South Greenland Explorer: Ice, Big walls & Hot spring
Group Travel: 8 to 12 people groups (plus guide)
Sailing through fjords, icebergs and stunning glacier fronts on the way to the big walls of the Tasermiut fjord… Meanwhile we can enjoy bathing in Uunartoq hot springs, excursions on the ice with crampons, experience what it feels like when paddling on a kayak among icebergs or spend time together with local Inuit while visiting the towns and viking settlements recently recognised and inscribed in the UNESCO World Heritage List.
South Greenland Explorer Trip Highlights
- Glacier excursion with crampons
- Qaleraliq & Tasermiut camps
- Big Walls of Tasermiut fjord
- Uunartoq hot springs
- Kayak optional excursion
- Greenlandic farewell dinner
- Viking & Inuit ruins visit, Unesco World Heritage since 2017.
- Boat transfers among icebergs
- Towns of Narsaq, Qaqortoq and Nanortalik
- Glacier fronts seen from the sea
- Sight of arctic fauna
- Northern lights since mid August
Day 1. Once in South Greenland… Qaleraliq glacier camp
Flight from Keflavík (International airport) or Copenhagen to Narsarsuaq. Welcome reception at the airport. Preparation of equipment and explanation of the journey. When we are ready, we will set off for Qaleraliq camp, navigating along Tunulliarfik fjord among numerous icebergs. 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 2. South 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 3. 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 South Greenland. Accommodation in 4 bedded basic but comfortable rooms of Domo “loft”.
Day 4. Narsaq town
Zodiac boat transfer among the huge icebergs coming from the Eqaloruutsit glacier to Narsaq, the third most populated town in South Greenland with about 1,500 inhabitants. Once settled in our “Kayak Hostel”, free time to stroll around in the city to see the museum, the inuit market, the church or the leather shop, among others. In the evening we may have dinner in one of its restaurants or enjoy a drink with the local people. Accommodation at the Kayak Hostel.
Day 5. Saarloq. Hot springs in Uunartoq
We will sail through the outer skerries direction to the village of Saarloq, a picturesque village almost abandoned where we will make a short stop over to wander around. In the afternoon we will set off for Uunartoq through the complex system of fjords which somehow reminds us of Scotland, although here it is surrounded by icebergs. On our way to Uunartoq Island, we will go past Alluitsup Paa, a painteresque settlement and the capital for whales in South Greenland, which will give us the chance to look for whales during the whole trip. In the afternoon, we will have free time to enjoy a relaxing bathe in the warm springs (the only thermal springs to which access is possible in Greenland), a “holiday resort” for many natives who come from all over the country to camp and bathe in the thermal springs, while icebergs float only 500 metres away in the fjord. Night at Uunartoq Island. Accommodation in tents.
Day 6. Hunters Settlement and Kuusuaq River Camp
Transfer to Tasiusaq, a picturesque village with 80 inhabitants, and tragic historical landmarks which reflect how hard life was in this country decades ago. All the inhabitants of this village starved to death some 140 years ago. It was not until the 1930s that the village was repopulated by descendants and family of the original inhabitants. Spectacular scenery surrounded by mountains. Day trek to the mouth of Kuusuaq River, the most popular Salmon River in South Greenland. Walk in a truly alpine background to Tasersuaq Lake, through Saputit path, created by Tasiusaq’s inhabitants to go fishing in Lake Tasersuaq. Night and Dinner at Kuusuak River Camp. Accommodation in tents.
Day 7. Tasermiut Camp in the “greenlandic Patagonia”
Navigation along the Tasermiut fjord towards the “Big Walls” of South Greenland: the Ulamertorsuaq (1,830 meters, the Arctic version of El Capitan in Yosemite), the Nalumasortoq (2,054 meters, is shaped like an open book in which two pages are 900 meters tall and with overhanging wall sections) and, finally, the huge granite pyramid of the Ketil (2,010 meters). At the bottom of the fjord another awesome sight awaits us: the Tasermiut glacier, descending 1,400 meters high in just three km long… it’s a hanging glacier! Accommodation in tents at the Tasermiut camp.
