Day 1. Arrival in Greenland: Qassiarsuk viking ruins

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 GreenlandNight at the Leif Eriksson Hostel.

Day 2.Narsaq and Qaleraliq Glacier Camp

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”.

Day 3.Greenland Ice Cap view

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”.

Day 4.Glacier fronts and Ice hiking

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”.

Day 5.Leif Eriksson Marathon

It begins and ends in the settlement, Qassiarsuk, down a T-shaped route where you go past Nunataaq, Inneruulalik and almost all the way out to Sillisit.

Even though the marathon stretch goes down desolate tractor tracks, you feel very safe. There is thorough information before departure, good direction signs and catering along the route.

You can choose between the 10 km, half-marathon (21km) or marathon distances (42). Walking the half-marathon route is a recently added option.

It takes about an hour and a half longer to run than an ordinary marathon on flat roads.

After finish you will  have good time to greet the residents of the settlement who are usually quite inquisitive and love to follow the marathon.

Night at the Leif Eriksson Hostel.

Day 6. Tasiusaq, the kayaking among icebergs spot

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.

Day 7. Flower Valley and Kiattut glacier

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.

Day 8. Flight to Iceland (or Denmark).

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 (domestic airport) or Copenhaguen.

Dates 2023

2,595€  from Reykjavík, Iceland (round-trip ticket included)

2,695 €  from Copenhagen, Denmark (round-trip ticket included)

Date 2023

August

Departures from Copenhagen and Reykjavík

From 15^th to 22^nd of August . Marathon Special Departure

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 /Copenhagen – Narsarsuaq, return
• – Marathon Inscription
• – Tasermiut, South Greenland Expeditions’ guide (English speaking)
• – Transfers in Greenland, as specified on this program
  – Meals on a full board basis
• – Accommodation in Greenland, as specified on this program
  – Camping and RIB boat travel equipment
• – Guided visit to Brattahlid reconstructions
• – Greenlandic farewell dinner

• What it’s not included:
• – Airport taxes and Fees (Between 200-250€)
• – Travel insurance
• – Lunch on flight days
• – Accommodation, transfers and food in Reykjavík or Copenhagen
• – Optional special dinner on Marathons day
• – Optional excursions*
• – 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 is included”