking colonization of Greenland, we will start our journey, exploring the archaeological site and the faithful reconstruction of the Thjodhild’s church and of a traditional Viking longhouse, along with some Inuit archaeological remains and the new life of the Greenlandic farmers. The Norse and Greenlandic core farming were, in 2017, inscribed on UNESCO’s World Heritage List under the title of “Kujataa Greenland: A Norse and Inuit farming landscape on the Edge of the Ice Cap”. After the cultural visit, we will hike to Tasiusaq: a farm where 7 people live in a notable isolation in front of the Tasiusaq bay, almost always full of icebergs coming from the extremely active Eqaloruutsit glacier. The hike is gentle, around 3,5 hours, trough lush green valleys, blue lakes and happy sheep. At the end of the hike, after lunch, there will be the option of participating in an awe-inspiring sea Kayak experience. Optional: Kayak excursion in the “Iceberg Bay” A 2 hour sea kayaking trip for beginners among icebergs and ice in one of the safest and best places in the whole Greenland. Accommodation in Tasiusaq or Qassiarsuk Hostel
Way back to Qassiarsuk and transfer to Igaliku, through a 7 km (or 2 hours) walk on a gravel road, with some beautiful aerial views of the Tasiusaq and Erik the Red fjords.
Navigation and Easy hike trough the Kongevejen, or Path of the Kings, to the idyllic Igaliku, a small Inuit settlement inhabited by not quite 40 people, which is famous for being the most beautiful settlement in the whole Greenland, and where one finds: the ruins of Gardar, the
archdiocese and religious capital of Viking Greenland, the Norse bishop’s farm – the largest in all of Greenland- and the setting of Anders Olsen’s farm, the unique architecture of the Igaliku stone houses. The area is also part of the Unesco World Heritage List
After eating in Igaliku, return in the afternoon to Itilleq, and then to Qassiarsuk.
On our way to Qassiarsuk, we will visit the Qooroq Fjord, where one of the most active glaciers in southern Greenland can be found, navigating to the area where iceberg density will make it impossible to carry on, and which is without doubt one of Greenland’s best images.
Accommodation in Hostel
We will cross to Narsarsuaq by zodiac and walk through a village with a significant history as a World War II air base, and home of the Greenlandic Arboretum: one of the most extensive and northernmost botanical gardens in the world. It covers approximately 150 hectares and includes around 110 tree species from about 600 different provenances.
Excursion to the Ridge
The hike to the Ridge begins in Narsarsuaq and passes through the Arboretum. As you ascend, you’ll enjoy beautiful views of Flower Valley and the surrounding mountains. At the top, the Ridge offers a breathtaking panorama of the Kiattut Glacier
Qaleraliq Camp
In the afternoon, we will set off for Qaleraliq camp, navigating along Tunulliarfik fjord among numerous icebergs. We will arrive to a cozy, enchanting camp set on a sandy beach, which contrasts with a spectacular view of three glacier fronts from Qaleraliq’s glacier. We will spend the night at the camp, allowing our senses to enjoy the unbelievable views and the thunderclap roar of the icefall from seracs.
Accommodation in fixed Domo tents.
Ascent to the base of Tasersuatsiaq great lake and panoramic view of the Inlandis. Ascent by foot through a unique desert-like sand valley which will lead us to a surprisingly different landscape, that of the green and thick tundra. After passing the lake, we will climb up a mountain 400 metres high, from which we will have a mesmerising view of the lake, one of the largest in Southern Greenland. The summit is also a very special viewing point of the Indlandis, the immense inland glacier. From there you can gaze upon the infinite ice sheet up to the north coast of the island and towards the Arctic Ocean, and see the Nunataks, floating landmarks on the ice sheet. We may pick mushrooms and blueberries, and look for caribou, which are plentiful in the area.
Accommodation in fix tents
We will navigate along the glacier fronts on a RIB boat, admiring the beauty of their vertical ice walls and numerous icebergs as we approach them along their more than 10 kilometres descent to the sea. These glacier fronts extended in only one. But the dramatic progress of climate change divided it in three glacier fronts. From there we will start the ice excursion. An impressive trek using crampons (organised to be suitable for all travellers) on one of the oldest masses of ice in the planet. We will explore its crevasses, drains, seracs, and other ice formations, which give an incredible, labyrinthine quality to this glacier. An expert mountain guide will be in charge to make sure we are provided with the appropriate equipment, and to ensure the safety of the group during the trip, while he shares with us his knowledge about the special characteristics of the glaciers in the South of Greenland. A unique experience, exciting and original, surprising both first-time comers and those used to the peculiarities of the glacier world. One of the most impressive sights and one of the best excursions in all Greenland.
Accommodation in fix tents
Transfer to Narsaq, 1 hour by rib-boat. Narsaq is the second most populated town in South Greenland, with around 1,700 inhabitants. City Tour We will have time to visit the museum, fish market, local handicraft workshop, the church or take a walk around town. A short hike may also be possible, depending on the time available. Dinner will be on your own at a local restaurant.
Overnight accommodation at Narsaq Hostel
Transfer to Qaqortoq, the South Greenland capital. Qaqortoq, founded in 1775 and nowadays with almost 3000 inhabitants, is described as the most charming and attractive town in Greenland.Time off to take a small excursion around town, where we will discover the beauty of its colourful buildings, the awe-inspiring landscapes and some of its thirty different rock sculpture designs, spread over the town. Explore on our own the fur shops, the church and the only fountain in the
country.
Flight Qaqortoq-Reykjavík (Keflavik International airport).
2,895 € from Keflavík – Iceland (round-trip ticket included)
Departures from Keflavík
June
June 15th – 22nd
June 22nd – 29th
June 29th – July 6th
July
July 06th – 13th
July 13th – 20th
July 20th – 27th
July 27th – August 03rd
August
August 03rd – 10th
August 10th – 17th
August 17th – 24th
August 25th – September 01st
September
Special Northern Lights
September 01st – 08th
September 05th – 12th
September 08th – 15th
September 12th – 19th
September 15th – 22nd
September 19th – 26th
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.
* It’s recommended to confirm Optional Excursions in advance before arrival to Greenland.
What it’s included:
What it’s not included:
© Tasermiut South Greenland Expeditions 2014—All Rights Reserved – B-873 Qassiarsuk 3921 Narsaq (Greenland) Mobile: 00299 522822 booking@tasermiut.com