Day 8. Nalumasortoq
Moderate walk on a terrain of medium difficulty up to the base of the amazing granite mass of Nalumasortoq, whose extremely smooth twin walls are highly cherished by climbers from all around the world. From this viewing point we can see the south face of the Ketil and the north face of the Ulamertorssuaq. In the evening we have time for fishing and picking mussels. The camp also offers a fantastic view to the west face of the Ulamertorssuaq as the sun set strokes the rock with the last rays of sun. Accommodation in tents.
Day 9. Ulamertosuaq
Trekking up to the base of the Ulamertorssuaq wall, rated the best Arctic “Bigwall” and one of the best ten climbing walls in the whole world. Mountain of unique, singular beauty. Night at the camp. Accommodation in tents.
Day 10. Nanortalik
Navigation back to the picturesque Nanortalik, the southernmost town of the country, which has some 2,300 inhabitants. Visit to the Museum of Inuit Culture and Traditions, probably the best museum in the whole country. Free time to visit the town, go shopping, explore the hunters market or have a drink in a town “where there are polar bears” –at least that is the meaning of its name–. Hostel accommodation.
Day 11. Alluitsup Paa and Qaqortoq, capital of South Greenland
Transfer by boat to Alluitsup Paa, a small hunting and fishing village located in front to the open sea. Continuing later to Qaqortoq, capital of South Greenland founded in 1775 and now with almost 3.000 inhabitants. They describe it as the most charming and attractive town in all Greenland. Time to take a stroll around the city, while you enjoy the beauty of its colourful buildings and the awe-inspiring landscapes. Explore on your own the museum, the fur shops, the traditional kayak club, the church or the only fountain in the whole country. Hostel accommodation.
Day 12. Igaliku & Qassiarsuk UNESCO World Heritage. Qoorooq glacier
Our first goal is the pontoon of Itilleq, where an easy hike to cross the Path of the Kings begins. Our destination is the idyllic Igaliku, a small Inuit settlement inhabited by no more than 40 people. Igaliku, home of the ruins of Gardar (religious capital of Viking Greenland), is famous for being the most beautiful settlement in 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 in Qassiarsuk.
Day 13. 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. After lunch, we could go fishing arctic salmon or for a walk in the region.
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).
As we get back to Qassiarsuk, old Brattahlid, 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: A Norse and Inuit farming landscape on the Edge of the Ice Cap.
Accommodation at the Leif Eriksson Hostel.
Day 14. 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 15. Flight to Reykjavík/ Copenhagen
Transfer by boat to Narsarsuaq, where we can visit The Bluie West One Museum, former US militay base frozen in time since the Second World War. Time is enough to do that just before flight departure.
Flight from Narsarsuaq to Reyjkavík (Keflavík International airport) / Copenhagen
Prices 2025
3,595€ from Keflavík (Iceland) and Copenhagen (Denmark)
Dates 2025
Departures from Reykjavík ( Keflavik International Airport) and Copenhagen:
JULY
July 01st -15th
July 15th – 29th
July 29th – August 12th
AUGUST
August 12th – 26th
August 26th – September 11th
Departure from Keflavík
August 30th – September 13th
* It’s recommended to confirm Optional Excursions in advance before arrival to Greenland.
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 from Keflavik/ Copenhagen to Narsarsuaq. Return.
- – Tasermiut, South Greenland Expeditions’ guide (English Speaking)
- – Transfers in Greenland, as specified on this program
- – Meals on a full board basis (except dinner in towns and last day lunch)
- – Accommodation in Greenland, as stated on this program
- – Entrance to the “Museum of Inuit Culture and Traditions”, in Nanortalik
- – Brattahalid reconstructions
- – Camping and RIB boat travel equipment
What it’s not included:
- – Airport taxes and Fees (approx 260-280 € )
- – Accommodation, food and transfers in Reykjavik and Copenhagen
- – Travel insurance
- – Optional kayak excursion: 85 € (minimum 2 participants)
- – Dinner in the towns of Nanortalik, Qaqortoq and Narsaq
- – Lunch on flight days
- – 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”
Sailing through fjords, icebergs and stunning glacier fronts on the way to the big walls of the Tasermiut fjord… Meanwhile we can enjoy bathing in Uunartoq hot springs, excursions on the ice with crampons, experience what it feels like when paddling on a kayak among icebergs or spend time together with local Inuit while visiting the towns and viking settlements recently recognised and inscribed in the UNESCO World Heritage List.
