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 quite easy, approximately 3 or 4 hours walking, and 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 Reykjavík (Iceland) or Copenhagen to Narsarsuaq (south Greenland). Reception at the airport and zodiac boat transfer to Qassiarsuk (former Brattahlid, capital of Viking Greenland). Walk through the village of about 50 inhabitants and 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 inuit 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. This Norse and Greenlandic core farming area were in 2017 inscribed on UNESCO’s World Heritage List under the title Kujataa Greenland. Night at the Leif Eriksson Hostel.
We will set off for Qaleraliq camp, our base beside the greenlandic ice cap, navigating along the Tunulliarfik fjord among icebergs. Halfway we will stop at Narsaq, the third most populated town in South Greenland with about 1,500 inhabitants. Free time to visit the museum, the fish market or the fur shops before boarding the boat again to navigate towards the Inlandis. We will arrive to our camp set on a sandy beach, which contrasts with a spectacular view of three glacier tongues. We will spend the night at the camp, allowing our senses to enjoy the thunderclap roar of the icefall from seracs. Accommodation in 4 bedded basic but comfortable rooms of Domo “loft”.
In the morning we will have many opportunities to see caribou, which are plentiful in the area. After breakfast, hiking to the Tasersuatsiaq lake and climb up a mountain 400 metres high, from which we will have the view of the immense Polar Ice Cap and the “nunataks”, floating landmarks on the ice sheet. In the afternoon we will have time for fishing or pick mushrooms and blueberries (from mid august). Accommodation in 4 bedded basic but comfortable rooms of Domo “loft”.
We will navigate along the vertical glacier fronts on a zodiac boat. 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 Inlandis tongue hiking. An impressive trek using crampons where we will explore its crevasses, drains, caves, and seracs which give an labyrinthine quality to this glacier. An expert mountain guide will be in charge of the excusion to ensure the safety of the group, while he shares with us his knowledge about the characteristics of the glaciers in the southern Greenland. Accommodation in 4 bedded basic but comfortable rooms of Domo “loft”.
Return navigation from Qaleraliq to Qassiarsuk, reaching Itilleq first. Easy hike to cross the Path of the Kings to the idyllic Igaliku, a small inuit settlement where one finds the ruins of Gardar, the archdiocese of Viking Greenland. The area is recently declared part of the Unesco World Heritage List
In the afternoon, on our way to Qassiarsuk, we will visit the Qooroq Fjord, one of the most active glaciers in southern Greenland, navigating to the area where iceberg density will make it impossible to carry on… one of Greenland’s unforgettables!
Night at the Leif Eriksson Hostel.
Hiking to Tasiusaq farms, next to Sermilik fjord which is almost always blocked by the icebergs coming from Eqaloruutsit glacier. This is not the only sheep farm of the area and we can continue our walk to reach the idyllic Nunataaq. Then, after the picnic, it’s time for action: optional kayak excursion in the “Iceberg Bay”, a 2 hour kayaking trip for beginners among icebergs in one of the safest and nicest spots in southern Greenland (85€ , minimum 2 participants). Accommodation at the Tasiusaq hostel or hike back to Qassiarsuk and accommodation at the Leif Eriksson Hostel.
In the morning we will cross the fjord towards Narsarsuaq area. Then, after a short transfer by car, we will walk through Flower Valley until we can see the Kiattut glacier and the landscape around it, with superb panoramic view of the Polar Ice Cap and its Nunataks (floating landmarks on the ice sheet). Flower Valley is one of the most renowned excursion in all Greenland. Farewell dinner will be greenlandic dinner with traditional Inuit products: fish, whale, seal, caribou, etc. Night at the Leif Eriksson Hostel.
Once in Narsarsuaq we have time to walk around in the area and visit the local museum Bluie West that reflects the history of the creation of the village of Narsarsuaq from the past and especially its role played in the Second World War, or you can ascend to the “View Point”, an easy hike of approximately one hour, starting near the Hotel, from where you will have views of the fjord, the Narsarsuaq plain and the Kiattut glacier.
Flight Narsarsuaq-Reykjavík (Keflavik International airport) or Copenhagen.
2,595 € from Reykjavík/ Copenhagen, Iceland (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
Departures from Reykjavík
September 07th – 14th
September 10th – 17th
September 14th – 21st
September 17th – 24th
September 21st – 28th
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) Tel/Fax: 00299 665010 – Mobile: 00299 522822 booking@tasermiut.com