8 Days • 7 Nights
South Greenland: Norse Ruins, Green Valleys & the Ice Cap
Tour Includes
About the Trip
Trip Highlights
- The Norse ruins of Erik the Red's Brattahlid at Qassiarsuk are a fascinating historical highlight. Just over a thousand years ago the Norse, led by Erik the Red, sailed from Iceland and settled the green fjords of South Greenland, farming here for nearly five centuries before mysteriously vanishing. At Qassiarsuk, ancient Brattahlid, you walk among the ruins of their farms and the foundations of Tjodhilde's church, the first Christian church in the Americas, alongside beautifully reconstructed Norse longhouses and a turf church set amid green pastures grazed by sheep, with icebergs drifting on the fjord beyond. The history is haunting and vivid.
- The beautifully preserved medieval church at Hvalsey is a haunting historical highlight. Standing on the shore of a quiet fjord, the ruined church at Hvalsey is the best-preserved of all the Norse monuments in Greenland, its solid stone walls and gable ends still rising much as they did six centuries ago. It was here, at a wedding in 1408, that the last written record of the Norse Greenlanders was made, before the settlement fell silent forever. You visit by boat, walking amid the ruins of the church and farmstead in their beautiful, lonely setting, and feel the mystery of the vanished settlers keenly.
- Bathing in the natural hot springs of Uunartoq amid floating icebergs is a magical highlight. On the remote island of Uunartoq, natural hot springs bubble up from the earth into stone-lined pools at a perfect bathing temperature, in one of the most beautiful settings imaginable. You reach the springs by boat, cruising among drifting icebergs, then sink into the warm, mineral-rich water and soak beneath the open Arctic sky, gazing out at snow-capped peaks and icebergs floating serenely on the fjord. It is a sublime and utterly unique experience, warm water amid a world of ice. The setting is magical.
- Colourful Qaqortoq and its open-air Stone and Man sculptures are a charming cultural highlight. Qaqortoq, the largest town in South Greenland, tumbles in brightly painted timber houses down the rocks to a picturesque harbour around the island's only fountain. You wander its colourful streets, discovering the Stone and Man project, a remarkable open-air gallery of sculptures carved directly into the rocks and buildings throughout the town, visit the old cobbler's museum and the historic church, and take in the lively harbour life. The town's charm, art and warm welcome are captivating. Exploring colourful Qaqortoq, with its brightly painted houses.
- The green valleys, sheep farms and Gardar cathedral ruins of the far south are a beautiful highlight. South Greenland is astonishingly green and gentle by Arctic standards, a land of flower-strewn valleys, clear lakes and sheep farms set amid mountains and fjords. At Igaliku, ancient Gardar, once the religious capital of Norse Greenland, you walk among the substantial ruins of the great stone cathedral and bishop's farm amid one of the loveliest valleys in the country, and hike through green pastures beneath snow-dusted peaks. The pastoral beauty amid the ice is unexpected and lovely.
- Above all, this journey immerses you in the green, historic beauty of South Greenland, a gentle and deeply rewarding experience. South Greenland is the island's gentlest and greenest region, and this journey immerses you in it. Over eight days you explore Erik the Red's Brattahlid and the haunting church of Hvalsey, bathe in the hot springs of Uunartoq amid icebergs, discover colourful Qaqortoq and its sculptures, and walk the green valleys and Gardar ruins of Igaliku, all guided by expert local guides and warmed by genuine hospitality. The combination of Norse history, green valleys, drifting icebergs.
Day by Day
A detailed day-by-day plan for this 8-day journey.
Your journey into the green south of Greenland begins as your flight arrives at Narsarsuaq, set amid mountains at the head of a beautiful fjord. You are met and transferred to your hotel, and settle in to this gateway to the far south, surrounded by green slopes, snow-capped peaks and, on the fjord, drifting icebergs. South Greenland is the island's gentlest and greenest region, and its unexpected softness, valleys of wildflowers amid the ice, is immediately striking. If time allows, you may walk the flower-strewn valley behind the settlement or visit the small museum on the area's history, from the Norse to the wartime airfield. This evening, over dinner, your guide introduces the historic journey ahead through Brattahlid, Qaqortoq and Igaliku. Rest well amid the green beauty of the south, ready to walk in the footsteps of the Norse tomorrow.