South Greenland Explorer Trip Highlights
- Glacier excursion with crampons
- Qaleraliq & Tasermiut camps
- Big Walls of Tasermiut fjord
- Uunartoq hot springs
- Kayak optional excursion
- Greenlandic farewell dinner
- Viking & Inuit ruins visit, Unesco World Heritage since 2017.
- Boat transfers among icebergs
- Towns of Narsaq, Qaqortoq and Nanortalik
- Glacier fronts seen from the sea
- Sight of arctic fauna
- Northern lights since mid August
Day 1. Once in South Greenland… Qaleraliq glacier camp
Flight from Keflavík (International airport) or Copenhagen to Narsarsuaq. Welcome reception at the airport. Preparation of equipment and explanation of the journey. When we are ready, we will set off for Qaleraliq camp, navigating along Tunulliarfik fjord among numerous icebergs. 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 2. South 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 3. 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 South Greenland. Accommodation in 4 bedded basic but comfortable rooms of Domo “loft”.
Day 4. Narsaq town
Zodiac boat transfer among the huge icebergs coming from the Eqaloruutsit glacier to Narsaq, the third most populated town in South Greenland with about 1,500 inhabitants. Once settled in our “Kayak Hostel”, free time to stroll around in the city to see the museum, the inuit market, the church or the leather shop, among others. In the evening we may have dinner in one of its restaurants or enjoy a drink with the local people. Accommodation at the Kayak Hostel.
Day 5. Saarloq. Hot springs in Uunartoq
We will sail through the outer skerries direction to the village of Saarloq, a picturesque village almost abandoned where we will make a short stop over to wander around. In the afternoon we will set off for Uunartoq through the complex system of fjords which somehow reminds us of Scotland, although here it is surrounded by icebergs. On our way to Uunartoq Island, we will go past Alluitsup Paa, a painteresque settlement and the capital for whales in South Greenland, which will give us the chance to look for whales during the whole trip. In the afternoon, we will have free time to enjoy a relaxing bathe in the warm springs (the only thermal springs to which access is possible in Greenland), a “holiday resort” for many natives who come from all over the country to camp and bathe in the thermal springs, while icebergs float only 500 metres away in the fjord. Night at Uunartoq Island. Accommodation in tents.
Day 6. Hunters Settlement and Kuusuaq River Camp
Transfer to Tasiusaq, a picturesque village with 80 inhabitants, and tragic historical landmarks which reflect how hard life was in this country decades ago. All the inhabitants of this village starved to death some 140 years ago. It was not until the 1930s that the village was repopulated by descendants and family of the original inhabitants. Spectacular scenery surrounded by mountains. Day trek to the mouth of Kuusuaq River, the most popular Salmon River in South Greenland. Walk in a truly alpine background to Tasersuaq Lake, through Saputit path, created by Tasiusaq’s inhabitants to go fishing in Lake Tasersuaq. Night and Dinner at Kuusuak River Camp. Accommodation in tents.
Day 7. Tasermiut Camp in the “greenlandic Patagonia”
Navigation along the Tasermiut fjord towards the “Big Walls” of South Greenland: the Ulamertorsuaq (1,830 meters, the Arctic version of El Capitan in Yosemite), the Nalumasortoq (2,054 meters, is shaped like an open book in which two pages are 900 meters tall and with overhanging wall sections) and, finally, the huge granite pyramid of the Ketil (2,010 meters). At the bottom of the fjord another awesome sight awaits us: the Tasermiut glacier, descending 1,400 meters high in just three km long… it’s a hanging glacier! Accommodation in tents at the Tasermiut camp.
