Iceland Greenland

Day 1. Qassiarsuk.

Three-hour flight from Reykjavik (Iceland’s domestic airport) to Narsarsuaq (south Greenland) with views of Kap Farvel and the southern Greenland sea ice … we are now in the Arctic! Reception at the airport and transfer to the port of Narsarsuaq to cross the Eriksfjord in the direction of Qassiarsuk,  a small village of about 50 inhabitants, mostly farmers.

Accomodation in Tasiusaq or Qassiarsuq Hostel

Day 2. Tasiusaq, the kayaking among icebergs spot

Tasiusaq Farm, populated by only 7 people  who live on their farms throughout the year next to Sermilik fjord, which is almost always blocked by the ice and icebergs coming from Eqaloruutsit glacier filled with icebergs from the Eqalorutsit glacier. Near the shore of the small bay of Tasiusaq is the Yurt (of Mongolian origin) with the kayak equipment.  After a break to eat and rest, we select waterproof clothing and navigation accessories and make first contact with the water. Our guide will teach you the basics of sailing, emphasizing the safety standards. Overnight stay in tents.

Day 3. Kayaking towards the great Eqalorutsit front glacier

Always attentive to the guide, paddling among small blocks of ice or giant icebergs is an unforgettable experience. The only noise heard from our kayaks is the sound of the ice floes, with occasional glimpses of a seal’s head as it suddenly breaks the surface. The route, from the north shore to the south of the fjord, depends on the ice. We stop for lunch at a small island 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! Back at camp, there will be time before dinner to do some fishing or simply enjoy a cup of tea in this privileged environment. Camping overnight.

Day 4. Surrounded by ice

Breakfast and, depending on how we see the passage through the ice, we paddle around the western cape of the fjord to get a view of the Eqalorutsit glacier from our kayaks; another option is to heading south to get close to the area of Kangerlua, a farm all year round blocked by ice with landscapes of indescribable beauty. We have lunch during one of the stops before heading off in the direction of Tasiusaq. Dinner and overnight stay at the Tasiusaq Hostel.

Day 5. Viking Greenland before flight

In the morning we head off hiking to Qassiarsuk while our backpacks are transported by jeep. After a hot shower we have a guided tour of the Viking ruins of Brattahlid (present day Qassiarsuk), 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.

Boat transfer way back to Narsarsuaq, where we recommend you to visit the Museum of the American Base (the Bluie West One), frozen in time since the Second World War or you can do which  is probably the most renowned excursion in all Greenland, the Flower Valley. Enjoy the spectacular view of a valley formed due to the glacier retreat and the consequent glacial sedimentation with plenty of flowers. If we have time we will walk until we can see Kiattut glacier and the landscape around it, with superb panoramic view of the ice sheet and its Nunataks.

Flight from Narsarsuaq to Iceland (Reykjavík Domestic  Airport)

Prices 2022

2,150 € from Reykjavík

Dates 2022

Departure and return to Reykjavík (Iceland)

June:

June 28th – 02nd July

July:

July 05th – 09th

July 12th – 16th

July 19th – 23th

July 26th – 30th

August:

August 02nd –06th

Special Northern Lights

August 09th – 13th

September:

Special Northern Lights

August 30th – September 03rd

September 06th – 10th

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:

• – Flight Reykjavík – Narsarsuaq – Reykjavík
• – Tasermiut, South Greenland Expeditions’ guide (english speaking)
• – Transfers in Greenland, as stated on this program
  – Meals on a full board basis, as stated on this program
• – Cultural visit to Brattahlid reconstructions
  – Accommodation in Greenland, as stated on this program
• – Rental of kayaks and navigation equipment
• – Camping and RIB boat travel equipment

What it’s not included:

• – Airport taxes and fees (approx. 175€ from Reykjavík )
• – Travel insurance
• – Lunch on flight days
• – Accommodation, transfers and food in Reykjavík
• – Unexpected expenses as a result of weather conditions (including difficulties or cancellations due to ice or weather conditions) or flight or boat delays
• – Any other aspect not listed in “What it’s included”