Today you cross the fjord by boat to Qassiarsuk, ancient Brattahlid, where Erik the Red founded the first Norse settlement in Greenland over a thousand years ago. You walk among the ruins of the Norse farms and the foundations of Tjodhilde's church, the first Christian church in the Americas, alongside beautifully reconstructed Norse longhouses and a turf church set amid green pastures grazed by sheep, with icebergs drifting on the fjord beyond. Your guide brings the haunting story of the Norse Greenlanders vividly to life, from their arrival and prosperity to their mysterious disappearance five centuries later. The history is haunting and vivid. You may also meet local sheep farmers who work this green land today. This evening, back in Narsarsuaq, savour dinner and the memory of the Norse. Rest well amid the green valleys of the south.
This morning you make a beautiful boat journey through the fjords to Qaqortoq, the largest town in South Greenland, cruising among drifting icebergs, past green slopes and beneath snow-capped peaks. You are met and settle into your hotel in this charming town, which tumbles in brightly painted timber houses down the rocks to a picturesque harbour around the island's only fountain. You set out to explore, discovering the Stone and Man project, a remarkable open-air gallery of sculptures carved directly into the rocks and buildings throughout the town, and taking in the lively harbour, the historic church and the colourful streets. The town's charm and art are captivating. This evening, savour fresh Greenlandic food in Qaqortoq and the relaxed atmosphere of the south. Rest well in the colourful capital of the far south.
Today you make a magical boat excursion to the remote island of Uunartoq, where natural hot springs bubble up into stone-lined pools in one of the most beautiful settings imaginable. You cruise among drifting icebergs to the island, then sink into the warm, mineral-rich water and soak beneath the open Arctic sky, gazing out at snow-capped peaks and icebergs floating serenely on the fjord, warm water amid a world of ice. It is a sublime and utterly unique experience. On the way you take in the beautiful fjord scenery and watch for seals among the bergs. The setting is magical. Back in Qaqortoq, you have time to explore more of the colourful town and its sculptures. This evening, savour dinner in town, reflecting on your day among the ice and the springs. Rest well in Qaqortoq.
Today you make a boat excursion to Hvalsey, standing on the shore of a quiet fjord, to visit the best-preserved of all the Norse monuments in Greenland. You cruise the beautiful fjords among icebergs to the site, then walk amid the ruins of the church and farmstead in their lonely, beautiful setting, the solid stone walls and gable ends still rising much as they did six centuries ago. It was here, at a wedding in 1408, that the last written record of the Norse Greenlanders was made, before the settlement fell silent forever, and the mystery of the vanished settlers is keenly felt. The atmosphere is haunting. You take in more of the beautiful fjord and coast on the return. This evening, back in Qaqortoq, savour a final dinner in the colourful town. Rest well amid the history of the south.
This morning you journey by boat and on foot to Igaliku, ancient Gardar, once the religious capital of Norse Greenland, set in one of the loveliest valleys in the country. You cruise the fjord among icebergs, then walk the short, beautiful path over the hill to the tiny sheep-farming settlement of Igaliku, a scatter of houses amid green pastures beneath snow-dusted peaks. You explore the substantial ruins of the great stone cathedral and bishop's farm of Gardar, imagining the medieval religious centre that once stood here, and take in the pastoral beauty of the valley. The history and setting are captivating. You settle into simple, comfortable accommodation in the peaceful settlement. This evening, savour a home-cooked dinner of local lamb and produce. Rest well amid the green tranquillity of Igaliku, deep in the historic south.
Today you explore the beautiful valleys around Igaliku on foot, and take in the edge of the inland ice. You hike through the green pastures and flower-strewn valleys beneath snow-capped peaks, past clear lakes and old Norse ruins, taking in some of the loveliest and gentlest scenery in all Greenland, astonishingly green amid the ice. You may take a boat excursion towards the edge of the ice cap or a nearby glacier front, cruising among icebergs to gaze at the wall of inland ice, or continue walking the valley trails with your guide. The pastoral beauty amid the Arctic is unexpected and lovely. The peace is profound. This evening, back in Igaliku, savour a final dinner of local lamb, reflecting on your beautiful, historic journey through the green south. Rest well amid the tranquillity of the valley.
