South Greenland Explorer - 15 Days - $3,217
Trip Summary and Itinerary Map
- Hike to the base of one of the world's best climbing walls, the Ulamertorssuaq and explore the World Heritage settlement of Igaliku
- Sail to the island of Uunartoq and bathe in 38-degree hot springs as whales and icebergs drift by
- Pockets of free time in different locations where you can fish for Arctic Char, visit the inuit market, or forage for fresh berries or mussels
- Spend time in the charming picturesque towns and villages
- Stay in a mixture of scenic camps and hostels throughout southern Greenland
Operator's Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival and Qaleraliq Glacier Camp
Fly to Narsarsuaq airport from either Reykjavík or Copenhagen, where you will be greeted and hear an introduction to the trip before setting off for Qaleraliq Camp. The drive to the camp will navigate through Tunulliarfik fjord, among numerous icebergs.
Arrive at the camp and witness the stunning contrast of the sandy beach and the backdrop view of the three glacier tongues. Accommodation is basic but comfortable, with four beds per room.
Meals: Dinner
Accommodation: Domo Loft
Day 2: South Greenland Ice Cap
In the morning you will have many opportunities to catch a glimpse of caribou, which are plentiful in the area. Following breakfast, hike to the Tasersuatsiaq Lake and climb 400 metres to the top of the mountain, from where you will soak up a panoramic view of the immense Polar Ice Cap and the glacial islands (known locally as Nunataks).
Get acquainted with the region during a free afternoon of exploring; take the chance to fish for beautiful Arctic Char, or delve into the wild and forage for berries, herbs and mushrooms.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Accommodation: Domo Loft
Day 3: Glacier Fronts and Ice Hiking
Today is all about exploring the Inlandis tongue. Travel by boat to the start of the hike, passing by the dramatic vertical glacier fronts as you glide through the water. Then, explore to your heart's content; roaming the crevasses, drains, caves and seracs of this labyrinthine glacier, whilst the local guide shares expert knowledge.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Accommodation: Domo Loft
Day 4: Narsaq Town
Setting out by boat again, you will pass by the huge icebergs that mark the route from the Eqaloruutsit glacier to Narsaq, where you will spend the day. Narsaq is situated at the shores of the Tunulliarfik Fjord and is the third most populated town in South Greenland.
Once you've arrived and settled into your accommodation, explore the varied treasures of the town; from the museum, to the inuit market and local leather shop. Decide which restaurant takes your fancy for dinner, then spend the night at the Kayak Hostel.
Meals: Breakfast and lunch
Accommodation: Kayak Hostel
Day 5: Saarloq Hot Springs
Sail through the outer skerries with a stop at the picturesque, remote village of Saarloq, before travelling onwards through more fjords to Uunartoq. You will also pass Alluitsup Paa, a traditional settlement and the capital for whales in South Greenland.
Once on the island of Uunartoq, you’ll spend the afternoon swimming and relaxing in the thermal springs. Produced by volcanic activity, you’ll witness icebergs drift by as you bathe in the 38-degree waters. Camping in tents overnight at Uunartoq Island.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Accommodation: Uunartoq Island Camp
Day 6: Hunters Settlement and Kuusaq River Camp
Transfer to Tasiusaq, a historical village that is home to 80 residents and surrounded by spectacular mountains. Trek to the mouth of Kuusuaq River, the most popular Salmon River in South Greenland, and then through the alpine scenery to Tasersuaq Lake. You will walk through the Saputit path, created by Tasiusaq’s locals to access Lake Tasersuaq for fishing.
Have dinner and overnight at Kuusuak River Camp.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Accommodation: Kuusuak River Camp
Day 7: Tasermiut
Camp in the "Greenlandic Patagonia". See the “Big Walls” of South Greenland: the Ulamertorsuaq (1,830 meters, the Arctic version of El Capitan in Yosemite), the Nalumasortoq (2,054 meters, named “the open book” due to its distinct shape), finally, the huge granite pyramid of the Ketil (2,010 meters). At the bottom of the fjord another amazing sight awaits us: the Tasermiut glacier, descending 1,400 meters high whilst just 3km long… it’s a hanging glacier!
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Accommodation: Tasermuit Camp
Day 8: Nalumasortoq
Today you’ll trek up to base of the granite mass of Nalumasortoq, whose extremely smooth twin walls are highly cherished by climbers from all around the world. The walk is moderate in difficulty. From the viewing point you’ll see the south face of the Ketil and the north face of the Ulamertorssuaq.