Day 8. Nalumasortoq
Moderate walk on a terrain of medium difficulty up to the base of the amazing granite mass of Nalumasortoq, whose extremely smooth twin walls are highly cherished by climbers from all around the world. From this viewing point we can see the south face of the Ketil and the north face of the Ulamertorssuaq. In the evening we have time for fishing and picking mussels. The camp also offers a fantastic view to the west face of the Ulamertorssuaq as the sun set strokes the rock with the last rays of sun. Accommodation in tents.
Day 9. Ulamertosuaq
Trekking up to the base of the Ulamertorssuaq wall, rated the best Arctic “Bigwall” and one of the best ten climbing walls in the whole world. Mountain of unique, singular beauty. Night at the camp. Accommodation in tents.
Day 10. Nanortalik
Navigation back to the picturesque Nanortalik, the southernmost town of the country, which has some 2,300 inhabitants. Visit to the Museum of Inuit Culture and Traditions, probably the best museum in the whole country. Free time to visit the town, go shopping, explore the hunters market or have a drink in a town “where there are polar bears” –at least that is the meaning of its name–. Hostel accommodation.
Day 11. Alluitsup Paa and Qaqortoq, capital of South Greenland
Transfer by boat to Alluitsup Paa, a small hunting and fishing village located in front to the open sea. Continuing later to Qaqortoq, capital of South Greenland founded in 1775 and now with almost 3.000 inhabitants. They describe it as the most charming and attractive town in all Greenland. Time to take a stroll around the city, while you enjoy the beauty of its colourful buildings and the awe-inspiring landscapes. Explore on your own the museum, the fur shops, the traditional kayak club, the church or the only fountain in the whole country. Hostel accommodation.
Day 12. Igaliku & Qassiarsuk UNESCO World Heritage. Qoorooq glacier
Our first goal is the pontoon of Itilleq, where an easy hike to cross the Path of the Kings begins. Our destination is the idyllic Igaliku, a small Inuit settlement inhabited by no more than 40 people. Igaliku, home of the ruins of Gardar (religious capital of Viking Greenland), is famous for being the most beautiful settlement in 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 in Qassiarsuk.
Day 13. 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. After lunch, we could go fishing arctic salmon or for a walk in the region.
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).
As we get back to Qassiarsuk, old Brattahlid, 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: A Norse and Inuit farming landscape on the Edge of the Ice Cap.
Accommodation at the Leif Eriksson Hostel.
Day 14. 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 15. Flight to Reykjavík/ Copenhagen
Transfer by boat to Narsarsuaq, where we can visit The Bluie West One Museum, former US militay base frozen in time since the Second World War. Time is enough to do that just before flight departure.
Flight from Narsarsuaq to Reyjkavík (Keflavík International airport) / Copenhagen
Prices 2025
3,595€ from Keflavík (Iceland) and Copenhagen (Denmark)
Dates 2025
Departures from Reykjavík ( Keflavik International Airport) and Copenhagen:
JULY
July 01st -15th
July 15th – 29th
July 29th – August 12thAUGUST
August 12th – 26th
August 26th – September 11th
Departure from Keflavík
August 30th – September 13th* It’s recommended to confirm Optional Excursions in advance before arrival to Greenland.
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 from Keflavik/ Copenhagen to Narsarsuaq. Return.
- – Tasermiut, South Greenland Expeditions’ guide (English Speaking)
- – Transfers in Greenland, as specified on this program
- – Meals on a full board basis (except dinner in towns and last day lunch)
- – Accommodation in Greenland, as stated on this program
- – Entrance to the “Museum of Inuit Culture and Traditions”, in Nanortalik
- – Brattahalid reconstructions
- – Camping and RIB boat travel equipment
What it’s not included:
- – Airport taxes and Fees (approx 260-280 € )
- – Accommodation, food and transfers in Reykjavik and Copenhagen
- – Travel insurance
- – Optional kayak excursion: 85 € (minimum 2 participants)
- – Dinner in the towns of Nanortalik, Qaqortoq and Narsaq
- – Lunch on flight days
- – 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”
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