After a final morning amid the green tranquillity of Igaliku, you journey by boat and road back to Narsarsuaq for your onward flight from Greenland. You leave having immersed yourself in the green, historic beauty of the far south, the Norse ruins of Erik the Red's Brattahlid and the haunting church of Hvalsey, the hot springs of Uunartoq amid drifting icebergs, colourful Qaqortoq with its rock-carved sculptures, and the green valleys and Gardar cathedral ruins of Igaliku, all warmed by genuine Greenlandic hospitality. The images stay vivid long after you land, the reconstructed Norse longhouses amid green pastures, the lonely church at Hvalsey, the warm springs amid the ice, and the flower-strewn valleys beneath snowy peaks. South Greenland offers history, gentle beauty and quiet wonder in abundance, and you depart already dreaming of a return to the green heart of the Arctic.
Where You Will Travel
What's inside the package?
Inclusions
- 7 nights accommodation in carefully chosen hotels, lodges and expedition ships, with a welcome dinner and several dinners as noted
- Daily breakfast
- All airport, helicopter, boat and land transfers as per itinerary
- Touring, sightseeing and activities with expert English-speaking guides and expedition leaders
- Boat excursions, national park permits and entrance fees as per itinerary
- the Brattahlid and Qassiarsuk Norse tour, a Hvalsey church boat excursion, the Uunartoq hot springs boat trip, a Qaqortoq town and Stone and Man tour, guided valley hikes at Igaliku, all boat transfers shown, and all entrance fees
Exclusions
- International airfare
- Visa or tourist card fees where applicable
- Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
- International flights to Greenland via Copenhagen or Iceland
- Optional ice cap boat trips and tips for guides
- Meals not mentioned in the itinerary or inclusions
- Drinks unless specifically stated
- Optional excursions and experiences
- Personal expenses and gratuities
- Anything not specifically mentioned under Package Inclusions
Know when to go.
- Visa & entry: Greenland is an autonomous territory within the Kingdom of Denmark, but it is not part of the European Union or the Schengen Area, so it has its own entry rules; many nationalities (including UK, US, Canadian, Australian and EU passport holders) may visit without a separate visa, while others require a Danish visa specifically endorsed for Greenland, and a passport valid for the length of stay is required. Rules can change, so we confirm the exact, current requirements for your nationality and assist with any visa or documentation where needed
- Currency: The currency is the Danish Krone (DKK); cards (including contactless) are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, shops and tour operators in the larger towns such as Nuuk, Ilulissat and Qaqortoq, so you rarely need much cash, though it is wise to carry some for small settlements, craft stalls and remote stops. ATMs are found in the main towns; tipping is not expected as service is included, though rounding up for exceptional guiding is always welcome
- Best time to visit: Greenland has two very different seasons. Summer (June to September) brings the midnight sun, open water for cruising and boat trips, calving glaciers, whales, hiking and green sheep-farming valleys in the south; winter (roughly October to April) brings the Northern Lights, dog sledding, snowshoeing and frozen fjords. July and August are peak for whales and icebergs, while late winter and early spring offer strong aurora and the best dog sledding conditions
- Language & etiquette: Greenlandic (Kalaallisut) is the official language and Danish is widely spoken, while English is spoken by most people working in tourism, so communication is easy on organised trips. Greenlanders are warm, calm and welcoming, with a deep Inuit hunting and fishing heritage and a strong respect for nature and the land; ask before photographing people or catches, and take a genuine, respectful interest in local life, which is always appreciated
- Getting around: There are almost no roads between towns in Greenland, so travel is by air (Air Greenland flights and charters via hubs such as Kangerlussuaq and Nuuk), by helicopter to smaller settlements, by coastal boat and ferry, and in winter by snowmobile and dog sled. Distances are large and schedules depend on weather, so we build realistic connections and buffer time into every itinerary and keep flexible alternatives ready
- Health & safety: Greenland is one of the safest places on earth, with negligible crime and welcoming communities; the real considerations are natural rather than human, including fast-changing Arctic weather, cold, sea ice, and remoteness from major medical facilities. Comprehensive travel insurance including medical evacuation is essential, and our guides carry safety equipment, monitor conditions closely and follow official and expedition guidance at all times, adjusting plans around the weather when needed
- Culture & food: Greenlandic culture is rooted in Inuit traditions of hunting, fishing and dog sledding, expressed in kayaking, drum dancing, tupilak carving and colourful timber towns; local food is fresh and distinctive, including halibut, cod, prawns, snow crab, reindeer, musk ox and lamb from the southern farms, alongside Danish and international dishes in town restaurants. We recommend the best local tables and cultural experiences at every stage of your journey
- Weather & packing: Arctic weather changes quickly in every season, so warm layers are essential year-round, along with a waterproof, windproof jacket, warm mid-layers, hat, gloves, and sturdy waterproof walking boots; in winter you will also want serious thermal clothing, much of which expedition operators can provide. Power is 230V with European type C and F two-pin plugs, so bring an adapter, and mobile and wifi coverage is good in towns but limited or absent in remote fjords and at sea
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is South Greenland so green, and how does it differ from the north?