In the evening there is some time for fishing and foraging for 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. Spend another night at Tasermuit camp.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Accommodation: Tasermuit Camp
Day 9: Ulamertosuaq
An unforgettable hike to the base of the Ulamertorssuaq wall, which is rated the best Arctic “Bigwall” and one of the best ten climbing walls in the whole world. You’ll spend the night at Tasermuit camp.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Accommodation: Tasermuit Camp
Day 10: Nanortalik
Travel back to the quaint Nanortalik, the southernmost town of the country, which has some 2,300 inhabitants. Appreciate the natural beauty of the town whose name translates to “where there are polar bears”; visit the traditional shops, the hunters market, and the fascinating Museum of Inuit Culture and Traditions. Accommodation is in a hostel in the town.
Meals: Breakfast and lunch
Accommodation: Hostel in town
Day 11: Alluitsup Paa and Qaqortoq
Transfer by boat to Alluitsup Paa, a small hunting and fishing village located in front to the open sea.
Continue to the capital of South Greenland, Qaqortoq. It is described as the most delightful town in all of Greenland, discover its charm with a stroll around the city, while you enjoy the vibrancy of its colourful buildings and the awe-inspiring landscapes all around. Explore the museum, fur shops, traditional kayak club, church or the only fountain in the whole country. Accommodation is in a hostel in the town.
Meals: Breakfast and lunch
Accommodation: Hostel in town
Day 12: Igaliku and Qassiarsuk Unesco World Heritage
The first stop of the day is the pontoon of Itilleq, where a relaxed trek to cross the Path of the Kings begins. Reach 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, and was recently declared part of the Unesco World Heritage List.
In the afternoon, on your way to Qassiarsuk, you’ll be able to witness one of the most active glaciers in southern Greenland, the Qooroq Fjord, walking until the iceberg density will make it impossible to carry on. Night at the Leif Eriksson Hostel in Qassiarsuk.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Accommodation: Leif Eriksson Hostel
Day 13: Tasiusaq, Optional Kayaking
You’ll hike to Tasiusaq farms, next to Sermilik fjord which is almost always blocked by the icebergs coming from Eqaloruutsit glacier. After a nourishing lunch, you can choose to fish (in the land of arctic salmon) or go for a local walk. There is an option to book a kayaking excursion in the “Iceberg Bay”, a two hour trip surrounded by mountains and icebergs which is suitable for beginners due to the calm waters (85€, minimum two participants).
Upon arriving back to Qassiarsuk, dive into some of the history of old Brattahlid with a guided tour of the Viking ruins of the area. Of particular interest are the reconstructions of a Viking house (spacious but cold) and an inuit dwelling (small but warmer), transporting you back in time to the harsh conditions in which these people lived and learnt to adapt so well.
Spend another night at the Leif Eriksson Hostel.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Accommodation: Leif Eriksson Hostel
Day 14: Flower Valley and Kiattut Glacier
In the morning, cross the fjord towards Narsarsuaq area. Then, after a short transfer by car, a walk through Flower Valley will take you to the Kiattut glacier and surrounding landscape, with superb panoramic views of the Polar Ice Cap and its Nunataks.
A farewell dinner will be organised; celebrate all that you have experienced on the trip with a lavish meal of traditional Inuit products including fish, whale, seal, and caribou. Spend your final night at the Leif Eriksson Hostel.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Accommodation: Leif Eriksson Hostel
Day 15: Return to Reykjavik or Copenhagen
Transfer by boat to Narsarsuaq, where you will have time to visit The Bluie West One Museum, the former US military base which has been frozen in time since the Second World War, before your flight.
Fly from Narsarsuaq to either Reykjavík (domestic airport) or Copenhagen.
Meals: Breakfast
Prices, Departures and Inclusions
Additional Notes
Price quoted for flights from Reykjavík (Iceland). Flights from Copenhagen (Denmark) are available for 30-Jun-2020, 14-Jul-2020, 28-Jul-2020 and 11-Aug-2020 departures. The supplement for the flight from Copenhagen is €300.
11-Aug-2020 is a special Northern Lights departure.
Optional Excursions: It’s recommended that these are confirmed in advance of the trip.
Booking: Up to 45 days before the journey’s departure date. After that, dependent on flight availability.
Includes
- Meals: 14 breakfasts, 13 lunches, 11 dinners
- Accommodation: 14 nights across hostels and camps
- Return flight from Reykjavík (or Copenhagen for additional supplement) to Narsarsuaq
- South Greenland Expeditions’ guide (English)
- Transfers in Greenland, as specified in the itinerary
- Meals on a full board basis (except dinner in towns and last day lunch)
- Accommodation in Greenland, as specified in the itinerary
- Entrance to the “Museum of Inuit Culture and Traditions” in Nanortalik
- Brattahalid reconstructions
- Camping and RIB boat travel equipment
Excludes
- Meals not specified in the program
- Airport taxes and fees
- Any additional services before & after your voyage
- Flights to and from start/finish points
- Optional adventure activities
- Travel insurance
- Personal Gear & Equipment
- Customary staff gratuity at the end of the voyage
- Items of a personal nature: laundry, beverages, etc