South Greenland enjoys a milder, gentler climate than the rest of the island, with a short but real summer that fills its sheltered valleys with wildflowers, grass and even trees, and supports Greenland's only farming region, where sheep and a little cattle graze much as the Norse livestock did a thousand years ago. It is a landscape of green fjords, lakes and pastures amid mountains and drifting icebergs, quite unlike the icebound north. It is the historic and pastoral heart of Greenland, and pairs beautifully with a northern trip to Ilulissat if you have time.
How do we travel around South Greenland?
There are no roads between the settlements of the far south, so travel is by boat through the beautiful fjords, with some short walks and transfers, which is part of the region's charm. You cruise among icebergs from Narsarsuaq to Qassiarsuk, Qaqortoq, Hvalsey, Uunartoq and Igaliku, taking in the scenery and wildlife as you go. Distances and schedules depend on weather, so we build realistic connections with buffer time, and our local guides and boat crews know these waters intimately, keeping flexible alternatives ready.
What meals are included?
Daily breakfast is included throughout, and on expedition cruises and at remote lodges most or all meals are included, as noted in each itinerary, often with fresh Greenlandic seafood, reindeer, musk ox and lamb alongside international dishes. In towns such as Ilulissat, Nuuk and Qaqortoq we usually leave some meals free so you can explore local restaurants, and we are always happy to recommend and reserve the best tables and cultural dining experiences at every stage of your journey.
Are the tours private or in a group?
On land, your journey is private by default, with your own expert guide, boat charters and transfers and a pace tailored entirely to you, while expedition cruises are small-group by nature aboard comfortable ice-class ships with expert expedition teams. Greenland's knowledgeable guides bring the Icefjord, the glaciers, Inuit culture, Norse history and Arctic wildlife vividly to life, reading the weather, ice and light to find the very best of the icebergs, whales and Northern Lights at exactly the right moment.
Do I need a visa for Greenland?
Greenland is part of the Kingdom of Denmark but sits outside the EU and the Schengen Area, so it has separate entry rules; many nationalities may visit without a separate visa, while others need a Danish visa specifically valid for Greenland. We confirm the exact, current requirements for your nationality, advise on documentation and passport validity, and assist with any visa where needed, so your entry is smooth. Remember that flights usually connect through Denmark or Iceland, which may have their own rules.
Is Greenland safe to visit?
Greenland is one of the safest destinations in the world, with negligible crime and warm, welcoming communities; the real considerations are natural rather than human, namely fast-changing Arctic weather, cold, sea ice and remoteness from major medical facilities. Comprehensive travel insurance including medical evacuation is essential, and our experienced guides and expedition teams carry safety equipment, monitor conditions constantly and follow official guidance, adjusting plans around the weather so you can relax and enjoy this extraordinary Arctic land.
When is the best time to visit?
It depends on what you wish to experience. Summer (June to September) brings the midnight sun, open water for cruising and boat trips among icebergs, calving glaciers, whales, hiking and the green valleys of the south; winter (roughly October to April) brings the Northern Lights, dog sledding and frozen fjords. July and August are peak for whales and icebergs, while late winter and spring are superb for the aurora and dog sledding. We advise on the best timing for your interests.
Can the itinerary be customised?
Absolutely. Every itinerary is a flexible starting point. We can adjust the balance of the Ilulissat Icefjord and Disko Bay, East Greenland and Scoresby Sund, the Norse ruins and green valleys of the south, the capital Nuuk, and the edge of the Ice Sheet, add an expedition cruise, dog sledding, kayaking, whale watching or Northern Lights nights, and tailor the pace, comfort level and focus entirely to you. Just tell us your dreams and we will craft them around the ice, wildlife and culture of Greenland.
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